Font Size:
Starting from the 12th of August, Chen Feng began leading a team to the small kitchen to make mooncakes. She mainly demonstrated the process while overseeing the others.
Even in this era, mooncakes existed, all filled with five kernels. Chen Feng guided the team in making fruit-filled mooncakes, duck egg yolk mooncakes, beef-filled mooncakes, and ham-filled mooncakes.
Once the mooncakes were ready, they sent eighty to the Yongning Marquis residence in the capital city, the Prince of Rui’s estate, and the Luo Family. They also delivered twenty plain mooncakes to Abbess Liao Chen, and the Marquis of Chu at the Lingyin Temple.
On the 14th, they distributed twenty mooncakes each to the families of Chen Shiying, Chen Shi, General Fu, General Liu, General Qin, and Chen Ming.
The old Marquis Chu and Chu Lingzhi enjoyed snacks. Since the mooncakes were made, they skipped meals and indulged in mooncakes instead. Concerned about them consuming too many sweets, Chen Feng limited their intake to prevent any health issues.
On the evening of the 15th of August, under the deep, starlit sky, the full moon shone brightly. A pleasant autumn breeze carried the intoxicating scent of osmanthus blossoms.
Chu Lingxuan had not returned yet, so the old Marquis and Chen Feng sat in the courtyard with the children to admire the moon. Chen Lu was also present for the festivities and would stay at the Gui Courtyard that night. In the main courtyard, four long tables were set up with apples, grapes, and mooncakes. The old Marquis had his own table, Chen Feng sat with Chu Hanyan, Li Xuan at another table, and the three boys at a separate table.
Dabao thought he should sit with his sister and mother at the same table. However, upon seeing his mother’s encouraging look, he understood her intentions. Realizing he was growing up, he should sit with his classmates to enjoy the moon. The teacher had gone to a restaurant that night to appreciate the moon and compose poetry with literati.
As they enjoyed the mooncakes and the moon itself, each person had to perform to liven up the atmosphere.
Chen Feng started with a storytelling session, recounting the tale of “Chang’e Flying to the Moon.” Following that, Chu Hanyan sang a nursery rhyme, “Little Swallow, Wearing a Flower Dress.” Dabao and Lu each recited a poem from the era, praising the moon, while Chu Lingzhi demonstrated a set of martial arts.
Except for Chen Feng narrating while seated, the children performed in the open space.
There were many humorous moments during the performances, filling the air with laughter and joy.
After the performances, it was clear that the old Marquis couldn’t escape performing. Except for Lu, the other children ran to him, with some hugging him tightly, urging him to entertain them.
The old Marquis chuckled and proceeded to demonstrate a set of martial arts.
Following this, all eyes turned to Little Li Xuan.
Li Xuan was torn between wanting to perform and feeling nervous. He pouted and hid behind Chen Feng.
Li Xuan’s condition was not severe, it stemmed from childhood fright. Over the past six months, through psychological counseling, companionship with the children, and treatment with Swallow agarwood leaf, he had improved significantly, though still a bit timid and slow to react. Encouraging him to perform independently today would help him conquer his fears.
Chen Feng brought him forward, gently teasing him, “Little Xuan, you did so well today. Auntie and sister saw your performance. Now, with Grandpa Chu, big brother, Sixth Uncle Chu, and Uncle Chen here, what are you afraid of? If you perform well, Auntie will give you a big reward.”
Li Xuan lifted his head, his large eyes gleaming as he looked at Chen Feng, reflecting the bright moonlight.
In a soft tone, Chen Feng continued, “No one else has this, only you.” She had specially made a large frog doll for Li Xuan, with a hint of Swallow agarwood leaf inside.
Dabao and Hanyan, understanding their mother’s intentions, playfully exclaimed, “Mom, why are you favoring little Xuan? That’s not fair!”
Chu Lingzhi chimed in, “Sister-in-law is being unfair to me. Grandpa, I want to go home, I’m going to complain.”
Seeing everyone showing jealousy towards Li Xuan, he felt proud. Blushing, he slowly made his way to the center and recited, “The Moon Lady likes me, she follows me everywhere. I go to the moon to wash my face, and she kisses me in the basin.”
Though a bit shy and with a soft voice, he recited smoothly with clear pronunciation.
As soon as he finished, Li Xuan hurried to Chen Feng and buried his face in her armpit. He initially wanted to bury his face in her belly but refrained knowing she was carrying a baby.
Applause erupted from everyone, including the servants and the nursemail, who were moved to tears.
Next was a free performance session. The school-going boys each recited a moon-themed poem, and Chu Hanyan sang another nursery rhyme. Chen Feng shared a joke about “Three Sons-in-law”, leaving the children and servants laughing uncontrollably.
Amid the joyous festivities in the courtyard, unbeknownst to them, the gate had been opened, and a few people stood beneath the camphor trees outside, watching with excitement.
Among them were Marquis Chu, Prince of Rui, and a young man in his twenties, the “Ninth Prince” Li Zeping, who had crossed paths with Chen Feng before.
Accompanied by Chu Lingxuan, they had been standing there for almost half an hour.
The Seventh Prince Rui was amazed at the transformation in his son over the past six months. He now spoke fluently, moved swiftly, and even had the courage to sing a nursery rhyme in front of others. Though simple and childish, his progress was undeniable compared to the poems recited by the other children.
With no one nearby, Chu Lingxuan stood inadvertently in the middle of Ninth Prince Li and the Seventh Prince of Rui. Even if the Ninth Prince showed a hint of unease, no one else noticed.
Marquis Chu was delighted not only by his granddaughter’s growing intelligence but also by the progress of the other children. Educating them well reflected positively on the Emperor and the Yuan family. By nurturing Li Xuan effectively, Prince Rui would align completely with the Ninth Prince, potentially bringing his in-laws into the Ninth Prince’s camp.
Their visit from the Lingyin Temple was ostensibly to accompany Prince Rui to see Li Xuan.
After receiving the Tricolor Ball, the monk had Chu Lingxuan send a letter to the Ninth Prince through various channels, inviting him to the temple for treatment in seven days.
On the ninth day, the Emperor had ordered Prince Rui to visit the Lingyin Temple to offer incense and observe a vegetarian diet for three days, seeking blessings for the longevity of the dynasty.
This decision by the Emperor was understood by all. While officially denying the Princess Rong Zhao’s resentment towards the heavens, which led to the bird attacks at the temple, there was still an underlying fear.
Princess Rong Zhao’s husband, Marquis Chu, had been observing a vegetarian diet at the temple for a month. With the royal family sending people again, it indicated the Emperor’s acceptance of the officials’ accusations, even if not explicitly stated.
Despite his leg being nearly healed, the slightly limping Ninth Prince learned of this and went to the Emperor, expressing his desire to visit the Lingyin Temple to offer thanks to the Buddha and Bodhisattva for his leg’s recovery by Master Wuzhi, even though the Master had left the temple. The Emperor granted his request, emphasizing the need for complete healing before he could fully participate in the country’s affairs alongside his brothers.