Princess Zhaoning naturally understood Chen Xiaobei’s intentions. He merely wanted to teach He Dali a lesson, and at the same time, support Feng Xiaoyue and Fang Jun.
Now that the objective had been achieved, she went along with it and provided an easy way out.
“Alright, since you are all pleading for him, let him receive ten slaps. The rest will be noted down for now.”
He Dali was overwhelmed with gratitude. Gritting his teeth, he endured two more slaps, totaling ten. Then, covering his face, he slunk away.
Hu Fan quickly had his constables escort He Yi’s family out. He then ordered the disposal of their furniture and bedding, and for Feng Xiaoyue to have the residence cleared.
Seeing this, Princess Zhaoning stood up and walked towards the exit. Hu Fan bowed respectfully to see her off, but Princess Zhaoning offered no reply.
After the princess had gone a considerable distance, Chen Xiaobei approached with a sigh.
“County Magistrate Hu, you were too hasty in handling this matter.”
“You know Miss Liu’s identity, why would you believe He Yi’s nonsensical talk about someone impersonating her?”
Hu Fan looked at Chen Xiaobei with gratitude and clasped his hands in a salute. “Thank you, Brother Xiaobei, for intervening. Otherwise, I wouldn't have been able to resolve this situation today.”
Chen Xiaobei waved his hand. “That’s not entirely true. I genuinely couldn't bear to see you in such a predicament.”
Hu Fan sighed deeply. “I was foolish and was deceived by He Yi. I almost caused a great disaster.”
Chen Xiaobei clasped his hands in a salute again. “County Magistrate Hu, take care. I shall take my leave.”
After taking a few steps, Chen Xiaobei turned back and returned to Hu Fan’s side. “County Magistrate Hu, in a few days, someone from my village named Chen Xiaowen is getting married. I would like to invite you to celebrate with us.”
Upon hearing this, Hu Fan clasped his hands. “Please rest assured, Brother Xiaobei. I will come as soon as possible.”
Everyone returned to Du Yi Wei, had a sip of tea, and then prepared to depart.
Chen Xiaobei, Liu Rumei, and Fang Jun were returning to Hetou Village. Fang Jun held Feng Xiaoyue’s hand, and they went off to talk privately. Chen Xiaobei and Liu Rumei went to bid farewell to Princess Zhaoning.
Hearing that they were returning, Princess Zhaoning showed a hint of reluctance. She held Liu Rumei’s hand. “In my heart, I have always regarded you as a sister.”
Liu Rumei quickly bowed. “Your Highness is too kind. How could Rumei dare to accept such a title?”
Princess Zhaoning’s expression was serious. “Here, there is no princess, only Xiao Jingfeng!”
“In my heart, you are my good sister.”
Well, with that said, Liu Rumei could not refuse any longer. She smiled and stepped forward, giving Princess Zhaoning a gentle hug.
After the brief embrace, Liu Rumei spoke again. “I must return to Hetou Village.”
“Then please visit me often, sister. Oh, and in a couple of days, I must come to Hetou Village for your wedding feast.”
Liu Rumei nodded. “You are always welcome.”
Princess Zhaoning looked up at Chen Xiaobei, hesitating to speak. Chen Xiaobei understood perfectly. Girls always had private matters to discuss. With this thought, Chen Xiaobei bowed and turned to leave the room.
Seeing Chen Xiaobei leave, Princess Zhaoning giggled and leaned close to Liu Rumei’s ear, whispering, “Sister, you must have a baby soon. I love babies very much.”
The words made Liu Rumei’s face flush crimson.
She looked at Princess Zhaoning, her expression appearing somewhat unnatural. “This, this…”
She stopped before speaking, as such matters were difficult to discuss with outsiders.
Princess Zhaoning, not understanding, pressed further. “Sister, sister, what’s wrong? Tell me.”
Liu Rumei shook her head with shy embarrassment. “Never mind, never mind. I’m leaving. I’ll come to see you in a couple of days.”
With that, she turned and left the room, leaving Princess Zhaoning dumbfounded. After all, she was still a young girl and did not understand the intricacies.
Liu Rumei, Chen Xiaobei, Fang Jun, and the young girl were walking along the official road, returning to Hetou Village.
Originally, the young girl was supposed to stay and protect Feng Xiaoyue, but she said she was worried about Fang Jun returning alone and insisted on escorting him.
Although the matter had been resolved, Liu Ziming and Liu Ziliang could sense that their mistress’s spirits were not as high. She walked in silence, her head bowed in thought.
Chen Xiaobei had clearly noticed Liu Rumei’s unusual demeanor and asked her twice. However, Liu Rumei merely said she was tired, and the oblivious Chen Xiaobei believed her.
Princess Zhaoning’s question echoed in Liu Rumei’s mind. Thinking about it, she had been married to Chen Xiaobei for some time, but they were still in a purely platonic relationship.
Even when they occasionally shared a bed, he slept beside her like a brother.
Although Chen Xiaobei had spoken of his longing for Huang Ying, Liu Rumei had already made up her mind to live her life wholeheartedly with Chen Xiaobei. This situation could not continue.
Upon returning to Hetou Village, the sun was already setting in the west. Cui Hongyu, seeing everyone return, busied herself with preparing food for them.
Liu Rumei did not idly stand by. She washed her hands and joined them in helping.
After all, she was Liu Xiangnan’s daughter, and everyone felt a certain apprehension towards her status. Thus, when Liu Rumei approached, Dongmei and the others naturally kept a respectful distance.
Liu Rumei looked at Cui Hongyu, hesitating to speak.
Cui Hongyu obviously sensed that Liu Rumei had something to say. She lowered her voice and asked, “Miss Liu, is there something you wish to tell me?”
Liu Rumei nodded. “Yes, Sister Hongyu. But I find it difficult to say…”
Cui Hongyu looked at her. “We are all family now. What is there that you cannot say?”
“Sister, today in Xiao Town, Her Highness the Princess asked me when I would have a baby. I…”
Hearing this, Cui Hongyu immediately understood. Chen Xiaobei had also told her about sharing a bed with Liu Rumei without any physical intimacy.
“Miss Liu, Brother Xiaobei once said that marrying you was a temporary measure, to rescue you. You are still meant to leave in a couple of days…”
Upon hearing this, Liu Rumei repeatedly shook her head. “I’m not leaving. I’m not leaving. I already told Brother Xiaobei that a wife must follow her husband. I want to stay in Hetou Village with you all forever.”
Although Cui Hongyu nodded repeatedly on the surface, she honestly did not quite believe these words.
After all, Liu Rumei’s status was exceptionally prominent.
“Miss Liu, since you truly have this intention, then speak to Brother Xiaobei about it later…”
Saying this, she leaned closer and whispered in a very low voice, “Tonight, I will take Qiao’er to the old house. I’ll leave this place to you two.”
Liu Rumei’s face instantly turned red. She certainly understood Cui Hongyu’s meaning.
This shows that Liu Rumei did not understand Cui Hongyu at all. Cui Hongyu was someone who was wholeheartedly trying to find a second wife for her husband.
After dinner, people dispersed in small groups. Liu Rumei told Liu Ziming, Liu Ziliang, and Xiao Qing to return, but she remained seated, showing no intention of leaving.