Chapter 126: The Leg is Healed

Wu Chanshen gazed at the hurried figure ahead of him, feeling deeply distressed.

Previously, his parents had been against him liking Chen Feng. Later, his father’s attitude softened upon seeing Feng’s capabilities and he became resolute. However, for some unknown reason, his father’s attitude suddenly changed two days ago, instructing his mother to quickly arrange a marriage for him. He even went on to say things like not to get involved with Chen Feng, implying that such a girl was beyond their reach.

Wu Chanshen’s mother had always wanted to betroth her niece to him. Upon hearing the his father’s words, she hurriedly went back to her family to discuss the arrangement.

However, Wu Chanshen did not like his cousin at all. He felt that she was just like most of the village girls—dark complexion, sturdy build—not as attractive as Chen Feng, lacking that unique charm that made his heart race at first glance.

His mother, on the other hand, claimed that girls like his cousin could work hard and were good for bearing children. Regardless of his disagreement, the parents of both families were determined to settle the matter, and it would be finalized in a few days…

When Chen Feng noticed that Wu Chanshen was no longer following, she slowed her pace. She told Dabao, “Don’t tell anyone about today’s events.”

Dabao nodded in agreement. He was still puzzled and asked, “Mother, since our families have such a good relationship, why did Uncle Wu want to harm you? He used to be very kind to us. And what about Shitou, can I still be friends with him? I really don’t want to lose him.”

Chen Feng found it difficult to explain and said, “Adult matters are not understood by children. Just remember, in the future, keep your distance from Uncle Wu, and don’t accept anything from him. As for Shitou, you can continue your friendship as before.”

Before they reached home, they saw Chen Lu standing outside the fence, eagerly looking in their direction. The young boy was bathed in the glow of the setting sun, happily waving at them and taking a few steps towards them.

Dabao exclaimed in surprise, “Mother, look, Uncle is walking without his crutch. He doesn’t need it anymore. He’ll be able to go to school in a few days.” With that, he shouted and ran towards Lu.

Lu had been occasionally walking without his crutch in the past few days. Though he still limped a little, it was nowhere near as severe as before the bone fracture. The slight limp was due to the muscles in his leg weakening from lack of movement for a few months and also from the habit of limping. With more attention and more walking in the future, it would gradually improve.

Chen Feng felt a great sense of accomplishment. Having crossed over for over half a year, life at home had improved a lot, and Chen Lu’s leg had also healed. The Golden Swallow said that after eating two more months of green swallow’s nest, Chen Lu would be completely healed.

Of course, this is mainly thanks to the unnamed hero, Golden Treasure.

As they arrived at the courtyard gate, Chen Feng held Dabao’s hand and put her arm around her younger brother. The group entered the courtyard joyfully.

Pointing to a large basin of pork in brine, Chen Ming laughed, “Dad bought so many things today, your mother has already washed them. Tonight, you can start stewing them, and tomorrow I’ll take them to your uncle’s house.”

Tomorrow, the second household of the Chen family was hosting guests at the main house. The guests had already been invited, including steward Luo and his son, as well as the people who had helped their family and the tenant farmers who had lent a hand that day. Also invited were the village head of Shanghui, the head of Xiangluo, Gao Lizheng and his son who had participated in the pulling contest, and the influential Hu Laowu, and even the county’s Xia Bukuai. Together, it added up to almost fifty people, requiring at least six tables to accommodate them.

The main house had started preparing two days ago. This time, Mrs. Hu didn’t dare to cause trouble. She is busy with Mrs. Gao, and also had Chen Jue tending to the fire. After all, Chen Ye was happy and even invited Hu Laowu. She hoped that through this gathering, the relationship with her brother and husband could be eased. Additionally, with two taels of silver, the most expensive alcohol and braised dishes were still brought by the second branch, which should save about a tael of silver.

This time, it was Hu Laowu who specifically went to the county to invite his brother-in-law, Xia Bukuai.

Hu Laowu’s and Mrs. Hu’s fourth sister is the wife of Xia Bukuai, but Xia Bukuai, apart from Hu Laowu, didn’t look highly upon the other poor relatives of the Hu family. His relationship with these in-laws of Chen Ye was also not close, and they seldom interacted. This time, upon hearing that steward Luo and his son from Tangyuan were going to the dinner, and with Hu Laowu saying many good things, he agreed to attend the feast.

Hu Laowu knew that Chen Ye was eager to please Xia Bukuai, so he took the responsibility of inviting Xia Bukuai, which lessened Chen Ye’s prejudice against Hu Laowu.

During dinner, Chen Feng mentioned that she was also eyeing the small grove near Tangyuan. She listed a few reasons, emphasizing the proximity to Tangyuan, and not fearing that fewer people might come to rob them. She also mentioned that although the piece of wasteland was good, it was not close to the village or the store, and if something happened, others couldn’t come to help them right away.

Chen Ming, recalling the recent fight by the creek, nodded in agreement and said they would go to measure the land with Gao Lizheng the day after tomorrow.

After dinner, Chen Feng and Mrs. Wang started to get busy, stewing pork belly, ribs, intestines, liver, trotters, peanuts, dried tofu, and kelp in brine.

She also started another small pot, specifically stewing some vegetarian dishes such as tofu, kelp, peanuts, and other snacks for Chen Dabao, little Yan and the children at Tangyuan tomorrow.

The dim light of the kitchen lamp appeared even dimmer in the mist, casting a faint glow on the busy figures of Mrs. Wang and Chen Feng.

The courtyard was illuminated by starlight, as there was no moon tonight, but the deep autumn night was filled with a brilliant starry sky. Chen Lu, no longer needing his crutch, was extremely excited, frolicking in the yard with Dabao, two parrots, and two dogs. Mrs. Wang, while occasionally reminding Lu to be careful, scolded him, but her expression was relaxed and content—her son’s leg had finally healed.

Seeing that the dried tofu and pork liver were cooked, Chen Feng scooped out a bowlful. She took the bowl to the yard and waved at them, saying, “Come over and satisfy your cravings, little ones.”

The animals in the house were either male or masculine, all referred to as little ones.

Zhui Feng and Wangcai dashed over, while Qiqi and Gray flew onto Chen Feng’s arm and pecked into the bowl.

“No grabbing.” Chen Feng scolded the two greedy parrots and patted them down.

Qiqi’s temper was getting worse, and she directly cursed Chen Feng as a “stinky woman.”

Chen Feng got angry and gave her a kick, saying with widened eyes, “If you curse again, I won’t feed you.”

Terrified, Qiqi quickly hopped around, calling out, “Mother, mother.”

Gray then began to imitate Chen Feng’s voice and laughed.

Once they were all settled, Chen Feng fed each of them in turn.

Seeing them like this, Chen Ming chuckled, and Mrs. Wang’s eyes lost some of their sorrow, and she joined in the laughter.

This was a poor household, without many plants, birds, or cages, and certainly lacking in maids and servants. There was no deliberate “vitality” here, yet everywhere and at all times, it was filled with vitality and joy.

Afterward, Chen Feng cut the single-braised dried tofu and kelp into small cubes and packed them into two large bowls, along with peanuts. This was for tomorrow at Tangyuan. As Chen Shitai was there, Chen Feng didn’t bring any meat dishes for the children.

She also packed a small bowl of peanuts and diced pork belly, intending to secretly take it to the space for the Golden Swallow to eat during the night.