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Chu Lingxuan, noticing Chen Feng’s insincere expression, gently pinched her nose and remarked, “You already know my intentions, why ask such questions?” With that, he lay down, running his hand through her dark hair.
Chen Feng chuckled, “Resting so early isn’t General Chu’s style.”
Chu Lingxuan smiled and pulled her into his arms, whispering softly.
With her face nestled against his neck, inhaling his pleasant scent and listening to his murmurs, Chen Feng felt her eyelids growing heavier.
“…I’m busy every day outside, rarely spending time with you and the family. You have to care for your grandfather, raise your daughter, and look after two royal bloodlines… You’ve worked hard. In a few days, I’ll have to…”
Hearing the soft, drowsy sound near his neck, Chu Lingxuan looked down to find Chen Feng already asleep. Chuckling, he held her until late into the night before drifting off himself.
When Chen Feng woke up, it was already dawn, and she could still sense his lingering scent on the pillow, but he was already gone.
Autumn mentioned, “The Master left at the hour of the Tiger (around 3-5:00 AM), he didn’t want us to disturb you.”
Dabao arrived, curious to know if his father had slept with his mother last night. Despite almost asking, he refrained, fearing it might upset his mother.
Breakfast was served with an array of delicate snacks and congee, but Chen Feng had no appetite.
Upon Mama Li’s urging, she managed to eat an egg, a small bowl of rice porridge, but skipped the pan-fried bun.
Mama Li panicked, “Madam, how can you starve the baby like this?”
Chen Feng reassured, “The baby won’t starve. I’m waiting for the sour and spicy rice noodles that Chu Huai bought.”
At the mention of the rice noodles, her mouth watered again, and she quickly swallowed.
Seeing off Dabao, she waited until the time of the Snake (around 9-11:00 AM), when Chu Huai finally returned with the sour and spicy rice noodles. The shop owner had pre-prepared the broth to prevent the noodles from sticking during the journey to the countryside, providing Chu Huai with fresh noodles for cooking.
Seeing Chu Huai drenched in sweat, Chen Feng felt guilty. Her craving had led him on a long journey back and forth, totaling over two hundred miles. She rewarded him with five taels of silver and insisted he rest.
To avoid spilling, the broth was stored in a large teapot. Mama Hua heated the broth in the small kitchen, cooked the noodles separately, then combined them in the soup, ready to be served in Yanxiang Pavilion.
The aroma tantalized Chen Feng’s taste buds. Despite the slightly softened soybeans and peanuts, the flavor was still exquisite. She instructed to inform Chu Huai that whenever the Master returned to Tangyuan, he should bring a bowl of noodles.
Mama Li, frowning, advised, “Madam, you shouldn’t eat too much of this. It’s not good for the baby’s skin.”
Chen Feng thought to herself that the baby was only the size of a fingernail, so skin development wasn’t a concern yet. She replied, “I only eat when my appetite is poor. When it improves, I’ll stop.”
After the meal, Chu Hanyan and Little Xuan joined them in the main room, and they headed to Fengyuan for their “lessons.” Wang Xiaodi and Wang Xiaomei were already waiting at the gate.
Despite repeated insistence from the old Marquis and Mrs. Wang, Chen Feng temporarily relinquished her teaching duties starting that day. Autumn took over as a preschool teacher, engaging the children in activities like playing with blocks, storytelling, and “martial arts practice” in the children’s playground in the backyard. To ensure the children’s happiness and to prevent them from overwhelming Chen Feng, they would now have their rest in the west wing of Fengyuan after lunch, return to Tangyuan after their afternoon classes.
Having shadowed Chen Feng for so long, Autumn had acquired most of the teaching skills and could handle the role competently.
Chen Feng sat in the corridor sewing clothes for the children, with Mrs. Wang and Mrs. Wu accompanying her, also sewing.
At this moment, Fengyuan was at its most beautiful, with a riot of colors and blooming flowers, exuding a fragrant aroma throughout the garden. In contrast, Tangyuan, while beautiful, appeared somewhat monotonous.
Watching the children and the pets practice martial arts, Mrs. Wu laughed heartily. This sight never failed to bring her joy. With a good life and a contented heart, Mrs. Wu’s health had improved significantly, and she had gained some weight.
As noon approached, the servants arrived to announce the arrival of the lady of the house.
Perplexed, Chen Feng said, “My mother is already here.”
The servant chuckled and clarified, “It’s the lady from the capital.”
It turned out to be Madam Jiang.
Chen Feng quickly stood up and said to Mrs. Wang, “Mother, I’ll go.”
Mrs. Wang nodded and said, “Go ahead. Mrs. Jiang has come a long way to support you, and it’s not easy for her.”
Chen Feng agreed, seeing the children happily playing, she let them be and, accompanied by Mama Li and Xiaomo, headed back to Tangyuan.
In Yanxiang Pavilion, Madam Jiang sat with Chen Yuqing and Chen Yuxia.
Upon entering, Chen Feng first paid respects to Madam Jiang, then chatted with the Chen sisters.
However, Chen Feng noticed the slight redness around Madam Jiang’s eyes and her tired complexion. It was clear she hadn’t rested well, having made the journey to see her. Chen Feng appreciated her efforts.
She suggested, “Mother and sisters, stay a few more days here. The countryside scenery is quite different. We women can stroll around the estate anytime, unlike in the city where stepping out requires preparation.”
Madam Jiang agreed, “Perhaps later. This morning, your father left for business out of town. With the elderly lady at home and that troublesome fellow…” She paused, then waved her hand, saying, “Ah, once she’s married off, things will settle at home.”
Not delving further, Chen Feng understood she referred to Chen Yuhui. She wondered what trouble the girl had caused to upset Madam Jiang.
After discussing some matters with Chen Feng and offering pregnancy advice, Madam Jiang instructed to bring out the gifts brought from home, including ginseng and bird’s nest. Additionally, there was a gift to be sent to Luyuan, which Chen Feng arranged to have delivered.
Due to Madam Jiang’s visit, they didn’t dine in Hai Tang Hall as usual but had a meal set up in the west wing.
After the meal, Chen Dabao, Chu Hanyan, and Luu came to Yanxiang Pavilion to pay respects to Madam Jiang. It was the first time Madam Jiang had met Dabao and Lu, she chatted with them, exchanged pleasantries, and gave them gifts.
While Madam Jiang was engaged with the children, Chen Yuqing leaned in and whispered to Chen Feng, “Chen Yuhui is really disappointing. She even thinks of such shameless things. Grandmother has to support her, and Mother is furious. Father just said he’s busy with work and left, leaving the mess for Mother to handle, asking her to look after them. Mother was so upset she nearly fell ill…”
As she spoke, Chen Yuqing’s eyes welled up with tears.
Observing Madam Jiang looking worn out, Chen Feng reflected on her appearance. Despite her adornments and makeup, she appeared much older than her actual age, her features plain.