After thinking it over and over, Chen Xiaobei suddenly had a flash of inspiration, "Xiaowen, if you're really set on Mudan, I can help you think of a way."
Upon hearing this, Chen Xiaowen's eyes lit up. "Oh, Brother Xiaobei, tell me quickly, what's the method?"
Chen Xiaobei chuckled, "It's not difficult. Truth be told, if I were Mudan's parents, I'd also hope my daughter finds a good family and doesn't suffer for the rest of her life. Don't you agree?"
Listening to Chen Xiaobei's words, Chen Xiaowen nodded. "Yes, but I guarantee I will treat Mudan well."
"Alas, your guarantee is useless. You need to show Mudan's parents that you have the ability, don't you?"
"How about this, I'll discuss it with Dayong later and let you take over the village guard captain position."
"If you suddenly become the village guard captain of Hetou Village, at least you'll be registered with the county yamen."
Upon hearing this, Chen Xiaowen hesitated.
"Brother, how can I be worthy of being the village guard captain? No, no."
"Besides, relying on this can only fool them for a while, not a lifetime."
Chen Xiaobei nodded at these words. Chen Xiaowen was an honest person, and the more he said so, the more Chen Xiaobei wanted to help him. He then had an idea.
"If not the village guard captain, let's try a different approach. You've been sending apples to the county town, then charcoal, and now you're sending cabbages. Why don't the village become a transport team, and you be the captain of the transport team? And I'll give you a formal title to make it official."
"From now on, all matters regarding the village's ox carts transporting supplies will be under your charge."
This was Chen Xiaobei's compromise. It would ensure Chen Dayong's village guard captain position remained unchanged without needing to go to the county, while also giving Chen Xiaowen a title.
Moreover, frankly speaking, Chen Xiaowen was diligent and responsible. Having him as the transport captain was something he could be at ease with.
Chen Xiaowen hesitated, "Brother, will this work?"
"It will. Just listen to my arrangement," Chen Xiaobei said with a smile, flicking his horsewhip.
Upon returning to the village, Chen Xiaobei brought the pork to Chen Dachun. Chen Dachun seemed surprised and a little awkward at the sight of two pounds of pork.
"Brother Xiaobei, this isn't appropriate. As the saying goes, 'unearned rewards are burdensome.' I haven't done anything yet."
Chen Xiaobei chuckled, "This isn't for you. Take it to Qiumei's in-laws later. Some things are out in the open now, no need to hide them."
Chen Dachun was stunned at first, then became excited. "Thank you, thank you, brother. You're right, I'll go now, I'll go right away."
Holding the pork, Chen Dachun went straight to Qiumei's house.
Seeing him arrive, Chen Laohan still showed a hint of discomfort on his face.
However, the elder aunt seemed more at ease. She stepped forward warmly and said, "Dachun, why did you bring meat when you came?"
"You should take the meat back for your mother to eat."
Chen Dachun smiled and placed the meat on the table. "Uncle, Aunt, Brother Xiaobei has told me about my situation. Since we all know what's going on, let's break the ice today."
As soon as he finished speaking, Qiumei blushed and turned to go into the inner room.
Seeing him go inside, Chen Laohan nodded slightly. "Dachun, we've watched you grow up. We know you well. Since Xiaobei has cleared the air, I'll say a few words today."
"The child is Lidong's flesh and blood. That must be acknowledged, no matter what. When we old folks die, it must be written on the tombstone."
Upon hearing this, Dachun nodded without hesitation. "Uncle, Aunt, what are you thinking? You'll live a long and healthy life."
Chen Laohan sighed. "Even a long and healthy life ends. It's only a matter of time."
Chen Dachun smiled. "Uncle, don't worry, I will treat you with filial piety."
Chen Laohan nodded and coughed. "Qiumei, Dachun is leaving. Come out and see him off."
Chen Dachun understood that Elder Chen was creating an opportunity for him.
As expected, upon hearing the call, Qiumei came out from the inner room. Seeing Chen Dachun still standing there, she appeared a little shy.
Seeing this, Chen Dachun turned and left without a word.
Qiumei followed suit. They walked out of the house and into the alley. Chen Dachun stopped, turned around, and suddenly pulled Qiumei into his arms.
The sudden action startled Qiumei. She struggled to break free, but Dachun held her tightly and whispered in her ear, "Xiaomei, don't be afraid of me. I don't have any ill intentions..."
Hearing his words, Qiumei gradually calmed down and said softly, "Brother Dachun, don't do this. If someone sees us, my reputation will be ruined."
Chen Dachun reluctantly let go upon hearing this, but he still held Qiumei's arm tightly.
"Qiumei, don't worry, I will treat you well."
Qiumei's expression changed upon hearing this. Perhaps in the eyes of women in that era, this sentence and this promise were enough. Qiumei lifted the hem of her clothes and wiped her teary eyes. "Brother Dachun, thank you. But we must also be clear about things. I don't seek your wealth or your clothing. As long as you live a good life, I will be with you forever."
"But if you gamble again in the future, I'll leave, even if it ruins my reputation."
Qiumei's meaning was clear: if you gamble again, I'll leave, reputation or not.
In today's terms, a widow divorcing again would indeed have a less-than-stellar reputation, but Qiumei's words showed her determination.
Chen Dachun nodded solemnly. "Qiumei, I swear to heaven, if I don't get back on the right path, may lightning strike me."
His words touched Qiumei, who reached out and covered Dachun's mouth. The next moment, she threw herself into Dachun's arms.
They embraced silently for a moment. Then, Qiumei reluctantly broke free from Dachun's embrace. "Brother Dachun, I should go back. If I stay too long, the elders might misunderstand."
Chen Dachun clasped her hand again. "Don't worry, I will propose as soon as possible."
"No grand fanfare, Brother Dachun. You know my situation. Let's not have any elaborate ceremony."
"Just two tables of food, and everyone will know I've moved in."
Hearing this, Chen Dachun shook his head. "No, no, that would be unfair to you."
Qiumei smiled calmly. "It's not unfair. As long as we can live a stable life in the future, that's enough."
After speaking, she gently pulled her hand away from Chen Dachun's and turned to walk back. After a few steps, she looked back at Chen Dachun.