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Chen Feng wore a lilac floral short jacket with a pale green long skirt, one hand supporting her prominent belly as she smiled at the children. Though her face had become rounder, her figure lost its waistline, yet she exuded a serene beauty, radiating the aura of a contented mother.
Princess Rong Zhao felt a mix of anger and jealousy.
Looking closely at the little girl, something seemed strikingly familiar about her radiant smile.
A vision of a beautiful and gentle face emerged in Princess Rong Zhao’s mind, with a bright and charming smile…
She recognized the little girl. Her face turned pale, fists clenched tightly.
Had that brat truly recovered? She was as beautiful and cheerful as that wretched woman, even more so… How could this be!
The happiness on Chen Feng’s pregnant belly and Chu Hanyan’s face fueled Princess Rong Zhao’s resentment. Unable to contain herself, she briskly approached Chen Feng and the children.
Seeing Princess Rong Zhao approaching, Chen Feng knew trouble was imminent.
This wasn’t the Princess’s residence, she had guards and the Golden Swallow with her and wouldn’t tolerate Princess Rong Zhao’s provocations. If she weren’t pregnant and the children weren’t present, Chen Feng might have sought retribution for past grievances.
However, given the circumstances, it was best to avoid unnecessary conflict. She simply said, “Let’s go,” and proceeded towards the corridor with the guard holding the children. Due to her pregnancy, she couldn’t walk too fast.
Princess Rong Zhao, still some thirty meters away, hesitated to run after them due to her status. Instead, she ordered her attendants and guards, “Are you all useless? Don’t let them get away.”
The guards and attendants sprinted to intercept Chen Feng and her group.
Approaching them, Princess Rong Zhao found Chen Feng and her entourage surrounded by guards, making it impossible to get close. She sternly demanded, “According to national law, I am a Princess. According to family law, I am a mother. Why haven’t you come forward to pay your respects when you see me?”
Chen Feng courteously nodded and said, “So it’s Princess Rong Zhao, ever since I became pregnant, my eyesight isn’t the best. I didn’t recognize you clearly, please forgive me.” After another nod, she added, “Princess, please excuse us. I need to go pray to the Buddha and Bodhisattvas for a safe delivery of a son.” With that, she intended to leave.
Enraged, Princess Rong Zhao sternly commanded, “You are not allowed to leave!”
Upon hearing this, Chu Hanyan burst into tears. Since her recovery, everyone, be it family, servants, or even peasants and children, had treated her with kindness and warmth. This outburst was unprecedented, especially from someone berating her mother and glaring at her.
She cried out, “Mother, I’m scared, I’m scared.”
Chen Feng comforted the little girl in the guard’s arms and addressed Priness Rong Zhao with a serious tone, “Princess Rong Zhao, you’ve frightened my daughter. This is a sacred place of worship, where everyone must cultivate kindness and compassion in their hearts for the blessings of the Buddha and Bodhisattvas. By shouting this way, you show no reverence for the deities and no compassion for the younger generation. No matter how many incense sticks you burn or how many bows you make, it will all be in vain.”
This struck a nerve with Princess Rong Zhao, sparking a desire to retaliate. However, the guards prevented her from advancing. She ordered her attendants and guards, “Go, shut that little wench up!” Pointing at the crying Chu Hanyan, she added, “Stop that little girl from crying, she’s giving me a headache.”
Many of Princess Rong Zhao’s guards were waiting outside the temple, while only ten guards, six eunuchs, and maids were present with her, a force no match for Chen Feng’s side.
Ten guards from Chen Feng’s side stepped forward for a confrontation while others shielded the three children.
Since weapons weren’t allowed inside the temple, the brawl was limited to punches and kicks.
Unnoticed by anyone except Chen Feng, a little swallow flew out from the crowd, swooping down to snatch a long hairpin from Princess Rong Zhao’s head before soaring into the sky.
This hairpin, adorned with a large South Sea pearl, two cat’s eye gems, and four emeralds, was a coveted item for the swallow. Princess Rong Zhao treasured it, preventing the swallow from taking it until now.
The scuffle caused onlookers to retreat in fear, prompting several monks from the temple to rush over to intervene.
Marquis Chu also arrived. Previously, he had grown impatient following Princess Rong Zhao through every hall and had taken a break in a corridor. Upon receiving a report from a servant that the Princess had encountered the Lingxuan’s wife, Marquis Chu was taken aback and quickly approached.
Grabbing Princess Rong Zhao, he reprimanded the guards, “Stop!”
The guards halted at his command.
Princess Rong Zhao pointed at Chen Feng, seething, “She insulted me.”
Frowning, Marquis Chu responded, “Whatever the matter, we’ll discuss it later.”
Suddenly, an astonishing sight unfolded as birds from all directions gathered in the sky above Princess Rong Zhao’s head, forming a mass resembling a large lid, about three feet in diameter.
Princess Rong Zhao’s attendants were prepared for this unexpected event. They swiftly opened two umbrellas, placing one above Princess Rong Zhao’s head and the other above Marquis Chu’s.
Terrified, Princess Rong Zhao abandoned thoughts of confronting Chen Feng and Chu Hanyan, screaming as she ran towards the main hall, followed by the attendant holding the umbrella.
As the “Flock of Birds” followed Princess Rong Zhao, a sudden downpour of bird droppings rained down like a torrent, coating the umbrella above Princess Rong Zhao’s head in a thick layer.
Marquis Chu, just like everyone else, stood stunned, watching the unbelievable scene unfold.
Once Princess Rong Zhao entered the main hall, Marquis Chu regained his composure. Knowing about Chen Feng’s twins, he felt incredibly pleased but maintained a composed demeanor.
He gently remarked, “Daughter-in-law, take care of yourself. May the Chu family flourish with many descendants.”
Chen Feng smiled and curtsied, “Thank you for your concern, Father-in-law.”
Marquis Chu nodded, cast a subtle smile at Dabao, then turned to Chu Hanyan.
The little girl, like everyone else, gazed up at the spinning “Flock of Birds” in the sky above the main hall, her initial fear forgotten, displaying an expression of wonder.
Marquis Chu smirked slightly, leading the group towards the stunned Princess Rong Zhao in the main hall.
Chen Feng chuckled softly, leaving a guard behind to “enjoy the show”, then instructed the others, “Let’s go.”
The guards and attendants escorted the three children towards the corridor. Dabao and Hanyan, being carried, requested to walk along the corridor to continue watching the spectacle.
Chen Feng continued to walk with a smile. The guards and attendants suppressed their laughter, knowing Princess Rong Zhao was a Princess and, in name, the mother of the master.