According to Old Wu's directions, Chen Xiaobei quickly found Cao's mansion.
The servant at the door inquired about the situation and immediately ran off to summon Steward Cao.
Soon, Steward Cao appeared with some people.
Upon seeing Chen Xiaobei holding two wild chickens, Steward Cao smiled broadly. "Ah, young brother, you've made me wait long enough!"
"Apologies, Steward Cao, I was delayed with family matters a few days ago," Chen Xiaobei vaguely explained.
Steward Cao immediately took a silver ingot from his pocket and pressed it into Chen Xiaobei's hand.
It was a silver ingot weighing one tael, but Chen Xiaobei was caught off guard.
He hadn't expected to be given change.
The two fish had only sold for five large coins.
And aside from that, he had no copper coins on him.
"Steward Cao, I'm truly sorry, but could you change it into copper coins? I don't have enough change for you."
Steward Cao laughed heartily and waved his hand.
"No need, no need, young brother, this time, I owe you a favor. If you ever need help in the future, just come to me. Though I'm just a steward, I still have some influence in Qingniu County." After saying this, he turned and left.
This was unexpected. Not only had he given extra money, but now he was offering a favor. What exactly was going on here?
Chen Xiaobei was left confused.
After thinking for a while, he decided to go find Old Wu and see if he knew what was going on.
Chen Xiaobei turned his donkey cart around and headed back to the market. From a distance, he saw someone standing at Old Wu's stall, and the person looked familiar.
Upon closer inspection, it was indeed Feng Xiaoyue.
Yes, it was her.
Seeing her, Old Wu was helpless. "Young lady, I've told you many times, Chen Xiaobei hasn't been selling vegetables for a long time. If you need to pass on a message, you'll have to find someone else."
Feng Xiaoyue was resolute. "Uncle, since he sold vegetables once, he's bound to come again. Please..."
Before she could finish, Old Wu looked up and saw Chen Xiaobei approaching. He hurriedly coughed and raised his voice, "Oh, you don't need to say anymore. I really can't see Chen Xiaobei."
It was clearly said for Chen Xiaobei to hear.
At first, Chen Xiaobei didn't react but then replied, "Old Wu, what are you talking about? I'm here now."
Upon hearing his voice, Feng Xiaoyue turned quickly and, upon seeing Chen Xiaobei, her face lit up with joy. "Brother Chen, you, you've finally come."
She spoke these words, and tears welled up in her eyes.
Seeing Feng Xiaoyue like this, Chen Xiaobei was confused.
Did she get this emotional just seeing me?
"Miss Xiaoyue, please, don't cry. If you have something to say, let's talk slowly."
Feng Xiaoyue wiped her tears and bowed to him. "Brother Chen, I, I'm leaving Qingniu County. I'm not the kind of person who runs away from debt. Don't worry, I will repay the money sooner or later. I wanted to ask Old Wu to pass a message, but I didn't expect to meet you today."
She bowed again to Chen Xiaobei.
Now, Chen Xiaobei was even more confused. "Xiaoyue, why do you want to leave Qingniu County? Where will you go?"
Feng Xiaoyue sighed, "Leaving is really unavoidable. I asked for a few days off to rest, but Madam Sun from Lord Zhao's household kept pushing. She followed me all the way to the ruined temple, and not only refused to pay me, but also threatened that I had to leave within three days, or she would... she would harm Yan Zi and the others."
With that, she started crying again.
After hearing her sob story, Chen Xiaobei was filled with rage.
Children without parents are already pitiful enough, but for Madam Sun to be so relentless...
Chen Xiaobei turned to Old Wu, who was nearby.
"Old Wu, who exactly are Lord Zhao and Madam Sun? Why are they so arrogant?"
Old Wu looked around and whispered, "Xiaobei, could you lower your voice?"
"Lord Zhao has been in office for generations, and Madam Sun is even more impressive. Her family has officials in the capital. You... you can't afford to offend them."
Upon hearing this, Chen Xiaobei's heart sank.
Originally, he had planned to take the badge from Liu Ruomei and help Feng Xiaoyue with this matter.
But with such a strong background, even Liu Ruomei's influence might not work.
Feng Xiaoyue wiped the tears from her eyes. "Yes, their family is well-connected. Even if I report this to the county office, it won't make a difference. I can only leave with the children."
Chen Xiaobei stood silently for a moment.
Indeed, when you're up against powerful forces, leaving is the only option.
Chen Xiaobei shook his head again. "But what will you do with all the children? Where will you go?"
Feng Xiaoyue was calm. "Wherever we end up, that's where we'll stay. The children are used to wandering."
At that moment, someone suddenly shouted, "Whose donkey cart is eating my vegetables?"
Chen Xiaobei turned quickly and realized that he had been so focused on talking to Old Wu that he had forgotten to tie the donkey up.
Without restraint, the donkey had wandered over to a nearby stall and started eating the vegetables.
Chen Xiaobei rushed over, grabbed the reins, and sighed in relief. "That was close, it almost started eating again."
Seeing this, Chen Xiaobei had an idea. He remembered what Old Wu had said earlier, and decided to do a good deed to the end, offering to give Feng Xiaoyue a ride in his donkey cart.
Upon hearing his suggestion, Old Wu subtly winked at him, and Feng Xiaoyue repeatedly refused, "There's no need, Brother Chen."
Chen Xiaobei insisted, "Alright, if you keep refusing, it will seem impolite."
At this, Feng Xiaoyue had no choice but to bow again. "Then, I won't refuse anymore. I'll go get ready now."
With that, she left quickly.
Watching her walk away, Old Wu sighed. "I told you, don't get involved with her, but you wouldn't listen."
Chen Xiaobei interrupted Old Wu. "Alright, Old Wu, I know you mean well. But she's with a group of children, and it's really pitiful."
Old Wu shook his head. "You're too kind-hearted. If she asked you to send her to the capital, would you go?"
Those words shocked Chen Xiaobei. He had never thought about that. But after a moment's reflection, he believed Feng Xiaoyue wasn't that kind of person.
"Old Wu, you're overthinking it. I don't think Feng Xiaoyue is like that."
Old Wu raised his eyebrows. "You can never know someone's true intentions. How do you know what's really in her heart?"
"If it were up to me, I'd send her to Xiao Family Town. It's near the official road, and there are inns and restaurants there. At least she can find a way to survive."
After hearing Old Wu's suggestion, Chen Xiaobei smiled.
Xiao Family Town was about ten miles southeast of the county.
Together with Hetou Village, it formed a near-perfect isosceles triangle.
"Old Wu, thanks, I'll ask her about it later."
With that, he jumped into the donkey cart and left.
Watching Chen Xiaobei drive away, Old Wu sighed helplessly but then looked up, his eyes glinting with excitement. "A good man, a good man. Feng Lao Ye, good people get their rewards."