Chapter 246: In-Laws

This time, Chen Feng, along with Dabao, Chen Ming, and Mrs. Wang, rode together in the luxurious horse-drawn carriage.

At Chen Ming’s request, after arriving at Zhongning County, the carriage took a detour to visit the Lao Huai Village. The 200 acres of fields had been recently planted with seedlings and appeared lush and expansive. Many tenant farmers were busy working in the fields.

After conversing with the tenant farmers, Chen Ming reboarded the carriage, and they continued their journey.

By late afternoon, they arrived home. Chu Lingxuan went directly to the Yingshuan Monastery, where the old Marquis Chu, Third Madam Chu, and the young Miss Chu would be staying for a few days.

Chen Feng and her son went to Fengyuan for lunch.

Chen Feng also informed Chen Ming and Mrs. Wang that the Chu family would present betrothal gifts to them next year, and she would reside at Tangyuan after her marriage.

Upon hearing this, Mrs. Wang and Chen Ming were delighted. The Chu family not only continued to regard Feng as their own daughter but also accepted them as true in-laws. Moreover, their daughter would be living at Tangyuan, close to them.

After some joyous moments, Mrs. Wang’s expression turned solemn. She said, “Feng, I don’t think this is good. Mr. Chu can’t come to Tangyuan often from Dingzhou. Won’t you two be unable to meet every day? This might lead to other women getting between you.”

Chen Feng had also considered Chu Lingxuan’s arrangements for her the previous night. Not being allowed to live in Capital was understandable as a form of protection, but not being allowed to live in Dingzhou seemed rather ambiguous.

Initially, Chu Lingxuan had prevented Hanyan from living in Dingzhou due to her illness and his preoccupation with official duties. But why was this arrangement being made now? Although it would benefit the protection of Dabao, they probably didn’t know about the abbess’s approval and Dabao’s special background.

There had to be a reason behind their decision. She would have to wait for him to clear her doubts in the future.

She replied, “Mother, Mr. Chu isn’t like that. If he wanted another woman, he would have found someone long ago. Why wait until now? Allowing me to live at Tangyuan might have his own reasons.”

Chen Ming added, “Women tend to overthink. Mr. Chu is a good person, and he wouldn’t act in the way you’re thinking.”

Mrs. Wang also felt that she might have been overthinking and said with a smile, “I’m just worried. I hope they can be closer, enjoying a sweet and harmonious marriage and having a few more children.”

This remark made Chen Feng blush, while Dabao’s mouth pouted even more.

Chen Ming chuckled, “Dingzhou isn’t far from here, just over fifty miles. With a fast horse, it would take less than an hour. Mr. Chu’s steed is excellent, who knows, it might take only half an hour.”

After lunch, Chen Feng took Dabao back to Fengyuan to rest.

Later in the afternoon, Chen Ming asked Auntie Mu to invite the eldest family to Fengyuan for dinner and to deliver the small bull he had bought for them and the gifts sent by the third family. He also asked grandma Chen and Chen Ye to come first, as he had something to discuss with them.

Upon hearing this, grandma Chen and Chen Ye hurriedly arrived at Luyuan. Chen Ye’s health had improved a lot, and he was able to do some farm work.

Seeing the robust little bull in the yard, Chen Ye’s face lit up with joy.

As they entered the main hall, Mrs. Wang poured tea for them and then left. Wives had no right to attend high-level family meetings.

When Chen Ming mentioned that Chen Feng had acknowledged her ancestry and was betrothed to Mr. Chu, grandma Chen and Chen Ye were astonished.

After the initial surprise, their expressions turned mournful, and they lamented with deep regret.

Perplexed, Chen Ming asked, “Mother, Eldest Brother, isn’t it a good thing that A’Feng is betrothed to Mr. Chu? Why aren’t you happy?”

Chen Ye, glancing out the window where Mrs. Wang was speaking to Chen Lu in the yard, whispered, “Fools! If Feng had not acknowledged her ancestry, her marriage to Mr. Chu would indeed be a good thing for us. We would be in-laws to the Chu family, and even Steward Luo wouldn’t dare offend us. But now, she’s the daughter of the magistrate, she’s that Chen family’s daughter, and has no relation to our Chen family. Ah, what a pity…” He stopped speaking, his face twisted with sorrow.

Equally somber, grandma Chen sighed heavily, “Ah, what a pity indeed. She’s not blood-related, but we cherished her for so many years, and now she’s gone.” Then, turning to Chen Ming, she added, “See, you weren’t pleased when I told you earlier, and now it’s come true, hasn’t it? And, speaking of which, Mr. Chen, the magistrate should give you some money for raising his daughter, right?”

Chen Ming frowned, “What are you talking about, Mother? Initially, the magistrate did offer us some money, but I declined and used it as a dowry for Juan.”

Chen Ye, infuriated, exclaimed, “Are you stupid? Feng was raised by you, and you are the head of the family. How can the money be given to Wang alone?” His voice grew hoarse due to anger. He continued, “Furthermore, the family’s assets should be managed by men. Also, you need to have a good talk with Mr. Chu about this. Feng was raised in our family, and the Chu family cannot only recognize that Chen family as in-laws.”

Grandma Chen added, “Eldest is right. If the Chu family presents betrothal gifts, they should give half to your family.”

Chen Ming shook his head. While his mother and elder brother were decent individuals, they couldn’t see things clearly when it came to money matters. He hurried to explain, “Why are you so anxious? I haven’t finished speaking. Although A’Feng has acknowledged her ancestry, she won’t live at the Chen residence in Dingzhou, she’ll stay at Fengyuan instead. She hasn’t said that acknowledging her ancestry means she doesn’t recognize me as her father. She’s still my own daughter, she just has two fathers. The Chu family has also promised to present betrothal gifts to our family.”

Upon hearing this, grandma Chen and Chen Ye smiled contentedly. Chen Ye commented, “The Chu family is benevolent and considerate. After all, they are a high-ranking official’s family and considerate. Feng is also good, she treasures her roots.”

Chen Ming cautioned them not to disclose A’Feng’s acknowledgment of her ancestry, not even to his wife, whose words could not be trusted.

Additionally, although many suspected that Chen Feng was Chen Shiying’s biological daughter, it was mere speculation, and it was best not to divulge this information.

Grandma Chen and Chen Ye nodded repeatedly, they dared not offend the magistrate, and naturally, they wouldn’t speak carelessly. Moreover, if others didn’t know that Chen Feng had acknowledged her ancestry, the Chen family would be considered in-laws to the Chu family, and no one in the vicinity would dare provoke them.

Observing their thoughts, Chen Ming warned them not to act in a domineering manner under the guise of being in-laws with the Chu family. He reminded them that the Chu family held authority, and Tangyuan was in the vicinity. If they acted improperly, it would displease the Chu family.

He added, “In the future, let Dahua study well. If he passes the imperial examination, with the connections from the Chu family, he might secure a good position. Furthermore, Daya is pretty, in the future, it’s not impossible for her to marry the offspring of an official.”

With such prospects, their family’s situation could change for the better.

Chen Ye happily assured him, “Second Brother, rest assured, I will restrain our family members and prevent them from causing trouble for the Chu family. Especially Hu, if she dares to act unreasonably again, I’ll send her back to her parents’ home.”