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Third Madam Song was delighted to hear the news. It turned out that the houses in Dingzhou were much cheaper than those in the capital. Such a splendid residence costing just over five hundred taels of silver.
With the purchase of such a property, some furnishing, furniture acquisitions, totaling around six hundred taels of silver, they would still have four hundred taels for living expenses from the one thousand taels. Adding to this, the two hundred taels saved by her husband, his salary, and her dowry, life was beginning to look better and better.
Young Madam Song continued, “Once we’re in Dingzhou, I plan to learn from Sister-in-law and engage in some business to earn extra money. The business Sister-in-law runs not only brings in substantial profits but also earned recognition from the Emperor. Future business prospects are bound to be even more promising.”
Chen Feng replied with a smile, “If there’s anything you need help with, just say the word. I’ll assist in any way I can.”
As Siwen grew more comfortable, he tugged at Chen Feng’s sleeve, saying, “Auntie, Siwen wants to see the dogs.”
Chen Feng smiled and responded, “Okay, Auntie will have them brought here.” She added softly, “Our dogs are quite sensitive, they don’t like being called ‘dogs.’ Their names are Sasa, Chang, and Duan. When you see them, remember to call them by their names.”
Siwen quickly nodded, covering his mouth with his small hand.
Sasa and her pups were brought to the east side room, where Siwen played with them under the watchful eye of his nursemaid, offering them treats. Sasa, Chang, and Duan playfully interacted with him, eliciting giggles and laughter.
Seeing Siwen’s joy, Chen Feng invited Young Madam Song and her son to stay for lunch before bidding them farewell.
Finally, the thirtieth day of the first lunar month arrived. After breakfast, Chen Feng hurriedly took her children to Anrong Hall.
In the side room, only Third Madam was seated on the heated brick bed. Upon seeing Chen Feng’s arrival, she pulled her onto the bed, her palms sweating with nervousness.
Both Chen Feng and Third Madam were tense, their hearts racing with anticipation.
Today, Third Master Chu did not attend court, as he had gone to Temple of Heaven. Surely, the old Marquis and Marquis Chu were also there.
At that moment, a maid came in to report that Third Master Chu had sent someone to deliver a message to Third Madam.
Third Madam sat up straight, instructing, “Let him in to deliver the message.”
A delicate young servant entered, bowed, and whispered softly, “Master Chu Guangkai has sent me to inform Third Madam and Young Madam that today, starting at seven and a half marks before the hour of Dragon (7-9:00 AM), the eight adult princes will begin the sacrificial ceremony at the Temple of Heaven.”
Third Madam nodded in understanding and replied, “Understood, you may go.”
Chu Lingwei and Chu Lingzhi, not attending school that day, came to pay their respects to Third Madam.
Although unaware of the situation, seeing the solemn expressions of Third Madam and Chen Feng, they realized something important was happening. Not wanting to be a bother, they took Sasa and her pups to their courtyard to play.
Anxious, Chen Feng and Third Madam sat on the heated brick bed. Fortunately, the playful antics of the two children brought some relief. When the children fell asleep, the adults sat in silence. Upon waking, Chen Feng fed them, and the adults played with the children.
At noon, a maid who was adjusting the door curtains suddenly exclaimed, “Third Madam, Young Madam, the snow has stopped, and the wind has calmed.”
Third Madam and Chen Feng exchanged a glance, then quickly got off the bed and headed towards the main hall.
Servants helped them with their cloaks, while a maid opened the thick door curtains to look outside. Indeed, the large snowflakes had transformed into tiny snowflakes, and the howling wind had ceased.
Stepping outside onto the veranda, they stood for less than half a moment. The snowfall gradually diminished until it finally stopped.
People emerged, cheering as they saw the snow had ceased. Reluctant to go back inside, they continued to gaze at the sky.
Soon, the thick clouds dissipated, and the long-absent sun finally emerged. In an instant, the azure sky unveiled itself, clear and cloudless, stunningly beautiful.
Cheers resounded both inside and outside the courtyard.
Third Madam’s body trembled, and Chen Feng steadied her. Her body quivered slightly—she was afraid. The Wise Master’s first prediction had come true, what about the next one?
Chen Feng felt conflicted—happy about the end of the snow disaster but worried about the uncertain future of the Chu family. Whether it was Dabao, Marquis Chu, or Third Master Chu, any mishap would spell disaster for the Chu family.
Guiding Third Madam back to the side room, Chen Feng whispered softly in her ear, “Aunt, don’t worry. We handled the first matter so perfectly thanks to Master Wuzhi’s guidance. The second matter will also be resolved with his guidance, especially with that divine medicine in hand. If anything happens, the divine medicine will save us.”
Third Madam sighed softly, “Let’s hope so.”
The two of them had a tasteless meal and then Chen Feng took her children back to the Bamboo Pavilion.
With the snow stopped, she needed to pack up to return to Dingzhou.
Later in the day, Marquis Chu, who had not been seen in a few days, arrived at the Bamboo Pavilion with the old Marquis.
The two children hadn’t seen their grandfather in days, and upon his arrival, their eyes lit up with excitement. Their limbs twitched with joy, and their laughter grew louder, filled with excitement.
Chen Feng chuckled, “Look how excited they are to see their grandpa.”
Marquis Chu was pleased too. He bent down to pinch their cheeks, saying, “Grandpa is busy, I’ll come to see you another day.” Without even sitting down, he left.
Seeing their beloved grandfather leave without playing with them, the two boys burst into tears. Normally well-behaved and not prone to crying or chasing after people, this time they felt extremely wronged and cried bitterly.
Even as Marquis Chu reached the courtyard gate, he could still hear their cries. Pausing momentarily, he continued on his way.
The old Marquis told Chen Feng to take the children back to Dingzhou first, as he didn’t want to return just yet. With one matter resolved, another more worrisome issue loomed over the Chu family, and he preferred to wait until that was settled before returning. In his mind, the two sons were more likely to face trouble than the eleventh prince.
The blood sacrifice by the eight princes finally put an end to the snow disaster that had plagued the land for over a month. The Emperor was overjoyed, and the people were grateful for his benevolence. Word spread of the princes’ filial and moving deeds, and it was said that the local theater troupes were rushing to prepare two plays praising the princes: “Eight Dragons Sacrifice to Heaven” and “Sick Dragon Sacrifice to Heaven.”
The Emperor issued proclamations praising and rewarding the eight princes, with special commendations for the Second Prince, the Prince Rui who proposed the “unified effort” and the Third Prince, who, despite falling ill, persisted in fasting and offering sacrifices. They were each gifted a prized sweat-blood horse.
The eight princes, all sons of the Empress, entered the Imperial Household Department for training, while the previously overlooked Ninth and Tenth Princes were assigned to the Ministry of Personnel and Ministry of Works respectively. Additionally, the Third Prince and the Second Prince were to undergo training in the Imperial Cabinet. Furthermore, one of the Third Prince’s uncles was appointed as the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, and another trusted aide of the Third Prince became the Superintendent of the Central Military Department…
It was evident that the Third Prince, who had shown such sincerity during the blood sacrifice, had gained the Emperor’s favor and received the most benefits.
This news brought relief to the Ninth Prince and the Chu family. While the Emperor’s opinion of the Second Prince had improved, and he now held a better impression of Prince Rui and the Third Prince, their initial intentions remained unchanged…