Clearly, Wang Zebang shared the same sentiment as Wei Yao at this moment, and he also offered his own opinion and advice: "Indeed, it is not advisable to delay any longer. The military exercises between Ye and several other countries are scheduled for the Spring Search, which is at the end of this month. Even if we rush as fast as we can, we may only be able to make it in time. Most importantly, the King of Ye does not yet know the news of the Crown Prince. Should we report to the Emperor after we enter the capital, or should we send a letter before we set off? This matter needs to be confirmed."
"Then let's hurry up. Arrange the team tomorrow and set off early the day after tomorrow. Let His Highness rest for a couple more days... But why is Lieutenant Wang so concerned about the Crown Prince? Wouldn't it be better to let the Prince of Ye know sooner?"
If the Prince of Ye wants a reliable successor, he will treat the eldest son well and reconcile with him. If they tell the Prince of Ye about this matter sooner, it will be a great achievement. They might even receive special treatment from the Prince of Ye when they arrive in Shengjing.
“Madam, if we remain neutral and do not take sides or interfere with either side, then this matter is not worth mentioning. However, if you intend to favor the eldest prince, then we need to consider whether some people with ulterior motives might find out if we inform the palace about the eldest prince in advance.”
"The royal palace is a place so complicated that it's hard to tell who's who and who's not. Some people welcome the Crown Prince's return, while others are against his appearance."
Zheng Quchi understood immediately. After listening, she said, "Then let's not say anything for now. If the message reaches the palace first, our escorts might also run into trouble. In that case, let's keep it a secret until we reach Shengjing, and then personally report the news to the Prince of Ye."
Their words greatly inspired her, giving her a better idea: "Let's split into two groups. The people escorting the bandits will be in one group with Princess Sheng'an. I think with Princess Sheng'an as a talisman, even if some people with guilty consciences want to do something, they will have to consider the consequences. We will be in another group with His Highness the Crown Prince, disguised and taking a different route."
This arrangement is indeed more secure and comprehensive.
“Madam can travel in a carriage to remain hidden, but Zebang and I will have to show ourselves. In that case, we cannot travel with Madam, otherwise others will become suspicious,” Wei Yao said, frowning.
“I have Lan Yue, Wu Liang, Sixi, and Kong Li with me, plus His Highness the Crown Prince’s martial arts skills are not weak either, so I think there shouldn’t be a big problem,” she said.
While Wei Yao and Wang Zebang were still hesitating, they heard an unusual explosion.
Thud—
What was that sound?!
The three of them looked sharply toward the source of the sound.
Wei Yao carefully examined the location, and her expression instantly changed: "It's the location of the water prison in the back mountain—"
The water dungeon... isn't that where Qiu was imprisoned?
Zheng Quchi instinctively took off running, and Wei Yao and Wang Zebang followed suit. However, they had light-footed skills and quickly caught up with Zheng Quchi.
Seeing that she looked somber as she rushed to the scene of the incident, Wei Yao said, "Please forgive me, Madam," then grabbed her waist, lifted her off the ground, and ran quickly away.
When they arrived, they saw signs of a fierce battle everywhere around the water prison, and all the guards were nowhere to be seen. Because of the commotion, many patrolling and guarding soldiers from the camp rushed over.
They arrived a little later, and as soon as they arrived, they saw Wang Zebang and Wei Yao's backs as they approached the water dungeon. Because Zheng Quchi was short and standing at the very front, they didn't see him immediately from behind.
"Lieutenant Wang, Guard Wei, what happened?"
"A garrison commander asked in a tight voice."
Wei Yao turned around: "Someone has broken into the water dungeon. The guards should have all chased after them. You all stay outside and keep watch. Don't make any rash moves!"
After giving his instructions, he said to Zheng Quchi, "Madam, you stay here with them for now. Zebang and I will go down into the water dungeon to check on the situation."
Wang Zebang turned to the soldiers and said sternly, "Listen up, everyone! Protect the lady! We must not let her suffer even the slightest harm."
Upon seeing the general's wife present, the soldiers immediately saluted. Ordinary soldiers knelt, spearmen saluted with their rifles, and officers paid their respects with a military salute. All of them shouted in unison, "Yes, sir!"
Zheng Quchi saw that the stone door sealing the water prison had cracked. Even such heavy stone could not withstand the enemy, and although all the guards had been mobilized, there was no movement from below... The situation was not optimistic.
She didn't ramble on to stop them from finding out what was going on; she simply said in a serious tone, "Be careful, your safety is the most important thing."
The two nodded: "Yes."
With a turn of their heads, the two figures rushed into the water prison. Zheng Quchi waited outside, feeling as if every second was an eternity, and sweat poured from her forehead in her anxiety.
But she couldn't just wait around like that. She always remembered that she was a general's wife, and she couldn't be like an ordinary woman who only knew how to rely on others for salvation when she encountered problems.
She raised her voice and asked clearly, "Where are the Feathered Soldiers?"
Behind him, a group of people immediately snapped out of their daze and responded in unison, "Your subordinates are here."
"You all quickly set up an array near the water prison, keeping a close watch on all the blind spots at the entrances and exits. If there is any unusual movement, fire arrows as ordered."
"We obey orders."
Where are the shield bearers?
"Your subordinate is here."
"You set up shields as a defensive wall to block the entrance to the water prison. Once a suspicious person comes out of the water prison, contain him in a small area and do not allow him to escape."
"Your subordinate obeys."
"The rest of you will work with me to adapt to changing circumstances, and provide timely support and remedies should any shortcomings arise."
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