Chen Xiaobei spoke half-truths and half-lies.
Of course, for Liu Ce, the only important piece of information was Sun Jian.
Sun Jian approaching Chen Xiaobei was both unexpected and within his expectations.
Relying on locals was a shortcut to exploring the secrets of Qing Niu Mountain; if he could think of it, Sun Jian surely could too.
Their construction of the iron chain bridge to the main peak was enough to show they were preparing for the next step.
After seeing Chen Xiaobei off, Liu Ce rushed to meet Liu Rumei.
He relayed everything Chen Xiaobei had said, and Liu Rumei’s brow furrowed even tighter.
“It seems the Imperial Advisor is likely planning to target the dragon veins; we must take precautions.”
Liu Ce smiled slightly, “I have a good idea. Isn’t Chen Xiaobei building an iron chain bridge? Why don’t we send a few people to infiltrate his team? This way, we can monitor Chen Xiaobei and keep an eye on Sun Jian’s movements.”
Liu Rumei smiled upon hearing Liu Ce’s suggestion, “We’ll do as you say.”
“Just make sure you keep your people hidden and don’t give yourselves away.”
Liu Ce bowed slightly, “I’ve already thought of that. I’ll have Chen Xiaobei announce that he’s looking for a few craftsmen, and we’ll send our people over.”
As agreed with Chen Xiaobei, Liu Ce, without delay, changed into plain clothes and headed for Hetou Village.
By the time Liu Ce arrived at Hetou Village, two of the three tigers had already woken up. The largest tiger was still unconscious, indicating it was the most severely injured.
The young tiger had woken up long ago, likely only affected by the tranquilizer. The other, presumably the mother, seemed weak but was able to open its eyes.
Seeing Liu Ye fussing over them, the young tiger's chains jingled as it thrashed, letting out low growls, seemingly expressing its dissatisfaction and anger.
However, beyond growling, there was nothing else it could do. The chains, as thick as an arm, seemed like an unbearable burden.
After examining the three tigers, the price Liu Ce offered also surprised Chen Xiaobei.
Liu Ce directly offered one thousand taels of silver for the three tigers. This was an astronomical sum.
Happiness came so suddenly that Chen Xiaobei felt a bit breathless.
Liu Ce’s thousand taels came with a condition: the tigers’ wounds must be healed.
With Cui Hongyu present, healing the wounds wouldn't be an issue, but the biggest question was whether the tigers would remain as obedient after recovering their strength.
After discussing the money, while Chen Xiaobei was escorting him out of the village, Liu Ce finally revealed his plan.
“Xiaobei, I plan to send a few people to blend in with your villagers. They can protect your safety and also help you build the iron chain bridge.”
Chen Xiaobei didn't have any particular reaction to this. “Having a few people come is fine, but if the villagers discover they aren't craftsmen, I won't be able to explain it.”
Hearing his words, Liu Ce smiled slightly, “Don’t worry, the people I send will absolutely know how to build iron chain bridges. They'll be professional craftsmen.”
If that was the case, there was nothing to worry about.
As soon as Liu Ce left, Carpenter Zhang appeared behind Chen Xiaobei, a fawning smile on his face, “Village Chief, your bed is ready. Ah, I was feeling unwell a few days ago and it delayed the work. Please don’t be upset.”
Chen Xiaobei thought to himself, he had waited for this bed with anticipation. This was a good opportunity for Chen Qiaoer to sleep separately from him.
That evening, during dinner, Chen Xiaobei announced, “Qiaoer, I have good news for you. your new bed will arrive tomorrow.”
Chen Qiaoer was naturally very happy and asked with anticipation, “Is it the same as Mei Fang’s family’s?”
Mei Fang was Sanqiu’s daughter.
Because she could read, Sanqiu’s family was relatively well-off.
Although Chen Qiaoer hadn’t seen the bed at Mei Fang’s house, she knew anything made by Carpenter Zhang would be good.
“Don’t worry, it’s even better than Mei Fang’s family’s.”
Hearing this, Chen Qiaoer became even happier, even putting down her chopsticks and spinning around on the spot.
“Oh, and Qiaoer, your new bed is much larger than the current one. It won’t fit in the same room, so you’ll have to return to your original room.”
Chen Qiaoer heard this and became even more delighted, “Great, great. I’m willing.”
This sister, she was alright, she could finally understand her brother.
However, in the next second, Chen Qiaoer’s words almost made Chen Xiaobei spit out his food.
Chen Qiaoer looked at Cui Hongyu with a wistful expression, “Sister-in-law, from now on, we won’t be able to sleep in the same room as brother anymore.”
Me.
This.
Chen Xiaobei desperately wanted to stand up and loudly tell Chen Qiaoer that Cui Hongyu was his, his.
You, are just a bonus.
However, these words, how could they be spoken? After all, she was still just a child.
Fortunately, at this moment, Cui Hongyu spoke, “Qiaoer, you’re afraid of sleeping alone. Your brother is also afraid. How about this, I’ll sleep at your place on odd-numbered days, and I’ll make my own arrangements on the other days, okay?”
Chen Qiaoer, being naive, happily agreed, “Okay, okay, Sister-in-law, you keep your word.”
Well, at least Cui Hongyu would be mine half the time.
Facing such a sister, Chen Xiaobei was also speechless.
That night, Chen Xiaobei couldn’t fall asleep for a long time.
Hearing his creaking sounds, Cui Hongyu softly asked, “Husband, are you not asleep yet?”
Chen Xiaobei gave a light cough, “Yes, I can’t sleep. My mind is very restless.”
“Husband, what are you thinking about? Tell me, so I can share your worries.”
Chen Xiaobei shook his head, his mind full of thoughts, “I’m wondering, with these three tigers captured, will there be no more tigers?”
However, this question was clearly beyond Cui Hongyu’s understanding.
Cui Hongyu looked worried, “Who knows? Husband, you must be careful when you go up the mountain in the future.”
Her point was absolutely correct, but you’d find it was utterly useless.
The next morning, Hetou Village was bustling as usual.
Some were cutting vegetables, bundling them up.
Some went to the river to cast nets, intending to catch fish.
Watching everyone busy, Chen Xiaobei secretly sighed, this was what a village striving for progress looked like.
For him, the most important task of the day was naturally to deliver vegetables to Xiaojia Town.
A town purchasing several hundred catties of vegetables made the villagers very excited.
This joyful atmosphere also made Chen Xiaobei happy.
The villagers, experiencing the joy brought by growing vegetables, would forget the hardships of the profession. This, was not a bad thing.
Chen Xiaobei called out to everyone, loaded the leafy vegetables onto the donkey cart, and then headed towards Xiaojia Town.
In Xiaojia Town, Feng Xiaoyue had been eagerly anticipating it.
She was also happy to be able to help Chen Xiaobei in this way.
Therefore, early in the morning, she stood at the entrance of the restaurant, looking around.