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Chen Feng spent her days leisurely during her pregnancy, doing some sewing, admiring cute children, working as a special daycare teacher, and eagerly anticipating the arrival of Chu Lingxuan. Time flew by, and before she knew it, the end of June had arrived.
These past few months had been good, the children were growing robustly, and the elderly were in good health. Li Xuan’s condition had improved, his cheerful demeanor returned, and he could now speak a few coherent sentences, although he still had a slow response and shyness.
The watermelon harvest had been another success. While prices weren’t as high as the previous year due to other farmers using the “Dingzhou Sweet Melon” seeds to grow watermelons, most outsiders still preferred buying from the Fengyunlai due to their established reputation, ensuring they remained the most profitable.
Moreover, this year’s watermelons were just as delicious as the previous year, indicating a significant improvement in the seed genetics, which delighted Chen Feng immensely.
Given this success, the wheat, rice, and corn seeds should have also seen significant improvements.
The winter wheat from Wangshan Village and Tangyuan had also experienced a bountiful harvest. The flavor was secondary; the crucial factor was that wheat grown from the “foreign seed” had yielded up to 380 catties per mu, a historical record for the era. This success wasn’t just due to the seed quality but also the seed soaking process before sowing.
Chen Shiying wasn’t initially concerned about the watermelon harvest, as they weren’t food crops and didn’t significantly contribute to agricultural development. However, upon hearing about the prosperous wheat harvest in Wangshan Village, he was overjoyed and even visited the village personally. He named the wheat “Dingzhou Wheat” in recognition of its success.
He issued directives to promote “Dingzhou Wheat”, “Dingzhou Corn”, and “Dingzhou Rice” extensively in the territories of Sanqing County, Zhongning County, and Huajiang County, all under the jurisdiction of Dingzhou Prefecture.
Simultaneously, he began gathering data and characteristics of these grains, preparing a glowing report. Once this year’s rice and corn harvests were successful, he would report back to the court.
Chen Feng foresaw Chen Shiying’s imminent promotion. While quietly amassing wealth, she unintentionally accumulated significant achievements for Chen Shiying. In ancient times, agricultural development was crucial. Grain reforms not only ensured people had enough to eat but also strengthened the nation’s power significantly.
There was only one downside: Chen Feng had quite the appetite, and her belly grew rapidly, causing her to gain a lot of weight. Her once oval face had transformed into a round one, her features had changed, her eyes appeared swollen, her nose larger, and she even developed acne. Despite being only four months pregnant, her belly was significantly protruding, leading many women to comment that it looked like a six-month belly.
A few days ago, a doctor from the capital was specifically called in to examine her pulse, confirming that she was carrying twins.
This was truly wonderful news, and the Old Marquis was overjoyed. He sent messages to both the capital and the prefectural city, hosted a lavish feast, invited relatives and families from well-connected villages, and even let the servants enjoy a hearty meal.
Chu Lingxuan was away and couldn’t return immediately. On the second day, the Chen family in the Dingzhou sent gifts, followed by gifts from the Marquis family in the capital on the fifth day.
Chen Feng felt a bit embarrassed. While checking her pulse wasn’t as accurate as an ultrasound, who knew how reliable it was. Also, with the Old Marquis constantly emphasizing the importance of having a grandson, how would he react if they had two granddaughters? She wouldn’t mind, and she believed Chu Lingxuan wouldn’t mind either, but the Old Marquis might not be as understanding.
To make matters worse, the Old Marquis not only insisted on having grandsons but also shamelessly bribed Dabao and Hanyan, instructing them to refer to the babies as “brother” and not “sister.” Even simple-minded little Li Xuan was persuaded, upon seeing Chen Feng’s belly, he would say, “Auntie’s tummy, it’s a brother.”
On the afternoon of June 27th, a young monk from Lingyin Temple named Guiyi arrived, informing Chen Feng that his master was embarking on a journey and requested her presence the following day.
Master Wuzhi wasn’t leaving for a simple reason but to travel extensively, indicating he might not return for three to five years based on his previous wanderings.
Despite some of Master Wuzhi’s shortcomings, he remained a respected figure in Chen Feng’s eyes. His goal of aiding the Ninth Prince was to prevent suffering, reducing risks for Dabao, and offering her valuable insights.
Agreeing to visit, she also had some candies prepared for the young monk.
Chen Feng recalled a belief from her past life that pregnant women shouldn’t visit temples. However, customs varied by region, and in some places, it was acceptable.
After confirming her pregnancy, Chen Feng refrained from visiting Abbess Liao Chen at Yingshuan Monastery, and instead, Abbess Liao Chen visited Tangyuan twice and frequently sent offerings.
Now, with Master Wuzhi instructing her to visit the temple, she should be able to go there.
The next morning, Chen Feng rose early, accompanied by Mama Hua, to prepare vegetarian snacks in the small kitchen in Fengyuan. After making a variety of snacks, she planned to visit Lingyin Temple and then head to Abbess Liao Chen at Yingshuan Monastery.
As Chu Lingxuan finished her breakfast, the group was about to leave Tangyuan when they spotted a horseback rider approaching the gate.
It was a bailiff who informed them that the magistrate and officials from the prefectural city would be visiting Shangshui Village and Xiangluo Village to inspect the cultivation of “Dingzhou Corn” and “Dingzhou Rice”. He instructed the farmers growing these crops to make preparations.
Since Chen Shiying was her father, Chen Feng had to return to Yanxiang Pavilion and postpone her visit to Lingyin Temple until the next day.
In these two villages, Tangyuan was a prominent grower of these crops. Steward Luo arranged for Chen Ming, Chen Ye, the landlords cultivating these crops, and the village elders to welcome and guide the officials.
At noon, a feast was prepared for the officials, dining together with the Old Marquis, which left the guests extremely excited.
Later in the afternoon, the other officials returned to the city, leaving Chen Shiying behind at Tangyuan. He visited Yanxiang Pavilion to see his daughter and planned to return the next day.
At this moment, Chen Shiying looked confident and youthful, with a calm demeanor. He appeared almost unchanged since Chen Feng had last seen him. Although he now sported a small mustache, he still carried the air of a refined gentleman.
Seeing Chen Feng pregnant for the first time, he chuckled, “To hear that Feng is expecting twins, I couldn’t be happier.”
Chen Feng affectionately touched her belly and replied, “Father, you’re still so young, you don’t look like a grandfather at all.”
Amused, Chen Shiying laughed, “Look at my daughter, she’s calling her old father a grandfather.” He continued, “I must thank you, Feng. You obtained those seeds from Master Wuzhi and, at great cost, cultivated excellent crops on your land, benefiting the people. I mentioned you in my report, ensuring the Emperor knows of your significant contribution.”
Chen Feng added, “It’s not just me, there’s also my other father, who, at great expense, was the first to grow these crops on his land.”