While this was happening, Chen Xiaobei invited Hu Fan into his home. They had some tea and chatted, but it was clear that Hu Fan was distracted. This made Chen Xiaobei even more certain that Hu Fan had another motive for coming, and it was likely about Liu Rumei. If that was the case, then arranging for Liu Rumen to go home early to prepare was the right move.
Thinking this, Chen Xiaobei said to a nearby village guard, "Go ask Chen Dayong to hurry up. Gathering a team is taking so long. Isn't this just embarrassing ourselves in front of the county magistrate?"
Hu Fan smiled and waved his hand, "It's alright, it's alright, no need to rush."
The village guard agreed and went to find Chen Dayong.
Chen Dayong understood Chen Xiaobei's intentions perfectly; asking him to speed up was actually a signal to slow down.
After another delay, about the time it takes to eat a meal, Chen Dayong finally ambled in, his face covered in dust, his hands still black with charcoal ash.
"Village chief Xiaobei, the team is finally gathered."
Looking at Hu Fan, who was already impatient, Chen Xiaobei put on an apologetic expression. "Magistrate Hu, I'm truly sorry for keeping you waiting. Shall we go and see?"
Hu Fan nodded and followed Chen Xiaobei out of the courtyard and onto the street, where a large crowd of people could be seen ahead.
When they saw Chen Xiaobei, the crowd naturally quieted down.
Chen Xiaobei first enthusiastically invited Magistrate Hu to stand on a large stone, then raised his voice and said, "Everyone, listen up. Today, Magistrate Hu represents His Highness the Crown Prince."
Chen Xiaobei started, then gestured to Magistrate Hu. Hu Fan was pleased with the effect. He smiled and waved at the crowd, "My fellow villagers, you've all worked hard. I am here today under the orders of His Highness the Crown Prince to deliver a congratulatory gift to a villager in Hetou Village named Chen Xiaobei."
"His Highness the Crown Prince said that Chen Xiaowen was of great help during his time on Qingniu Mountain, and he has always remembered it. Upon hearing that Chen Xiaowen was to be married, he specifically ordered me to deliver this gift."
As soon as they heard this, the crowd erupted in excitement. "Oh my, I never thought Brother Xiaowen would receive the Crown Prince's favor!"
"Yes, yes, to have the Crown Prince personally send a gift, this is a first for our Hetou Village."
"If we knew he had the Crown Prince's favor, what kind of bride couldn't he have married? I think marrying a peony would be too little for him."
"Get real, if he didn't marry her, would she be left for you?"
As the villagers chattered and laughed amongst themselves, several constables carried two large chests from a carriage. One was opened to reveal brocade and silk.
The other was opened to reveal items for daily use, such as bowls and plates.
In this era, porcelain cups and plates weren't particularly rare; the wealthy could afford them. However, those bought with money were usually crudely made. Gifts from the Crown Prince, however, were far more exquisite. These were from the imperial kilns, not something you could buy just because you had money. They were a symbol of status.
Seeing these items, the villagers once again let out gasps of astonishment.
Hu Fan felt a great sense of satisfaction seeing the villagers' delighted expressions. Of course, he also breathed a sigh of relief. He had successfully completed the task assigned by His Highness the Crown Prince.
Chen Xiaobei also felt relieved. Chen Xiaowen had gained both face and substance. This matter would soon spread throughout the neighboring villages, and Chen Xiaowen would be able to hold his head high when he went to Cuijia Village.
Considering they had been here for nearly an hour, he believed Liu Rumei would have finished her preparations.
With this in mind, Chen Xiaobei approached Magistrate Hu and, with clasped fists, smiled again. "According to our Hetou Village customs, since you have come to deliver a congratulatory gift, you must stay for lunch today, no matter what. Let us fulfill our duties as hosts."
Hu Fan neither agreed nor refused, and followed Chen Xiaobei back to his home. Once seated, Hu Fan finally changed the subject, looking around with feigned surprise.
"Hey, Brother Xiaobei, I've been here for so long, and I just noticed Miss Liu isn't here today."
"Could it be that after marrying her, you've hidden her away and won't let her be seen?"
It was indeed about this matter. Chen Xiaobei felt a sense of relief. Fortunately, he had made Liu Rumei hide. Otherwise, this plan to feign illness would have failed before it even began.
Thinking this, Chen Xiaobei immediately began to act. He put on a sorrowful expression.
"Alas, Magistrate Hu, in all honesty, I shouldn't speak of these matters and spoil your mood. But since you've asked, I must."
Seeing Chen Xiaobei's tone, Hu Fan was startled. "What on earth has happened?"
Chen Xiaobei let out a long sigh. "Magistrate Hu, I won't hide it from you. Yesterday, Rumei and I visited the ancestral graves and burned some paper money for our ancestors. But after we returned, she fell ill."
"She was better yesterday, but this morning, she couldn't even get out of bed."
Hearing this, Hu Fan was very surprised. "Could it be that she's been possessed by some evil spirit?"
Chen Xiaobei shook his head repeatedly. "I've already sent someone to fetch a Taoist priest. He'll likely arrive tomorrow."
"By the way, Magistrate Hu, do you have any arrangements for Rumei?"
Hearing this, Hu Fan shook his head repeatedly. "No, no, nothing like that. Alas, now that you mention it, I am quite uneasy. Would it be convenient for me to visit Miss Liu?"
Chen Xiaobei knew that Hu Fan had to see her. Otherwise, Hu Fan would remain uneasy, and he wouldn't be able to give a proper account when he returned.
"Very well, Magistrate Hu, I'll accompany you."
Chen Xiaobei led the way, with Hu Fan following. The two arrived at Liu Rumei's residence. As soon as they entered the courtyard, a strong smell of burnt paper hung in the air. In the middle of the courtyard was a charcoal brazier with some unburnt yellow paper in it.
Chen Xiaobei himself was somewhat surprised by this scene. Although he had rehearsed with Liu Rumei yesterday, he hadn't expected her to be so resourceful in her performance. These details were very well done.
Even Hu Fan's heart skipped a beat when he saw the yellow paper in the brazier.
At this moment, Xiao Qing emerged from the house and paid her respects to Hu Fan and Chen Xiaobei.
Chen Xiaobei put on a pained expression and asked Xiao Qing, "How is Rumei? Is she asleep or awake?"
"Reporting to the young master, the lady just woke up. I asked her what she wanted to eat, but she said she had no appetite!"
Chen Xiaobei nodded. "In that case, quickly go and invite the lady out. Tell her Magistrate Hu has come to visit."
Xiao Qing turned and ran inside. Chen Xiaobei also gestured, inviting Hu Fan into the main room.
Upon entering the room, they saw offerings placed on the table in the center, with three incense sticks burning.
It looked quite convincing. Chen Xiaobei secretly marveled that Liu Rumei was also an excellent actress.
A short while later, Xiao Qing helped Liu Rumei out.