Yes, after all, the county town was more than 20 miles away, and who would have the time to go there every day without anything else to do?
The two of them kept talking as they walked around the village.
They walked all the way to the west side of the village before turning and heading north down a small alley.
According to Chen Xiaobei's plan, from the west, he was going to reach the village entrance, then head north, go around the east side of the village, and then go south. After a large circle, he would return to the old locust tree via the main street.
Although the village wasn't very big, making this entire circuit would still take at least half an hour.
Walking behind Chen Xiaobei, Xiao Wen felt a bit curious. In the past, when it came to sneaking around, it was always Chen Xiaobei who was the most skillful at it.
Sometimes, when the village sent someone to work, it was Chen Xiaobei's time to shine. He would either claim a stomach ache or complain about his arms or legs hurting. In short, there was no excuse he couldn't come up with.
Even when Chen Xiaobei was reluctantly forced to work, it was always just a symbolic effort. He did as little as possible, or avoided it altogether.
But today, what was going on? He seemed to be working with full energy.
As they passed the north side of the village, Chen Xiaobei actually wanted to go back home and take a look. But then he thought better of it and stopped himself. If word got out that he kept going home during patrols, how could he continue leading this team?
What he didn't know was that this change of mind unexpectedly saved his life.
He was saved, but unfortunately, it didn't work out that well for Cui Hongyu and Chen Qiaoer.
As the sky began to lighten, Cui Hongyu got up. It was uncomfortable to sleep in someone else's house.
As soon as she moved, both Xiumei and Cuihua woke up.
Aunt Xiumei smiled and said, "Hongyu, it's still early, you should sleep a little more."
Cui Hongyu smiled and shook her head, "It's already daylight, and soon Xiaobei will be coming home. I have to get up and cook."
After saying that, she bent down and picked up the still-sleeping Chen Qiaoer.
Since they were frequent visitors, Cuihua and Xiumei didn't insist on her staying longer. One helped her get clothes, while the other opened the door for her.
Thus, Cui Hongyu, holding Chen Qiaoer, returned to her own yard.
As she entered the yard, she looked up and noticed the door was slightly ajar.
Cui Hongyu didn't pay attention to this odd detail, thinking that Chen Xiaobei must have returned. She tiptoed, carrying Chen Qiaoer, into the house, trying not to disturb Chen Xiaobei's rest.
The door creaked open.
Although the sound was very faint, it was enough to alert the two men, Wai Zui and San Shui, inside the room.
The two immediately jumped out of bed and rushed toward the dark corner almost simultaneously.
At this moment, Chen Ermao was slouched against the corner of the wall, half asleep.
Since he was asleep, it actually made it easier for Wai Zui and San Shui to move.
The bed creaked, and Cui Hongyu heard it. She mistakenly thought it was Chen Xiaobei waking up, so she stepped more lightly.
Meanwhile, Wai Zui and San Shui had already seen, thanks to the faint morning light outside, that the person entering was a young, beautiful woman, holding a child in her arms.
This completely matched what Chen Ermao had described, so it must be Cui Hongyu and Chen Qiaoer.
Great! One was Chen Xiaobei's wife, and the other was his sister. If they captured these two, wouldn't Chen Xiaobei just obediently deliver himself to them?
Wai Zui and San Shui simultaneously drew their daggers and charged toward her.
Cui Hongyu, caught off guard, looked up and saw two dark figures rushing toward her. Before she could react, she felt a cold chill on her neck as the ice-cold blade was pressed against her.
Her heart tightened. Just as she was about to scream, San Shui was quick to cover her mouth and whispered, "Don't shout. If you make a sound, I'll kill you."
Seeing that Cui Hongyu nodded, San Shui released his hand. "Where is Chen Xiaobei?"
As soon as they spoke, Cui Hongyu understood.
"He's at the village guard post. He won't be back for a while. Should I go call him for you?"
Wai Zui sneered, "No need. He'll come to us himself. Now, just come with us."
Then, Wai Zui deliberately coughed and called out, "Ermao, Ermao!"
Upon hearing the name "Ermao," Cui Hongyu's heart sank.
Damn it, Chen Ermao has come back. This is a huge problem now.
In the corner, Chen Ermao rubbed his bleary eyes and stood up. "Bro, you called me?"
Before he could finish speaking, he saw that the person standing in front of him was none other than Cui Hongyu. And she was holding a child, which must be Chen Qiaoer.
He chuckled dryly and walked over, "Cui Hongyu, didn't expect this, huh? Looks like today's your turn."
Before Cui Hongyu could say anything, Wai Zui spoke up.
"Alright, let's leave here first."
With that, Wai Zui pushed Cui Hongyu, "Let's go, outside."
Cui Hongyu looked at Chen Qiaoer in her arms and tried to negotiate with them, "Can I leave the child here and go with you?"
Hehe. San Shui chuckled a few times, "No, she's Chen Xiaobei's real sister."
With that, he grabbed Cui Hongyu and started pulling her outside.
Seizing the opportunity, Chen Ermao quickly grabbed two more bundles from the big ceramic jar, strapped them onto his back, and followed them outside.
Once in the yard, Wai Zui turned to look at Chen Ermao and frowned.
Killing was one thing, but why were they also looting? After all, they used to rob big households, but never harmed ordinary people.
He spoke up, "Leave the stuff, we're here to kill, not to loot."
Chen Ermao awkwardly smiled, wanting to explain, but Wai Zui glared at him, "Do as I say, or don't blame me for being rude."
At this moment, Wai Zui didn't realize that it was his words that had unknowingly given him a chance at survival.
Chen Ermao, helpless, turned around and threw the bundles back into the house.
The voices of the group finally woke Chen Qiaoer from her sleep. She rubbed her sleepy eyes, "Sister, is Brother back?"
Cui Hongyu shook her head and, with the softest voice, replied, "No, some uncles are taking us outside the village."
Chen Qiaoer looked at Wai Zui and San Shui in confusion, but when she saw Chen Ermao behind them, she screamed in fright.
After all, Chen Ermao was her nightmare.
She tried to scream again, but San Shui quickly covered her mouth, "Don't make a sound, or I'll kill you."
Tears immediately poured from Chen Qiaoer's eyes. Cui Hongyu gently wiped them away and said, "Don't be afraid, I'm here, it's okay." Then she turned to San Shui, "Let go of the child, she won't make any more noise."
However, Chen Qiaoer's scream was so sharp that even the two wild chickens, dozing in the dry grass nearby, were startled and began flapping their wings.
Even Chen Dachun, in the house next door, heard the shout.
He stepped out, stood at the door, and called, "Hongyu, what's going on?"
Wai Zui pressed the dagger to Cui Hongyu's chin.