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Madam Jiang nodded, prompting Chen Feng to sit down.
Turning to Chen Yuhui, Madam Jiang continued, “Yuhui, your father was born and raised in the countryside, a true countryman. Yet, he was also a top scholar over a decade ago, renowned for his elegance, knowledge, and talent. How can you speak of country folk in such a disparaging manner?”
With tears in her eyes, Chen Yuhui quickly stood up and replied, “Mother, you are right. I made a mistake.” She knew better than to offend a woman who held sway over her fate, especially now with her grandmother partially paralyzed and her birth mother deceased.
Another nod from Madam Jiang and Chen Yuhui sat back down.
Madam Jiang reprimanded both girls, but it was evident to others who she truly aimed her words at.
Turning to Chen Feng, Madam Jiang inquired, “Are your clothes ready for the banquet at the Chu Mansion?”
Chen Feng confirmed, “They are ready.”
Acknowledging her competence, Jiang explained, “I know you might not like the clothes made by the our embroiderers, so I only prepared a set of accessories for you.”
As she spoke, Hong Feng presented a jewelry box adorned with floral patterns containing several pieces of accessories made of red gold and jade, shimmering brightly and exquisitely beautiful.
Chen Feng graciously thanked Madam Jiang as she received the jewelry box.
Madam Jiang then instructed Chen Yuqing and Chen Yuxia, “Both of you should also prepare well. You will accompany your elder sister the day after tomorrow.”
Following her words, two maids brought forward trays containing clothes and jewelry boxes. The sisters thanked Madam Jiang with smiles and accepted the garments and accessories.
Observing confusion in Chen Yuhui’s eyes, Madam Jiang explained, “It has only been two months since Mrs. Tang passed away. She was, after all, your birth mother. It is not suitable for you to socialize outside for three months. Therefore, you cannot join your sisters at the Chu Mansion the day after tomorrow.”
Chen Yuhui felt her eyes welling up with anger, finding Madam Jiang’s reasoning unfair and deliberate suppression. Approaching her fifteenth birthday without a betrothal, missing an event gathering the elite women of Dingzhou Prefecture, even those from the capital and provincial cities, felt like a missed opportunity to secure her future.
Even though Mrs. Tang just recently passed away, despite being her birth mother, how could she be confined indoors due to her passing?
Thinking this silently, she dared not voice it out loud, planning to discuss it with her father upon his return.
Time flew by in laughter and conversation, and Chen Yulan arrived here after school.
She greeted Madam Jiang and happily joked around with Chen Feng.
As dusk fell, Chen Shiying returned. Madam Jiang stood up, leading the children and servants to greet him.
Chen Shiying nodded at Madam Jiang first, then turned to Chen Feng with a smile, “Feng, now that you’re back, stay at home for a few more days this time, spend time with me and your mother.” He went on to talk with each of the children.
His demeanor was gentle, greeting each child warmly and kindly, even bestowing his gentle gaze on the two concubine.
At least at this moment, this large family appeared extremely harmonious and unified.
Chen Shiying and his wife sat with their five children at one table, not separating them.
After the meal, Chen Shiying and Madam Jiang discussed attending the birthday banquet at the Chu Mansion. He instructed Chen Feng and her two sisters to prepare well, mentioning that Mrs. Tang had recently passed away, so Chen Yuhui should refrain from going out.
“Dad, I…” Chen Yuhui looked at him with tears in her eyes.
Chen Shiying said, “Dad knows you were close to your birth moom, but the dead cannot be brought back to life. Yuhui, take care of yourself and try not to be too sad.”
With a wave of his hand, he dismissed the children.
After they left, Madam Jiang personally brewed a cup of tea for Chen Shiying and briefly mentioned the squabble between Chen Feng and Chen Yuhui. Finally, she added, “As the eldest sister, it’s Feng’s duty to guide her younger siblings. It’s just that her approach was a bit inappropriate, and I have already spoken to her about it.”
Chen Shiying agreed, “Yes, you did the right thing, my dear. Feng grew up in the countryside, so her way of speaking may be too straightforward, but she means no harm. As for Yuhui… sigh.” He sighed, his expression slightly grim, “The way she is now, I also bear responsibility. If only I had been firmer and not listened to my mother, handing her over to you for guidance would have been better…” Then he asked, “I asked you to find a suitable match for her, how is it going? Any prospects?”
Madam Jiang remarked, “I have been inquiring these days and find three families somewhat suitable. I was just thinking of discussing it with you…”
After hearing the conditions of those families, Chen Shiying pondered for a moment and suggested, “I think the young man surnamed Wei from Zhongning County would be a good match. Although he is just a scholar with limited prospects, he is honest and his family owns a thousand acres of good land, ensuring a comfortable life. By providing additional dowry, Yuhui could lead a prosperous life. Her temperament would not bring trouble in such a household, and the Wei family would treat her well out of respect for me.”
Madam Jiang also considered this family the most suitable for Chen Yuhui but decided to look into two other official households to avoid any misunderstandings with Chen Shiying about intentionally not finding a good match for Chen Yuhui.
Hesitant after Chen Shiying’s suggestion, Madam Jiang said, “I also believe this family is suitable, but considering Yuhui’s temperament and mother-in-law…” Initially, they had their eyes set on the son of a Marquis, a third-rank general.
Chen Shiying gestured, “Yuhui is strong-willed, but fate surpasses one’s strength. This family is her best destination. Parents’ wishes and matchmaker’s words cannot be opposed. Please handle it directly, my dear. As for my mother, I won’t mention it for now. After everything is settled, I will explain it to her.” He sighed, “Even if Yuhui is at fault, she is still my dear daughter. You must continue to guide her. She doesn’t have to be overly kind and virtuous, but she must have a conscience and act with discretion.”
Madam Jiang responded, “Yuhui is your daughter and mine. I understand.”
Chen Shiying held Madam Jiang’s hand and said, “Over these years, I have made progress in my career, with the family well taken care of, all thanks to your virtue. Not only am I grateful for all you have done for me and our family, but even others commend you.”
Madam Jiang’s eyes welled up slightly as she replied, “I don’t care about what others say as long as you understand my heart. That’s all that matters.”
Chen Shiying patted her hand and said solemnly, “I know your heart, I always have.”
Today, he was supposed to rest at Mrs. He’s place, his new concubine, but he chose to stay in the main courtyard.
The next day after breakfast, Chen Feng and her sisters went to greet Madam Jiang. Just as they exchanged a few words, news arrived that the old lady was causing trouble again.
With a slightly grim expression, Madam Jiang glanced at Chen Yuhui, then sent the sisters back and hurried to the Longevity Pavilion.
Upon returning to the Rose Courtyard, Chen Feng was informed that the manager from Fengyunlai had arrived.