Liu Rumei continued, "That's why the Emperor banished your grandfather back to his hometown. I then spread rumors that you accepted two hundred taels of silver from Xiaobei Ge. The Emperor would then believe your grandfather was greedy, and his reputation would slowly be tarnished."
"The more this happened, the more at ease the Emperor would be, and he wouldn't target your grandfather again. You would all be able to live out your lives safely."
Upon hearing Liu Rumei's explanation, the little maid's eyes widened.
"Sister, now that you've explained it, I understand. I wrongly accused you."
Liu Rumei walked forward slowly and gently drew the little maid into her embrace.
Lightly stroking the little maid's hair, Liu Rumei spoke with a hint of apology.
"I only figured this out on my way here, so I quickly ordered people to act without having time to discuss it with you."
The little maid shook her head. "It's alright, Sister. I know you did it for us. I was wrong to accuse you."
As they were talking, footsteps were heard. Xiao Qing rushed in quickly, "Miss, Miss, it's time to see the guests off. Xiaobei Ge..."
Before she could finish speaking, Liu Rumei's eyebrows arched in annoyance. "Remember to call him son-in-law from now on."
Xiao Qing repeatedly agreed and then said, "Is son-in-law calling you? He said the guests are leaving."
Liu Rumei gently patted the little maid's shoulder again, then turned and went to the main entrance. She expressed her gratitude to the many guests who had come for the banquet. Everyone understood the Emperor's intentions, so they were merely there to show support and join the festivities. It was enough for their sincerity to be felt. They should leave promptly.
They could express their sentiments, but it was best not to overdo it, lest it be difficult to explain to the Emperor.
Soon, the bustling courtyard fell silent. Looking at the messy tables laden with remnants of food, Liu Rumei felt a sense of relief. She let out a long sigh.
"Alright, the matter is finally over. This way, the Emperor can be satisfied."
With that, she rolled up her sleeves and moved to help clear the leftovers, but Xiao Qing stopped her.
"Miss, Miss, how could you do such a thing? Go rest, leave it to us."
Liu Rumei shook her head. "No, no, I'll help you clean up."
Just then, Liu Yuanwen approached with a grim expression and let out a soft cough. "Rumei, what are you doing?"
"Brother, I just wanted to help them clear the tables. Look at this mess."
Liu Yuanwen glared. "This is none of your business. What you should be doing now is going to the room with Chen Xiaobei."
Liu Rumei was very obedient this time. She shrugged slightly and turned to leave.
She even ignored Chen Xiaobei standing nearby. Chen Xiaobei felt a bit awkward at Liu Yuanwen's words, as the implication was quite strong. Liu Yuanwen walked up to Chen Xiaobei and said, "I apologize. Rumei can be a bit willful normally. Please be understanding."
Chen Xiaobei nodded. "Brother, please rest assured, I will take good care of her."
With that, Chen Xiaobei bowed and left.
When he arrived at the bridal chamber, Liu Rumei was already sitting there, drinking tea by herself.
Seeing Chen Xiaobei enter, she quickly poured a cup of tea and placed it in front of him. "Xiaobei Ge, have a cup too."
Chen Xiaobei sat down and took a sip of tea. He wanted to speak but suddenly found himself at a loss for words. Liu Rumei seemed to sense the awkwardness and quietly drank her tea.
After about fifteen minutes of silence, Chen Xiaobei knew he had to speak. This couldn't go on forever. He was a man, and he needed to make things clear.
With that in mind, Chen Xiaobei tentatively said, "Rumei, there's something I need to be upfront with you about."
"It hasn't even been a month since Huang Ying left me. Thinking of her, my heart is filled with mixed emotions."
"I know you sincerely want to marry me, but I still can't let go of Huang Ying. So..."
Upon hearing this, Liu Rumei understood. Chen Xiaobei's intention was that he couldn't let go of Huang Ying and therefore couldn't accept her for the time being, even though they were now married.
However, in another sense, this proved Chen Xiaobei to be a man of deep affection and loyalty, not someone who was fickle, loved one after another, and married one after another died.
"Xiaobei Ge, I understand how you feel. As long as we put on a show for outsiders, you can do as you please in private."
Chen Xiaobei nodded. He reached out and held Liu Rumei's delicate hand. "Rumei, thank you for understanding. I truly don't feel right about this."
Liu Rumei also looked relieved. She stood up. "Alright, I'll help you tidy the bed. You're tired today, let's get some rest early."
With that, she stepped forward and was about to start when someone knocked on the door outside, followed by Xiao Qing's voice, "Miss, Miss."
Hearing this, Liu Rumei immediately stopped and sat back down in her chair before saying, "Xiao Qing, come in."
The door creaked open, and Xiao Qing tiptoed in. She bowed and said, "Son-in-law, Miss, I've come to help you prepare the bed."
Upon hearing this, Chen Xiaobei instantly understood. Xiao Qing must have overheard their conversation, which was why she came in at the right moment.
This meant Xiao Qing was suspected of eavesdropping.
Then again, there was nothing wrong with that. Letting Xiao Qing know their true situation would avoid future awkwardness.
Liu Rumei was even more in the know. She spoke directly, "Xiao Qing, you must have heard what the son-in-law and I were discussing."
Xiao Qing also appeared flustered. "No, no, I was clearing tables, and then..."
The more she denied it, the more it proved Xiao Qing had indeed heard.
Liu Rumei was even more direct. She said, "Xiao Qing, what the son-in-law and I discussed is not to be told to a second person. Otherwise, you can go wherever you please."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Qing became even more panicked. She turned around, took two steps forward, grabbed Liu Rumei's arm, and shook it vigorously, like a child pleading with an adult. "Miss, Miss, don't be like this. I'll tell you, I'll tell you. I was indeed listening outside just now. I actually just wanted to help you prepare the bed, but I was afraid it would be inconvenient to come in."
Liu Rumei nodded and gently took Xiao Qing's arm, stopping her. "Xiao Qing, I know you're worried about me, but I'm married now. I can handle some things myself from now on."
Xiao Qing looked at Liu Rumei with a hint of surprise. "Miss, Miss, I..."
"Alright, after you've prepared the bed, you can leave. I'll call you tomorrow morning."
Xiao Qing hesitated for a moment, then finally nodded and turned to leave.
After Xiao Qing left, Liu Rumei stood up, walked directly to the bed, and took off her bright red wedding gown.