Dongfang Mu said: “You quickly bring a few people down the mountain, and then go to the city again. You must find him and be sure to bring him back.”

Cui’er nodded and went in a hurry.

Dongfang Mu looked back at his daughter’s room, the door was closed. He sighed again and went back to his study room.

A moment later, Housekeeper Song brought two people in a hurry: “Master, there are people from the palace.”

Dongfang Mu quickly put down the pen in his hand, “Oh? Come in, please come in.”

The two guards came inside and paid greetings to Dongfang Mu as soon as they enter the door, and then handed the emperor’s letter.

After reading the letter, Dongfang Mu’s eyebrows frowned.

He slammed the letter on the table and asked the guards: “What does he mean that the village is gone?”

The guard busily replied: “Answering back the master, we and other officials went to Qingyuan Town. When we arrived in Qingyuan Town, we heard that several villages were besieged by the Xiye Army. They killed the old people in the villages and took away the young men and women. Huangtou Village was among them. When we arrive, there was no one in the village. We didn’t find the two brothers who pawned the jade pendant.”

Dongfang Mu asked anxiously: “Didn’t that boy came back? So many people were captured, why he didn’t send troops to rescue?”

The guard replied: “Prince Jin brought his men to rescue people, but there was no news yet. The emperor let this subordinate send you the information first so that you will not be worried.”

Dongfang Mu was very anxious. After so many years, the child who they thought was dead, suddenly became alive. However, this hope was suddenly cut off, so how could he not get worried?

“Okay, you can go back. If there is any news, please notify me immediately.” Dongfang Mu said.

*

When she returned to the town, Zhao Sue happened to meet Boss Chen, who was planning to flee. After hearing what happened, Boss Chen immediately asked his coachman to send Zhao Sue to the military camp.

The guards of the military camp stopped her. She said that she was looking for Prince Jin, the guard interrogated her, but they didn’t believe what she said. And then, she looked for Zhou Awu. The guards didn’t believe whatever she said. Zhao Sue sat outside the military and kept calling Zhou Awu’s name while crying. In fear of the generals getting disturbed, the guard pulled out a whip to beat people. Fortunately, Doctor Shen, who was going outside to collect herbs, saw this scene: “Stop, what are you trying to do?”

“Shen Dafu, this woman is crazy. She said she wants to see Prince Jin. She also said that the army of Xiye Country entered Qingyuan City. If she’s not crazy, then what is she? Prince Jin sent away the Xiye Army yesterday, who doesn’t know this in the camp?”

Doctor Shen glared at the guard: “Even if people are crazy, you can’t beat people. Besides, she is a woman.”

Zhao Sue shook her head while crying: “I’m not crazy. I’m Zhou Awu’s wife. Are you Shen Dafu? Then, you must know Bai Zhi. She said that if I can’t find Prince Jin, I must look for you.”

Doctor Shen was shocked: “What did you say? You know Bai Zhi?”

Zhao Sue busily nodded her head: “Yes, Bai Zhi ask me to come in here. The soldiers of Xiye Country infiltrated the Chu Country by going through the Luoying Mountains and captured several villagers. My daughter and Bai Zhi’s Niang were captured. We heard that the Xiye Country took the villagers to exchange for the captives. Shen Dafu, please, believe me, I am not crazy. All I said is true. Bai Zhi chase after them all alone. I’m afraid that something bad might happen to her. Shen Dafu, please take me to see Prince Jin!”

 

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