But Li Youran wanted more than just that; she wanted them to be truly convinced and, after the pandemic ended, to leave with her and brew wine specifically for her.
“The princess is so young yet she has such an understanding. I am truly ashamed.”
As Zhao Lei spoke, he rushed towards Li Youran's luggage. This time, instead of kneeling in a full bow, he cupped his hands and clasped his fists in a respectful greeting.
Under Li Youran's leadership, Zhao Lei and his group were busy working hard.
Night had already fallen, and the Second Prince and his entourage still hadn't arrived.
"Second Prince's Consort, this is a matter of great importance, you should immediately inform the prefectural magistrate!"
Liaocheng is under the jurisdiction of Huangzhou. His Highness the Second Prince and his entourage should have come to Liaocheng accompanied by the officials of Huangzhou Prefecture.
However, the Second Prince did not go to Huangzhou Prefecture, but came directly to Liaocheng, which made the county magistrate feel uneasy.
Now that the Second Prince has encountered another accident and his fate is unknown, he is afraid that even losing eight heads would not be enough to bear this responsibility. So he made a mess of things and hurriedly said to the Second Prince's wife.
"The Huangzhou prefectural government knew that there was a plague in Liaocheng, yet they still managed to sit idly by in Huangzhou. What use is there in keeping such a corrupt official around?"
The Second Prince's wife and the Second Prince originally planned to settle accounts with the Huangzhou Prefecture government after the matter was resolved satisfactorily. However, the Second Prince's wife couldn't hold back her anger and directly cursed.
The county magistrate, who was already filled with fear and anxiety, hurriedly knelt down after hearing the Second Prince's wife's words.
"Please calm down, Your Highness. I will immediately send men to Wolf Tiger Mountain to search for His Highness and the others."
Sweat dripped down the magistrate's face. He was worried that he might lose his life today.
"His Highness the Second Prince is of noble status, how can we allow him to personally go to the epidemic area!"
Upon returning from his mission, Tang Lei learned that the Second Prince had gone to the area where the epidemic had broken out. He frowned and said to the general.
"Not only the Second Prince went, but the Third Prince, the Fourth Prince, the Fifth Prince, and all four princes went as well."
The general spoke while frowning.
"Our country has enjoyed favorable weather and has not experienced an epidemic for many years. The fact that this epidemic has broken out in four places is probably an ominous sign."
Moreover, spies from various countries are much more brazen than in previous years. Currently, there are several spies known to be infiltrating the imperial palace, but due to insufficient evidence, their presence has not yet been discovered.
"However, His Highness the Second Prince's journey this time was quite grand, and it is said that even the Second Prince's wife and his sister went along."
Tang Lei was already worried that it would be too dangerous for the Second Prince to go there. After learning that Li Youran had also gone to the epidemic outbreak area, Tang Lei couldn't sit still any longer and immediately bowed and took his leave.
"Are you going to see your confidante again? Come back quickly, you have important things to do."
Because Tang Lei would inexplicably ask for leave to return to Beijing every now and then, the people in the military camp guessed that Tang Lei had a girl he liked, and they often teased him about it.
When the general saw that Tang Lei was about to ask for leave again, he shouted loudly at Tang Lei.
Tang Lei rode a black Akhal-Teke horse, speeding away from the military camp like lightning.
"Your Highness, please forgive my incompetence. These bandits are very cunning. They are using their familiarity with the Fourth Prince to circle around us."
General Huang was quite helpless. If they attacked head-on, these bandits would be no match for them.
But these bandits were very cunning; they would attack only once, then flee quickly, only to ambush them from the hilltop, waiting for them to pass by.
Although this roundabout tactic does not harm them, it keeps them trapped here for a long time, and their provisions will eventually run out.
"We've wasted way too much time here."
The Second Prince looked up at the thief hidden behind the trees on the hillside and said coldly.
If it weren't for his concern for the Second Prince's wife and Li Youran, His Highness the Second Prince wouldn't have left only a small number of soldiers behind, knowing that the bandits would be difficult to deal with.
If there were more men, we could force our way through the dangerous area, but we only have a limited number of soldiers, and the bandits occupy advantageous positions.
It is said that one man can hold the pass against ten thousand, so it would be dangerous to force one through.
"If we don't make a move tonight, the people of Niutou Mountain will probably realize there's easy prey to be made."
"Brother, let's take advantage of the darkness tonight and have some fun."
"You idiot, that's His Highness the Second Prince. Our only goal is that woman. If you dare to touch anything else, we'll be in deep trouble."
The burly man with a face full of scars didn't get angry after being scolded by the lean man; he just kept grinning foolishly.
"Why haven't these bandits made a move yet? I was waiting to catch them like the mantis stalking the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind. I didn't expect them to be so patient, actually wasting almost two days here."
As Wu Yong spoke, he took out the dry food that the shopkeeper had packed and tore off a piece with his teeth. However, the dry food was too dry and hard to swallow, so he had to pick up the water bottle.
The kettle was completely deflated, and only two drops of water managed to escape. It served no purpose whatsoever.
If the bandits don't make a move today, Wu Yong will rush up and catch them off guard.
The bandits kept an eye on the Second Prince and his entourage from the hilltop, while Wu Yong watched their every move from the back slope.
Once the bandits launch their attack, Wu Yong will occupy a favorable position, and the short crossbows he carries will play a significant role. He is fully confident that he can take down these bandits in one fell swoop.
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