Chapter 211: So Fortunate

Shanzhi went to the main branch of Chen Family to invite Dahua and Daya. He mentioned that when he went, the main branch was in a terrible uproar. Chen Gui was shouting at Mrs. Hu, and Hu Laowu’s yelling was even louder.

Chen Feng, curiously asked, “What was Hu Laowu causing a ruckus about in the main branch?”

Shanzhi explained, “It seems like Uncle Chen Ye is also sick, and the old lady Chen wanted to send Mrs. Hu back to her family to take care of her because they couldn’t manage two sick people at home. But Hu Laowu wouldn’t allow Mrs. Hu to return to her family. He even said she was seeking death, asking why she didn’t jump into the river or hang herself, instead of shamelessly burdening others. He then declared that from now on, he will consider Mrs. Hu as good as non-existent, even forbidding her from returning to the Hu family. Mrs. Hu said she had nowhere to go, so she will go to the river to jump, saying the river didn’t even have a lid… “

“Hu Laowu cursed so much, I can’t remember it all, and his cursing made Mrs. Hu cry loudly. He even mentioned to Uncle Chen Ye, saying, ‘It’s clear to everyone, even a fool can see that the future will be better, and even brother Chen Ming will prosper. They are such good relatives, yet some people don’t know how to flatter, still have the nerve to say such things.’ He even said that they think like pigs, if the magistrate were to know that Mrs. Hu said such things, it could lead to exposing their shameful matters to the military, potentially leading to their deaths or silence. If the foolish Mrs. Hu were caught, it’s because someone with great power wanted to help the young miss. If Uncle Chen Ye continues to dote on that foolish woman and allow her to cause trouble for others, he won’t show any mercy… He also said…” He hesitated, not daring to continue.

“What else did he say? Tell me.” urged Chen Feng.

Shanzhi’s voice grew even softer as he said, “Hu Laowu also mentioned that everyone knows what kind of person the young miss is, and Uncle Chen Ye knows it even better. Why should someone who eats excrement still want to control those who defecate? The young miss helps the Chen family’s first branch and third branch out of gratitude, not obligation. If they really provoke the young miss and she orders the Chen family to be dealt with, don’t blame Hu Laowu for joining in…”

Chen Feng nodded, dismissing him.

Despite Hu Laowu being a mess, he could see the situation clearly. Although Chen Ye seemed loyal, he was excessively petty, sometimes unable to distinguish between right and wrong.

Hu Laowu’s words were correct—her support for the main branch was indeed out of gratitude, not obligation. She had made up her mind, the share in Prosperous Grand Restaurant and the promised watermelon seeds were her way of repaying grandma Chen, Chen Ye and Chen Gui for their past protection. In the future, they shouldn’t expect to gain any more benefits from her. She had grown up, provided for by Mrs. Wang’s earnings, and Chen Feng hadn’t spent a single penny of the Chen family’s money.

However, she was still puzzled. Hu Laowu’s scolding was so harsh, yet she hadn’t heard Chen Ye refute a word. Was he very ill?

Thinking of those few individuals, Chen Feng felt somewhat uneasy. She suppressed her emotions and went to the west wing, where she saw the children presenting gifts to the birthday celebrant, Dabao. The Luo family and Wu family knew it was Dabao’s birthday today, so Chu Hanyan, Luo Ming Cheng and Luo Mei, along with Shitou, had brought birthday gifts.

Chu Hanyan gifted two Wen Shangzhai goat-hair brushes, saying, “Wishing big brother Dabao success in his studies.” She also presented a jade pen holder on behalf of Chu Lingxuan.

The Luo siblings brought a set of handcrafted satin jackets and a pair of shoes made by Mrs. Wei, while Shitou gifted a wooden carved lamb.

Yang Chao and Yang Qian only found out this morning that it was Dabao’s birthday and felt embarrassed, saying they hadn’t prepared anything. Yang Chao tore off a pouch from his attire, claiming he had worn it just the day before, so it was brand new.

