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When Dabao emerged from his room, he saw his mother sitting on the bed, sewing intently, making small clothes for him.
Approaching Chen Feng, Dabao squeezed into her arms, then climbed onto her lap and sat down. His cheeks were still rosy from sleep, and his eyes were slightly puffy.
Setting aside her sewing, Chen Feng pretended not to notice that he had been crying and gently rocked him in her arms. After a while, feeling his small body relaxing, she started to discuss, “Son, mommy is at a loss. I have to discuss something with you. Can you help mommy come up with an idea?”
Feeling comforted by his mother’s gentle rocking, Dabao felt at ease, much like riding a wooden horse in the yard. He asked, “What is troubling you, mother?”
Chen Feng replied, “This time, when your father and I go to the capital, we can’t take you and your sister. MOmmy knows you are sensible, so I decided to tell you first, but I haven’t had the heart to tell your sister, afraid she might cry and fuss. How can I break it to her? Mommy is in a dilemma.”
They could have taken Hanyan along, but they thought that if Dabao wasn’t going, it would be best not to bring Chu Hanyan either, treating both children equally. Otherwise, saying they would treat Dabao well but treating them differently in practice might make him feel uneasy, perceiving a difference between biological and adopted children.
While Dabao thought, “If it’s so troublesome, why don’t you just not go?”
Although he had such thoughts, he didn’t voice them, understanding clearly that it was impossible. His mother was going to marry Chu Lingxuan, and their trip to the capital for their marriage was an inevitable reality.
Yet, he felt proud that his mother treated him like an adult, consulting him on such an important matter.
Straightening his little chest, Dabao said, “Sisters are more delicate by nature, so it’s inevitable. Rest assured, mommy, I will help persuade my sister, even though it goes against my heart. Mommy, rest assured, your son will help you convince her.”
Seeing his conflicting emotions, Chen Feng kissed his cheek, praising him, “You are different, knowing how to help mommy out of a dilemma and protect your sister.”
When Chu Hanyan woke up, Chen Feng and Dabao went to the main room together and informed her about the situation. As expected, as soon as they finished speaking, the little girl burst into tears and couldn’t be consoled, not even listening to explanations.
Witnessing her strong reaction, Dabao became frantic, trying to calm his sister. Despite his efforts, he started to believe that perhaps Mom and Dad shouldn’t take them to the capital. However, after much persuasion, the little girl continued to cry inconsolably.
In a hushed tone, Chen Feng reminded, “When Mom returns, what should little Yan call me?”
As soon as Dabao realized, his sister had once told him that her greatest wish was to call her own mother “Mother.” He immediately spoke loudly to his little sister, “Sister, stop crying for now. Listen to me, when Mom returns from the capital, you’ll be able to call her ‘Mother’ instead of ‘Auntie.'”
The little girl’s crying abruptly ceased, her teary eyes wide with wonder as she asked, “Really? When Auntie returns, can I call her ‘Mother’?”
Dabao vigorously nodded and affirmed, “Yes, I’m not lying. If you don’t believe me, ask Mom.”
The sight of the little girl was truly heartwarming.
Chen Feng wiped away her tears and assured her, “It’s true. When I return, not only will you call me ‘Mother,’ but both Dabao and I will move to Tangyuan, and we’ll truly become a family.”
This was a scenario frequently described by her father, one the little girl had even dreamt about. No longer upset, she smiled through her tears, tugging at Chen Feng’s clothes and said, “Hanyan and Brother are both good. Hurry back, Auntie. I can’t wait to call you ‘Mother’ soon.” She wished her aunt could go to the capital now and return tomorrow.
Dabao wiped the sweat off his forehead with his sleeve, feeling proud of himself for successfully comforting his sister. Chen Feng gave him a thumbs up and whispered, “Dabao, you’re really capable. You found your sister’s soft spot and convinced her in no time.”
Indeed. Dabao felt quite accomplished, having resolved his mother’s dilemma and inadvertently puffed out his chest.
Finally, the two little troublemakers were settled.
Seeing them playing with toys together, Chen Feng breathed a sigh of relief and glanced at the several large red boxes in the room, filled with clothes and belongings she needed to bring to the capital. Everything was ready, and they would be departing the next day.
In the evening, the Abbess Liao Chen returned to Tangyuan. After having her meal, she sent for Chen Feng and also arranged for Chu Hanyan to be brought back. She was worried her granddaughter might feel sad and decided she would stay at Tangyuan for a few days.
Presenting a translucent emerald jade bracelet to Chen Feng, the Abbess smiled and said, “This was given to me by Xuan’s grandmother when I got married. Even though I entered the monastery, I never returned it to the Chu family, intending to give it to Xuan’s future Wife…”
Chen Feng thanked her with a bow, and after some more conversation, she took her leave.
Upon returning to Fengyuan, Chen Feng found grandma Chen, Mrs. Hu, and Chen Jue had all arrived to help her get ready. Grandma Chen brought a pair of gold earrings, representing the eldest son, along with ten taels of silver. Mrs. Hu gifted a pair of embroidered red silk shoes, and Chen Jue presented two embroidered handkerchiefs.
Subsequently, Mrs. Luo, Mrs. Wei, Hu Laowu’s fifth wife and daughter, as well as the two daughters-in-law of Wu the Carpenter, arrived one by one, also bearing gifts.
The Luo family sent two pieces of soft smoke-colored silk and an embroidered double-sided screen. The Hu family offered ten taels of silver, while the Wu family contributed two pieces of silk and a pair of carved vermilion lacquer side tables.
As only a few families were aware of Chen Feng’s impending departure for the capital, they had all come to assist her in getting ready.
Regardless of whether she could use the gifts they brought, Chen Feng appreciated their gestures and expressed her gratitude.
That evening, Dabao insisted on staying in the main room, expressing his desire to spend the night with his mother. Chen Feng agreed, finding his clinginess endearing, although she ended up feeling quite hot from his tight embrace.
The next day at dawn, Chen Feng entrusted Dabao, who had been clinging to her, to Mrs. Wang. Climbing into the carriage she looked back to Chen Ming, Mrs. Wang, Lu, and tearful Dabao, they bid farewell and set off for Dingzhou Prefecture.
Upon reaching Dingzhou Prefecture, they headed straight to Chen’s residence.
Chen Feng would spend the night at Chen’s residence before departing early the next morning for Tongxian in the outskirts of Dingzhou by boat and then continuing the journey into the city by carriage.
Upon arriving at Chen’s residence, she was warmly welcomed by Madam Jiang, who had lunch prepared for her. After the meal, Madam Jiang informed her that the furniture had been sent to the estate a few days earlier. Madam Jiang would accompany Chen Feng to the Chu’s estate along with Chen Yulan, Chen Yuqing, and Chen Yuxia, and Chen Shiying would join them closer to the wedding…
Before returning to Rose Pavilion, Madam Jiang handed over the list of dowry items to Chen Feng. Seeing the thick stack of items listed, Chen Feng was truly amazed.