Chapter 11: Chapter 11: The Real Reason
Chen Xiaobei immediately snapped back to attention and nodded at Axiang. "Uncle Axiang, you can go back now. Leave Hongyu to me. Don't worry, I will treat her well."
Upon hearing this, a look of gratitude flashed in Cui Hongyu's eyes, and Axiang couldn't help but smile broadly.
"Alright, I'll head back then. The master said if anything happens, just let him know."
Axiang left with the carriage, but the children gathered at the door wouldn't leave, shouting and clamoring for some biscuits.
The "biscuits" referred to here were similar to cookies in the modern day, made with flour and some sugar.
In this time, when someone got married, instead of distributing sugar, they would give some biscuits to relatives and friends who came to the wedding.
However, given the state of Chen Xiaobei's home, how could they have prepared such things?
At this point, Cui Hongyu's face turned slightly red. She turned and went into the house, and soon returned with a bundle.
She reached into the bundle and grabbed a handful, pulling out about ten biscuits and handing them to Chen Xiaobei.
Chen Xiaobei understood—Cui Hongyu wanted him to distribute the biscuits to the children.
He walked over and handed two biscuits to each child. After each one, he affectionately patted the child's head.
When the biscuits in Chen Xiaobei's hands were gone, Cui Hongyu grabbed another handful and handed them to him.
Not far away, the village head Chen Anbang and Aunt Xiumei watched the synchronized actions between Chen Xiaobei and Cui Hongyu. They exchanged a glance and smiled.
Aunt Xiumei whispered, "Village head, does this count as the wedding? Is the Taoist really that accurate?"
Chen Anbang looked around carefully. "Keep your voice down. You must not talk about this. The Taoist said that within three days, there will be a blood disaster."
"As long as Chen Xiaobei helps Hongyu get through this trial, he will never have to worry about food or clothes again, and his life will be stable from then on."
Aunt Xiumei sighed. "But three days is still a long time. I'm worried that Xiaobei, with his impatience, might ruin Hongyu's virginity. Wouldn't that be all for nothing?"
Chen Anbang chuckled. "Don't worry. The Cui family said that the reason they sent Hongyu today is because she's carrying a red thread. Even if Xiaobei is impatient, she won't be harmed in the next few days."
After a brief laugh, Aunt Xiumei whispered, "Then congratulations in advance. I'll go back to cook now."
Chen Anbang waved his hand and turned to leave.
Once he was out of sight, Chen Anbang couldn't contain his joy and muttered to himself, "Chen Xiaobei, Chen Xiaobei, don't blame me for being ruthless. You're just an orphan, and after you resolve Cui Hongyu's fate, my grandson can grow old with her. After you die, I'll make sure to get you a fine coffin."
At this time, the atmosphere in Chen Xiaobei's house slowly quieted down.
Normally, Chen Xiaobei didn't interact much with the villagers, and there was no exchange of favors between them. So, aside from the village head arranging for a few people to help, the only guests at his wedding were those children who didn't know any better, coming around to ask for some biscuits.
Chen Xiaobei sat under the big locust tree, silently looking at Cui Hongyu. Neither of them could find anything to talk about, especially since they had never met before but were now married.
Fortunately, Chen Qiao'er appeared. From the window, she had been watching the two of them in silence. She quietly walked out, holding a biscuit in each hand, giving one to Chen Xiaobei and the other to Cui Hongyu. "Brother, sister-in-law, have some biscuits."
Chen Qiao'er's appearance eased the awkward atmosphere and reminded Cui Hongyu of her duties. She stood up and rubbed her hands. "Husband, it's almost noon. You and Qiao'er should rest, I'll go make lunch."
Chen Xiaobei looked up at the sky. Indeed, it was nearly noon.
He hurriedly stood up. "Let me do it. You've just entered the door, and you won't even find the oil, salt, and vinegar."
Cui Hongyu didn't insist, turning to go into the house.
Soon, she returned with a cloth bag from her dowry, and to Chen Xiaobei's surprise, the bag contained flour.
Goodness, it seemed the Cui family had prepared well, worried that their daughter might go hungry.
Chen Xiaobei, though surprised, could only wash the vegetables to maintain his dignity.
As they worked, one washing cucumbers and the other preparing the soup, Chen Qiao'er hurried to start the fire.
Chen Xiaobei had one old iron pot, but he had bought a new one, so now he could use two stoves at once.
The new iron pot was used to make noodle soup, while the old pot had some lard in it, ready to stir-fry the cucumbers.
Seeing Chen Xiaobei scoop out a spoonful of lard, Cui Hongyu's face was filled with surprise.
She of course recognized the lard and knew it wasn't cheap. She couldn't understand how Chen Xiaobei's family had this, especially since it was said his family was poor.
But then she thought, after all, she was marrying into this family. Maybe the villagers had gifted him a little.
After stir-frying the cucumbers for a while, Chen Xiaobei, as if performing a magic trick, took two wild eggs from the niche on the wall.
There were actually eggs! Cui Hongyu was even more surprised, while Qiao'er eagerly sniffed the air, trying to inhale more of the delicious aroma.
Chen Xiaobei skillfully finished making the stir-fried cucumbers.
With lard, eggs, and a pinch of salt, it really looked and smelled great.
The more this was the case, the more uneasy Cui Hongyu felt. If these were gifts from the neighbors, that would be fine, but if Chen Xiaobei had borrowed money to buy them, they would have to be repaid.
As they ate, Cui Hongyu cautiously asked, "Husband, is there any work to be done in the fields? I can go do it."
Chen Xiaobei shook his head. "There's nothing to do in the fields. In the afternoon, you and Qiao'er can stay at home."
Upon hearing this, Qiao'er happily clapped her little hands and cheered, "Good, good! I'll stay at home with sister-in-law and wait for brother to go to the mountains."
Chen Xiaobei glared at Qiao'er. "Who told you I'm going to the mountains? Don't speak nonsense."
Qiao'er immediately quieted down, but her eyes were full of confusion and grievance. Did she say something wrong? After all, her brother had told her himself last night that he was going to the mountains.
"Husband, I'm not used to being pampered at home. If there's anything you need, just tell me," Cui Hongyu said, lowering her posture.
It was clear that Cui Hongyu had humbled herself, and considering she had outlived three husbands, how could she not?
Chen Xiaobei smiled slightly. "Really, there's nothing to do. If you want to help, in the afternoon, you and Qiao'er can water the vegetables I just planted in the back."
Feeling relieved that there was something to do, Cui Hongyu relaxed.
After lunch, Chen Xiaobei didn't stay at home for long. He packed two bundles and went straight to Qingniu Mountain.
The wild chickens had already been scared off and wouldn't return to their original spot. He had collected some wild eggs last night, but there were still dozens, if not hundreds, left in the area. He had to bring as many back as possible today; otherwise, they would either be eaten by other wild animals or spoil.
Just as Chen Xiaobei left, a few unexpected guests arrived at the house. Chen Ermao and Monkey had come again.
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