The two conversed as they downed the wine offered by Chen Xiaobei, finishing their cups and then laughing heartily at each other.
Seeing their cheerful disposition, Chen Xiaobei's mood also improved significantly.
He then poured a second cup of wine for his two uncles and handed it over. At this point, Liu Rumei also poured a cup and offered it to Chen Xiaobei, gesturing for him to drink with his uncles.
After the three of them finished drinking, the two uncles, understanding the situation, waved Chen Xiaobei away, urging him to go toast others.
Chen Xiaobei nodded and had walked only a few steps when he heard two loud thuds behind him. His uncles had collapsed on the ground, unconscious.
Witnessing this, Liu Rumei couldn't help but smile. The two uncles were indeed straightforward individuals, having saved their last bit of drinking capacity for this final cup from Chen Xiaobei.
When Chen Xiaobei arrived at the group of village guards, there were naturally fewer formalities. He simply raised his cup and drank with them.
Watching this, Liu Rumei looked at Chen Xiaobei with a smile, a hint of affection in her eyes, but only a hint.
Even this small gesture was noticed by her maid, Xiao Qing.
Finding an opportunity, Xiao Qing pulled Liu Rumei aside, her words filled with urgency, "Miss, can you please be mindful of your status? You are a County Princess. Helping out at Chen Xiaobei's wedding is one thing, but why are you taking on so much as if it were your own family's affair?"
Liu Rumei sighed and looked at Xiao Qing. "Since we're helping, why not do it thoroughly? Why not do more since we've come?"
"Oh, Miss, look at how many people there are in the village. Why must you personally step in? Can we return to the capital tomorrow?"
Liu Rumei shook her head. "Have you forgotten why we came? The scattered soldiers on the mountain have not been cleared. How can we leave?"
"But if this continues, I don't think you'll be able to leave," Xiao Qing said indignantly.
"I think you might as well marry Chen Xiaobei and stay in Hetou Village forever."
Liu Rumei smiled. "Xiao Qing, there are many ways to repay a kindness. It doesn't always have to be marriage."
Hearing Liu Rumei's words, a trace of joy finally appeared in Xiao Qing's eyes.
But before she could rejoice, Liu Rumei added, "However, if we think about it, being able to stay in Hetou Village for a lifetime would be our good fortune."
"You!" Xiao Qing was speechless once again.
Liu Rumei waved her hand. "Alright, alright, I know what I'm doing. Go and accompany Brother Xiaobei in toasting. I'll go inside to see the bride." Su Dan Novel Network
Saying this, Liu Rumei thrust the wine pot into Xiao Qing's hand and turned to enter the bridal chamber.
Inside the bridal chamber, the Lotus Cult Master, Tang Lianhua, Shen Ziyan, and Huang Ying were engaged in a lively conversation.
Having studied under the same master for many years, they shared a deep bond, and naturally, there was much to talk about.
The Lotus Cult Master chuckled and teased Huang Ying, "Master has over a dozen disciples, and you are the youngest, aren't you?"
Huang Ying smiled and nodded. "Yes, you all used to bully me when we were learning."
As she spoke, she made a gesture of sniffing and crying. Shen Ziyan knew what the Lotus Cult Master wanted to say.
She chimed in playfully, "Alright, Huang Ying, you were the one who cried the most. When Master punished you by making you skip dinner, wasn't it us who secretly brought you biscuits to eat?"
Hearing this, the three of them burst into laughter again.
The Lotus Cult Master then added, "Yes, yes, who would have thought that the little girl who was happy with just one biscuit would get married..."
"Who would have thought? And she's the first among our dozen or so to get married!" Shen Ziyan added.
Upon hearing this, Huang Ying's face turned slightly flushed, but she quickly replied, "It's not my fault. Some of the senior sisters are cultivating with Master on the island and don't wish to come out. You, the eldest sister, are so busy."
"Yes, if you calculate it, only Huang Ying isn't busy, so she had no choice but to get married!" The Lotus Cult Master teased Huang Ying again.
"Senior Sister, you're just jealous." Huang Ying didn't seem bothered and retorted strongly.
"Eldest Sister, I think you should get married too. Have you found any eligible young men? I and Sister Ziyan will help you propose."
"Go away, go away, it's not your turn to propose, little girl. You should be a good bride."
As they were chatting animatedly, Liu Rumei lifted the curtain and walked in. Upon seeing her enter, Huang Ying and the other two respectfully greeted her.
Liu Rumei apologized, "I'm sorry for interrupting your pleasant conversation."
The Lotus Cult Master, being tactful, quickly responded with a smile, "It's nothing, it's nothing. We were just keeping our junior sister company so she wouldn't be lonely."
Liu Rumei smiled and said, "Don't worry, she won't be lonely. Brother Xiaobei will be done drinking soon."
The Lotus Cult Master and Shen Ziyan understood the implication of her words. They exchanged a glance and stood up. "It's getting late, we should be going back."
"Ah, you guys..." Huang Ying was somewhat taken aback. They were having such a good time, and now they were leaving. Before she could finish her sentence, Shen Ziyan placed a hand on her shoulder, interrupting her. "Alright, junior sister, we'll come again tomorrow."
With that, she gave Huang Ying a meaningful smile and turned to leave.
Watching them both leave, Huang Ying's face showed concern. "Miss Liu, has Brother Xiaobei had too much to drink?"
Liu Rumei smiled and shook her head. "No, no. He hasn't drunk much all evening!"
"That's good, that's good." Huang Ying finally relaxed.
"You wait, Brother Xiaobei will be back soon." Liu Rumei stepped forward to help Huang Ying readjust her veil, then turned and walked out.
Outside, the village guards were still holding Chen Xiaobei back, drinking with him incessantly. Liu Rumei walked up and gently tapped the table. "Everyone, it's getting late. Go back and rest. Tomorrow, attend to your duties."
Although her tone was a bit stern, the village guards were all drunk, so a firm tone was necessary.
The men held some reverence for Liu Rumei. Hearing her words, Chen Dachun was the first to raise his cup. "Yes, Miss Liu is right. We should disperse. We can't keep you from your important tasks by drinking so much."
The crowd chuckled, raised their cups, and finished their drinks. Then they got up and prepared to leave. With the village guards dealt with, only Chen Xiaobei's two uncles remained.
Since it was late and they couldn't be sent to Wangjiazhuang, Liu Rumei had people carry them away.
They were carried to the back of the mountain, to the large locust tree where the team members were temporarily staying.
Although the conditions were a bit rudimentary, it was the best "hotel" in Hetou Village.
Seeing that the courtyard had quieted down, Chen Xiaobei closed the courtyard gate and in a hurry, turned and rushed into the bridal chamber.
Inside the bridal chamber, Huang Ying, her face covered by the veil, heard clearly that someone had entered. At this moment, who else could it be but Chen Xiaobei?
Chen Xiaobei approached step by step, and Huang Ying's heart grew increasingly nervous.
Her hands were clasped together, her palms sweating with tension.