Although Cui Hongyu's dowry included some fabric that could be made into a few outfits, and Chen Xiaobei had recently bought her another piece of material, he was insistent this time, buying the best silk for both Cui Hongyu and Chen Qiao'er.
After measuring them for their clothes, Chen Xiaobei turned to leave, but Cui Hongyu stopped him. "Husband, why don't you buy some fabric to make yourself some clothes too."
Chen Xiaobei smiled and shook his head. "I don't need to. I do rough work all day, so these simple blue cloth clothes are perfectly fine."
Cui Hongyu's expression turned serious. "No, if you don't buy any, then I don't want this fabric either."
Qiao'er immediately chimed in, "That's right, if you don't buy any, I don't want it either."
Chen Xiaobei looked at the two women he cherished most and felt a prickling in his eyes. Their care made all his efforts worthwhile.
"Alright, then I'll make a robe too." Hearing that Chen Xiaobei also wanted clothes, the shop assistant was delighted and eagerly began to introduce his wares.
Chen Xiaobei pointed to a piece of dark red satin. "I want this one."
Cui Hongyu shook her head. "Husband, that color seems more suited for someone your father's age. How about you choose a blue one?"
Chen Xiaobei shook his head. "I don't wear satin clothes often. I only wear them occasionally when I go to the village or the county, so a darker shade is better."
Alright, since it was his preference, Cui Hongyu said no more.
After buying clothes, Chen Xiaobei took Cui Hongyu to the cosmetics shop.
He bought another set of high-end rouge and powder for Cui Hongyu, though she hadn't even finished the previous set.
By today's standards, he was undoubtedly a devoted husband.
Of course, Chen Xiaobei didn't just dote on his wife; he was equally fond of his sister.
After buying cosmetics, Chen Xiaobei led the two women to the butcher's.
As soon as they entered, without a word, he asked for five catties of fat. It was for rendering lard.
In this era, pork lard was incomparably more delicious than rapeseed oil.
Chen Qiao'er stood there, looking around. Finally, her gaze fell upon the pork ribs hanging, and she couldn't tear her eyes away.
Seeing this, Chen Xiaobei immediately pointed to the ribs and asked the butcher, "How much are these ribs?"
"Oh, young master, these ribs are five copper coins a catty. If you buy a lot, I can give you a better price."
Chen Xiaobei waved his hand. "Ah, I'll take this whole piece. Chop it up for me."
Cui Hongyu watched Chen Xiaobei's generous display and marveled inwardly.
She could see that Chen Qiao'er had merely glanced at the ribs, and Chen Xiaobei had immediately bought the entire lot. And ribs weren't cheap now; five copper coins a catty was a day's wage for a strong laborer.
She could feel Chen Xiaobei's deep affection for his sister.
Chen Qiao'er, being very astute, tugged on Cui Hongyu's arm as they left the butcher's. She whispered, "Sister-in-law, sister-in-law, let's go buy some wine."
Cui Hongyu blinked in surprise. "What do you want to do that for?"
Chen Qiao'er whispered, "I've seen the village chief drinking before. He said a drink after a day's work helps relieve fatigue."
This remark made Cui Hongyu smile. Her sister-in-law was also very concerned about her brother. Just for this reason alone, they had to buy some wine today.
With that, Cui Hongyu said to Chen Xiaobei, "Husband, let's go buy a few more catties of wine."
Buy wine? Chen Xiaobei looked at Cui Hongyu in surprise.
"You want to drink?"
Cui Hongyu gritted her teeth, made up her mind, and nodded slightly. "After you're done with your work, how about I have a drink with you?" Su Dan Novel Network.
How? What could be better than this?
This was fantastic!
Chen Xiaobei couldn't help but feel excited. He thought of the transmigration novels he'd read in his past life, where the protagonist would go shopping with a retinue, perhaps teasing a young tavern woman.
Here in Hetou Village, though he had no retinue, he had beautiful women by his side.
With Cui Hongyu willing to drink with him, what was there to wait for? They had to buy, buy, buy.
Chen Xiaobei turned and headed towards Fenghe Winery, the best in Qingniu County.
At the entrance of the winery, the shop assistant saw Chen Xiaobei's slightly tattered clothes and looked at him with disdain. Then, seeing Cui Hongyu in her silk attire, he immediately beamed and stepped forward. "Miss, please come in."
Chen Xiaobei understood immediately. They had mistaken him for a servant and Cui Hongyu for the mistress.
Cui Hongyu glanced around the shop and then turned to Chen Xiaobei, who was standing at the door. "Husband, what kind do you think would be suitable for us to buy?"
The single word "husband" stunned the shop assistant into silence. He quickly plastered on a smile and took two steps closer to Chen Xiaobei.
"Sir, allow me to recommend our Bamboo Leaf Green. This is a renowned good wine, costing only ten copper coins a catty."
Chen Xiaobei clicked his tongue inwardly. He had read in historical records that drinking was a pastime for the wealthy in ancient times. It seemed to be true.
The finest Bamboo Leaf Green cost ten copper coins a catty. It would take a strong laborer two days' work to earn enough for a catty of wine.
This alone showed that even in times of peace, the common people lived quite frugally.
Chen Xiaobei took the wine bowl handed by the shop assistant and took a sip. It was indeed good.
Seeing his silence, the shop assistant continued, "Sir, if you find it to your liking, I have twenty-catty jars and fifty-catty jars. Which would you prefer?"
Chen Xiaobei thought for a moment.
"Fifty-catty jars. Pack me three of them."
Three jars.
The shop assistant was stunned. This was clearly a lavish purchase. A fifty-catty jar alone was worth five hundred copper coins.
Cui Hongyu was also taken aback. She stepped forward and gently tugged on Chen Xiaobei's arm. "Husband, if we buy so much, when will we ever finish it? Let's buy a little less for now."
Chen Xiaobei smiled calmly. "These are to be given to Yang Zhi and Miss Liu."
Cui Hongyu suddenly understood. "If that's the case, with so many people, one jar won't be enough for them. Let's buy two more jars."
"Alright, then pack two more jars."
Buying five jars of wine at once made the shop assistant's face bloom with joy.
He called two men from the back to help load the wine onto the donkey cart.
He also handed Chen Xiaobei a small jar separately. "Here are two catties for you to try. If you like it, you can buy this one."
On the way home, looking at the donkey cart laden with their purchases, Cui Hongyu felt a sense of profound happiness.
It wasn't the happiness of spending money, but rather the happiness derived from Chen Xiaobei's attitude and his care for her.
Like dew moisturizing things silently, Chen Xiaobei had completely conquered Cui Hongyu's heart through his gradual, consistent efforts.
Looking at Chen Qiao'er beside her, a shy thought crossed Cui Hongyu's mind.
How she wished to bear Chen Xiaobei a child, preferably as well-behaved as Chen Qiao'er.
Upon returning to Hetou Village, Chen Xiaobei first headed towards the four mu of land.
Yang Zhi and Hu Laoqi were overjoyed to see Chen Xiaobei deliver two large jars of wine.
While they were unloading the wine, Chen Xiaobei went into the house to visit Raldo.