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Despite being treated poorly, Wang Cheng still managed to reach the age of ten. The family then sent him to the town’s blacksmith shop to be an apprentice.
Three years later, when conscription occurred for border warfare, the family member responsible for conscription conveniently reported Wang Cheng as two years older and sent him to the front lines. Since then, there had been no news about Wang Cheng. After the war, a few people from the village who survived returned, claiming that Li Gousheng had been transferred to another battalion, and there had been no further contact. The Li family and the villagers assumed he had died.
Upon hearing this, Mrs. Wang and the others burst into tears. Mrs. Wang in particular cried so much that she nearly fainted, repeatedly expressing her remorse for not protecting her deceased brother. Chen Ming tearfully comforted her.
Chen Feng also sobbed uncontrollably. Regardless of Wang Cheng being her biological uncle, even if he had been a completely unrelated boy, such a fate would have been agonizing.
Chen Lu and Dabao also wept alongside the adults, one calling out “Uncle” and the other “Grandpa.”
When the Chu family arrived, they heard a chorus of wailing coming from the upper room as they entered the courtyard. Old Zeng explained to them what had transpired, and both Chu Lingxuan and his grandfather felt it would be inappropriate to enter the upper room. Instead, they made their way to the western wing.
The young Miss Chu, who had woken up, was clamoring to go find her aunt, but Mama Song held her back, trying to calm her down. Chu Lingxuan went over and lifted her up, explaining that her aunt was feeling upset due to a family matter and that she shouldn’t disturb her. Upon hearing this, the young Miss Chu’s eyes welled up with tears, and she buried her head in Chu Lingxuan’s arms, sobbing.
This reaction from the young girl surprised Chu Lingxuan. Holding her tightly, he comforted her, “Don’t be upset, when your aunt comes out, we’ll talk to her and make her feel better.”
The old marquis was both surprised and moved. Once upon a time, this child had been severely disabled, unaffected by anything around her, resembling a lifeless doll. However, to his surprise, within a few months, her disability had seemingly disappeared, replaced by emotions and an understanding of right and wrong. Moreover, her deep affection for Chen Feng was unexpected.
Sitting down, he said, “Hanyan is a good-hearted child. Don’t be sad. Whatever happens to the young lady, we’ll help her.”
Soon after, Chen Feng arrived at the western wing with Dabao, both with swollen eyes.
Seeing the young Miss Chu crying in Chu Lingxuan’s arms, Chen Feng was taken aback. “What happened to the young Miss?”
Chu Hanyan raised her head and reached out her hands. Chen Feng picked her up. The little girl touched Chen Feng’s face with her chubby hands and, with tears in her eyes, said, “Auntie… is crying, so… I want to cry too.” With that, she burst into tears.
Dabao, already feeling upset, upon seeing Chu Hanyan crying, also tugged at Chen Feng’s skirt and wailed loudly. Suddenly, the room was filled with crying, and Chen Feng was left teary-eyed by their tears.
Chu Lingxuan consoled, “Ms. Chen, don’t be too upset. According to Uncle Zeng, your uncle is simply missing, not confirmed deceased. Therefore, there’s a chance he’s still alive. I spent several years at the border, and my third uncle even longer, a full twenty years, participating in the entire duration of the war. I’ll have my third uncle write a letter to the border generals, and I’ll also write a letter to my good friends to inquire. We’ll surely get to the bottom of this.”
Chen Feng quickly expressed her gratitude. Although the ancient battlefield was perilous, there was always hope. She gathered up the children and hurried to the upper room, comforting Mrs. Wang and offering the possibility that her uncle might still be alive, with Mr. Chu’s help in inquiring about his whereabouts.
With this hope in mind, Mrs. Wang’s sorrow eased. She expressed her desire to visit Lingyin Temple to pray for Wang Cheng’s safety and well-being.
Observing Mrs. Wang’s pale face, Chen Feng felt her heart ache. Yesterday, Chen Shiying’s visit had already upset her greatly. Today’s news had caused her even more distress, making her sway even as she walked. She advised, “Mother, you’re not well. Rest at home. Tomorrow, I’ll go to the temple to pray and donate more money to ensure my uncle’s safety. The Chu family is going tomorrow, so I’ll join them.”
Mrs. Wang nodded in agreement.
Hearing this, Lu and Dabao also insisted on going. Chen Feng agreed.
She then went to the western wing to speak with the Chu family, and they both agreed. Afterward, she put the little girl down and let her play with Dabao and the animals, while she went to the kitchen to prepare vegetarian snacks.
Tomorrow, she planned to visit the “enlightened” Master Wuzhi, whom she had long revered. He had helped cure her illness and had previously sent her many vegetarian dishes. She intended to ask him to help determine whether her uncle Wang Cheng was still alive.
Her belief in Master Wuzhi was strong, not just because he had insights that she will be cured in her ailment, but also due to the fact that Mrs. Wei and others often mentioned his profound Buddhist teachings. Many royals and influential families sought his advice. However, Master Wuzhi rarely received visitors and almost never performed divinations for them.
To coax him, she decided to make even more delicious vegetarian snacks this time. So, while going to the restroom, she also visited her “space.”
The Golden Swallow was busy, swishing his long tail and, upon seeing Chen Feng, lifted his head and glared at her fiercely.
Perplexed, Chen Feng asked, “Sweetie, did mommy offend you?”
The Golden Swallow complained, “Of course, you haven’t come to see me for days.”
Chen Feng explained, “Mommy has been very busy these days, and we’ve had two unexpected incidents. That’s why I haven’t been able to spend time with you.” She added, “I’m going to Lingyin Temple tomorrow, so I need to take some swallow agarwood scraps to make vegetarian snacks for the venerable Master Wuzhi.”
The Golden Swallow replied, “That bald old donkey should have some spiritual enlightenment. If he makes unreasonable demands, remember not to agree. If you do, I won’t help.”
Chen Feng scolded her with a glance, saying, “He is a high monk, how can you call him a bald old donkey? Show some respect.”
The Golden Swallow rolled his eyes at her and continued his work, swishing his tail.
Chen Feng took some swallow agarwood from her space pouch and left the space.
She went to the kitchen with Auntie Mu and Mrs. Zeng to make snacks. They made plum blossom cookies, osmanthus glutinous red dates, sesame rolls with almonds, peanut brittle, and some vegetarian braised dishes. They also made some osmanthus glutinous red dates as Mr. Chu liked them. As their focus was on making vegetarian dishes, they only prepared braised noodles with minced meat for dinner. Even a bowl of noodles and a few braised dishes were enjoyed by the Chu family.
After the meal, the old marquis chuckled, “This is the influence of family bonding, a good influence to us from Hanyan.”
Thinking that the elderly gentleman was praising her, Chu Hanyan looked up and giggled a few times.
As they were leaving, Chen Feng handed them two food boxes, which were for the Abbess.
Chen Feng and her son escorted them to the gate. Holding Chu Hanyan, Chu Lingxuan said to Chen Feng, “I’ll come to pick you up tomorrow before the end of the hour of the rabbit (7 AM). It’s cold and windy on the mountain, so dress warmly.”
“Okay.” Chen Feng smiled.
Watching them walk away, she stood under the tree and then returned to the upper room. She went to ask for Wang Cheng’s birth information.