Liu Rumei's timely appearance diffused the awkwardness.
Upon seeing Zhu Meng and his party, Liu Rumei bowed courteously and instructed Xiao Qing, "To block the Grand Marshal at the door, what kind of decorum is this? Go prepare some tea at once."
After speaking, Liu Rumei stepped aside and made a gesture of invitation.
Zhu Meng and his men were at a loss. Having reached the doorstep, they couldn't possibly turn back just because the Crown Prince wasn't there. So, they had no choice but to steel themselves and enter the Liu mansion.
Liu Rumei courteously led everyone into the reception hall, seating them according to rank. Xiao Qing then served tea.
"Marshal, you are looking for the Crown Prince, why did you come to me?"
Zhu Meng had already thought of a reply on his way into the courtyard.
"I thought the Crown Prince had a close relationship with Lord Liu, and might be staying at your residence, hence this presumptuous visit."
While not a brilliant excuse, it sounded plausible.
Liu Rumei smiled faintly, "The Crown Prince did visit a few days ago, but then he left, saying he had to rush back to the capital. Did you not encounter him on your journey?"
Liu Rumei's words were vague, a mixture of truth and falsehood. This was to buy time for the people on the mountain. The longer it took to find Qingniu Mountain, the less pressure they would face in transporting their supplies.
Zhu Meng sighed, "Alas, I passed through Qingniu County and heard that the Crown Prince was here. I had hoped to pay my respects, but it seems I missed him. What a shame."
Since you're not calling me out, I won't expose you either, Liu Rumei continued their game of riddles. "Marshal, where are you leading your troops?"
Zhu Meng chuckled, "Ah, this is military orders, I cannot speak of it!"
After exchanging a few more pleasantries and finishing his tea, Zhu Meng stood up to take his leave.
After seeing everyone off, Liu Rumei gestured for Xiao Qing to quickly close the door.
As soon as the door was shut, Liu Rumei leaned against it, her body collapsing weakly to the ground.
Her composure and calmness had been a pretense; she had been extremely nervous inside, terrified of any slip-up.
Reviewing her words from beginning to end, and certain there were no major flaws, Liu Rumei finally relaxed.
"Alright, tidy up. We need to leave quickly. It's likely Zhu Meng will find his way to Hetou Village soon."
Meanwhile, Zhu Meng returned to his camp with his men, looking dispressed.
"I didn't expect Liu Rumei to be so tight-lipped. After all that talk, I still didn't find out where the Crown Prince is!"
Zhang Liao, standing nearby, chuckled, "Marshal, didn't you notice anything unusual at Liu Rumei's residence?"
Zhu Meng looked at him. "Oh, strategist, stop beating around the bush. Just say what you have to say."
"Marshal, everyone, don't you think Liu Rumei's residence felt particularly deserted? Besides her and that maid, there were only two housekeepers sweeping the ground, and it was obvious they were doing it deliberately for us to see."
At this, everyone's eyes lit up, and they praised Zhang Liao.
Zhu Meng laughed heartily, "Our strategist is indeed meticulous. Tell me quickly, why do you think so?"
"In my opinion, most of Liu Rumei's subordinates have already been transferred. She's deliberately putting on a show of empty strength for us."
"She's buying time for Xiao Jingyun, deliberately leading us astray."
Upon hearing Zhang Liao's analysis, Zhu Meng's expression turned grim again. "Indeed. If we can't find Xiao Jingyun, our thirty thousand troops are like a tiger trying to eat the sky, with nowhere to begin."
"Marshal, don't worry. Send men to inquire around the county town, and we'll surely find some clues."
As they were speaking, a soldier rushed in and knelt on one knee. "Reporting to the Marshal, a man named Cui San has arrived from outside, claiming to have important information regarding Liu Rumei."
Hearing this, Zhu Meng couldn't help but be delighted. "Excellent, this is like a pillow arriving when one is sleepy. Bring him in quickly."
Soon, Cui San was brought in. Upon entering, he kowtowed respectfully to Zhu Meng.
"Your humble servant Cui San pays his respects to the Grand Marshal."
Zhu Meng nodded. "Cui San, you say you have important information about Liu Rumei. Tell me. If it is truly important, this Marshal will reward you handsomely."
Cui San's face broke into a smile, and he clasped his fists. "Marshal, a few days ago, Liu Rumei ordered people to secretly transport supplies to Qingniu Mountain."
"Oh, and the one responsible for helping him transport the supplies is the village chief of Hetou Village, Chen Xiaobei. This fellow is full of wicked ideas..."
Before he could finish, Zhang Liao interrupted him. "Cui San, is what you're saying true? Are you sure it was Liu Rumei transporting supplies to the mountain?"
Cui San nodded. "It is absolutely true, beyond doubt. Many people from our Cui Family Village were also involved in the transport, earning fifty copper coins a day."
"If I asked you to lead us into the mountain, would you be willing?" Zhang Liao asked.
Going into the mountain was tough work. Cui San was unwilling to exert such effort. He quickly clasped his fists again and said, "Reporting to this general, I have never been into the mountain before, I am not familiar with it. If you are going into the mountain, I can help you find a guide."
Hearing this, Zhang Liao secretly gave Zhu Meng a look.
Zhu Meng knew that Cui San had said all he could, and further questioning would be fruitless.
"Guards, bring two hundred taels of silver to reward Cui San."
Upon hearing about the silver, Cui San was overjoyed and hastily added, "Marshal, you must severely punish that Chen Xiaobei. He is truly detestable."
Even the most foolish person could tell that Cui San's primary reason for coming to inform was to seek revenge on Chen Xiaobei.
But clearly, Zhu Meng had no interest in a character like Chen Xiaobei.
After sending Cui San away, Zhu Meng turned to Zhang Liao. "Strategist, what do we do next?"
"Marshal, since they are entering Qingniu Mountain from Hetou Village, we will pursue them along that route. Let's surround Qingniu Mountain first, and then we will make plans."
Upon hearing this, Zhu Meng nodded in satisfaction. He then turned to Wang Long, who immediately realized his opportunity had come.
"Marshal, I am willing to lead the charge."
Zhu Meng immediately picked up the command arrow on the table. "This Marshal will give you fifty thousand troops as vanguards. Proceed to Hetou Village immediately without delay."
Then, Zhu Meng looked at the others. "You all send people to search far and wide, post notices, and find anyone familiar with Qingniu Mountain to guide us."
With all arrangements made, Wang Long led fifty thousand troops towards Hetou Village.
At this time, Liu Rumei had already entered Hetou Village. The village was quiet, devoid of any people, which filled her with a sense of sorrow. No matter when turmoil occurred, it was always the common people who suffered first.
The two walked around the village, and after confirming nothing was overlooked, were about to sit and rest under the large locust tree when they heard a strange sound.
Liu Rumei strained her ears, and her expression turned tense.
"Oh no, that's the sound of horse hooves. Zhu Meng and his men are here."