Chen Xiaobei’s memory flashed, recalling Cui Fugui’s daughter, Cui Hongyu, who was a renowned beauty in the region.
Yet, this beauty had a tragic fate. Matchmakers had proposed three times for her, but before she could marry any of them, all three fiancés died in various accidents.
It was said that the first time a match was made, Cui Fugui demanded dozens of taels of silver as betrothal gifts. The second time, it was reduced to five taels. The third time, he was willing to give her away for free, asking for no betrothal gifts at all. This time, he was even willing to pay a dowry, his sole aim being to quickly marry off his unlucky daughter.
In truth, Cui Hongyu was known for her nimble hands and resourcefulness, capable of handling all sorts of chores both inside and outside the house. However, this couldn't undo her ruined reputation, and with her reputation tarnished, everything else was as good as zero. Su Dan Novel Network.
As Chen Xiaobei hesitated, Chen Qiaoer, who was beside him, suddenly spoke, “Sister Hongyu is very beautiful. It would be wonderful if she could be my sister-in-law.”
Chen Xiaobei glared at her and used his chopsticks to scoop a mouthful of wild vegetables from his bowl, stuffing it into Chen Qiaoer’s mouth.
Seeing that Chen Xiaobei had not directly refused, his second aunt continued, “Xiaobei, don’t listen to their gossip. This curse of widowhood is just a rumor. The men weren’t even married to her, so how can they be considered her husbands? It can only be blamed on their bad luck. Cui Fugui said he would provide a dowry of at least ten taels of silver. To be honest with you, if Dachun were not already married, I would have genuinely wanted him to marry her.”
Ten taels of silver. One tael of silver was equivalent to one *diao* of cash, and one *diao* was equal to a thousand copper coins.
One copper coin could buy two catties of grain, so while ten taels of silver might not seem like much, its purchasing power was not to be underestimated.
On the other hand, the greater the purchasing power, the more it indicated a problem: that Cui Hongyu truly could not find a husband.
Hearing his mother speak like this, Dachun felt a bit embarrassed. He chuckled, “Mother, thankfully Cuihua is back at her parents’ home, otherwise, what would Cuihua think if you said this?”
His second aunt paid no mind. Chen Xiaobei knew that this was just his second aunt’s tactic. Even if Dachun were unmarried, he probably wouldn’t have married Cui Hongyu.
Seeing his silence, the second aunt smiled at Chen Xiaobei, “Don’t worry, Cui Fugui keeps his word. He’s been practicing medicine for many years, so he can still afford ten taels of silver. By the way, don’t overthink it, I’m truly doing this for your own good, and I haven’t received any benefits from the Cui family.”
Whether she had received benefits or not, Chen Xiaobei didn't care. However, her words reminded him that he was so caught up discussing Cui Hongyu that he had forgotten the important matter he had planned for tonight.
Chen Xiaobei quickly put on a solicitous smile, “Um, Second Aunt, let’s put aside the matter of marrying a wife for now. I need to discuss something with you.”
The second aunt’s smile widened, “What’s there to be polite about? Just say whatever it is.”
“Second Aunt, I want Qiaoer to stay here tonight. I’m worried about her being home alone.”
Upon hearing Chen Xiaobei’s words, Chen Dachun looked surprised, “Xiaobei, it’s getting dark. Where are you going so late at night?”
Chen Xiaobei smiled calmly, “I’m about to get married soon, so I need to go into the mountains to get some betrothal gifts.”
Hearing this, Dachun became anxious. He immediately waved his hands, “No, no, Xiaobei, don’t take risks. Even the old hunters in the village only dare to go into the mountains during the day. Are you trying to risk your life by going in so late?”
Chen Xiaobei thought to himself, what life do I have to live? My family is poor and white; what’s the difference between living and dying?
If it weren’t for Chen Qiaoer, he would probably have given up long ago.
“Dachun, you have food and drink at home. It’s different for me. I’m a pauper, and I have my sister to take care of. I have no choice but to go into the mountains.”
Chen Qiaoer immediately nestled close obediently, holding Chen Xiaobei’s arm, and said timidly, “Qiaoer can go dig wild vegetables by herself. Brother, don’t go into the mountains when it’s dark.”
Chen Dachun also took the opportunity to persuade him, “Brother, how about I accompany you during the day? I’ll walk with you all the way to the Mountain God Temple.”
The Mountain God Temple was halfway up Qingniu Mountain, about fifteen *li* from the foot of the mountain. He had only been there once in his childhood and never again since.
It was said that only a few people in the village had been there.
This showed that Chen Dachun was genuinely looking out for him.
Chen Xiaobei patted Chen Dachun’s shoulder, “Brother Dachun, there’s a saying, ‘Great kindness needs no thanks.’ You’ve helped me a lot, and I’ve kept it in my heart. But today, I must go into the mountains.”
Chen Xiaobei hesitated for a moment, but ultimately decided not to mention that he was going to use Qiaoer to repay gambling debts. It was too inhumane; he wanted to maintain some dignity.
As he remained silent, the atmosphere in the room grew somewhat somber. Finally, the second aunt broke the awkward silence, “Alright, since you want to go, then go. I’ll take care of Qiaoer, you can rest assured.”
Chen Xiaobei returned home, packed a simple bag, and set off. He knew that the best time to catch pheasants was when dusk was just settling in.
Because he had disturbed these pheasants during the day and tied cloth strips to them, the environment had changed noticeably. The pheasants wouldn’t dare return until it was dark.
Furthermore, pheasants had a characteristic: their eyesight deteriorated significantly after dark.
Of course, even though it was a good time to catch them, getting close was still extremely difficult.
Moving through the grass would inevitably make noise, and if there was a flock of pheasants, one or two would always stand guard.
Therefore, Chen Xiaobei had to hide nearby before it got completely dark.
Pheasants were very alert. They would definitely notice if their eggs were taken.
Just like parents discovering their child is missing, the pheasants would panic and search everywhere for their eggs.
This moment of panic was his opportunity to strike.
Chen Xiaobei entered the mountain and successfully found the markers he had made.
This was it. Chen Xiaobei breathed a sigh of relief.
It was still early, and the pheasants should still be out foraging, waiting for darkness.
Chen Xiaobei found a tree not far away that was thicker than his waist. On this tree, there was a huge branch, large enough to support his weight. He sat on the branch, settled into a comfortable position, unbuckled his belt, and secured himself to the tree.
This would ensure he didn’t fall accidentally. As long as he waited for the flock of pheasants to return, he could catch a few wild pheasants in the ensuing chaos, and his plan would succeed.
After about half an hour, cackling sounds could be heard from a distance, and the grass began to rustle. The pheasants that had gone out foraging were returning.
Chen Xiaobei moved stealthily, unbuckled his belt, and re-tied it around his waist.
He grasped the large net in his hand.
As soon as a pheasant strayed near, he would pounce down from above.
Upon being suddenly attacked, the pheasant’s instinctive reaction would be to fly up.
Therefore, the chances of catching a pheasant directly were high.
Moreover, if he was lucky and quick enough, catching two wouldn’t be impossible.
Soon, small bright spots appeared – the eyes of the pheasants. As expected, the flock discovered the missing eggs as soon as they returned.