Chapter 407: Currying Favor

On the sixteenth day of winter, Chu Lingxuan headed to the capital with several witnesses. General Fu, upon learning of Chen Shiying’s situation, graciously provided Chu Lingxuan with the necessary conveniences.

Today, Chen Feng was to assist Chen Aman with her makeup as Aman was set to depart for the capital tomorrow to marry into the Yang family on the thirtieth day of winter.

Chen Feng had arranged for Dabao and Lu to take a day off to play with Aman. Since they were not attending school, Lingzhi, also joined in the day of fun.

At the hour of snake (around 9-11:00 AM), Chen Feng took all the children and the pets to Chen Shi’s house.

Earlier in the month, Chen Shi and Mrs. Zhang had borrowed one hundred taels of silver from Chen Feng, claiming it was for Aman’s dowry, with plans to repay after the year-end profits. They intended to rent a courtyard in the capital for Aman’s stay. Initially, Mr. Yang wanted to provide them with a house for Aman, but Chen Shi insisted that it was improper for a daughter to wait for marriage in her in-law’s home.

Thinking of her own three-courtyard house in the capital, Chen Feng suggested they stay there to save money and enjoy the accommodations.

Chen Shi and Mrs. Zhang were overjoyed, expressing their gratitude to Chen Feng.

Chen Feng chuckled, “We are family, there’s no need for such formality. Cousin Yu is capable, Tang is diligent, and Aman is filial. The good days for Third Uncle and Aunt are yet to come.”

Mrs. Zhang joyfully responded, “Amitabha, Feng, I’ll take your auspicious words.”

Mrs. Zhang wore a silk dress gifted by Chen Feng two years ago, now faded from washing, and adorned her head with the silver hairpin also from Chen Feng. Chen Shi, as a restaurant owner, was neatly attired. Comparing the two, Mrs. Zhang appeared several years older than Chen Shi.

Currently, Mrs. Zhang not only resented Mrs. Hu but also harbored grievances against old lady Chen and Chen Ye.

Though the third branch earned significantly more than the main family branch, their expenses were also much higher. Despite their wealth, they were still affected by famine. The main branch claimed poverty but continued to buy land and properties.

Due to Chen Feng in the second branch, the main branch dared not provoke them and sought to curry favor. Additionally, Chen Ming secretly gave one hundred taels of private funds, leading the main branch to view Chen Ming as more generous than Chen Shi and show greater respect to the second branch. The main branch didn’t treat the third branch as kindly, with the entire family living and eating together without issue. Especially towards Mrs. Hu, who acted as if they owed her respect.

Mrs. Zhang narrowed her eyes, exaggeratedly saying, “Oh my, Third Uncle and Aunt are showing their affection for Chen Feng.” She then lowered her head and said to the children, “Thank you, children from a wealthy family specially came to help our Aman with her makeup. It’s an honor.”

Upon Chen Feng’s arrival, Mrs. Hu immediately pulled Chen Jue to see the makeup application.

Seeing the array of fine items, including five ten-tael silver ingots, Mrs. Hu’s eyes nearly popped out of her head. She laughed, “Feng is so generous, even the children have received so much. A’Jue, you should learn from Aman, buttering up Feng, she leaks money like a sieve, enough to sustain you for a lifetime.”

This crude and explicit remark embarrassed Mrs. Zhang, Chen Aman, and Chen Feng, effectively confirming their attempts to gain favor with Chen Feng for money. Chen Feng frowned and hurriedly said, “Aman and I share a deep sisterly bond, there’s no favoritism involved.”

Old lady Chen also joined in, scolding Mrs. Hu, “You shameless woman, if you have nothing decent to say, keep quiet and don’t embarrass yourself.” She then smiled at Chen Feng and said, “A’Feng, don’t ridicule your big aunt, she’s just a simple woman.”

