Chen Dachun returned to his home and sat down, looking somewhat dejected.
Seeing this, Xiumei came forward and asked with concern, "Dachun, what's wrong? Didn't you go to the meeting? What did they say?"
Chen Dachun slammed the table, "Chen Xiaobei and Chen Dayong are truly despicable. Before I had my accident, the village security captain position was mine. By rights, now that I can work again, Chen Dayong should give it back to me."
"Even if you don't give me the security captain position, fine. They just formed a transportation team, and the captain is to be Chen Xiaowen."
"How will I be able to face anyone from now on?"
Hearing Chen Dachun's complaints, Cuihua, who was nearby, couldn't help but speak, "Husband, since Xiaobei made this arrangement, there must be a reason..."
Chen Dachun's eyes widened, "Nonsense from a woman, what do you know? Oh, right, go and cook quickly, I'm starving."
Xiumei shot her son a look. "Dachun, be angry if you must, but you can't speak to Cuihua like that. We should discuss things calmly."
Seeing Xiumei speak up for her, Cuihua felt a warmth in her heart but didn't say anything further, instead turning to busy herself with cooking.
After Cuihua left, Xiumei immediately lowered her voice and said, "Dachun, you must be more polite to Cuihua from now on. We can't let people gossip behind our backs. The new bride hasn't even married in, and you're already neglecting the old one."
"Mother, just mind your own business. I know what I'm doing." With that, Chen Dachun impatiently stood up and walked towards the inner room.
Xiumei quickly followed, standing at the doorway and saying again, "You, don't just lie around at home. After you eat, go find Chen Xiaobei and ask him to arrange some work for you."
"Oh, Mother, my leg hasn't fully recovered yet. Besides, I have to marry Qiun Mei in a couple of days, and I'll be busy for a few days."
Xiumei sighed helplessly. "Alright, regarding marrying Qiun Mei, I've thought about it. I'll go tell Lidong's parents later. Since Qiun Mei is back, we don't need a big fuss. Just a simple meal with Xiaobei and the others to celebrate, and that will be that."
"Fine, fine, then you arrange it as you see fit." Chen Dachun waved his hand impatiently, then pulled a quilt over his head.
Seeing this, Xiumei sighed helplessly and turned to leave.
Stepping out of the room, Xiumei looked at Cuihua, who was busy cooking, and shook her head slightly.
But after shaking her head, she walked forward, helping Cuihua with the cooking, and tentatively said, "Cuihua, I'm planning to have a banquet for Dachun and Qiun Mei in a couple of days, inviting Xiaobei, Dayong, and the others to a meal. This matter will then be settled. You won't mind, will you?"
Although Cuihua felt a little uncomfortable, what could she do, especially with her current condition? Moreover, in this era, having multiple wives was a common practice.
Cuihua forced a smile. "Mother, I'll do as you say. I'll move out to the woodshed later."
Hearing this, Xiumei shook her head. "How can that be? How can I let you sleep in the woodshed?"
"I've thought about it. Your second uncle's house is empty, isn't it? I'll go and tidy it up. Later, we mother and daughter can move in, and we'll have each other for support."
Cuihua was taken aback at first, but finally nodded in agreement.
Although their second uncle's house was old and dilapidated, it was still much better than sleeping in the woodshed.
Of course, from this, Cuihua could also somewhat discern Xiumei's favoritism.
But then again, who could truly be completely impartial.
"A few days ago, I helped Hongyu with cooking. He said that after working, one can either get paid or ask others to help with the work. I didn't ask for payment, so I can have them help with tidying up the yard."
This was the mutual aid group that Cui Hongyu had organized. If one didn't ask for payment after working, they could get help from others.
Without further ado, Cuihua put down her work and went out.
At this time, Cui Hongyu was busy in her new home. Although fewer people were eating now, there were still thirty to forty people for lunch. Busy alongside her was Li Dong's widow, Qiun Mei. They discussed while working.
"Sister-in-law Qiun Mei, you'll be moving in a few days. You need to start making plans."
Qiun Mei nodded. "Yes, the child is still young. I need to keep him with me. I must get a warm room. I'll talk to Dachun later."
As she said this, she heard someone call out enthusiastically, "It's Cuihua!"
The two turned to look and saw Cuihua standing at the doorway, peering inside. Upon seeing Cui Hongyu, Cuihua's face broke into a smile.
"Sister Hongyu, I've come to discuss something with you."
Saying this, she stepped forward and picked up a bowl, helping to wash it.
"Sister Cuihua, you can just say what you need to, as long as I can help."
"It's like this, Mother just said she's going to tidy up Second Uncle's house, and I'll be moving in later. I'd like to ask for your help."
Hearing this, Cui Hongyu fell into a moment of silence. People say that one favors the new and dislikes the old, and it's true. Although they outwardly say they treat everyone equally, how many can truly do so?
But thinking about it, it was indeed the case. If Cuihua and Qiun Mei were to live in the few rooms at Dachun's house, it would be inconvenient.
Even if they were like sisters, conflicts would inevitably arise over time, so living separately was the best option, just like she herself had done with Huang Ying in the past.
"Okay, sister-in-law. When should we start? I'll arrange for people to come over."
"I think the sooner, the better. Let's start today. If I don't have enough work credits, I can pay with money."
Cui Hongyu nodded. "Alright, I'll arrange these things for you first. We'll discuss the rest later."
After speaking, she glanced at Qiun Mei, who was standing silently nearby. At this moment, it wasn't convenient for Qiun Mei to express her opinion, as it directly concerned her.
"Sister-in-law Qiun Mei, you don't need to go. There's still a lot to do here. You can oversee things then."
It must be said that Cui Hongyu's arrangement was very clever.
After all, this matter had a direct bearing on Qiun Mei's interests.
Soon, Cui Hongyu, along with four or five people, followed Second Aunt Xiumei to an old house.
This was left by Chen Dachun's second uncle.
Chen Dachun's second uncle was an old bachelor with no children, so the house had been abandoned after his death.
Looking at the fallen leaves covering the yard, Cui Hongyu frowned and then said, "Everyone, let's start by clearing the yard and gathering these leaves."
"These leaves can all be used for firewood."
As she spoke, Cui Hongyu took off her scarf and covered her face, leaving only her eyes visible. This was something Chen Xiaobei had taught her, as it could effectively prevent dust from entering the nose and mouth.