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Chen Shiying chuckled, “Don’t worry, Feng, I’ve also written about him, I won’t forget.” He then inquired, “Um… how is my sister?”
The longing and affection in his eyes when he mentioned “my sister” were evident to anyone observing.
Chen Shiying always maintained a pleasant demeanor towards everyone, displaying a gentle and composed attitude. He didn’t hide his deep feelings and nostalgia for Mrs. Wang. Perhaps he considered this an expression of his unwavering “romantic sentiment”, one that required no concealment.
Previously, Chen Feng might have been moved by Chen Shiying’s enduring affection and Mrs. Wang’s significant place in his heart. However, now as a wife, soon-to-be mother, and managing the household, she no longer harbored such sentiments.
Reflecting on Chen Shiying’s marriage to Madam Jiang, Chen Feng felt sorry for him. His mother and concubine caused constant turmoil, ruining his engagement and spreading scandal throughout Dingzhou Prefecture. Both Families who were considering a union with Chen Yuqing were frightened off. Frustrated, Chen Shiying chose to “avoid” by leaving the mess for Madam Jiang to handle. When issues arose with Chen Yuhui, Madam Jiang hurriedly sought a good match for her to marry.
Additionally, Chen Shiying’s concubine He was pregnant again…
Madam Jiang loved Chen Shiying sincerely, adhering strictly to his wishes. While other women might have acted deceptively, Madam Jiang handled Chen Yuhui’s affairs with care, ensuring her well-being and seeking a good match for her. Even when faced with frustration, she bore the burden alone. Chen Yuhui’s troubles would typically result in Madam Jiang finding a poor match for her just to vent her anger.
Madam Jiang devoted herself tirelessly to being a filial daughter to Chen Shiying’s demanding mother, raising their children, caring for the concubines, and managing the turbulent household. Yet, the man’s mind lingered on the woman he couldn’t have! Today, bringing officials for an inspection, was he running away from his mother and concubine’s troubles once again?
As the ancients said, “Cultivate oneself, regulate the family, govern the state, and bring peace to the world”, but how many truly adhere to this? Most men still believe that managing the inner household is solely the responsibility of their wives, leaving their parents, concubines, and numerous offspring for their wives to handle…
Empathy stirred within Chen Feng for the “stepmother” Jiang.
Accepting the tea handed to him by Hong Fei, Chen Feng personally served it to Chen Shiying, saying, “Father, have some tea. My mother is doing well. Now that my uncle has been found and there are no worries at home, she seems to be getting younger by the day.”
Chen Shiying smiled and said, “That’s good. Father also…” He hesitated to say the words “rest assured.”
Chen Feng chuckled and added, “Father, when you return tomorrow, please bring a cask of infused wine for Mother. This wine not only contains ginseng and deer antler but also rare medicinal herbs collected by a mountain herbologist. Mother has been tirelessly devoted to you and the family, I hope her health remains robust… We wouldn’t want her to be angered by that grandmother and granddaughter duo prematurely.”
She continued, “Father, even you should have half a cup daily, it’s highly beneficial for your health… This type of wine supplements deficiencies without causing weakness. Those with poor health should avoid it, as it may exacerbate deficiencies and lead to nosebleeds.”
The “weak” referred to Chen Shiying’s mother. Chen Feng wished that the unpleasant old lady would meet her end sooner, but she didn’t want her to drink this wine.
In addition to the medicinal herbs, the wine contained small fragrant agarwood bark about the size of a toothpick, providing numerous health benefits. Chen Feng had prepared several casks, which were also enjoyed by old Marquis Chu, Chen Ming, Mrs. Wang, and two casks were gifted to Third Madam Chu.
Chen Shiying chuckled and said, “A dutiful daughter, Father thanks you on behalf of your mother. With family harmony, all will prosper. The way you and your mother get along brings me great comfort.”
Chen Feng was left speechless, her family was not exactly harmonious and prosperous. Her words were meant to convey how hard Madam Jiang had it at home. However, Chen Shiying mistakenly interpreted it as a testament to the good relationship between his legitimate wife and stepdaughter, feeling quite pleased with himself.
The following day, after bidding farewell to Chen Shiying, Chen Feng, accompanied by Chu Hanyan and Chen Dabao, set off for Lingyin Temple. Since Dabao had the day off, he insisted on coming along to play.
To prevent Chen Feng from exerting herself too much, she planned to stay overnight at Yingshuan Monastery and return to Tangyuan the next morning. She even arranged for Mr. Liao to have half a day off.
Today marked Chen Feng’s first outing since becoming pregnant, and with Dabao in tow, she had over a dozen escorts, including two specifically assigned to protect Dabao. She also brought along the Golden Swallow for added security, providing her with peace of mind. The Golden Swallow dangled from Dabao’s clothing, at a glance, it appeared to be a small embroidered bird pattern.
At that moment, little Li Xuan was still asleep. While people stayed put, the dogs were already on the move.
Upon realizing that Chen Feng, Dabao, Hanyan, and even the Golden Swallow were all set to go out, Chang and Duan insisted on joining as well. At over four months old, their white, round bodies resembled their mother’s physique, with Gray ears, almond-shaped eyes, and long noses akin to their father’s features.
Chang and Duan were now cherished treasures in Tangyuan and Luyuan. Loved by all, even the Golden Swallow doted on them, and Qiqi and Gray were accommodating.
Every day when Dabao came to Yanxiang Pavilion for meals, they would tag along and dine there. They would also accompany Dabao to the school gate and return to Yanxiang Pavilion to wait for Li Xuan and Chu Hanyan to visit Fengyuan together. When it was time for Dabao to finish school, they would rush back from Fengyuan to pick him up at the gate.
Chang and Duan could stray from their parents because Zhui Feng and Sasa occasionally went to play in the woods. However, they couldn’t bear to be apart from Dabao, as they had never been separated from him, except when he was at school.
As they reached the gate of Tangyuan, it was difficult not to bring them along. While Zhui Feng and Sasa were indifferent, the two younger ones were visibly upset, shedding tears. Chen Feng, Dabao, and Hanyan felt sorry for them.
After comforting Chang and Duan, explaining that it was due to temple restrictions against animals, they bid farewell to Zhui Feng’s family and proceeded towards Lingyin Temple.
Chen Feng traveled in a sedan chair since she couldn’t ride in a carriage. Upon arrival at Lingyin Temple, Xiao Guiyi greeted them at the entrance.
Guiyi instructed another monk to take the cart filled with snacks to the Master’s meditation room while leading Chen Feng’s group towards the rear of the temple through the corridor.
With Hong Fei supporting her, Chen Feng walked ahead, followed by Dabao and Chu Hanyan hand in hand, surrounded by a group of guards and servants.
Curiously observing her surroundings, Chu Hanyan remarked, “Brother, this place is huge, but I don’t see any nuns.”
Dabao, being knowledgeable, responded, “This is a temple for monks, no nuns here. Our grandmother lives at Yingshuan Monastery, a convent where only nuns reside.”
Passing by the Guanyin Hall, Chen Feng stopped to light three incense sticks, praying for a smooth delivery.