Chen Xiaobei was naturally curious. Since he wasn't given silver, and told he would receive something else, it must be more valuable than silver. But what else could be a treasure?
Under everyone's gaze, Crown Prince Xiao Jingyun produced a golden waist token from his sleeve.
The front of the token bore a tiger's head, protruding more than an inch, looking majestic and lifelike.
Upon seeing this item, even Shen Ziyan's expression faltered. It was clear she knew what it was.
Crown Prince Xiao Jingyun, holding the waist token, smiled at Chen Xiaobei and said, "Esteemed Minister Chen, I bestow upon you this tiger-head waist token. With it, even if you enter the various princely manors in the capital, they will not dare to stop you."
Chen Xiaobei knew this statement was merely to emphasize that the tiger-head golden token was a significant item. In reality, if one were to visit someone's home, a greeting would still be necessary.
Chen Xiaobei did not refuse. He stepped forward, accepted the waist token, and thanked Xiao Jingyun again.
Xiao Jingyun looked at Chen Xiaobei, then at Shen Ziyan and Huang Ying, and continued, "Esteemed Ministers, have you considered coming to the capital to serve the imperial court?"
Hearing this, Huang Ying spoke first, shaking her head repeatedly, "No, no. Your Highness, please forgive my bluntness, but serving the imperial court is not a good thing."
Her words startled Shen Ziyan greatly, and she quickly tugged at Huang Ying's arm, "Huang Ying, don't speak nonsense."
Xiao Jingyun appeared calm. He raised his hand and said with a smile, "It's alright, it's alright. Miss Shen, please let Miss Huang Ying finish speaking."
Huang Ying showed an indifferent expression, "If I have something to say, I'll say it. They say being a ruler's companion is like being beside a tiger. One wrong word, and your head could be lost at any moment."
"You!" Shen Ziyan's eyes widened again.
Even Chen Xiaobei was somewhat shocked. He knew Huang Ying was outspoken, but he hadn't expected her to be so bold as to speak such words even in front of Xiao Jingyun.
Liu Rumei's expression changed in fright. Just as she was about to speak, Shen Ziyan beat her to it, "Your Highness the Crown Prince, Huang Ying has been unrestrained since childhood. Please do not be angry."
Xiao Jingyun chuckled, "It's nothing, it's nothing. Miss Huang Ying's words are indeed realistic."
"However, that is for others. If you follow me, I will sincerely accept your opinions and will never kill anyone for their honest advice." Su Dan Novel Network
Chen Xiaobei was unconvinced by his statement. History in his previous life had similar precedents. Even emperors like Tang Zong and Song Zu, while encouraging public discourse, were not without their mistakes.
He recalled Liu Rumei's advice to him in the mountains.
Looking at the golden token in his hand, Chen Xiaobei suddenly felt it was burning hot.
Fortunately, with Huang Ying's words and Xiao Jingyun's explanation, the matter was mostly settled. He and Shen Ziyan no longer needed to express their stance.
Liu Rumei quickly found an excuse for Xiao Jingyun, "Your Highness, we need to take things slowly. Please let the two younger sisters leave first. The children are waiting for their lessons."
This was an excellent excuse. Shen Ziyan and Huang Ying immediately bowed and withdrew.
After they both left, Xiao Jingyun was about to speak again when another person rushed in from outside.
"Reporting to Your Highness, reporting to Miss, Ma Biao has sent someone back."
Hearing this, Xiao Jingyun immediately became excited, "Quickly bring him in."
Soon, Ma Shuai was brought before Xiao Jingyun.
Seeing it was Ma Shuai, Liu Rumei was also excited, "Commander Ma, you have withdrawn from Qingniu Mountain, haven't you?"
Ma Shuai nodded, bowed again to Xiao Jingyun and Liu Rumei, and said solemnly, "Your Highness, Miss, we have crossed that river, and the ropes you left behind have been destroyed."
Hearing this, Liu Rumei was completely relieved. Crossing the Dragon King River meant no further obstacles.
Xiao Jingyun also nodded repeatedly, "Very good, very good. Esteemed ministers, you have worked hard."
Ma Shuai, however, bowed again, "Strategist Ma's intention is to have people hold that river and block the path of the pursuing enemies down the mountain."
Hearing this, Xiao Jingyun was stunned. He exchanged glances with Liu Rumei, and then a look of joy appeared in their eyes.
"Oh, how could I not have thought of this!"
Liu Rumei could barely contain her joy, "Your Highness, this is too good! Liu Ce and his men held the steep slope, and with Ma Biao guarding the Dragon King River, the Lotus Cult leader and his followers will have no escape even if they had wings."
Chen Xiaobei listened with mixed feelings.
He sincerely admired Ma Biao's decision. To make such a judgment so quickly showed that the title of Strategist Ma was well-deserved.
However, he gained a different impression of Liu Rumei: she was ruthless. Although she smiled like a blooming flower and seemed harmless, he hadn't expected her to make such a cruel decision.
Perhaps this was the cruelty of the struggle between court factions.
Xiao Jingyun seemed very excited by Liu Rumei's words.
"Good, excellent. It shall be as you say."
He then turned to Zhou Quan, "Guard Zhou, immediately arrange for men to reinforce Minister Ma."
Hearing that men were to be sent to Dragon King River, Chen Xiaobei's mind raced.
This was a good opportunity to repay Crown Prince Xiao Jingyun.
Having received his tiger-head waist token, it would be wrong not to do something. Guarding Dragon King River seemed easy enough. With the repeating crossbows set up, anyone attempting to cross the river would be shot; there was little danger.
Thinking this, Chen Xiaobei stepped forward and said loudly, "Your Highness, our Hetou Village has a village defense team, and the villagers are more familiar with the mountain terrain. Let us go too."
Liu Rumei instantly understood Chen Xiaobei's intention. She then considered that it might be a good thing for Chen Xiaobei to become more involved in the Crown Prince's affairs.
So, she also quickly bowed and said, "Your Highness, I also believe it would be more secure for Chen Xiaobei to send some men. They are familiar with the local villagers and can communicate better."
As she spoke, she winked at Xiao Jingyun.
Xiao Jingyun naturally understood.
"Good, then I will trouble Minister Chen. Oh, Zhou Quan, equip Minister Chen with more repeating crossbows and the like, so he is not short-handed."
Chen Xiaobei cursed inwardly. Xiao Jingyun was indeed an old fox. Knowing he wanted to repay a favor, he immediately provided more equipment like repeating crossbows, making it impossible for him to fully repay the debt.
Well, whether he could repay it or not, he would take it one step at a time.
Upon returning home, Chen Xiaobei immediately went to discuss with Chen Dachun about who to send to Dragon King River with Zhou Quan.
After hearing his explanation, Chen Dachun seemed hesitant.
"Brother Xiaobei, getting involved with the regular army, we won't gain any advantage."
Chen Xiaobei understood Chen Dachun's concerns. He smiled calmly, "Don't worry. There are no bridges on the Dragon King River. Anyone who tries to cross will be shot with repeating crossbows. There is no danger."