Hearing him say that, Liu Rumei chuckled.
"Then you can have babies in Hetou Village, but not in the county town? Or in the capital?"
Chen Xiaobei found himself speechless at Liu Rumei's words. He had to admit she was right. Having children was the same wherever you were, but he truly was reluctant to leave the auspicious land of Hetou Village.
"But I don't know how to do anything else. In Hetou Village, I can at least grow vegetables and catch a few nets of fish to sell."
Chen Xiaobei's words made Liu Rumei's smile disappear, and she became serious. "That's where you're mistaken. His Highness the Crown Prince is in great need of talented people right now. With your abilities, you can surely assist him. Once he ascends the throne, you will have endless wealth and honor."
Honestly, if someone had said this to him in his past life, Chen Xiaobei would have thrown himself into it without hesitation.
But now, it was different. He thought of the young Chen Qiao'er, and of Cui Hongyu, whom he had just married and who had yet to bear him children.
These two women were his entire world. He couldn't afford any risks.
And the competition in the imperial court was the most dangerous.
One day you could be above everyone else, the next you could be a prisoner, and the day after that, you could lose your head.
Thinking of this, Chen Xiaobei shook his head. "Miss Liu, I am different from you. Your father is a marquis; you are a chosen daughter from birth."
Liu Rumei was surprised by this term. She couldn't believe that a rustic villager like Chen Xiaobei would use such a sophisticated phrase.
Chen Xiaobei ignored her surprise and continued, "Qiao'er is only six years old. I am her only family in this world."
"Hongyu has only been married to me for a few months."
"Although I can't make them rich, I can at least provide them with three meals a day and a roof over their heads."
"Ordinary people don't have so many aspirations. They simply seek a sense of security."
The word "security" shocked Cui Hongyu once again. The terms this man used were things she had never heard before.
Yet, considering Chen Xiaobei's humble background, it was a miracle he had received any education at all. How could he possibly be exposed to such profound knowledge?
Liu Rumei was about to say more, but Chen Xiaobei stood up first.
"Miss Liu, it's getting late. You should get some rest."
With that, Chen Xiaobei walked forward a few steps.
Just as he was about to find a place to sit, he saw someone beckoning him from the side.
Focusing his gaze, he realized it was Huang Ying.
Huang Ying had actually woken up earlier. Seeing Chen Xiaobei talking with Liu Rumei, a strange sadness welled up in her heart. She hesitated whether to approach him. Coincidentally, she saw Chen Xiaobei stand up, so she quickly waved to him.
"Brother Xiaobei, come over here and warm yourself by the fire."
Huang Ying and Du Juan were leaning against a large tree as thick as a man's embrace. There was ample space next to Huang Ying for Chen Xiaobei to sit.
Frankly, Chen Xiaobei didn't want to go over. He didn't want to get too close to Huang Ying.
Although Cui Hongyu had been subtly trying to set him up with Huang Ying, Chen Xiaobei knew very well that as a simple villager, he was not worthy of Huang Ying.
However, he had already walked this way. Besides sitting next to Huang Ying, the only other option was to sit next to Xiao Qing, where Liu Rumei had been earlier, which was clearly even more inappropriate.
Helplessly, Chen Xiaobei braced himself and sat down.
Seeing him sit, Huang Ying handed him her waterskin.
"You must be tired. Have some water."
This.
For a moment, Chen Xiaobei couldn't tell if she was comforting him or mocking him.
He could only mechanically take the waterskin and drink a couple of sips.
"Alright, it's time to sleep. We have to rush back to the village at dawn."
Huang Ying gazed at the night sky and suddenly said softly, "Was Miss Liu asking you to become an official?"
So, she had overheard their conversation.
Chen Xiaobei nodded slightly. "Yes, she wants me to be an official in the capital."
"But you don't want to go!" Huang Ying suddenly turned her head and stared at him intently.
Chen Xiaobei was a little surprised by Huang Ying's sudden change in attitude.
"What do you mean?"
Huang Ying said softly, "The fortune teller said Sister Hongyu would have great fortune and wealth in the future. Alas."
Cui Hongyu would have great fortune and wealth?
He had no idea about this. Cui Hongyu had never mentioned a fortune teller to him.
The only thing he knew was that Cui Banxian had set a trap to seize Cui Hongyu's family property.
"Really? I haven't heard of that."
Huang Ying continued, "Sister Hongyu is beautiful and educated. Her medical skills are definitely among the best in your Qingniu County."
"Can you truly bear to let Sister Hongyu spend her entire life with you in this small mountain village?"
This.
Now it was Chen Xiaobei's turn to be speechless. Yes, Cui Hongyu was so outstanding. If not for the rumors of her bringing misfortune to three husbands, countless men would have vied to marry her. He, Chen Xiaobei, would have had no chance.
Just as he didn't know how to answer, Shen Ziyan's voice rang out from beside him, "Alright Huang Ying, you've said enough."
"Everyone has their own aspirations. I think Sister Hongyu is quite content this way." Su Dan Novel Network
Hearing Shen Ziyan's words, Huang Ying said no more. She sighed and turned her head, closing her eyes.
Chen Xiaobei didn't know if Huang Ying had fallen asleep, but he found himself unable to sleep.
Huang Ying had a point. Cui Hongyu's presence in Hetou Village with him felt more like training or a trial. He should indeed help her live a better life.
Just like the cliché in his past life, "You be beautiful, I'll make money to support the family."
He could earn a living in Hetou Village, but was this ordinary life what Cui Hongyu truly desired?
And when Chen Qiao'er grew up, would she like this kind of life too?
Chen Xiaobei couldn't find the answer.
Of course, he shouldn't make the choice for Chen Qiao'er.
Chen Xiaobei finally made up his mind. Once they returned to the village, he would have a serious talk with Cui Hongyu about this matter.
As the sky began to lighten, Liu Tie and Liu Ce led their men up the steep slope.
Despite marching through the night, they appeared excited.
Yang Zhi, in particular.
Yang Zhi had been stuck in the county town's Liu mansion for so long. He desperately needed a victorious battle to prove to Liu Rumei that their Vermillion Bird Gang still had value.
However, the scene before them startled Liu Ce and Liu Tie.
Outside the woods, four or five tents were pitched, their contents unknown.
Inside the woods, there were four or five bonfires. From what he could see, there were twenty to thirty people.
Two more fires burned on the steep slope, with at least a dozen people.
And then he looked back behind them.
Liu Tie had brought over twenty men from the capital. Yang Zhi had more than twenty under his command.
Liu Ce had brought fewer than ten men.