Meanwhile, Yang Qian requested a new handkerchief from old lady Huang to give him. Whenever she visited, old lady Huang always had a few new handkerchiefs on hand. She even sweetly said, “Big brother Dabao, this handkerchief is embroidered with a red carp, my absolute favorite.”

Regardless of the gifts, Dabao accepted them all joyfully, expressing his thanks.

Seeing the children, Chen Feng’s heart melted, and her irritable mood dissipated. She played games with the children for a while before announcing, “Auntie will go to the kitchen to prepare some delicious food for you, and I’ll make a very special, delicious, and beautiful dessert. You all wait patiently, okay?”

“Okay.” the children chorused in response.

Chen Feng then instructed the maids to entertain the children in the classroom while she busied herself in the kitchen.

The Golden Swallow had known about Dabao’s birthday the day before and specifically brought out a piece of green swallow’s nest as a gift. Chen Feng praised it generously, steeped the swallow’s nest in water, and let Dabao drink it, eliciting a delighted expression from him.

The Golden Swallow, aware that her owner could make the legendary birthday cake, stayed at home, playing with Qiqi and Gray. The other birds, unable to endure the solitude, had flown off somewhere.

Around midday, Chen Ming had Auntie Mu come over to deliver their birthday gifts for Dabao from him and Mrs. Wang. The gift is a set of handcrafted silk jackets made by Mrs. Wang herself. Chen Ming mentioned they wouldn’t be coming over.

As it turned out, Hu Laowu, Chen Ye, grandma Chen, and Chen Gui had gone to Luyuan. They intended to visit Fengyuan to celebrate Dabao’s birthday but were dissuaded by Chen Ming, who was concerned about disturbing the important guests there. Still, Auntie Mu brought gifts from the Hu family, a small silver lock and a set of jackets made by Mrs. Gao, and she mentioned that Chen Ye’s face was badly swollen, and he could hardly speak due to a hoarse voice. Hu Laowu and Chen Gui kept apologizing to Chen Ming, promising to take good care of Mrs. Hu and requesting Chen Ming’s understanding.

Auntie Mu paused before adding, “Uncle Chen Ming suggested that the young miss should send over two dishes as a token of appreciation for remembering Dabao’s birthday.”

Chen Feng responded, “I didn’t cook anything at noon today. Besides my parents, I don’t feel like preparing a special meal for those people.”

Auntie Mu nodded and left.

Indeed, Chen Feng hadn’t cooked regular dishes, she had prepared longevity noodles, carrying the symbolic significance of a long life.

Initially disappointed to see only noodles, the children wondered. Yang Chao asked, “Auntie, you’ve been busy for so long, and you’ve only made a bowl of noodles?”

“Of course not.” Chen Feng chuckled. “Today, we must eat noodles to wish our little birthday celebrant, Dabao, a healthy and long life. First, we’ll have noodles, then we’ll have dessert.”

Upon hearing this, all the children obediently ate the noodles.

Once the noodles were finished, Chen Feng brought in a beautifully decorated platter, about the size of a small basin.

Yang Qian asked curiously, “Auntie, why are you carrying the white porcelain basin over? What’s inside? It’s so strange, with beautiful flowers at the bottom. Oh, and there are five small candles inserted.”

Though Chu Hanyan was a bit slower in her response, her sense of smell was keen. She exclaimed, “I know, I know! There must be a cake in the porcelain basin, along with eggs, osmanthus syrup, rose syrup, and apples.”

Chen Feng smiled as she placed the cake on the table and said, “This isn’t a white porcelain basin, it’s a birthday cake. Come, let’s all wish Dabao a happy birthday and everlasting happiness together!”

As the cake was placed on the table, the aroma intensified. The children joined Chen Feng in saying, “Wishing Dabao a happy birthday and everlasting happiness.”

Dabao was almost in tears of happiness. He felt so fortunate to have such a loving mother.