Chen Feng didn’t know what to say. She had hoped for a quiet chat with Chen Aman but found the room bustling with people. Many unfamiliar faces stared at her and Chu Hanyan, while a few women tried to strike up conversations with her to establish connections. Left with no choice, she stood up and led Chu Hanyan to her separate chamber.

Mrs. Hu then pulled Chen Jue inside, but she was stopped by Mama Luo, and they watched Chen Feng, Mrs. Wang, and the others walk into the room.

Initially not very fond of Chen Feng, Chen Jue had been dragged around by her mother, further hurting her self-esteem. Blocked from entering, she turned red from frustration and forcefully broke free from Mrs. Hu’s grasp, walking away.

Incensed, Mrs. Hu ran to the old lady to complain, “That Zhang woman is despicable, she prepared a separate room for Feng but not for the mother-in-law.”

The old lady scolded, “This is how the third daughter-in-law should behave. Feng is a person of importance now, accompanied by such delicate children, so naturally they need peace and quiet. I’m just a simple country woman, how could I deserve a separate room? The third branch is thriving not only because my third son is astute but also because he married a daughter-in-law who understands her place and plans wisely. Alas, my poor eldest son, who sacrificed the most for his siblings, how did he end up with such a foolish wife? Greedy and shortsighted, utterly foolish.” She pointed at Hu, who was chatting with someone in the distance, and said, “You’re still close with Hu Laowu, if you had learned even a fraction of his cunning, your household wouldn’t be in this state. The eldest’s household flourished, and I, the old lady, could have enjoyed my later years in the second branch…”

Mrs. Hu felt unfairly criticized and had also learned her lesson. She knew not to provoke Chen Feng and refrained from speaking ill of her even behind her back, showing respect even to Mrs. Wang. As the eldest sister-in-law, having raised two younger brothers, did she have to support all her siblings-in-law?

Midway through winter, the weather was still pleasant, with no snowfall yet, a rarity for the season. The children and the pets played in the courtyard, while Li Xuan inside watched longingly and clamored to go out.

Chen Feng took Li Xuan outside, instructing the maids to watch over him and ensure he wasn’t frightened.

The feast began.

Chen Feng set up a separate table, where only Chen Feng, Mrs. Wang, and a few children dined. It was evident that the most exquisite dishes were served at this table, with the most delicate plates on display.

While Chen Shi’s family didn’t excessively praise Chen Feng, their impression of her remained positive. Being treated with such respect undoubtedly delighted Chen Feng. Mrs. Wang was also pleased, feeling appreciated and giving face to Chen Ming.

Mrs. Hu still wanted to bring Chen Jue in for the meal but was blocked by the servants. Chen Feng and Mrs. Wang pretended not to hear.

Mrs. Hu was now not only trying hard to please Chen Feng but also encouraging Chen Jue to do the same. In her view, Chen Aman’s prestigious in-laws were all due to Chen Feng. Seeing Chen Feng applying so much makeup, she believed that in a rural household, one could live a lifetime with that amount of money. Building a good relationship with Chen Feng would ensure no loss.

Chen Feng felt helpless, Mrs. Hu had gone astray and was now influencing the children. Chen Jue had become more diligent, though still a bit stubborn. If her mother were more reliable, given the gradually strengthening family, their future days wouldn’t be so difficult. Fortunately, Mrs. Gao was smart and clear-headed, ensuring that her children weren’t hindered like Chen Jue.

After the meal, Mrs. Wang played with Siyu and Siming, kissed Dabao affectionately, and then Chen Feng prepared to leave.

Originally planning to depart after dinner, the children played until they were sweaty and wanted to return for a bath to prevent illness. Additionally, Mrs. Hu’s attempts to cozy up to Chen Feng annoyed her, leading to everyone’s decision to leave early.

Seeing Chen Feng preparing to leave, Mrs. Wang suggested, “A’Feng, visit our new house, and let the children bathe and play at our home until after dinner.”

Chen Feng had wanted to visit their home and agreed.

They bid farewell to Chen Shi’s family and left. Chen Ming stayed behind to assist with hosting.

