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Upon hearing this, Chen Feng got up, opened the wardrobe, and took out a stick of green leaf agarwood incense, saying, “Give this incense to Uncle Lou, hoping he can help.”
Then, she retrieved a brocade box containing the “dowry” Sasa had brought back – ginseng. She explained, “The physician said this ginseng is a thousand-year-old root, he can’t estimate its age. Please give it to Third Uncle as a gift for networking.”
Chu Lingxuan took the green leaf agarwood incense and replied, “You still have a few sticks of this incense, I’ll give it to Uncle Lou. Keep this rare ginseng, we’ll find other top-quality gifts to present to Third Uncle and Prince Rui.”
Shaking her head, Chen Feng said, “No matter how good the items are, no one is more important. If it can help my father, it’s worth it.”
Taking the items, Chu Lingxuan said, “Alright. If your father hasn’t erred in Jiangnan, keep this ginseng. If he has, then Uncle Luo can present it to Third Uncle.”
He instructed to notify Steward Luo, to wait for the gentlemen in the outer courtyard at the hour of the Rabbit (5-7:00 AM) tomorrow, and prepare for a long stay in the capital. He also arranged for the maids to be informed, to have breakfast ready by the hour of the Tiger (3-5:00 AM) tomorrow.
Afterward, they prepared some gifts and silver notes, resting only after midnight, once Chen Feng had fed the two boys.
The next day, before dawn, they were up. After a hearty bowl of noodles, Chu Lingxuan called for Steward Luo in the outer courtyard. They discussed briefly and then left separately with their letters and gifts.
Seeing Chu Lingxuan off from the main courtyard, Chen Feng returned to the bedroom. The two boys were awake, cuddled together, nibbling on each other.
It was truly a pleasant surprise, but Chen Feng couldn’t muster a smile at that moment.
She approached, gently saying, “Darlings.”
Surprisingly, the two children stopped nibbling and turned to look at Chen Feng, calling out “Ah, Ah,” with smiles on their faces.
After giving them each a kiss, feeding them, changing their diapers, the children soon fell back asleep while playing.
Chen Feng waited for Dabao and Chu Lingzhi to finish breakfast, then escorted them out of the courtyard.
Dabao, knowing that his mother was going to his grandfather’s house for a celebration banquet, expressed regret, “Every time Mom goes to Grandpa’s house, either I have something to do or I’m at school.”
Chen Feng smiled and replied, “Grandpa’s house isn’t much fun. Next time when you’re off, write a note inviting Uncle Lan, and your other friends to our mansion to play.”
When Chu Hanyan arrived, Chen Feng took her, along with the two children and gifts, to the Chen family.
At the Chen residence, Chen Yulan was waiting at the door to welcome guests.
Chen Yulan first smiled at Chu Hanyan, then glanced at the still-sleeping little nephews and asked, “Sis, where’s my brother-in-law? Isn’t he coming today?”
Chen Feng explained, “He had urgent matters and left early this morning.”
Disappointed, Chen Yulan pouted, “Dad isn’t back yet, so I’m the only one here with young General He.” In a softer tone, he added, “I don’t like him, he always seems a bit strange, not as straightforward as my brother-in-law.”
The He family had initially been reluctant but eventually accepted due to Chen Shiying’s smooth official career. If they knew Chen Shiying might be in trouble, they might reconsider the alliance.
Thinking of the innocent people in the family, Chen Feng’s heart ached once more.
She patted Chen Yulan’s shoulder and said, “With your father away and Yuchao being so young, you’re the only man in the household. You must help your mother and take care of the family.”
Chen Yulan stood tall and replied, “Yes, I understand. I am the eldest son of the family, and I will honor my grandmother, assist my mother, take care of my siblings and brother.”
Chen Feng sighed inwardly, that wicked old lady wasn’t filial at all, harming so many people.
They were led directly to the main hall of the Chen residence. The woman from the He family hadn’t arrived yet, only Madam Jiang and a few girls were seated, chatting and laughing. A nursemaid held a baby next to Madam Jiang, whose eyes were filled with affection as she gazed at the infant.
Seeing them, Madam Jiang became even more delighted. She first hugged Yu and Ming, exclaiming, “Oh, my, Grandmother’s grandsons have grown so much and look so handsome. In the future, you must work hard, just like your grandfather, and become top scholars.”
Every time Madam Jiang mentioned Chen Shiying being a top scholar, she couldn’t help but feel proud.
Quickly, Chu Hanyan chimed in, “One brother can be a top scholar like Grandpa, the other can be a general like Dad.”
This sparked laughter among everyone present.
Except for Chen Yuhui, who rolled her eyes, unimpressed. Chen Feng’s figure had returned to its pre-pregnancy state, slightly fuller than her maiden days but very well-proportioned. The children were fair and chubby. Even if she tried to find fault with Chen Feng and the children, it seemed impossible.
Chen Feng held Yuchao, who was slightly larger at birth than Yu, weighing six and a half pounds. He resembled Chen Shiying, a remarkably beautiful child. Looking at the newborn baby, Chen Feng felt a sense of tenderness. Previously, she disliked the term “illegitimate”, feeling these children were the offspring of a third party. However, seeing them in person, she grew fond of them, understanding that the children were innocent.
As soon as the child was in Chen Feng’s arms, his eyes opened, eagerly looking for a milk bottle.
This amusing sight brought laughter from everyone present.
As his sister, it didn’t feel right to feed him. Furthermore, if he drank her milk, like Yu and Ming, it could cause issues with the nursemaid’s milk. Chen Feng kissed him gently before handing him over to the nursemaid.
As the familiar scent faded, Chao suddenly burst into tears, prompting the nursemaid to take him to the side room to feed him.
Madam Jiang inquired, “Has the baby carriage I requested arrived?”
Chen Feng replied with a smile, “Yes, it’s here.”
Servants brought in the baby carriage and gifts. Chen Yuqing and Chen Yuxia were fascinated by the baby carriage, with Chu Hanyan explaining its features to them.
This household, aside from the old lady and Chen Yuhui, was simple, harmonious, and much more peaceful than many noble families – a shame it had been disrupted by someone’s misdeeds.
At that moment, a servant announced the arrival of Madam He and Miss He.
Madam Jiang got up to welcome them at the door.
Madam He wore a charming smile, seemingly unaware of the potential trouble facing Chen Shiying.
After some pleasantries, they all took their seats. Madam He called Chen Yuhui over and praised her, causing Chen Yuhui to blush.
Soon after, Chen Yulan brought in Mr. He Linsheng to pay respects to Madam Jiang.
This was Chen Feng’s first time seeing He Linsheng.
He Linsheng had delicate features, fair skin, a slender frame, and a tall stature. He wore a lake-blue brocade robe with woven patterns, a jade belt around his waist, and a simple headpiece. Not appearing like a military man, he resembled a handsome scholar, truly a talented individual.
However, his gaze made people uneasy, especially when he openly scanned the room, his eyes lingering on Chen Feng the longest, leaving a somewhat remarkable impression.
Chen Feng seethed inwardly.
Madam Jiang coughed lightly, causing He Linsheng to lower his gaze.
He Linsheng respectfully greeted Madam Jiang, who exchanged a few words with him before Chen Yulan led him to the front yard.