Seeing that Ma Biao still had no intention of going down the mountain, a man named Ma Shuai next to him couldn't help it.
"Brother, let's leave quickly!"
Ma Biao smiled and turned to look at the crowd, "Do you think Miss will bring people back to retake that steep slope after she returns?"
Ma Shuai's eyes lit up, "Brother, you mean we stay here and leave the pursuers with no way out."
Ma Biao nodded, "Yes, at least we block this road. If they can escape from somewhere else, then it's fate."
The crowd was immediately filled with joy.
"Military advisor Ma is right, let's stay here and beat them up."
Ma Biao looked at Ma Shuai and said earnestly, "You take two people and rush back to the county town overnight to ask the Miss for reinforcements."
Ma Shuai agreed and left immediately with his men. Ma Biao rearranged the remaining few people.
He told everyone they could sleep soundly tonight, and starting tomorrow, they would have to keep their eyes wide open and watch carefully.
…
The next day, as the sky was just beginning to lighten, an uninvited guest arrived at Hetou Village.
Tian Wen, the proprietor of Zui Xian Lou.
He drove his carriage to Hetou Village, and specifically asked to see Chen Xiaobei.
At this moment, Chen Xiaobei had just finished breakfast and hadn't left his house yet. He had planned to check the vegetable patch today, but a village guard ran in to say that Tian Wen was looking for him.
He found Tian Wen's visit rather strange. He had cooperated with Tian Wen for so long, but he had never seen him come to the village to find him.
From a distance, Tian Wen jumped off the carriage and politely cupped his fists.
"Oh, brother Xiaobei, long time no see, how have you been?"
This was his patron, so Chen Xiaobei was naturally very polite, smiling and cupping his fists.
"Ah, shopkeeper Tian, why did you make such a long trip? You could have just told me directly, and Chen Xiaobo and the others would have handled it."
Tian Wen waved his hand with a smile, "No trouble, no trouble, I was just passing by, so I came to see you."
"I've always heard you talk about a big fishpond, and I wanted to see it for myself."
Coming to the village just to see a fishpond? This reason sounded a bit strange.
But Chen Xiaobei didn't think much of it. He signaled the village guards to tie up Tian Wen's carriage and led Tian Wen towards the back of the village, chatting casually as they walked.
"Brother Xiaobei, you haven't been delivering goods to my place lately. What have you been busy with?"
Chen Xiaobei didn't realize that Tian Wen was trying to pry information out of him. He smiled and said, "I entered Qingniu Mountain these past two days, so I sent others to do it. By the way, I'm planning to plant some leafy greens. They should be ready in about a month, and I'll send them to you then."
Tian Wen's eyes widened in disbelief, "What season is it now, and you can still grow leafy greens?"
"Did you happen to find some treasure land on the mountain?"
Chen Xiaobei smiled and shook his head, "No, no. Going up the mountain was for other things. My auspicious land is at the foot of the mountain, where the temperature is much higher than elsewhere!"
Tian Wen looked at him in surprise, "Higher temperature? What is temperature?"
Chen Xiaobei then realized that in this era, the word "temperature" might not have been invented yet, so he rephrased.
"Oh, let me put it this way, it's so hot in that area, even in this season, you can take off your shirt."
Hearing this, Tian Wen's heart stirred, and he had an idea, "Could you take me to see it?"
Chen Xiaobei readily agreed, "Sure, after we see the fishpond, we'll go there."
Squatting by the fishpond, Tian Wen pretended to examine it, picked up a stone, and threw it into the pond. He watched the splashes and nodded, "Your fishpond is deep enough, it's fine for raising large fish."
Just as they were talking, Chen Dayong, a village guard, came running in.
"Xiaobei, Village Chief, Miss Liu is back. Oh, and His Highness the Crown Prince is also here and specifically asked to see you."
Upon hearing that the Crown Prince had specifically asked to see him, Chen Xiaobei looked at Tian Wen with an apologetic expression.
"Shopkeeper Tian, I'm truly sorry, I'll have someone take you there later."
At this moment, Tian Wen heard this news and couldn't help but rejoice in secret.
The mission was completed just like that.
Since the Crown Prince could summon Chen Xiaobei, it meant he was safe and sound. He could now return and report.
With this thought, he waved his hand at Chen Xiaobei, "Never mind, never mind, you go and attend to your important matters first. I'll come again another day. Oh, and when your leafy greens are ready to harvest, don't forget to call me to see them." He turned and left.
Chen Xiaobei went home and greeted Cui Hongyu, then hurried to see the Crown Prince Xiao Jingyun.
Upon meeting, Xiao Jingyun first praised Chen Xiaobei, implying that he had safely escaped from Qingniu Mountain with people, which was a great contribution.
While they were talking, someone reported from outside that Shen Ziyan and Huang Ying had arrived.
Why were these two also summoned?
Xiao Jingyun smiled and gestured, "Please invite the two young ladies in."
After Shen Ziyan and Huang Ying entered, they respectfully curtsied to Xiao Jingyun.
Xiao Jingyun was stunned when he saw Shen Ziyan and Huang Ying.
Shen Ziyan's beauty was not just national, but of a thousand-in-a-thousand, ten-thousand-in-ten-thousand level. With a touch of makeup, she looked even more alluring.
As for Huang Ying, her appearance was naturally not bad. What was even more rare was the hint of playfulness in her expression, which made people feel instantly joyful.
Seeing that Crown Prince Xiao Jingyun was silent and looking at them with a certain gaze, Chen Xiaobei instantly understood. It turned out that men's preferences were all the same. Whether you were high up in the court or farming in Hetou Village, you couldn't take your eyes off beautiful women.
Liu Rumei had also clearly noticed Crown Prince Xiao Jingyun's unusual reaction. Her heart tightened. These were two common women. How could the Crown Prince lose his composure like this?
With this thought, she quickly stepped forward and smiled, "Quickly get up, two sisters. His Highness the Crown Prince said that you performed meritorious service in protecting him today and will be richly rewarded."
Liu Rumei's words reminded Xiao Jingyun. He then chuckled and said, "Yes, yes, you will be richly rewarded."
As he spoke, he turned and looked at Zhou Quan next to him.
"Take out the things."
Zhou Quan took out two banknotes from his sleeve.
He stepped forward and handed one to Shen Ziyan and one to Huang Ying.
Chen Xiaobei glanced at them. Each banknote was for two thousand taels. Indeed, the Crown Prince was generous. However, he felt a little resentful. His contribution was greater, yet he received nothing.
What he didn't expect was that the surprise was yet to come.
After Shen Ziyan and Huang Ying apologized and stepped aside, Xiao Jingyun reached into his sleeve, a smile on his face, and looked at Chen Xiaobei.
"Minister Chen, I have something to give you, and you must not refuse."
Upon hearing this, a trace of surprise flashed in Liu Rumei's eyes. It was clear she had already guessed what it would be.
Huang Ying also immediately widened her eyes, looking curious.