After hearing Chu Han's explanation, the Lotus Cult Master nodded, "Alright, they are dead, and they deserved to die."
He then turned to his prized disciple, Jasmine, and said, "Go ahead and scout. See if they have truly retreated."
Jasmine agreed and retreated into the depths of the forest. She changed into coarse cloth clothing and, from somewhere, found a bundle to sling over her shoulder, disguised as a village woman. She then walked out of the forest at a leisurely pace.
After about the time it takes for one stick of incense to burn, Jasmine returned.
"Cult Master, there is indeed no one there. They have already retreated."
The Lotus Cult Master looked at her and asked again, "Are you sure?"
"Yes, the corpses of our two disciples are still in the forest, and there are many leftover bones from the meat."
Only then did the Lotus Cult Master stand up with relief. "Alright, let's tidy up and prepare to leave the mountain."
At this moment, Chu Han suddenly bowed and said, "Cult Master, why don't we guard that narrow path and catch the Liu family members guarding the river by surprise when they retreat?"
A cold glint flashed in the Lotus Cult Master's eyes, and then he slowly shook his head.
"No, if they could come from the Dragon King River, they can go back. It's meaningless to ambush them."
"Then, Cult Master, what is your intention?"
The Lotus Cult Master clenched his right fist and waved it fiercely in the air twice.
"We are going back to Hetou Village to settle the score with those village guards."
"My dignified Lotus Sect, ambushed by a few villagers, is a huge joke."
He then turned to look at everyone present. "If this gets out, how can I, Tang Lianhua, establish myself in the martial world in the future?"
Everyone immediately understood their Cult Master's meaning. Anyone who dared to speak of this matter would face only one outcome: death.
The hustle and bustle in Hetou Village continued day and night. To make money, the villagers would sleep for an hour or two after coming down from the mountain before immediately getting back to work.
This made Chen Xiaobei a little worried. It wouldn't be worth it if they exhausted themselves.
However, he didn't want the villagers to miss this opportunity to earn money.
With no other choice, Chen Xiaobei established a rule: everyone must rest for at least three hours after returning before they could go up the mountain again.
Alas, this greatly affected the transportation speed. Looking at the mountains of supplies, Liu Rumei was also extremely anxious.
That night, he received news that Zhu Meng's army would arrive in two days.
This made him even more worried.
Crown Prince Xiao Jingyun looked at the supplies and said helplessly, "By tomorrow night, if they still cannot be transported up the mountain, hand them over to Chen Xiaobei. Let him transport them to Wugong Ridge, so the people can eat them. It's my small gesture of goodwill."
This was a choice made out of desperation. When Chen Xiaobei heard this, he felt no joy, but rather a hint of worry.
The common people had received the Crown Prince's favor and would naturally remember his kindness. However, who would stand with him in the imperial court in the future was uncertain.
That night, Princess Zhaoning, accompanied by her maid Butterfly and the young maid, arrived in Qingniu County.
After checking into the inn, Princess Zhaoning's first order of business was to send Butterfly to the Drunken Immortal Tower.
Chen Liu, seeing a beautiful woman looking for his shopkeeper, assumed the shopkeeper had gotten into some romantic trouble outside.
"Miss, I am truly sorry, but my shopkeeper is not here."
"I know he is not here..." Butterfly said, tossing out a piece of silver.
"Did he leave you any message?"
As soon as he saw the silver, Chen Liu's smile widened. "Yes, yes! My young lady said if there was anything important, you should go to the Ma Family Manor to find him."
"Alright, take me to the Ma Family Manor." Butterfly produced another piece of silver.
Money makes the mare go, and with money, everything is easy.
Chen Liu, with a smile, led Butterfly directly to the Ma Family Manor.
Arriving at the entrance of the Ma Family Manor, Chen Liu pointed inside. "Miss, this is it."
Butterfly nodded and quickly entered the manor, raising her voice and calling out, "Is anyone there? Is anyone there?"
Two people were still guarding the Ma Family Manor. Hearing someone call, they immediately came out.
Seeing a young woman, the two exchanged glances and asked in unison, "Excuse me, Miss, whom are you looking for?"
Butterfly took out a waist token from her waist and flashed it before the two.
"Do you recognize this?"
The two looked at it, and their expressions immediately became much more respectful. "We recognize it, we recognize it. You were sent by the Princess."
Butterfly nodded. "Has Tian Wen been here?"
"Yes, he came. He went into Qingniu Mountain with Ma Han, Brother Ma. He said he was going to look for the Lotus Cult Master."
Butterfly immediately turned and left.
She had to report this news to Princess Zhaoning as soon as possible.
In the inn, after listening to Butterfly's report, Princess Zhaoning's brow furrowed.
Her mentor, the Lotus Cult Master, was missing, and her informant in Qingniu County, Tian Wen, was also missing.
Well, she would have to take it one step at a time.
Just then, the young maid suddenly ran in excitedly. "Your Highness, my brother is here and says there's something important."
"Quick, let Fang Jun in." Princess Zhaoning also appeared very excited. Sudan Novel Network
Fang Jun entered and was about to lift his robe to salute the Princess when Princess Zhaoning waved her hand. "Alright, no need to be formal. Fang Jun, what is the urgent matter?"
Fang Jun quickly took out a letter from his怀."My grandfather says there might be a major upheaval in the capital. He asks you to abandon your previous plans and return to the capital immediately."
Princess Zhaoning opened the letter and glanced at it, a look of surprise appearing on her face.
"Zhu Meng is leading an army of 300,000 towards Qingniu County. The old Prime Minister is worried that the State Preceptor is planning something big in the capital."
Everyone present was astonished to hear this news.
"Your Highness, what should we do then?" The young maid, with her limited social experience, was flustered.
Princess Zhaoning lowered her head and pondered for a moment. "No rush. We have to return to the capital tomorrow anyway. Tonight, you will accompany me to the Liu residence to see if there's a chance to meet my brother."
After dinner, it was past the second watch, and the streets had become quiet.
After all, it was a small county town with not many entertainment activities.
Princess Zhaoning changed into night-walking clothes, took the young maid, and the two of them leaped onto the rooftops. After orienting themselves, they headed towards Liu Rumei's mansion.
As soon as it got dark, Liu Rumei escorted the Crown Prince back. The more chaotic things were, the more important it was to ensure the Crown Prince's safety. Therefore, Liu Rumei felt relieved only if the Crown Prince stayed in his mansion.
As it was past the second watch and everyone was preparing to rest, there was a commotion in front of the Liu mansion.
Liu Kai had arrived with a group of people.
Upon hearing that Liu Kai had arrived, both Liu Rumei and Xiao Jingyun were stunned.
Liu Rumei knew that if it wasn't a matter of utmost urgency, his old father would never have sent Liu Kai.
After meeting, Liu Kai didn't even bother with pleasantries. He clasped his fists towards Xiao Jingyun and said, "Your Highness, this is an urgent matter. I need to speak with you alone."