Cui Dana didn't stand on ceremony, taking a letter from his sleeve. "This is a private letter from Official Cao of the prefecture. Please examine it, Master Mao."
Mao You immediately stood up respectfully, accepted it with both hands, and carefully opened it.
After reading it, Mao You's expression became a mixture of amusement and exasperation. "When did Chen Xiaobei get this land deed? I, I truly had no idea."
Cui Dana glanced at him coldly. "Indeed. Chen Xiaobei, a mere village head, dared to handle such a significant matter behind your back. Master Mao, why do you think that is?"
Incited by his words, Mao You's expression also turned serious. "I will investigate this matter thoroughly for you."
"However, Squire Cui, there is something I wish to advise you on. Without a land deed for Qingniu Mountain, it might just be a stroke of luck, allowing you to escape disaster."
Cui Dana looked at him with confusion. "Master Mao, what do you mean by that?"
"Have you not heard about the recent events on Qingniu Mountain?"
Cui Dana shook his head. "I was at the prefecture handling matters for the past couple of days and wasn't in the village."
Mao You slapped his forehead. Right, if he hadn't gone to the prefecture, how could he have brought this letter back to him?
"Alas, the second son of Duke Liuxiangnan, Lord Liuyuanwu, was shot and killed on Qingniu Mountain a few days ago."
"To apprehend the murderer, our Magistrate Hu led the patrol battalion and worked tirelessly."
"Alas, if Chen Xiaobei had a land deed, and the authorities were to investigate, he would surely be brought to justice, as it happened on his territory."
Upon hearing this, Cui Dana was first stunned, then looked at Cui San with a puzzled gaze.
Cui San shook his head, indicating he was also unaware of this matter.
Cui Dana stood up and cupped his fists towards Mao You. "Thank you for the reminder, Master Mao. I would trouble you to deliberate on this matter further."
With that, he cupped his fists again and left. Watching Cui Dana depart, a cold smile crept onto Mao You's lips. "With such little courage, he dares to contend for Qingniu Mountain? Hmph."
Outside Mao You's house, Cui San scurried to catch up with Cui Dana.
"Master, what should we do? Are we just going to let Qingniu Mountain go?"
Cui Dana let out a cold laugh. "Forget it. How can we let Chen Xiaobei off so easily?"
"Didn't you hear what Mao You said? Liuxiangnan's second son was killed on Qingniu Mountain."
"But Master, the capital is over a thousand li away, and we can't even see Duke Huoguo."
Cui Dana walked forward with his hands behind his back. "What's there to fear if we can't see him? As long as we spread this news in the capital, can the Duke Huoguo remain indifferent? Won't he have to send people to investigate Chen Xiaobei from top to bottom?"
"Right, later you go to Hetou Village and find some witnesses. Do you understand what I mean?"
"Understood, understood. When the authorities come to investigate, let them file complaints at the county office. All of them will be against Chen Xiaobei, see how he manages that."
Cui Dana chuckled coldly and nodded. "Hmm, if one person's word isn't enough, and two people's word isn't enough, then when everyone comes to accuse him, I'll see if Hu Fan still dares to protect him."
Cui San immediately understood his intentions and couldn't help but cup his fists and say, "Master, you are right. As long as we release the news, Hu Fan will surely not dare to cover for him."
The master and servant left Qingniu county town, filled with resentment.
Meanwhile, Chen Xiaobei was leading his men, carrying heavy planks, trekking with difficulty until they finally reached the iron chain bridge.
This was Chen Xiaobei's first time at the iron chain bridge since its construction, and he seemed somewhat curious about everything.
Standing by the iron chain bridge, Chen Xiaobei looked across the more than ten zhang distance to the opposite bank. The seven iron chains were pulled taut even better than he had anticipated.
While Chen Xiaobei observed the iron chain bridge, Ma Xiaoyi and his companions meticulously inspected the situation at the bridgehead. Within a radius of thirty to forty zhang, there were no obstructions.
The only cover available were a few rocks, behind which at most one or two people could hide, and they were all more than thirty zhang away, requiring the arm strength of someone like Li Tong.
After completing their observations and confirming there were no anomalies, Ma Xiaoyi approached Chen Xiaobei and said softly, "Shall we go across and take a look?"
Chen Xiaobei nodded. He gestured to three of the men present, "Carry a few planks with me to the other side, and we'll start laying them from that end."
This was, in fact, just an excuse, but it sounded very reasonable. After all, laying planks from both ends towards the middle would be faster.
Chen Xiaobei reached the bridge's edge. The safety ring from the first time he set up the safety rope was still there. He found a length of rope and tied it to his waist, the other end secured to the iron ring, giving him a familiar feeling.
Seeing him like this, Ma Xiaoyi couldn't help but laugh.
"Brother Xiaobei, you're being too cautious. These ropes are definitely safe."
Chen Xiaobei smiled slightly. "Brother Xiaoyi, as they say, caution steers the ship for ten thousand years. It's best to tie the rope."
Hearing his words, Ma Xiaoyi nodded. "Alright, as you say. We'll all tie our ropes."
Chen Xiaobei secured his rope, stepped onto the iron chain, and with one hand gripping an iron chain, slowly walked towards the opposite bank.
It had to be said, the iron chain bridge formed by seven iron chains was indeed exhilarating. The footing was secure, and with a grip on both hands, it was already very stable. As Ma Xiaoyi had said, one could walk across without a rope, but tying the rope provided a significant psychological boost.
With the added layer of protection, Chen Xiaobei walked quickly and soon crossed the iron chain bridge to the other side.
Untying the rope from his waist, Chen Xiaobei also noticed a problem.
That is, if there were enough people, and all the iron rings were concentrated on one side, what would happen to the people coming later who had no iron rings?
Therefore, once the wooden planks were laid.
The safety rope could be improved, directly attached to the handrail of the iron chain bridge.
The rope could be tied directly to the iron chain bridge, allowing people to advance by pulling it without needing iron rings.
This would solve the problem of a large number of people entering the mountain. Alternatively, if one was daring, they could hold onto the chains on both sides and walk across without a safety rope.
Standing on this side, Ma Xiaoyi surveyed the area again and then said softly to Chen Xiaobei, "Brother Xiaobei, look to your left, there's a patch of bushes back there. Find an excuse to go take a look."
Chen Xiaobei nodded. After everyone had crossed, he pointed into the distance and shouted, "Let's go, we'll rest there for a while, and then it will be time to head back." Su Dan Novel Network
The group, chatting and laughing, ambled towards the bushes, while Ma Xiaoyi blended in, carefully observing their surroundings.
Inside the bushes, Sun Jian, along with Shi Yan, Shi Gang, and others, was closely watching the movements of these people. Seeing them approaching, Sun Jian hurriedly signaled for everyone to retreat.
Fortunately, their actions were timely, swift, and concealed, so their retreat did not attract Chen Xiaobei's attention.
Entering the bushes, Chen Xiaobei and his companions dispersed aimlessly, some leaning against tree trunks, others simply lying down in the shade.