Seeing Cui Fugui remain silent, Cui Hongyu, who had just walked out with a teacup, couldn't help but complain, "Dad, what's wrong with you? Why did you suddenly get this idea? Back then, when you told me to get married, the dowry was all my own savings. I didn't use any of your money, did I?"
It was clear that Cui Hongyu also saw that there was something fishy going on.
Chen Xiaobei said again in a deep voice, "Dad, if you have something to say, just say it. We are all family, and we will help you solve it."
Seeing Cui Fugui hesitate, Cui Hongyu continued, "Dad, if you don't tell me, then I can't help you either. However, don't talk about three hundred taels of silver, you won't get a single cent."
Hearing this, Cui Fugui looked anxious, "Don't, don't! I need this money."
"Dad, why do you need three hundred taels of silver?"
"That's right, if you don't make things clear, then today, you definitely won't get this money," Chen Xiaobei added.
The two sang in harmony, and finally, Cui Fugui surrendered.
Cui Fugui looked up and saw Huang Ying looking as if she had something to say but didn't.
Cui Hongyu understood. She stepped forward, took Huang Ying's hand, and walked straight out of the courtyard.
Since it was inconvenient to say it in front of outsiders, he would say it to Chen Xiaobei alone.
Seeing that there was no one around, Chen Xiaobei leaned closer to Cui Fugui.
"Dad, tell me."
Cui Fugui looked annoyed and hit the table hard, "Alas, don't mention it. Last night, Cui San invited me to drink at Cui Dana's house. Now, Cui Dana is in Xiaojia Town, and Cui San manages all the affairs of the house. I had to go. Unconsciously, I had a few too many drinks, to the point of losing consciousness. But this morning, when I woke up, I found myself embracing Chunxiang, Cui Dana's concubine."
"Chunxiang was crying and making a scene, almost scratching my face. I said I would give her the entire property of the pharmacy, but Cui San was still relentless, saying that if I gave him another three hundred taels of silver and caused a scene here, only then would this matter be settled."
After speaking, he sighed and sat there motionless, covering his old face.
"Were you familiar with Cui San before? Did you often drink together?" Chen Xiaobei asked.
Cui Fugui shook his head, "I wasn't familiar with him before. Relying on being Cui Dana's steward, he wouldn't pay attention to ordinary people like us."
"Last night, Cui Dahai from the village invited me."
"Are you familiar with this Cui Dahai?"
Cui Fugui nodded, "He lives next door to me. He occasionally asks me for medicine when he has a headache or feels unwell."
"Then Cui Dahai and Cui Dana should be from the same clan, right?" Chen Xiaobei asked again.
Cui Fugui nodded, "Yes, they are from the same clan. I didn't want to go yesterday, but Cui Dahai kept persuading me, so I went."
Hearing this, Chen Xiaobei understood. In his era, this would be called a honey trap.
Although Chen Xiaobei understood, he had no evidence at the moment.
Moreover, if this matter were to be brought to the county yamen, as long as Cui Dana's concubine Chunxiang started crying and making a scene, and took the blame, or even added a little more drama, saying that Cui Fugui used force, then Cui Fugui would face at least exile.
At this moment, Cui Hongyu walked in from outside, "Husband, Dad was tricked, wasn't he?"
Chen Xiaobei nodded. Since Cui Hongyu had heard it, he didn't need to repeat it.
"Husband, I think no matter what, we have to suppress this matter. If it really goes to the county yamen, the trouble will be immense."
Yes, Chen Xiaobei also knew that this matter had to be resolved quickly.
Hearing Cui Hongyu's words, Cui Fugui suddenly looked up, "Yes, yes, even if I borrow three hundred taels of silver from you, I will pay it back later, I will pay it back."
Chen Xiaobei shook his head slightly.
"It's not that I won't give you the money, but do you think it's about the money? Clearly not!"
Saying that, he turned to Cui Hongyu, "Cui San is just a steward. Would he dare to let Cui Dana's concubine do such a thing with our father?"
Upon hearing this, Cui Hongyu's eyebrows shot up, "Are you saying that Cui Dana approved this behind the scenes?"
"Yes, if Cui Dana didn't agree, Cui San definitely wouldn't dare. And if Cui Dana really didn't know about this, then our father wouldn't be here now."
Cui Hongyu thought about it and understood. What Chen Xiaobei said was correct.
"Then, if that's the case, Cui Dana's purpose is not just for three hundred taels of silver."
"Yes, if our father takes the money, it's equivalent to admitting to this matter. As long as he admits it, then Cui Dana can demand as much as he wants in the future. Otherwise, if it goes to the county yamen, he will at least be exiled."
Chen Xiaobei recalled the previous dispute with Cui Dana over the apple orchard, and how he had forcefully taken the land deed in the end, leaving the other party speechless.
Now it seemed that Cui Dana was still not giving up. On the surface, it was targeting Cui Fugui, but in reality, it was aimed at him.
Cui Hongyu turned to her father and said, "Dad, you were tricked in this matter, but it wasn't aimed at you, it was aimed at Brother Xiaobei."
Cui Fugui looked aggrieved, "But... but I..."
Chen Xiaobei looked at Cui Fugui, filled with sympathy. He was taking the blame for him.
He had to resolve this matter, otherwise, he didn't know what other tricks Cui Dana would come up with next time.
Now, he was glad he hadn't gone to Hu Fan to resign yet. He was still the village head, so handling this matter would be relatively easier.
Chen Xiaobei pondered for a moment and had an idea.
This matter really had to be brought to the county yamen, otherwise, it would never be cleared up.
However, before going to the county yamen, he had to do something first.
Thinking of this, he said to Cui Hongyu, "Go and tell Yang Zhi and Yang Chun to help the village guards secure the village. No one from outside is allowed in."
Then he turned to Cui Fugui, "Dad, just stay here and don't worry about anything. I'll handle this matter."
After making the arrangements, Chen Xiaobei went home, put two silver notes in his pocket, mounted his fast horse, and headed straight for the county yamen.
Seeing Chen Xiaobei arrive, the county magistrate Hu Fan was very enthusiastic.
"Oh my, Brother Xiaobei, you've just gotten married. Why aren't you resting at home for a couple of days? Why have you come to my place?"
Chen Xiaobei cupped his fists and said, "Today, there is a matter that is difficult to speak of, and I have come to ask for a favor from your Lordship!"
Hu Fan laughed and waved his hand, asking everyone nearby to leave, even the advisor Mao You followed them out.
After all, Mao You knew that Hu Fan would discuss most matters with him afterward.
When they were alone, Chen Xiaobei immediately took out five hundred taels from his sleeve.
Upon seeing the silver, Hu Fan's expression turned serious, "Alas, Brother Xiaobei, what are you doing? What is it? Let's talk properly, you don't need this."
Chen Xiaobei smiled and pushed the silver notes forward, "It's not my matter, it's my father-in-law's matter."