Noticing Mrs. Hu attempting to bring Chen Jue along, Mrs. Wang teased, “Sister-in-law, you should stay here to help with hosting and learn how to marry off a daughter.”

Mrs. Hu retorted, “I’ve already married off one daughter, do I still need to learn?”

Mrs. Wang chuckled, “When you married A’Lan, your family was just peasants. Now you’re a landowner and a mistress, things have changed.”

Seeing Mrs. Hu’s envious expression, Mrs. Zhang, who bid farewell to the guests, joked with Mrs. Hu, “Yes, A’Jue won’t marry a peasant in the future. Sister-in-law should teach her how to interact with city folk.”

After hearing this, Mrs. Hu yielded.

Observing the envy on Mrs. Gao’s and Daya’s face, Mrs. Wang suggested, “Let Daya come play with us. When returning home tonight, you can pick her up on the way. As for Dahua, he should stay and assist with the guests today.”

Their house was relatively close to Chen Ming’s residence, only a short carriage ride away.

Their home was a three-section house with a curved layout. Positioned well, it was both quiet and central, with a lively street just outside the alley.

The courtyard was spacious with trees and flowers, a decorative rockery in the front yard, and a small pavilion in the back, freshly painted to give the house a renewed appearance. Only relatively wealthy families in Dingzhou Prefecture could afford such a residence.

After touring the house, Chen Feng nodded in approval, remarking that even if Chen Lu were to marry, there would be ample space to accommodate.

Mrs. Wang chuckled, “On the day we moved in, your father said he never dared to dream of having such a grand courtyard in Dingzhou Prefecture. He feels truly blessed by A’Feng’s fortune.”

Everyone entered the western room of the main house, where Auntie Mu led the servants to heat water for the children to bathe. While Chu Hanyan and the two little boys slept in the room, as the host, Chen Lu led the other children to play in the backyard.

With no outsiders present, Mrs. Wang inquired about Chen Shiying’s situation. To dispel her worries, Chen Feng briefly reassured her and advised her not to be concerned.

Mrs. Wang mentioned that in a few days, Chen Ming and she would accompany Chen Lu with Chen Shi’s son to the capital. This trip would not only be for Aman’s wedding but also to broaden their horizons in the city.

Chen Feng remarked, “Don’t stay in the capital too long, return early. By mid-December, we’ll be back at the Marquis’s residence in the capital, but I don’t want to take Dabao. Some individuals in the Marquis’s second branch aren’t very friendly towards me, and Dabao is sensitive and thoughtful. I don’t want him to be mistreated. After you return, you can stay at the General’s mansion. Dabao won’t feel too lonely, and I’ll be at peace.”

During the New Year, Chen Feng had to bring her children to reunite with the old Marquis in the capital. This gathering was not only for the New Year tradition of family reunion but also to take the eldest grandchild of the Chu family to the ancestral hall and in response to the hints from the secret message. It was likely that significant events concerning the Chu family’s destiny would occur in the last month of the lunar year and the first two months of the following year.

However, they couldn’t bring Dabao along. Despite Chen Feng’s reluctance, it was necessary for Dabao’s safety.

Fearing Dabao’s loneliness and ensuring his absolute safety, Chen Ming’s family would accompany him at the General’s mansion for the New Year.

Originally, she could have waited until the end of the lunar year to return to the capital with Chu Lingxuan. However, Master Wuzhi warned of the urgency due to year-end snowstorms, and the old Marquis feared traveling too late in bad weather, especially since the river had frozen over, necessitating a carriage ride back. Additionally, she was concerned about Chen Shiying in the capital.

Mrs. Wang exclaimed, “Given Dabao’s sensitive nature, will he be okay being left alone here?”

Chen Feng sighed, “He definitely won’t be happy about it, I’ll have to reassure him. Once I sort out matters at the Marquis’s residence, I’ll bring him back.”

Mrs. Wang advised, “Make sure to comfort him before you leave.”

Chen Feng nodded.