These soldiers looked at each other, unable to fathom Liu Rumei's intentions, and dared not answer rashly.
Chen Xiaobei clearly saw their hesitation and said in a deep voice, "You are outsiders and are not familiar with this Green Ox Mountain. Not only are there wild beasts on Green Ox Mountain, but it is also frighteningly cold at night. You must know this after staying on the mountain for a few days."
After speaking, Chen Xiaobei exchanged a glance with Liu Rumei. Liu Rumei, of course, understood him perfectly and nodded slightly, "I want you to find your companions as soon as possible and go home if you should."
So that's how it was.
The soldiers immediately agreed in unison, "Miss Liu, please rest assured, we will head into the mountain immediately."
Liu Rumei waved her hand, "There's no need to be so hasty. Eat your fill and sleep, then head into the mountain tomorrow morning. Oh, I've also asked Steward Liu to take some people up the mountain. Don't have any misunderstandings if you meet them."
"Don't worry, don't worry, there will be no misunderstandings. We've all been scattered." The soldiers said in unison.
With this assurance, Liu Rumei was much relieved. If they were all scattered and not in organized groups, Liu Ce and the others' safety could be guaranteed to the greatest extent.
When Chen Xiaobei returned to his own home, Chen Dachun and the others had already piled the apples onto the carts. Following their usual practice, they loaded two carts.
Looking at the two carts, Chen Xiaobei's mind stirred. That's right, he used to deliver goods to Feng Xiaoyue and the others. He wondered what their situation was like now.
Thinking of this, he called Chen Xiaowen over, "Tomorrow morning, you ride to Xiaojia Town. Do our Feng Xiaoyue still want apples? If she wants them, then set aside some and send them to her."
Chen Xiaobei waited until the third watch. The villagers who used fishing nets to catch fish one after another. There were about a dozen fish longer than a foot.
There was no other way, that's all they had. They could only deliver these to Qingniu County town first thing tomorrow morning.
The next day, as dawn broke, the village of Hetou became busy.
Chen Xiaowen galloped his horse towards Xiaojia Town. Chen Dayong and the others prepared two carts. One was loaded with apples, which had been loaded the previous night. The other was loaded with a large water缸, into which they put yesterday's fish, and then headed for the county town.
Chen Xiaobei went to his new home to check if anything was missing.
According to local customs, starting today, villagers would gradually send gifts. Some would send food, some would send silver, depending on each person's situation.
These things were trivial and required someone to keep accounts.
Liu Rumei had many literate people under her, and it was easy to find two. There was no need to worry about this.
Moreover, the Old Ancestor was sitting nearby in the village. He knew everyone and would definitely not make any mistakes.
Just as things were lively, two outsiders suddenly arrived.
They were two middle-aged men, dressed in coarse clothes, looking very simple and honest.
As soon as the two middle-aged men entered the village, they asked where Chen Xiaobei's house was.
Because Chen Xiaobei had joyous news, the escort team didn't ask any further questions and led the two directly to see Chen Xiaobei.
Upon meeting them, Chen Xiaobei was completely bewildered. He didn't recognize these two men.
Chen Xiaobei cupped his fists and asked politely, "What business do you two have with me?"
The two men exchanged a glance and asked with surprise and joy, "You are Chen Xiaobei?"
Chen Xiaobei nodded.
The two men patted their chests again, "I am your maternal uncle."
"I am your second maternal uncle."
"You wouldn't not recognize us, would you?"
Chen Xiaobei was completely stunned. His memory fragments searched frantically, and he had a vague impression that he did have two maternal uncles.
However, his mother didn't take him to visit them much when she was alive. After his mother passed away, there was naturally no contact.
At this moment, the Old Ancestor stood up shakily.
"You are from Wangjiazhuang, aren't you?"
Upon hearing the Old Ancestor's question, the two men immediately looked overjoyed and hastily replied, "Yes, yes, we are from Wangjiazhuang. I am Wang Dafu, and he is Wang Dagui."
"Dafu" and "Dagui," the names were indeed good.
The Old Ancestor's face showed joy, "Nephew is getting married, and the uncles have come. They should sit in the chief seats. Please come in."
Saying this, he warmly invited the two to sit down quickly.
However, Wang Dafu and Wang Dagui's faces showed a hint of embarrassment.
From their expressions, Chen Xiaobei could roughly guess that they might not have come for his wedding and had other intentions.
Thinking of this, he stepped forward and said to the Old Ancestor, "Old Ancestor, my two uncles haven't been here for years. Let me take them to my old house to sit for a while."
He subtly eased their embarrassment, which made Wang Dafu and Wang Dagui look at Chen Xiaobei with a hint of gratitude.
Chen Xiaobei led the two away from the noisy crowd and stopped when they were out of sight.
"My two uncles, what is the matter you are looking for me for?"
The two men exchanged a glance, and Wang Dagui spoke, "This matter is quite troublesome. It's your wedding day soon, and we didn't want to mention it, but if we don't, I fear there won't be another chance later."
Chen Xiaobei smiled calmly, "It's nothing. Just say whatever you need to say."
Wang Dagui then continued, "It's like this, your maternal grandmother is getting old and her mind isn't quite right. She often talks about your mother, but as you know, your mother has already passed away."
"We thought that since our old mother misses her daughter dearly, if you could go and see her, things might get much better."
So that was it. Chen Xiaobei nodded slightly.
"My two uncles, please rest assured. After I'm done with these few busy days, I will take Hongyu and the others to visit my maternal grandmother."
Getting Chen Xiaobei's promise, their faces showed some relief, "There's also something else. We didn't know you were getting married before we came. Tomorrow, we will prepare another generous gift and come again."
Chen Xiaobei waved his hand, "My two uncles, you don't need to be so polite. Since you've come today, stay and have a good meal. Let's catch up."
Wang Dafu, however, had a serious expression, "How can that be? This is one matter, and that is another."
After speaking, he pulled his younger brother and turned to leave, shouting back at Chen Xiaobei as they walked, "We will be here punctually tomorrow morning."
Chen Xiaobei returned to the Old Ancestor and briefly explained the situation. The Old Ancestor's eyes were filled with joy.
"Good, the Wang family is courteous and principled. They are good relatives."
Just as he was speaking, the sound of horse hooves rang out. Chen Xiaowen returned, followed by two fast horses.
On horseback were Feng Xiaoyue and Xiaomu.
Arriving in front of Chen Xiaobei, Feng Xiaoyue reined in her war horse and jumped down.
Then, she took a large bundle from the saddle, "Brother Xiaobei, I heard you are getting married, and I don't have much silver to express my token of appreciation."
Chen Xiaobei smiled and took it. He opened the bundle and found a piece of animal hide inside.
"I bought this tiger hide from a passing merchant. Please accept it as a wedding gift."