Hearing this, Chen Mo frowned, released the hem of Xia Zhining's skirt, lifted his robe, tied his belt, and walked out.

Xia Zhining quickly tidied up and followed closely behind,

Inside the main hall of the government office.

Xiao Jing, Wu Yanqing, Zhao Liang, and others also received the news and came over.

"Duke An."

Seeing Chen Mo come out, they all bowed in salute.

Chen Mo waved his hand and asked, "What exactly is the situation?"

Zhao Liang cupped his hands and said, "Reporting to Duke An, it's still unknown for now. I have already sent scouts to investigate."

Chen Mo nodded: "Tell the warriors to wake up, quickly assemble the army for battle, and guard against enemy attacks."

"Understood." Zhao Liang retreated.

At this moment, Xiao Jing spoke: "Since we have been fighting with the enemy army, the Huai Army has not appeared. Yet suddenly, there is a troop in Huai Army armor. Could it be the Huai Army from Fengzhou?"

Xia Zhining also agreed with Xiao Jing's guess: "A few days ago, General Yue sent a message saying that Prince Huai escaped our encirclement and is fleeing towards Yan State. Considering the timing, it is very likely the remnant Huai Army from Fengzhou."

The news of Prince Huai's self-determined death at Dragon-locking Mountain had not returned, so Xiao Jing and Xia Zhining's speculation was not without reason.

After a brief consideration, Chen Mo looked at Xiao Jing and Wu Yanqing, saying: "I will leave three battalions of Xianzhen Guard here, Elder Xiao, Elder Wu, I trouble you to keep an eye on King Anping and the Yan Army."

Xiao Jing and Wu Yanqing nodded solemnly: "Please, Duke An, rest assured."

"Come, I shall see which troops have arrived."

...

Night deepened.

On the official road outside Yuan County.

Chen Mo led the army forward slowly.

"Report, Duke An, it's been confirmed. It is indeed the Huai Army, and they are marching with torches, very ostentatiously, heading towards Yuan County, less than ten miles away."

The scout sent earlier returned to report.

Chen Mo clenched his fist, and the army instantly stopped. He ordered: "Extinguish the torches and set up an ambush on both sides of the road."

With the order, the army acted in unison, and the fire dragon originally wandering on the official road instantly vanished without a trace.

"Report, the Huai Army is five miles from our army, their troops… just over a thousand."

"What, just over a thousand?" Chen Mo was taken aback and waved his hand: "Investigate further."

"Report..."

The scout camp relayed information to the Chen Army at regular intervals.

Chen Mo also learned more detailed information.

This Huai Army troop was just over a thousand.

And they even seemed to be Prince Huai's personal soldiers.

"He really escaped." Xia Zhining believed it was the remnants of Prince Huai's army escaping from Fengzhou, her face turned heavy.

Seeing this, Chen Mo said, "Only a thousand people, why do you look worried, Zhi Ning?"

"Considering your relationship with Chu Juan, I'm worried you'll hesitate with Prince Huai." Xia Zhining rolled her eyes at Chen Mo.

With so many in the army watching, Prince Huai, no matter what, was still considered Chen Mo's "father-in-law." If Chen Mo acted personally, it would look a bit improper.

"Don't worry, I won't show mercy." Chen Mo's eyes turned cold.

Xia Zhining grasped Chen Mo's hand and said, "When the time comes, capture him, and I'll handle it."

Chen Mo smiled slightly.

"Report, the Huai Army is less than a mile from our army."

No need for the scouts to report; the silhouette of the Huai Army had already appeared at the end of the road.

Indeed ostentatious, as if they did not place the Chen Army in their eyes, marching boldly on the official road, each one holding a high torch, flags flying.

"Prepare!" Chen Mo raised his hand.

Archers and crossbowmen on both sides of the road all drew and aimed their bows and arrows.

The Huai Army also sensed something was amiss.

They stopped on the official road.

"Your Highness, what's wrong?" In the carriage, Madam Gan lifted the curtain, looking puzzled at Chu Shou, who was riding on a horse, and said, "Didn't you say Duke An was just in Yuan County? Why stop now when we're almost there?"

"Something's not right." Chu Shou, who had some military experience, felt the surroundings were too quiet.

He cupped his hands and loudly proclaimed: "I am Chu Shou, eldest son of the guilty minister Chu Yi, bringing five hundred soldiers to pledge allegiance to Duke An. If there is a post of your esteemed army here, please facilitate and report to Duke An on my behalf."

"Chu Shou?" Chen Mo squinted his eyes.

Xia Zhining, beside him, joked, "Your brother is coming to pledge allegiance to you."

Chen Mo rolled his eyes at her and instructed Sun Meng with a few words.

Sun Meng stood and shouted loudly: "I am Captain Sun Meng of Duke An's Personal Guard Battalion. Young Master, have your men lay down their arms."

Hearing such a vigorous voice, Chu Shou's face changed slightly; there was indeed something amiss.

Without hesitation, he quickly ordered his men to lay down their weapons.

Once they all laid down their arms,

the surroundings burst into flames, illuminating the official road as if it were daylight.

Seeing the figures in the surrounding forest, Chu Shou's face changed; they had walked into a trap.

"Your Highness, long time no see."

Laughter rang out, and Chu Shou followed the sound to see a figure emerge from the darkness, becoming clearer and brighter.

It was none other than Chen Mo.

"The son of the guilty minister, Chu Shou, greets Duke An."

"The son of the guilty minister, Chu Ze, greets Duke An."

Two armored youths dismounted and knelt on one knee, cupping their fists.

One was Madam Hui's son.

The other was Madam Gan's son.

Chen Mo stepped forward and asked, "Did you come from Chongzhou?"

"Reporting to Duke An, yes." Chu Shou said obsequiously:

"I have long advised Chu Yi to surrender to Duke An, but he not only refused to listen, he conspired with the traitor Lu Sheng, colluded shamelessly, intending to harm Duke An.