After hearing Cui San's words, Cui Da Na pondered for a long time, raised an eyebrow, and said, "This matter will be left to you. Make sure there are no more mistakes."
"Don't worry, master. I'll send someone to keep an eye on Cui Fugui right away."
With that, Cui San turned and walked towards the backyard.
Watching Cui San's retreating figure, Cui Da Na frowned. After a moment's thought, he had an idea and called over two servants, "Go to Xiaojia Town and check on Shilun's restaurant."
Cui Da Na's son was named Cui Shilun, who owned a restaurant in Xiaojia Town.
Strictly speaking, this was akin to a second-generation rich kid starting a business.
Cui Shilun was quite capable. His restaurant was not just doing well; it was thriving, and he was living a comfortable life.
Seeing his father arrive, he was very surprised, as Cui Da Na rarely visited him throughout the year.
"Father, what brings you here? Can't you just send someone with a message if there's something?"
Cui Da Na raised his hand, "Come to the backyard, I have something to tell you."
Father and son walked into the backyard one after another. Cui Shilun dismissed the few shop assistants inside.
After it quieted down, he smiled and said to Cui Da Na, "Father, what is it that's making you so secretive?"
Cui Da Na sighed, "There's something that's been bothering me, and I came to discuss it with you."
"Lately, I've had some dealings with Chen Xiaobei from Hetou Village, you know this."
"Cui San gave me an idea. He wants to target your old father-in-law, Cui Fugui, and find an opportunity to frame him for rebellion."
Hearing this, Cui Shilun was startled, "Father, a rebellion case is no joke. If it's proven that you falsely accused him, you might face repercussions."
Cui Da Na nodded, "Yes, I have that worry too. But if I don't bring down Chen Xiaobei, I won't be able to swallow this bitter pill."
Cui Shilun lowered his head and thought for a long time, "Father, perhaps you should let Cui San handle it himself."
Cui Da Na raised an eyebrow, "What do you mean?"
Cui Shilun smiled slightly, "Father, you can move in with me and leave all major and minor household affairs to Cui San. That way, whatever Cui San does, you will be completely unaware."
Cui Da Na nodded in approval, "Good, that's a good idea."
"I'll go back and pack up and move in right away."
A day passed in the blink of an eye. Chen Xiaobei led everyone back home after finishing the fieldwork.
Dinner was still abundant, with Cui Hongyu stewing a fish.
In such times, being able to eat fish every few days was undoubtedly a great happiness.
As he picked up his chopsticks to eat, the dogs in the yard started barking frantically.
Turning to look, it was Chen Xiaowen, a member of the village guard.
Chen Xiaobei waved enthusiastically, "Xiaowen, you're here just in time! Come and eat with us."
Chen Xiaowen shook his head shyly.
"Brother Xiaobei, I won't eat. My master asked me to tell you that your furniture is ready. When should we deliver it?"
"Well, what's there to ask? Just deliver it when it's ready. Tomorrow, then."
Upon receiving Chen Xiaobei's reply, Chen Xiaowen said a few more polite words and turned to leave. Sudan Novels.
Cui Hongyu, standing beside him, asked somewhat puzzled, "Husband, aren't you going into the mountains tomorrow?"
Chen Xiaobei smiled calmly, "Yes, I am going into the mountains, but aren't you still home?"
"I don't understand these things. Why don't we wait until you're back?" Cui Hongyu looked hesitant.
"It's fine, I trust that Carpenter Zhang's work will be impeccable. Just tell him where to place it."
Before Cui Hongyu could speak, Chen Qiaoer, who was nearby, chimed in, "Sister-in-law, sister-in-law, don't worry, I'll help you."
Her words made Cui Hongyu chuckle.
Chen Xiaobei, however, glared and said to Chen Qiaoer, "Help with what? You have to go to school tomorrow."
Chen Qiaoer pouted, clearly unwilling, but she dared not disobey Chen Xiaobei's wishes. She said timidly, "Then it's settled. My bed must be placed in the corner by the wall."
To Chen Qiaoer's request, Cui Hongyu, with a smile, agreed.
Xiaobei knew that this was actually a manifestation of Chen Qiaoer's lack of security.
He thought about it. She had lost her parents at the age of three and followed her scoundrel brother, living a life of uncertain meals. It was a miracle she hadn't starved to death.
Now, he had to make up for this sister, and also thank that scoundrel Chen Xiaobei for giving him this body.
The next morning, Chen Xiaobei led more than a dozen people into the mountains. Among them, villager Chen Sanliang was the most excited.
He had always wanted to prove himself to Chen Xiaobei, and finally, he had the opportunity.
Just as Chen Xiaobei and his group were entering the mountains, Tian Wen also led his men to the steep slope.
Still a few miles away, the scout returned with a report, saying there were many people on the steep slope.
The leaders were Liu Ce and Liu Tie from the Liu Mansion.
Ma Han turned to Tian Wen, his face full of worry, "I know Liu Ce and Liu Tie very well. What should we do now?"
Tian Wen pondered for a moment and then smiled, "Good, it's even better that you know them. Just say you're going into the mountains to gather herbs. Can they stop you?"
"But what if it arouses his suspicion?" Ma Han hesitated.
"We've already aroused suspicion by coming here, so there's no need to hide. I believe Liu Ce understands that."
"As long as neither side falls out, and as long as we don't take the Lotus Sect leader, they will let us leave."
"But isn't that why we came..." Ma Han was still confused.
"This vast Qingniu Mountain, we can always find a way out, it will just take a little more effort." With that, Tian Wen waved his hand, "You lead the way ahead, and do as I say."
Ma Han had no choice but to brace himself and walk at the forefront.
At this time, Liu Tie and Liu Ce had also received reports that people were coming from the foot of the mountain, heading straight for the steep slope.
Liu Tie frowned, "Who is this deity interfering in this matter now?"
Liu Ce clearly understood the current situation better, "Sima Wushuang has been captured by us. The National Preceptor's people won't be coming anytime soon."
"Then it must be the Princess's people." A hint of ferocity flashed in Liu Tie's eyes.
Liu Ce nodded, "Yes, after all, the Lotus Sect leader is trapped on the mountain by us. It's only natural for her to send people to help."
Liu Tie stood up and instructed the people around him, "Prepare the chained crossbows and be ready. Attack immediately if there's any anomaly."
Everyone eagerly prepared themselves.
As the group from the foot of the mountain approached, Liu Ce suddenly laughed, "I didn't expect it to be an acquaintance."
Upon hearing Liu Ce's words, Liu Tie also peered down the mountain and smiled, "I never imagined that Ma Han, whom I see every day, would be one of the Princess's people."
As they spoke, Ma Han had already walked to a spot less than thirty feet away from them.
Liu Ce coughed and made a gesture, signaling his men to lower their chained crossbows.
Then, with a slight smile, he took two steps forward.