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Upon returning to Tangyuan, Chen Feng briefed Xue Dagui, old Zeng, Luo Xiao, and others on various instructions, with Luo Xiao receiving many specific tasks. With all the masters heading to the city, and Steward Luo accompanying them, Luo Xiao was now in charge of the entire estate.
Later that afternoon, Lin Bo and his son from Wangshan Village arrived, and Chen Feng provided them with instructions as well.
The next day, on July 2nd, to arrive in the city by noon, Chu Hanyan and Little Xuan set off early in the morning. Little Xuan was in a bad mood, crying uncontrollably.
This journey to the Dingzhou involved not just the people but also all the animals from the estate. Sensing a long trip ahead, Qiqi, Gray, and Zhui Feng’s family were all thrilled to follow their young masters, fearing they might be left behind if plans changed.
Not finding the golden swallow, Chu Hanyan asked Dabao, “Brother, Golden Treasure hasn’t returned yet. What if it comes back and can’t find us?”
Dabao reassured her, “Grandma and Grandpa are at home, Uncle Luo is there too. They will help Golden Treasure find us.”
Upon hearing this, Hanyan felt relieved.
Early in the morning, Chen Ming and Mrs. Wang brought Chen Lu over, also bringing some items for Wang Cheng and Chen Shi. Chen Gui also brought some gifts for Chen Shi.
They even brought along their worker, Wang Laowu.
Impressed by Wang Laowu’s farming skills and sharp thinking, Chen Feng entrusted him with planting their special cucumbers. Taking him to the General’s Mansion, she assigned him a small plot to cultivate those unique cucumbers in the city.
Chen Feng, along with Dabao, Hanyan, Little Xuan, and Mama Luo, arrived at the city gate of Dingzhou Prefecture promptly at noon.
The steward of the General’s Mansion, Yang, personally welcomed them at the gate. Upon reaching the mansion, the respected stewards were waiting at the entrance. They were first led to the main hall, where Yang introduced a well-trained young servant named Xiaolu, who bowed to Chen Feng.
Today, Xiaolu turned nine, a bright and clever child.
Chen Feng rewarded Xiaolu with a pouch containing silver ingots, saying, “In the future, serve Young Master Dabao diligently.”
Xiaolu bowed to Dabao, who also rewarded him.
Additionally, the servant Sanquan and the two young maids, Lancao and Lanhua, who will serve Chen Lu, also bowed to Chen Feng and Lu. Both masters rewarded them with pouches. These were individuals arranged by Chu Lingxuan in the morning, as instructed by Steward Yang and the stewardess Mama Luo from the inner courtyard.
Chen Feng then instructed Steward Yang to prepare Mr. Liao’s accommodation properly, ensuring he was not neglected.
Subsequently, she had the servants guide Chu Hanyan, Qiqi, Gray to Serene Pavilion, Dabao and Zhui Feng’s family to Chaohua Courtyard, Chen Lu to the outer courtyard’s Gui Courtyart, and Little Xuan to the West room in the main courtyard. After freshening up, they were to join her in the main courtyard for lunch.
She also allowed Autumn and Mama Luo, along with several servants from the families residing in the city, to rest at home for two days.
After waking up in the afternoon, Chen Feng arranged the gifts for Chen Shi’s family and Wang Cheng’s family, as well as for Chen Shiying’s family, to be delivered by her staff.
She then took Qing Feng and Xiaohuang to Gui Courtyard, where Chen Lu resided.
According to Qing Feng, Gui Courtyard was a three-section courtyard, with Mr. Liao in the second section’s main house, a study in the east wing, and Alu staying in the third section’s rear covering room. Entering through the back gate, they found Chen Lu reading in the study.
Upon seeing his sister, Chen Lu quickly stood up and approached her.
Chen Feng asked, “Are you settling in well?” Seeing Lu nod, she continued, “This is your sister’s home, which means it’s your home too. If you need anything, just tell your sister or the steward. If the servants don’t listen to your requests, inform your sister.” Since she rarely stayed there, she was concerned about any mistreatment Chen Lu might face.
Her words left Sanquan, Lancao, and Lanhua trembling as they knelt and said, “We dare not.” Chen Feng nodded, instructing them to rise.
The rear covering room consisted of three main rooms set up as a bedroom, a living room, and a study. The furniture and decorations were all pleasing, with many books and writing materials in the bookcase.
In the courtyard, there were two osmanthus trees, several clusters of bamboo, creating a serene and tranquil atmosphere, which was quite delightful.
After the tour, Chen Feng, holding Lu’s hand, proceeded to Dabao’s residence in Chaohua Courtyard.
She wanted the servants to witness how much she adored her little brother.
Chaohua Courtyard was close to Serene Pavilion, with just a flower path separating the two courtyards.
Dabao was already up, his laughter with Zhui Feng’s family echoing through the courtyard.
Chen Feng was delighted to see that the child had adapted to his new surroundings, and was no longer as clingy as before. Although he still intentionally showed affection in front of Chu Lingxuan, he no longer harbored the same animosity towards him.
As they ascended the steps to the main house, Chen Lu caringly said, “Sister, be careful.”
The layout of Chaohua Courtyard was similar to Serene Pavilion, featuring a four-sided corridor, three main rooms, and two side rooms, with plenty of banana trees and parasol trees in the courtyard.
Seeing his mother arrive, Dabao grabbed Chen Feng’s other hand and led her into the house.
Chen Feng inspected the three main rooms and was satisfied with the arrangement.
After a brief tour, she took the young ones back to the main courtyard.
In the evening, the children played and frolicked on the lawn with Qiqi, Gray, and Zhui Feng’s family, as the pomegranate tree shielded them from the fading sunlight. Laughter filled the air, bringing liveliness to the usually quiet General’s Mansion.
Li Xuan enjoyed the fruits hanging from the trees and asked for some. Gray kindly flew up to the branch and pecked one down for him.
Chu Lingxuan sat on the veranda, watching them with a smile. Every evening, he would dine in the West Wing, a time for the family to gather.
Chen Feng also sat on the veranda, sewing a garment for Chu Lingxuan. She occasionally lifted her head to watch the children play and then back down to her work.
Before Chu Lingxuan even entered the main courtyard, he could hear the children playing, accompanied by the chirping of birds and barking dogs. Feeling sentimental, he wished for days like this every day, returning home to his wife, children, and grandfather. If only he could see his parents daily as well.
Upon Chu Lingxuan’s return, Chu Hanyan rushed to greet him, and even the shy Little Xuan went to welcome him. Dabao, acting maturely, rose and bowed respectfully to his father.
After freshening up and changing into casual attire, they all headed to the West Wing for dinner.
In the evening, Chu Lingxuan informed Chen Feng that on July 6th, General Fu’s third son, Fu Lei, would be getting married, and they were invited to the celebration. Even without Dabao’s presence in the city, they would make a special trip for the event, as General Fu had played a crucial role as their matchmaker. Additionally, on the 10th, they planned to host a gathering at home, inviting General Fu’s eldest son, Fu Zhen, along with his close friends and family, as well as Chen Shiying’s family, for a day of festivities. This visit would provide Chen Feng with an opportunity to interact with the esteemed women of Dingzhou Prefecture.