Liu Rumeng raised the secret letter in her hand, "I've read this already, so there's no point in you two trying to deny it. But rest assured, I will treat you well."
"However," she continued, "you'll have to bear with me for a while longer."
Liu Rumeng was a woman of action. She penned a letter to Liu Ce, arranging his tasks after descending the mountain, and then, along with Liu Ziming, Liu Ziliang, and others, hurried off.
Watching him depart, Cui Hongyu looked at Chen Xiaobei with concern. "Husband, will Miss Liu encounter any danger?"
Seeing her worried expression, Chen Xiaobei couldn't help but smile.
"Fighting battles is their business. For us, the war is over. We should live a peaceful life."
"Oh, right, I'll go to the village entrance and see how Da Chun and the others are doing with their charcoal burning."
Chen Xiaobei ambled towards the west entrance of the village and entered the woods. From a distance, he saw wisps of black smoke rising ahead.
He had to admit, Da Chun and his crew were incredibly efficient now.
They had already started the fire for the first batch so quickly.
Of course, this was just one batch; the second was still under construction.
Upon seeing Chen Xiaobei, everyone greeted him enthusiastically. Da Chun even put down his work and walked over with a smile.
"The first batch is already burning. At this rate, we can produce a batch every two days, which will be more than enough."
They sat down on a nearby stone. Chen Xiaobei picked up an apple. These were apples he had specifically brought for the villagers to make pastries with.
"Brother Da Chun, keep up the charcoal production. I'll arrange more manpower for you later. Also, keep a record of how many days each person has worked."
Chen Dachun chuckled, scratching his head. "Don't worry, it won't be forgotten. I'll keep a clear record."
"Also, I've been thinking. In a few more days, the apples on the mountain will be harvested, and more villagers will become free. I want to expand the charcoal production scale. Relying on Xiao Family Town alone won't suffice."
Chen Dachun nodded.
"Indeed, Xiao Family Town can only use so much. The county town will definitely have a higher demand."
"Once the first batch of charcoal is ready, set aside some samples for me. I need to find some sellers in the county town."
Chen Xiaobei then remembered shopkeeper Li from the general store. Having him sell charcoal on commission seemed feasible.
And then there was Old Wu, who sold vegetables. He wasn't sure if Wu would be interested. He would have to negotiate with them himself.
After discussing with Chen Dachun, Chen Xiaobei strolled back, stopping by Carpenter Zhang's house to urge him to finish the wooden doors he needed.
The room was only covered with a cloth curtain, which was really inconvenient.
He walked a few more steps into the village and suddenly saw a crowd gathered ahead, with people shouting loudly. The voice sounded familiar.
Suddenly, he slapped his forehead. Wasn't that his father-in-law Cui Fugui's voice?
Walking further, he saw his father-in-law, Cui Fugui, jumping up and down in front of his new house, shouting curses.
Chen Hongyu stood outside the crowd, her face flushed with anxiety.
It seemed her attempts to dissuade him were futile.
On the other side, Huang Ying was also flustered.
She hid tightly behind her second aunt, Xiu Mei.
It was clear that Aunt Xiu Mei was trying her best to protect Huang Ying.
Suddenly, someone shouted, "Look, Chen Xiaobei is here."
At the shout, Cui Fugui, who had been cursing, stopped and turned to look.
The crowd parted automatically, allowing Cui Fugui and Chen Xiaobei to face each other.
Cui Fugui strode up to Chen Xiaobei, pointing at his nose and yelling, "Chen Xiaobei, you ungrateful wretch! When my daughter married you, your family had nothing. Now that you're finally living a good life, you're taking another wife."
Hearing his words, Chen Xiaobei felt a sense of wry amusement. In his heart, he thought, "Taking a second wife is your daughter's issue, it has nothing to do with me." Sudangushi.net
As expected, Cui Hongyu rushed forward and stood in front of Chen Xiaobei. "Father, I told you long ago. This has nothing to do with Brother Xiaobei. I made the decision. If you have anything to say, say it to me."
Cui Fugui turned to Chen Xiaobei. "I heard that Chen Xiaobei is taking a second wife and sent four carriages as betrothal gifts. He didn't have anything for our family back then. This matter alone should be worth at least three hundred taels of silver."
Hearing this, Chen Xiaobei finally understood Cui Fugui's intention for coming. But to be cursed at and berated in front of so many people, this was something he could not tolerate.
With that thought, Chen Xiaobei gently raised his hand and pushed Cui Hongyu aside, facing Cui Fugui directly.
"Father, it's just three hundred taels of silver, not a big deal. But do you think it's reasonable to be cursing and yelling in the street like this?"
Upon hearing Chen Xiaobei's words, Cui Fugui's face showed a smile. "So you're willing to give three hundred taels of silver? Hurry up and give it to me."
Seeing Cui Fugui's eagerness, Chen Xiaobei frowned. There must be some underlying reason, otherwise, Cui Fugui wouldn't be so desperate to ask for such a small sum of money.
Besides, a few days ago, Liu Kai, disguised, had rescued him from the mountain. Chen Xiaobei was his savior.
However, in front of so many people, he couldn't ask too many questions.
But in front of so many people, there was one thing he could say, and that was to gain some dignity for Huang Ying.
He stepped forward, took Huang Ying's hand, and returned to Cui Fugui.
Then, with his other hand, he pulled Cui Hongyu up and looked at Cui Fugui, saying word by word with seriousness, "Father, both of them are my women now. What do you mean by jumping and cursing at them in the street?"
To his surprise, Cui Fugui could bend and stretch. He chuckled and cupped his hands towards Huang Ying, "Miss Huang Ying, I apologize. I was wrong just now. I was in a hurry..."
Seeing Cui Fugui and his group back down, the onlookers chuckled with amusement.
Chen Xiaobei was also happy. He had saved Huang Ying's face in front of everyone. Now, the family could close the door and settle things properly.
Chen Xiaobei waved his hand, and the crowd dispersed wisely.
"Father, let's talk at home," Chen Xiaobei gestured towards the new courtyard beside them.
Cui Fugui seemed a bit flustered. "This, this..."
"Alright, let's go inside," Chen Xiaobei led the way.
There were stone tables and benches in the courtyard. Chen Xiaobei invited Cui Fugui to sit, while Huang Ying and Cui Hongyu quickly went to make tea.
Cui Fugui stared at Chen Xiaobei. "Hurry up and give me the silver."
Chen Xiaobei was unhurried, smiling. "Father, what exactly happened? Why did you make such a scene in the village?"
Cui Fugui's expression immediately became tense.
"What do you mean 'what scene'? I'm asking you for the betrothal gifts, isn't that normal?"
Chen Xiaobei stared at him and said word by word, earnestly, "If you say it like that, then I really must talk to you. What do you say about rescuing you from the mountain? How much silver is that worth?"
His words stunned Cui Fugui into silence.