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As Chen Feng settled down, she noticed that despite Princess Rong Zhao’s heavy makeup, palace attire, and adorned with jewels, she appeared worn out and aged. Not only had her appearance changed significantly, but even her demeanor seemed diminished, lacking the boldness and arrogance she previously displayed.
Having heard from Third Madam that Marquis Chu’s scar on his forehead was due to being struck by Princess Rong Zhao for “having an affair”, she pondered that perhaps “having an affair” was merely Marquis Chu’s excuse to pursue his own interests. Enduring this insult showed a side of Princess Rong Zhao that was quite different from her usual character. Thanks to the incidents involving the Golden Swallow, the bird droppings, and the recent snow disaster, Princess Rong Zhao had transformed into a disliked figure, leading to a significant change in her once arrogant demeanor.
Thinking about it, Chen Feng felt a sense of relief.
She explained, “Your Highness, Your Excellency, as I was preparing to take the children to the carriage, Third Aunt suddenly arrived. She mentioned that the Empress Dowager heard that the children were adorable and wanted to see them. Since Third Aunt was heading to the palace to visit the Empress Dowager, she decided to take the children along.” Chen Feng acted as if she had no other choice in the matter.
This plan was devised in consultation with Third Madam. The children wouldn’t come to the Princess Mansion, nor would they enter the palace where unfavorable individuals like Concubine Ma resided. If asked why they didn’t enter the palace, the explanation would be that Third Madam had already taken the children out, but due to sudden discomfort, they couldn’t proceed further.
Princess Rong Zhao, suffering from anger, dared not object to bringing the children to see the Empress Dowager. She coldly stated, “Not today, bring the children tomorrow. I’ve heard that those two children are quite delightful, and I have been eager to see them.”
Marquis Chu intervened, saying, “My daughter-in-law will soon return to Dingzhou. Many families have yet to pay their respects. Let’s not inconvenience them. We can wait until they return to the capital next time.”
A raised eyebrow from Princess Rong Zhao hinted at her dissatisfaction as she sternly replied, “That won’t do…”
Marquis Chu preempted her, rubbing the scar on his forehead, and with a smile, remarked, “I heard that the peach blossoms in the mansion are blooming beautifully, even though it’s early spring. Princess, I know you love to drink honey-soaked peach blossom dew. Let’s have the servants prepare a few more jars.”
Princess Rong Zhao couldn’t recall the last time Marquis Chu had smiled at her. Seeing Marquis Chu smile so warmly and speak gently made her feel elated. “Indeed, the peach blossoms bloomed overnight with so many flower buds.” she remarked.
Chen Feng had barely spoken a few words before being asked to leave by Marquis Chu. Feeling a bit confused, she had prepared various strategies but hadn’t had a chance to implement them before being dismissed. This turn of events didn’t quite fit the storyline.
Chen Feng quickly rose, bowed respectfully, and refrained from interrupting their conversation. Without even bidding farewell, she turned and left with Mama Huang and the other servants.
Was Marquis Chu showing a stiffened backbone now? Typically, a Marquis’s backbone couldn’t be that firm, but Marquis Chu was different. His role as Marquis was merely a cover for a more crucial task assigned by the Emperor. His ability to stand firm must have had the Emperor’s backing.
If that was the case, would the Yongning Marquis Mansion no longer play the “lamenting military strategies?” Being able to live joyfully was indeed a pleasing thought.
Upon returning to the Chu Mansion, Chen Feng headed straight to the Peace and Prosperity Hall, where the two children were still sound asleep.
Third Madam was surprised and asked, “How did you return so quickly?”
Chen Feng nodded and replied, “Yes, after a brief conversation, Marquis Chu said he had a headache and asked me to come back.”
Third Madam, in disbelief, questioned, “And Rong Zhao just let you go back so easily?”
Chen Feng couldn’t reveal that Marquis Chu had shown both firmness and charm. She hinted, “Yes, they were discussing about the blooming peach blossoms and honey-soaked peach dew, and they seemed preoccupied. So, I returned.”
Third Madam chuckled, “Rong Zhao is facing internal and external troubles, her arrogance has lessened. Brother-in-law must be having better days compared to before.” Her expression darkened as she added, “It’s strange that so many flowers bloomed overnight in the mansion. I wonder what else is in store.”
Chen Feng waited until evening but Marquis Chu didn’t come to see the children. He must be consoling Princess Rong Zhao, right?
Thinking about how Marquis Chu had avoided letting the children visit the Princess Mansion to free himself, Chen Feng felt a sense of disgust. It was like a prized cabbage being nibbled on by a pig; maybe the pig wouldn’t nibble forever, but years of nibbling was nauseating.
On the fifth day, Chen Feng visited the branch of Fengyunlai once again.
On the sixth day, she took the children to visit Chu Hua at the Xie Mansion. The Xie family head was the Protectorate Duke, holding significant power and influence, a long-standing target of interest for the Chu family. However, old Xie’s cunning nature fostered good relations with both the Chu and Wang families, making him someone who didn’t take sides.
Upon hearing the news, old Lady Xie specifically had Chen Feng bring the two children to her courtyard. She held and greeted each child, offering a gift, and even let Chu Hua hold them, remarking, “The next child should also be as handsome as these two little boys.”
Heng, not fond of the comment, pouted and said, “Boys should be manly.”
Old Lady Xie chuckled until tears welled up in her eyes.
After lunch, Chen Feng returned to the mansion.
Later that afternoon, Marquis Chu came to visit the children again, bringing them two strands of honey wax beads. He had other matters to attend to and had to leave in less than fifteen minutes.
Chen Feng presented him with a jar of wine, saying, “I just brewed this wine a few days ago, it needs a bit more time. It contains high-quality medicinal herbs gifted by Master Wuzhi, extremely beneficial for health.” Concerned he might give it to Princess Rong Zhao, she added, “This is a gift from your daughter-in-law to you.”
Marquis Chu thoroughly enjoyed his daughter-in-law’s homemade wine, chuckled, and replied, “Alright, I’ll keep it in the study room.”
On the seventh day, Chen Feng and her children visited the Yang family. Yang Mingyuan had taken the day off to wait at home, and Chen Tang was also present. Chen Feng felt most at ease here, everyone knew her, and they got along well.
In the past year, Chu Lingxuan and Chen Feng had received over eight thousand taels in dividends from the Hongyun Hotpot Restaurant. Yang Mingyuan was truly a business genius. Alongside his restaurant, he engaged in various other ventures, earning no less than twenty thousand taels annually.
Yang Mingyuan doted on Chen Aman, treating her exceptionally well.
Chen Aman confided in Chen Feng, expressing her desire not to have children too soon. She wanted to wait until Yang Chao and Yang Qian were a bit older before considering it, as she was still young. While Yang Mingyuan believed her, Yang’s mother had reservations, fearing that having a child too early might impact the well-being of her stepchildren.
Blushing, she said, “Being married to the master is already a great fortune for me. I won’t think about things I shouldn’t. As long as the master provides for us as a family in the future, I’ll be content.”