Chapter 244: Anxious

Upon seeing that Chen Yulan’s demeanor resembled a young Chen Shiying and was quite proper, Mrs. Wang’s eyes welled up. She said, “Good child, please get up.”

Realizing that it was time to give him a token of greeting, but unprepared for Chen Shiying’s son’s arrival and his grand gesture, she felt her face turning red. Suddenly remembering her restlessness over her daughter, she had been making embroidered purses these past few days. One of them was made for Dabao, exquisitely crafted. She went inside to fetch the purse and handed it to Chen Yulan, saying, “Good child, this was handmade by your aunt. Please don’t dislike it.”

Chen Yulan accepted the purse with a smile, “It’s beautiful. My father said that my aunt is very skilled with her hands, and it’s true.” He then happily hung it from his belt.

Afterward, he presented Chen Shi a gift list, as Madam Jiang also sent some gifts to both Feng’s and Chen Ming’s families, including fabric, food items, and study materials.

Chen Shi was overjoyed. Regardless of value, these were gifts from the magistrate’s family.

From the bottom of her heart, Chen Feng felt that this child had been well-educated, and Madam Jiang was an excellent role model. She was thoughtful and considerate, and Chen Shiying would be even more grateful for her graciousness and wisdom. By prioritizing her husband, she could help mend the relationships between Mrs. Wang, Chen Feng, and Chen Ming, while also mending some of the damage caused by the old lady Zhao.

Chen Shiying was busy with official duties, and Madam Jiang managed the household, including the children’s education. Chen Yuqing and Chen Yulan had grown up in Madam Jiang’s courtyard since childhood and only moved out at the age of ten. In particular, Chen Yuqing, though living in the outer courtyard, still returned to the main residence for all her meals. Chen Yuhui and Chen Yuxia were raised by their respective mother. Due to the old lady’s preference for her eldest granddaughter, Chen Yuhui often stayed at the Longevity Pavilion to keep her company, which led her to learn malicious behavior at such a young age. Chen Yuxia was brought up by her mother, who used to be Madam Jiang’s personal maid, and their relationship was good. Madam Jiang also looked after Chen Yuxia, so the child turned out well.

Chen Feng was puzzled as to why Madam Jiang, being so gracious and wise, never took the time to teach Chen Yuhui. After all, she was Chen Shiying’s own daughter. Perhaps there were family matters that she was unaware of.

Chen Feng tried to have Dabao give his uncle a greeting, but he refused to leave her side. He buried his head in her shoulder, tears streaming down his cheeks, calling “Mommy” from time to time, afraid that she would leave him again.

Zhui Feng, Qiqi, and Gray stuck close to Chen Feng, but they were self-aware and knew they couldn’t compete with the little master. Zhui Feng stayed by Chen Feng’s side, often sniffing at her trousers, while Qiqi and Gray perched on Zhui Feng’s back, craning their necks and calling “Mommy” in unison.

Everyone, including Chen Yulan, burst into laughter at the sight. Only Golden Swallow didn’t join in, standing at the window sill and finding the whole scene quite childish.

Chen Shi requested Chen Yulan to stay for lunch at their home. After the meal, Dabao, having had enough bonding time with Chen Feng, finally went to greet Chen Yulan, calling him “Uncle Lan.”

Chen Yulan puffed out his chest like a little adult, saying, “Good nephew, study well. If you have any academic problems in the future, come and ask your uncle. If I don’t know, I can ask my father, your grandpa.” He then received a jade pen holder from the servant and handed it to Dabao.

After bidding farewell, Chen Yulan actually wanted to stay a bit longer. He liked the two adorable parrots and the big dog, but his mother had instructed him to return home immediately after dinner.

Chen Feng and Dabao walked Yulan to the gate, advising, “Little brother, be filial to father and mother. If you have time, come to Fengyuan in the countryside to play…”

Dabao added, “Uncle Lan, our home is very fun. There are many interesting things that the capital doesn’t have.”

Chen Yulan was very eager to visit and promised to take Dabao to their home more often in the future.

With Chen Feng’s return, Chen Ming and Mrs. Wang hurriedly packed their things, preparing to return to the countryside the next day. They were concerned about leaving Chen Lu at home.

Mrs. Zeng quietly informed Chen Feng that Zeng Shuang had indeed purchased the shop and was currently renovating it, using funds provided by Master Chu.

Chen Feng nodded. If only she hadn’t been so stubborn at the beginning and borrowed some money from Tangyuan, perhaps none of these things would have happened. It was truly ironic that so much had happened to her in less than ten days. She realized she couldn’t go back to how things were before.

Before dinner, Chu Lingxuan and Chu Huai suddenly arrived, dressed in military attire, clearly coming straight from the barracks.

Chu Lingxuan glanced at Chen Feng, seeing she was in good spirits and hadn’t lost weight, which put his mind at ease. He smiled at her, greeted Chen Ming, Mrs. Wang, and Chen Shi with a respectful bow, and called out, “Father-in-law, mother-in-law, Uncle.”

His address caused Chen Feng to blush. This guy was in such a rush.

Chen Ming and Mrs. Wang were initially surprised by the form of address, but after a moment, they both burst into laughter. Mrs. Wang, in particular, found herself increasingly fond of Chu Lingxuan, even breaking into hearty laughter.

The unexpected arrival of this esteemed guest left the experienced Chen Shi flustered, and he quickly instructed Mrs. Zhang to prepare a meal with Chen Feng’s assistance.

Chen Feng felt a bit embarrassed as she joined to help out.

The kitchen became crowded, so Chen Feng and Chen Aman sat in the courtyard to pick vegetables.

Glancing toward the main house, Chen Aman whispered to Chen Feng, “Sister Feng, you’re truly blessed. Who would have thought that the magistrate is your biological father, and you’re a young lady of such noble standing. And, oh, Lord Chu, with such high rank and good looks, is so attentive to you. My, you two are just like characters in a play.”

Amused, Chen Feng replied, “I must admit, these days, it feels like I’m in a dream. In truth, well…” She didn’t continue, as this wasn’t the path she wanted to take. She had no idea what lay ahead. Despite being betrothed to Chu Lingxuan and seemingly liked by his elders, she was filled with apprehension. Entering the Marquis’s mansion felt like entering an abyss, and she was afraid she wouldn’t even have control over her own freedom…

Perplexed by Chen Feng’s absent-mindedness, Chen Aman asked, “You’ve received such a good marriage proposal, why the sighs?”

After dinner, the men dined in the main hall, with Chu Lingxuan accompanied by Chen Ming and Chen Shi. The remaining women and children ate in the side hall.

After the meal, Chu Lingxuan took his leave. Chen Ming and the others silently escorted him to the courtyard before returning to the house. Meanwhile, Chen Feng and Dabao led Lingxuan to the doorway, and the two of them had a conversation.