Hearing this, Cui Hongyu knew there must be a reason. But since the princess didn't say, it wasn't convenient for her to ask.
"Your Highness, I'll arrange for someone to bring you some charcoal later. It will be warmer to burn charcoal when it's cold."
Upon hearing this, the Lotus Cult Leader nodded, "Yes, one must burn charcoal indoors in winter. Princess, don't forget to pay Hongyu properly."
Princess Zhaoning nodded, "Master, don't worry, I will pay you in full."
"Alright, you may go. I have a few more words to say to Hongyu." The Lotus Cult Leader waved her hand, sending Princess Zhaoning away.
After the princess was out of earshot, the Lotus Cult Leader reached into her sleeve and produced a silver note for five hundred taels.
"During festivals, help me and Ziyan burn more paper money for Huang Ying."
Cui Hongyu shook her head, "There's no need for the Cult Leader to instruct me. I will naturally do so."
The Lotus Cult Leader, however, pulled Cui Hongyu's hand with a serious expression and pressed the silver note into it, "This is a gesture of our sincerity, you cannot replace us!"
Alright, since the Lotus Cult Leader had put it that way, Cui Hongyu had no choice but to nod, "Then I will accept it."
After accepting it, the Lotus Cult Leader nodded again and said, "Regarding Huang Ying's burial, if my Master makes other arrangements in the future, I hope you and Chen Xiaobei will not object."
Cui Hongyu hesitated for a moment, "We can discuss this further. After all, Huang Ying is now considered one of us in Hetou Village."
Cui Hongyu's answer was clearly within the Lotus Cult Leader's expectations. She nodded, "Alright, then I must be going. I'll have to trouble you more in the future."
After seeing off the Lotus Cult Leader, Cui Hongyu went to Huang Ying's grave to tidy it up before turning to head home.
As she reached the big locust tree, she saw Old Ancestor waiting there tremblingly. "Hongyu, there's something I really didn't want to say."
Cui Hongyu quickly bowed, "Old Ancestor, what is it? Please speak your mind."
"It's not a festival, but making such a fuss to burn paper for Huang Ying might disturb her peace in the afterlife."
Hearing this, Cui Hongyu felt helpless. After all, the Lotus Cult Leader was Huang Ying's senior disciple. She couldn't possibly refuse her a memorial service.
"Old Ancestor, the one who came is Huang Ying's senior disciple. I believe Huang Ying's spirit would also want to see her senior disciple."
Old Ancestor waved his hand, "Enough, I've said all I needed to. The rest is up to you to think about."
With that, he turned and left.
Cui Hongyu shook her head slightly and returned to her home.
In the blink of an eye, night fell. In the evening, Chen Xiaobei returned with Guo Chuan and the others.
Chen Xiaobei's return brought a sense of liveliness to Hetou Village.
Cui Hongyu quickly cooked two dishes to welcome Chen Xiaobei.
To Cui Hongyu's slight surprise, Chen Xiaobei brought Guo Chuan with him and asked her to add two more dishes.
Cui Hongyu hurried to the fish tank and took out a fish to stew.
Chen Xiaobei also brought out a jar of wine.
He first poured a hundred ounces of wine for Guo Chuan and then poured himself a bowl. He then said in a deep voice, "Brother Guo, since you're back, let's speak frankly." Sū Dān Novel Network.
"A thousand people living on four mu of land is indeed a bit cramped, but you can only stay here for now. There's no better option. We'll make further arrangements for you after Miss Liu returns."
Guo Chuan nodded, "I understand all this. When Miss Liu returns, we'll follow the arrangements regarding where to go."
At this moment, Cui Hongyu, who was nearby, interjected, "Husband, Brother Guo, there's something I'd like to say, though I don't know if I should."
Chen Xiaobei looked at Cui Hongyu and remained silent. She was his wife, and he couldn't be too harsh. Fortunately, Guo Chuan was very understanding of social niceties and immediately cupped his fists, "Sister Hongyu, please say whatever you wish."
Cui Hongyu nodded, "Princess Zhaoning and the Lotus Cult Leader both visited today. The princess is now at Centipede Ridge, temporarily staying there."
"If Brother Guo feels the place is too small, you could go to..."
Before she could finish, Chen Xiaobei quickly waved his hand, "That's not suitable, not suitable at all. How can Brother Guo go to Centipede Ridge?"
"Besides, the princess is of noble birth. If we ordinary folk were to go..." Chen Xiaobei stopped mid-sentence, and Cui Hongyu, of course, understood and immediately fell silent.
Unexpectedly, Guo Chuan smiled calmly, "It's alright, it's alright. If it's inconvenient to stay at the four mu of land, going to Centipede Ridge wouldn't be a problem. As far as I know, Centipede Ridge was once a bandit stronghold, so housing a few hundred or even a thousand people should be fine."
Hearing Guo Chuan's words, Chen Xiaobei's eyebrows suddenly shot up, and his eyes lit up. "Brother Guo, you're right. This might not be a bad idea?"
Guo Chuan looked at Chen Xiaobei in surprise, not quite understanding what he meant.
Xiaobei continued in a low voice, "Brother Guo, your current status is very awkward."
"Even if you return to Wannian City, it might be difficult for the Emperor to arrange for you. It would be better for you to pledge allegiance to the princess and be under her banner. This would save you some trouble in the future."
Hearing Chen Xiaobei's words, Guo Chuan's eyes also lit up.
"Brother Xiaobei, you are right. My brothers and I hiding here and there is not a sustainable situation. If we can gain official recognition through the princess, it would be a good solution."
Chen Xiaobei was also pleased by his statement. He looked at Cui Hongyu with some appreciation, "Hongyu, thank you. If you hadn't reminded us, we wouldn't have known what to do next!"
Cui Hongyu shook her head calmly, "Husband, it's nothing. The princess visited today, and I also promised her to send some charcoal. What do you think..."
Chen Xiaobei nodded, "We must send the charcoal. It's cold, and people need to warm their houses." He then put down his cooking utensil, "I think we should go together tomorrow and clarify this matter with the princess."
Hearing his words, Guo Chuan also seemed excited, "Come, Brother Xiaobei, I'll toast you!"
Chen Xiaobei raised his wine cup and gently clinked it with Guo Chuan's. They both drank it down in one gulp.
After another two cups of wine, Guo Chuan stood up to bid farewell.
When Guo Chuan had gone far away, Cui Hongyu turned to Chen Xiaobei and said, "Brother Xiaobei, you won't blame me for being nosy, will you!"
Chen Xiaobei shook his head, "How could I blame you? I should thank you. You are right."
"A thousand people crammed into four mu of land is difficult for them and difficult for us. If they can go to Centipede Ridge, it would be killing two birds with one stone."
Hearing Chen Xiaobei's words, Cui Hongyu appeared very excited, "That's good, that's good. Brother Xiaobei, let's go to rest early."
The next day, as soon as the sky began to lighten, Chen Xiaobei got up and quietly went into the yard.
He first fed the wild chickens, the large snake, and the dog, and then Chen Xiaobei went out onto the street.
The street was already very cold. Although it was early winter, everyone was busy, especially the villagers who were burning charcoal. They were so busy they could barely keep up.