Chapter 66: Village Defense Team Reform

Seeing so many people signing up for the Village Defense Team, even Cui Hongyu was taken aback.

"Husband, why do they all want to join the Village Defense Team? You told them there's no reward at the end of the year, yet they still insist on joining without hesitation."

Chen Xiaobei smiled. Although he couldn't fully understand their true thoughts, he knew that their decision was most likely related to Daolao Hei's visit.

In this era, common people were vulnerable. Besides being controlled by the authorities, they had no power to resist when encountering bandits, and could only be slaughtered at will.

Looking at his own Village Defense Team, usually filled with noise and enthusiasm, they would be eager to deal with people like Chen Ermao, but when it came to actually picking up weapons to fight against bandits, it seemed more like a pipe dream.

So, their joining the team was probably just for some psychological comfort. They believed that by being under his command, if anything happened, Chen Xiaobei would be there to look after them.

While Chen Xiaobei didn't mind, for Village Chief Chen Anbang, this was a big deal.

That evening, Chen Ping specifically brought two fish for his grandfather and also brewed a pot of wine.

But clearly, Chen Anbang had no appetite.

"Grandfather, you've been frowning since noon. What's troubling you?"

Chen Anbang glanced at his grandson, then shook his head slightly.

"Did you hear? Today, Chen Xiaobei made quite a name for himself. He was repairing his house, and Daolao Hei, the big boss from Wugulong Ridge, personally delivered a sheep to him."

"Grandfather, so what? Maybe they have some kind of relationship."

Chen Anbang's eyes widened. "Nonsense! If they had a relationship, would Daolao Hei have kidnapped Cui Hongyu?"

Chen Ping scratched his head. "That's true, grandfather. So, what do you think this is all about?"

Chen Anbang sighed. "Haven't you noticed? Chen Xiaobei has been different lately."

Chen Ping shook his head. "I haven't noticed. But I do think ever since he married Cui Hongyu, his luck has been unstoppable."

Mentioning Cui Hongyu hit a nerve with Chen Anbang.

"I'm going out for a while. You all eat first."

Chen Anbang hurriedly left the house and headed straight for the neighboring village.

Cui Banxian was at home, squinting his eyes and humming a little tune while drinking. Suddenly, the door was kicked open.

The sudden noise startled him, but when he saw it was Chen Anbang, he quickly put on a smiling face. "Ah, isn't this Village Chief Chen? You've come at the right time, come, come, sit down and have a drink."

Chen Anbang angrily took a step forward and grabbed Cui Banxian by the collar.

"Cui Banxian, you've really deceived me! You kept saying that Cui Hongyu would bring misfortune to her husband."

"I went through great trouble to get Cui Hongyu to marry Chen Xiaobei, and what do I see now? It's not misfortune at all; it's good fortune! Look at Chen Xiaobei in the village. Everyone bows to him, respects him, and he's on friendly terms with the big boss of Wugulong Ridge."

Upon hearing this, Cui Banxian was also somewhat startled.

The truth about Cui Hongyu either bringing misfortune or good fortune, he didn't know. He had always thought of himself as a half-sage, just someone who got by.

"Village Chief Chen, you can't say that. His good fortune is only temporary. I've told you before, Cui Hongyu brings misfortune. Three men have died because of her. Isn't that proof? Don't worry, Chen Xiaobei will eventually die because of her. Cui Fu Gui's wealth will eventually be passed on to your grandson."

This time, however, Chen Anbang did not leave in satisfaction as usual. Instead, his expression turned fierce.

"Cui Banxian, let's get this clear. I'll give you half a month. If Chen Xiaobei is still alive and well by then, don't blame me for being ruthless."

"You know better than anyone how Cui Hongyu's three husbands died."

Unexpectedly, this time, the usually submissive Cui Banxian suddenly became bold. He straightened his body abruptly.

"Chen Anbang, you are truly useless. You can't even handle a man like Chen Xiaobei."

"Now you're blaming me again, but you were the one who came to me, saying you were interested in Cui Hongyu and her wealth."

"Enough with the nonsense. I'll say it again. Half a month—if I don't see Chen Xiaobei's head fall, don't come complaining to me."

With that, Chen Anbang turned and left without looking back.

Watching Chen Anbang leave, Cui Banxian's expression became serious, and finally, there was a hint of menace in his eyes.

"Fine, Chen Anbang. Since you've torn off the mask with me, this is easy to deal with. You won't need half a month—tomorrow, I'll send you on your way."

After dinner, Chen Xiaobei strolled to the large locust tree in the middle of the village.

Until the rules were changed, he still had to sleep there.

However, what he saw in front of him left him dumbfounded.

Under the large locust tree, a dense crowd of Village Defense Team members, who had signed up today, were all sitting there.

When they saw him coming, they all stood up in unison.

Li Dong and Da Yong stood at the front, smiling as they greeted him.

"Wait a minute, what are all of you doing here? We don't need this many people just to work a night shift!"

Li Dong and Da Yong almost spoke in unison, "Isn't the rule for the Village Defense Team to guard here at night?"

Yes, they were supposed to guard at night, but truth be told, the tiny village of Hetou didn't need more than twenty people for that task.

Chen Xiaobei was about to speak, but then paused. Wasn't this the perfect opportunity for reform?

He had been married for so long, and yet hadn't even had a proper wedding night. If he didn't change the shift schedule, even if he was willing, would Cui Hongyu agree?

"Alright, since everyone's here, it's the perfect time for me to announce something."

"From today onwards, Village Defense Team members won't need to be on duty every night. We'll divide into groups."

"We'll start with four groups. Tonight, one group will be on duty, tomorrow, the second group, the day after, the third group, and so on."

After counting the numbers, splitting into four groups worked out well, with some groups having seven members and others six, making it a reasonable arrangement.

Next, it was time to assign group leaders.

Chen Xiaobei had already planned this. Li Dong would be one, Da Yong another, Chen Xiaobo a third, and he himself would lead the fourth group, making sure to keep Chen Xiaowen in his group.

"We'll start with these groups for now. If we get more people later, we'll adjust."

With only one night shift every four days, during the day, people would work when needed, and if there wasn't work, they could simply stand at the village entrance.

After this adjustment, the happiest people were undoubtedly Chen Daqiang, Chen Xiaobo, and the other long-time members. Normally, they had to sleep there every night, which was tough, but they endured it, thinking of the few copper coins they'd get at the end of the year.

Now, with only one night shift every four days, even if there were no year-end bonuses, it wasn't that big of a deal.

On top of that, with Chen Xiaobei, the "big tree," as their leader, even if there were no bonuses at the end of the year, everyone was still happy.

When Chen Xiaobei came back after the meeting, Cui Hongyu was surprised.

After hearing about the new shifts, Cui Hongyu couldn't help but laugh, "You're getting lazy. You're in Group 4, and you're the last to be on duty."

Chen Xiaobei chuckled and pulled Cui Hongyu into his arms.

He then kissed her passionately.