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Madam Lou informed Chen Feng that she would also visit Abbess Liao Chen and then stay at Tangyuan.
Chen Feng warmly welcomed their visit to Fengyuan.
Shortly after, the Chen Sisters and Madam Jiang returned home, and not long after, the Chen family, including Chen Shi, Mrs. Zhang, Chen Aman, and Chen Tang, came to visit Chen Feng.
“We knew you were leaving tomorrow, so we hurried over to see you.” Chen Shi said with a smile.
Mrs. Zhang added, “It would be great if Feng could stay a few more days and spend a day at your third Uncle’s house.”
Chen Feng smiled and replied, “I’d love to visit Uncle’s house, but I’m eager to return home to Dabao. After the New Year, when Uncle’s family returns to the countryside, we can gather again.”
Excitedly, Mrs. Zhang mentioned, “Last month, I missed my Yu, so I took Aman to visit him in the capital. Coincidentally, Mrs. Yang took Mr. Yang Mingyuan children to the capital too. Those two children are so endearing. They heard Aman is your cousin, and they immediately became fond of each other, playing together every day…”
Yang Mingyuan had bought a house in the capital and had his mother, Yang Chao and Yang Qian move there over two months ago. At that time, Dabao had injured his leg, so Chen Feng didn’t bring the siblings to play.
In a whisper, Mrs. Zhang continued, “This Aunt thinks highly of Mr. Yang. He’s successful in business, wealthy, yet very humble. Not only did he support Yu, but he was also kind to Aman and me. When we went, he didn’t have us stay at an inn but in a small courtyard in his house…”
Observing Mrs. Zhang, Chen Shi, and the slightly blushing Chen Aman who had moved to the side, it seemed like all of them were attracted to Yang Mingyuan.
The potential match between the two seemed promising; one was a friend and business partner, the other a cousin, both with good characters. Despite Yang Mingyuan’s wealth, Chen Aman was her cousin, and their family situation had improved, making them a suitable match. Although there was a significant age difference—Yang Mingyuan was twenty-six while Chen Aman was only fourteen—if the two individuals hit it off, these differences wouldn’t pose a problem.
Chen Feng remarked, “Mr. Yang is indeed impressive. He has a successful business, is capable, has a long-term vision, and is quite ethical. His home is simple, and although his ex-wife left behind two children, they are well-raised. His mother is also kind and easy to get along with.”
Upon hearing Chen Feng’s praise, Chen Shi and Mrs. Zhang were delighted. Mrs. Zhang whispered, “Feng, what do you think about Mr. Yang and our Aman…?”
Chen Feng smiled, “I think it sounds good, but I’m not sure about the two individuals involved…”
Chen Shi whispered, “I heard from your Aunt that Mr. Yang treats our Aman well. If he initiates, we will agree. If not, could you ask Madam Lou to help out? Our Aman is excellent, virtuous, gentle, and skilled. She not only has you as a capable elder sister supporting her but also Tang and Lu, her two younger brothers, who are excelling academically and will pursue official titles in the future.”
The plan was to have Madam Lou act as a matchmaker, which seemed reasonable. It appeared that Madam Lou would visit the Marquis’s residence before the New Year, so they could ask her then. If Yang Mingyuan agreed, it would be great, but if not, they would let it go.
Chen Feng agreed, “Madam Lou won’t return to the capital until the end of the year. If Mr. Yang doesn’t express interest by then, we can ask her to inquire.”
Mrs. Zhang expressed her gratitude, “Thank you, Feng.”
Chen Feng smiled, “Aman is my cousin, and I also hope she finds a good match.”
Madam Jiang sent someone to invite Chen Shi’s family to dine at the mansion. Chen Shi took Tang to eat with Chen Shiying in the front yard, while Mrs. Zhang and Aman stayed in the Rose Courtyard for their meal.
Chen Shi was thrilled to dine with the Magistrate, his face trembling with excitement.
Chen Feng felt grateful for the affection between Chen Shiying and his wife.
After bidding farewell to Chen Shi’s family, Chen Shiying headed to Longevity Courtyard, where the servant informed him that the old lady had thrown her bowl again.
Each time he approached Longevity Courtyard, he felt a heavy heart. He was aware of his disrespectful thoughts, but he couldn’t help himself.
Before entering the courtyard, a servant at the gate quietly informed him, “Today, the old lady secretly asked me to fetch two leek dumplings from the kitchen, and she ate them both.”
Chen Shiying nodded and entered the main room. The old lady was reclining on the bed, and there were only some soup and rice grains on the table, with the dishes already cleaned up by the servants.
Upon seeing her son, she scolded, “I told that wretched girl to come and stand in front of me to learn some manners. Why didn’t you make her come? She’s been here for a few days now, and not even a glance from her grandmother. Is this how you and Jiang are teaching her?”
Chen Shiying waved his hand, signaling the servants to leave the room. He sat on a nearby chair and said, “Mother, if you don’t like Feng, why force her to be by your side? I didn’t let her come because I was afraid she wouldn’t understand the rules and might upset you, making you angry.”
“If that wretched girl dares to upset me, you discipline her. If she talks back, you can slap her until she’s toothless and see if she dares to challenge me again. In the end, you still can’t bear to punish her. You think I don’t know? You’re still thinking about that shameless Wang Juan.” The old lady fumed.
Chen Shiying’s face turned crimson, “Mother, what are you saying? I have several children, and my sister has remarried. Why are you speaking so harshly?”
The old lady retorted coldly, “Don’t call her your sister. I only gave birth to you, not that shameless woman.”
Chen Shiying tried to calm her down, “Alright, alright, let’s not talk about them. Mother, please have some food and don’t starve yourself.”
Upon hearing this, the old lady burst into tears, “Let me starve to death. What’s the point of living like this? I worked hard to raise you, planned everything for you. I arranged for you to marry an official’s daughter as your wife, took a merchant’s daughter as your concubine, arranged positions for you, and provided funds for offerings. Without my efforts, how could a poor scholar like you become a county magistrate in Jiangnan at a young age, and eventually a fourth-rank in Dingzhou Prefecture by your thirties, all in wealthy places? Even the top scholar from your year is just a fifth-rank official now, three levels below you, struggling to afford a good house and selling land. If you had married Wang Juan, would you have risen so quickly? Would you be living so comfortably? Maybe even that poor top scholar isn’t as successful as you. Now you have position, wealth, children, and even two lovely concubines. You’ve taken advantage of everything, yet you still regret me sending Wang Juan away…”