Warm medicine emits fragrance

In the days that followed, Fan Liuer would go to the kitchen every few nights to prepare some late-night snacks.

At first, the cook was a little apprehensive when she found out, and waited in the kitchen for her to come and make her a late-night snack.

Fan Liuer naturally wouldn't ask her to do it. Everything she was doing now was to prepare for her future escape. If she asked someone for help, how would she escape then?

But the cook was honest and insisted on helping, as if her job would be ruined if Fan Liuer got even a little water on her.

Fan Liuer had no choice but to say, "I'm just trying to improve my cooking skills. I really don't need your help. You can just rest after work every day."

The cook insisted on staying, saying, "Madam, you just need to wait to eat. There's no need for you to do these chores."

Fan Liuer sighed, her face filled with melancholy. "No one can say for sure what the world will be like in the future. What if things really get chaotic? If Second Master falls on hard times and can't afford servants, he can't possibly do all these things. I need to make thorough preparations now, otherwise how will I take care of Second Master in the future?"

After hearing this, the cook exclaimed that Fan Liuer was deeply in love with Li Chenbi. "Don't worry, Madam. The master is so capable; he would never let you suffer with him."

That's what she said, but the cook couldn't interfere any further. After all, it was a private matter between the couple, and her insistence would seem like meddling.

"Since Madam is doing this for Master's sake, then I won't bother you any longer. If you need anything, just call me. I sleep late."

Fan Liuer nodded repeatedly, and only breathed a sigh of relief after the cook left.

We finally managed to persuade them to leave, which resolved a potential problem.

The next day, Fan Liuer's words reached Li Chenbi's ears verbatim.

After listening, Li Chenbi snorted, "Does she really think I'm so unreliable that she'd let her suffer with me?"

Li Qiuping hurriedly said, "Doesn't this just prove that Madam Fan is completely loyal to you, sir? She'd rather suffer with you than ever think of leaving."

Li Chenbi's expression darkened slightly upon hearing this. "Leave? Where can she go? She has no relatives in this world except for her brother and sister-in-law who treated her badly. I am her only support now."

Li Qiuping realized he had misspoke and immediately corrected himself, "That's right. Even if Madam Fan had no other support, given her feelings for you, she would definitely not want to leave you."

Hearing this made Li Chenbi feel comfortable. He suppressed the smile on his lips and spoke in a low voice.

"That's natural."

Half a month passed in the blink of an eye, and Prince Rong suffered two more defeats under the attack of the rebel army, losing two cities in succession.

This rebel army was truly brave and fierce. Not only were they powerful in battle, but after capturing a city, they were able to quickly restore the livelihoods of the people in the city and reduce losses.

Only then did the imperial court realize that the rebel army was far more than just the soldiers on the surface; it was a massive organization with many people hiding in various cities, which enabled them to quickly restore order within the cities after the rebels captured them.

The imperial court immediately launched a crackdown on the underground organizations of the rebel army in the cities that had not yet changed hands, and anyone suspected of involvement would have their entire family executed.

Better to kill the innocent than let the guilty go free.

This move aroused widespread resentment among the people, and more and more people joined the rebel army in anger.

The rebel army's southward advance was also accelerating.

Liu Qing looked at the newly received instruction in his hand with a solemn expression.

The governor's wife took the letter from his hand, quickly scanned it, and then sneered, "A bunch of brainless idiots. They've already lost the people's hearts, yet they still commit such rampant killings. Are they afraid that the country won't change hands soon enough?"

Liu Qing glanced outside in fright, and seeing that no one was around, whispered, "Madam, the ownership hasn't changed yet, so please watch your words."

The prefect's wife dismissed the idea, saying, "It was bound to happen sooner or later. Besides, you and Li Chenbi have already planned it all out, waiting for the rebel army to enter the city..."

Before she could finish speaking, a servant announced from outside, "Sir, Master Li's men have arrived."

Upon hearing this, Liu Qing immediately stood up and said to the prefect's wife, "Madam, I'll be right back."

After saying that, he hurriedly went to the hall.

He used to dislike seeing Li Chenbi. Li Chenbi was a cunning and insightful person who made him feel very uncomfortable in front of him, as if he were naked.

But right now, the person he most wants to see is Li Chenbi. His future is now tied to Li Chenbi, and he has to rely on Li Chenbi's advice to escape unscathed from this chaotic world.

The visitor was a guard from Li Chenbi's side, specifically responsible for delivering messages. He bowed to Liu Qing before speaking, "Lord Liu, my master asks if you have received any orders from the imperial court."

Liu Qing once again marveled in his heart at how this person seemed to be a master strategist; nothing could escape his calculations.

He smiled apologetically, "I just received it today, and I was wondering what to do with it."

The guard said, "My master said that you don't need to pay attention to it, sir. The rebel army will soon march south. All you need to do now is guard the city gates and keep those who support Prince Rong in the city. They can become your pledge of loyalty later."

As he spoke, he emphasized one name, "especially Li Chenxin."

Liu Qing's face showed a troubled expression. "These people are not easy to deal with. I can't just openly keep them here. If this news gets out, anyone with eyes can see who I've sided with. I'm afraid the imperial court will send people here before the rebel army even marches south."

"My master said that all you need to do is keep Li Chenxin in check. If he doesn't leave, the others naturally won't leave either."

After saying that, he took out a letter from his pocket and handed it to Liu Qing.

Liu Qing unfolded the document and thought to himself that Li Chenbi's method was indeed a good plan that addressed the root cause of the problem.

That afternoon, he went to the Li residence.

The Li family was in chaos. Prince Rong suffered a series of defeats, which enraged the emperor, who dismissed him from his post and summoned him back to the capital.

Now, Prince Rong's chances of taking that position are slim.

Li Chenxin was filled with regret, anxiety, and fear. He had previously supported Prince Rong so publicly. If Prince Rong did not succeed to the throne in the end, then no matter who ruled the country in the future, he would not be able to escape this calamity.

Not only was he afraid, but everyone in the mansion was afraid. Most of the servants had run away, leaving only some household slaves with nowhere to go.

Li Chenxin himself wanted to run away, but he couldn't bear to give up his huge family business.

I'm so worried every day that I can't even eat.

Upon hearing the news of Liu Qing's visit, he was initially puzzled, but then wondered if it was related to the recent rumors about underground organizations of the rebel army, so he immediately went out to greet him.

"What brings you here, Lord Liu?" He didn't bother with pleasantries and went straight to the point.

Liu Qing glanced at the servants inside the room, and Li Chenxin understood and dismissed them.

Liu Qing then spoke: "I have come here to inform my nephew, Li Xian."

Li Chenxin harbored doubts, but showed no outward sign. "What news is it?"

Liu Qing took out a letter from his pocket. "You'll understand when you see it."