Chen Xiaobei immediately came back to his senses, nodded to A Xiang, "Uncle A Xiang, you can go back. I'll take care of Hongyu. Don't worry, I'll treat her well."
Hearing Chen Xiaobei say this, Cui Hongyu's eyes flashed with gratitude, and A Xiang grinned with delight.
"Alright then, I'll be going back. Master said if anything happens, just let him know."
A Xiang drove away with the carriage. The children who had been gathered at the entrance, however, refused to leave, clamoring for biscuits.
The so-called biscuits were similar to the cookies of later generations, made with flour and a bit of sugar.
In this era, sugar was not distributed when getting married; instead, friends and relatives received biscuits.
But given Chen Xiaobei's circumstances, how could he prepare such things?
At this moment, Cui Hongyu's face flushed slightly. She turned and went into the house. A moment later, she came out with a bundle.
She reached into the bundle and grabbed a handful, pressing more than a dozen biscuits into Chen Xiaobei's hand.
Chen Xiaobei understood that Cui Hongyu wanted him to distribute them to the children.
He stepped forward and gave two biscuits to each child. After giving them to each child, Chen Xiaobei affectionately reached out and patted their heads.
When Chen Xiaowei's biscuits were all distributed, Cui Hongyu would grab another handful and give it to Chen Xiaobei.
Not far away, the village head Chen Anbang and Xiu Mei watched the默契 actions of Chen Xiaobei and Cui Hongyu. They exchanged glances and smiled.
Xiu Mei asked in a low voice, "Village head, this counts as getting married, right? Is that Taoist priest really that effective?"
Village head Chen Anbang looked around and said, "Keep your voice down. Don't let this matter get out. That Taoist priest said there would be bloodshed within three days."
"As long as Chen Xiaobei takes this calamity for Hongyu, they will have a worry-free life from now on, with abundant food and clothing for the rest of their lives."
Xiu Mei sighed, "There are still three days. I'm worried about Chen Xiaobei's impatient nature. If he breaks Hongyu's virginity, won't all our efforts be in vain?"
Chen Anbang chuckled, "Don't worry. The Cui family said they sent Hongyu here today precisely because she is carrying her menstrual blood. Even if Chen Xiaobei is impatient, he can't do anything to her these few days."
Xiu Mei smiled and then said in a low voice, "Then congratulations in advance. I'm going back to cook."
Chen Anbang waved his hand and turned to leave.
When he reached a deserted spot, Chen Anbang could not contain his joy and muttered, "Chen Xiaobei, Chen Xiaobei, don't blame me for being ruthless. You're an orphan anyway. After you resolve Cui Hongyu's ill fate, my grandson can grow old with her. After you die, I'll make sure you get a good coffin."
By this time, Chen Xiaobei's home had gradually quieted down.
Since Chen Xiaobei usually didn't engage in social niceties with the villagers, and had no personal connections, his wedding only saw the village head bring a few people to help, and those unruly children coming for biscuits.
Chen Xiaobei sat under the large locust tree, gazing at Cui Hongyu in silence. He couldn't find any common ground to communicate with the woman who had become his wife without ever having met her.
Fortunately, there was Chen Qiao'er. Seeing them sitting quietly from the window, she crept out, holding a biscuit in each hand. She gave one to Chen Xiaobei and the other to Cui Hongyu, "Brother, sister-in-law, have some biscuits."
Chen Qiao'er's appearance dissolved the awkward atmosphere and reminded Cui Hongyu. She stood up and rubbed her hands, "Husband, it's almost noon. You and Qiao'er rest, I'll go make lunch."
Chen Xiaobei looked up at the sky. Indeed, it was nearly noon.
He quickly stood up, "Let me do it. You just arrived, you won't know where the oil, salt, soy sauce, and vinegar are."
Cui Hongyu didn't insist and turned into the house.
Soon, she brought out a cloth bag from her dowry. The bag contained flour.
Good heavens, it seemed the Cui family had prepared for this, fearing their daughter would go hungry.
Amidst his surprise, Chen Xiaobei could only wash vegetables, as a show of his pride.
Seeing one washing cucumbers and the other preparing to make noodle soup, Chen Qiao'er hurried to start the fire.
They already had half a iron pot, and Chen Xiaobei had bought a new one, so they could use two stoves at once today.
The newly bought iron pot could be used to make noodle soup, and the half pot could be used with some lard to stir-fry the cucumbers.
Seeing Chen Xiaobei scoop out a spoonful of lard, Cui Hongyu's face was full of surprise.
She certainly recognized lard and knew it was expensive. She truly couldn't fathom how Chen Xiaobei's family could afford it, given he was said to be destitute.
But then she thought, after all, she was marrying into his family. Perhaps the villagers had given him some.
After stir-frying the cucumbers for a few moments, Chen Xiaobei, as if by magic, produced two wild eggs from a niche on the wall.
There were even eggs. Cui Hongyu was even more surprised. Qiao'er eagerly sniffed the air, trying to inhale as much of the aroma as possible.
Chen Xiaobei skillfully prepared the stir-fried cucumbers.
With lard, eggs, and a little salt, it was truly a dish of excellent color, aroma, and taste.
The more impressive it was, the more uneasy Cui Hongyu felt. If these items were gifts from the neighbors, it would be fine. But if Chen Xiaobei had borrowed money to buy them, they would have to be repaid.
While eating, Cui Hongyu tentatively asked, "Husband, is there any work in the fields now? I can do it."
Chen Xiaobei shook his head, "There's no work in the fields. You and Qiao'er can stay home this afternoon."
Hearing this, Chen Qiao'er clapped her hands happily, "Great, great! I'll wait for brother at home with sister-in-law for him to go into the mountains."
Chen Xiaobei glared at Chen Qiao'er, "Who told you I was going into the mountains? Don't talk nonsense."
Chen Qiao'er immediately became quiet, but her eyes were full of confusion and grievance. Had she said something wrong? Her brother had told her himself last night that he was going into the mountains.
"Husband, I'm not someone who enjoys a pampered life at home. Please, just order me around if there's anything."
It was evident that Cui Hongyu was adopting a humble posture. After all, she had already outlived three men, so her posture couldn't be anything but low.
Chen Xiaobei smiled slightly, "There's really nothing to do. If you really want to do something, then in the afternoon, help Qiao'er water the vegetables I just planted behind the house."
Being able to do some work, Cui Hongyu felt much more at ease.
After lunch, Chen Xiaobei didn't stay home for long. He packed two bundles and headed into Qingniu Mountain.
The pheasants had been startled away and wouldn't return to their original spot. He had taken some wild eggs last night, but there were still at least dozens, if not a hundred, left behind. Therefore, he had to bring back as many wild eggs as possible today, otherwise, if left there, they would either be eaten by other beasts or spoil.
Just as Chen Xiaobei left, a few uninvited guests arrived at the house. Chen Ermao, along with Monkey and the others, had come again.