Although Liu Rumei was surprised, she didn't think too deeply about it.
Steward Liu Ce, who was behind her, felt a little uneasy. After all, in his opinion, Chen Xiaobei's attitude towards Liu Rumei seemed less than respectful.
"Young Master Chen has really made it big. He's built this courtyard wall so high in one go."
Upon hearing the hint of sarcasm in the other person's words, Chen Xiaobei's temper flared. "If Miss Liu has no urgent business, please return!"
Hearing this, Chen Anbang was greatly alarmed, almost dropping his jaw.
This was none other than the daughter of the famous Protector of the Nation, Duke Liu Xiangnan, Liu Rumei!
It was said that Liu Xiangnan's status was extraordinary; even the current Emperor had to show him some respect.
His daughter, Liu Rumei, was like a deity to commoners like them.
Yet, Chen Xiaobei's attitude was cold, and after only a few words, he directly issued an expulsion order.
Was he seeing things correctly? Was Chen Xiaobei crazy?
Even more surprising to Chen Anbang was that Liu Rumei responded with a smile, "Young Master Chen, could we speak further inside?"
Frankly, at this moment, Chen Xiaobei really didn't want to say another word to her. But just then, Cui Hongyu walked out quickly.
"Husband, all guests should be welcomed. Why not invite Miss Liu in for a chat?"
Chen Xiaobei's face instantly softened with tenderness. He cast a sweet glance at Cui Hongyu.
Then, he turned and made an inviting gesture to Liu Rumei.
Seeing this, Chen Anbang was so angry he stamped his feet! This was his granddaughter-in-law!
After cursing inwardly, he dejectedly left.
Turning back, he pondered to himself, "Old Cui, Old Cui, if you don't handle this smoothly this time, don't blame me for being heartless."
To his surprise, Old Cui was standing at his doorstep at that very moment.
Seeing that no one else was around.
Old Cui quickly took off the leather pouch he was carrying.
He opened the stopper of the pouch and poured a few times towards Chen Anbang's main entrance.
Soon, several small, emerald-green snakes slithered into Chen Anbang's gate.
Old Cui let out a cold laugh and quickly turned to leave.
Unaware of what had happened, Chen Anbang returned, lost in thought.
As soon as he stepped through the main gate, he felt a sharp pain in his ankle, as if something had bitten him.
Chen Anbang looked down and saw a small, emerald-green snake raising its head and flicking its tongue at him.
"This is bad."
Chen Anbang inwardly cursed his misfortune and shouted towards the courtyard, "Old woman, I've been bitten by a snake."
As soon as he finished speaking, his vision went black, and he collapsed to the ground with a thud.
Yang Shi, who rushed over upon hearing the commotion, saw Chen Anbang fall.
She rushed forward to help him up, but as her hand touched Chen Anbang's body, a swift, emerald-green figure darted out and pecked her hand.
A few moments later, Yang Shi also fell to the ground with a thud, quickly losing consciousness.
Meanwhile, in the home of Chen Dachun, or rather, the west courtyard of Chen Xiaobei's home now.
The atmosphere was somewhat tense.
"Young Master Chen, I won't hide it from you. There are valuable items needed by the royal family on Qingniu Mountain. I would like to ask for your help in guarding Qingniu Mountain. If anyone enters the mountain, could you ask them or send someone to inform us?"
Chen Xiaobei remained silent regarding Liu Rumei's proposal.
It was as if he had seen a ghost. Why was everyone's attention focused on Qingniu Mountain?
He also understood that several factions were targeting this one location, which was not a good sign.
The three parties undoubtedly represented different interests. If a conflict were to arise, Hetou Village would inevitably be affected.
Therefore, the best way to protect oneself was to offend no one.
However, offending no one meant that he had to help whoever came looking for assistance.
Otherwise, the result of trying to stay out of it would be offending everyone. If that were the case, life in Hetou Village would become unbearable.
"Miss Liu, to be honest, our Hetou Village has some ancient precepts. We do not go beyond the Mountain God Temple when ascending the mountain, which is where Brother Liu was discovered. We are not familiar with anything beyond that."
"Also, we do not go up the mountain at night. If it weren't for some villagers who fell unconscious from poisoning while trying to rescue Brother Liu back then, we would absolutely not have ventured up the mountain to search."
"Therefore, if you ask us to watch out for who enters the mountain, I can only set up a checkpoint at our village entrance to question them. But Qingniu Mountain is vast, and there is more than one path into the mountain. If they enter from elsewhere, I would be completely helpless."
What Chen Xiaobei said was a mixture of truth and falsehood.
However, it was natural for him to intersperse personal motives, especially since he had his own agenda.
"Of course, Miss Liu, let's be upfront. Our villagers are simple folk who work the land. Farm work cannot be delayed for a single day."
Liu Rumei naturally understood what Chen Xiaobei meant by his words; he was asking for money.
Farm work couldn't be delayed, but if paid, it could be.
If the money was right, they might even abandon farming altogether.
"Alright, I like your straightforwardness, Young Master Chen. Five wen per person per day. Tell me, how many people can you arrange for me?"
"What!" Chen Xiaobei was startled by this.
Indeed, they were wealthy and generous, offering to cover everything from the start.
But then again, when he calculated carefully, five wen per person per day for two hundred people was only one tael. That amounted to over three hundred taels of silver a year.
For Liu Rumei, who had previously rewarded Chen Dachun with a thousand taels, this was mere pocket change.
"Very well, then I will try my best to arrange for as many as possible."
At this moment, Liu Rumei leaned forward and said with a smile, "If you can arrange for people to patrol above the Mountain God Temple every day, I can increase it to ten wen."
Ten wen.
Chen Xiaobei was even more shocked. He wasn't shocked by Liu Rumei's offer itself.
Rather, he realized that there must be a great secret on Qingniu Mountain.
Yes, a secret unknown to him.
And this secret was likely the same secret that the other factions were trying to uncover.
Therefore, it was probable that he would risk his life to earn money that he might not be able to spend.
With this thought, he waved his hand, "No, no, no, let's forget it. It's better for us to abide by our ancient precepts."
Although Chen Xiaobei said this, Liu Rumei saw through his hesitation.
She knew that money could make the world go round, and Chen Xiaobei would eventually accept her terms.
Just then, a heart-wrenching cry suddenly echoed through Hetou Village.
The sound sent a jolt through Chen Xiaobei's heart.
Not long after, Chen Xiaowen rushed over. "Brother Xiaobei, hurry and take a look! The village head is dead. Chen Ping is crying."
Chen Xiaobei stood up and nodded apologetically to Liu Rumei, "I'm sorry, please excuse me."
Watching Chen Xiaobei leave, Liu Rumei pondered for a moment, then made a gesture to Liu Ce, and the two quietly followed the villagers of Hetou Village towards the scene of the incident.
At this moment, the entrance to Chen Anbang's home was already crowded three layers deep.
Seeing Chen Xiaobei arrive, the crowd instinctively parted, creating a path for him.
Liu Rumei was secretly shocked by this, realizing Chen Xiaobei's considerable influence in Hetou Village.