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The two incidents were similar to previous occurrences, all pointing to Chen Shiying’s inadequate supervision of his family and relatives. While major consequences like execution or imprisonment were unlikely, the final decision lay with the Emperor and the court officials. All necessary connections had been established, all duties attended to, leaving nothing to do but wait.
As they conversed cheerfully, General Lin in the main hall spoke up, “Mr. Chen, Young Madam Chu, it’s time.”
They rose, and tears welled up in Chen Feng’s eyes once again. She didn’t know when she would see him again. Clutching Chen Shiying’s sleeve, she choked back tears and said, “Father, take care of yourself. My family and I will be waiting for you in Dingzhou. Don’t dwell on things too much, worries age a person. Look at you, you have gray hair now.”
Chen Shiying smiled, his eyes reddening, “Feng, after returning home, reassure your mother and siblings. I am fine. I have come to terms with things. No matter what lies ahead, nothing can break me… And, please, don’t blame your grandmother. Children don’t speak of their parents’ faults. With these matters exposed, her days won’t be easy…”
Chen Feng became displeased upon hearing his last words. That wicked old lady had caused his current state, yet he still protected her. To think her days could get any better was absurd. Chen Feng cut him off directly, saying, “Father, I understand. I will update them on your current situation…”
After a few more instructions, they bid each other a reluctant farewell.
On the 9th day in the morning, Marquis Chu, Chen Feng with her children, and Third Madam Chu were invited to Prince Rui’s mansion as guests. Third Master Chu and Chu Lingwei would join for dinner, and it was rumored that Marquis Chu would also attend.
Prince Rui had invited even the pets, Sasa’s family, excluding only the Second Branch family. This exclusion angered Madam Li and the Second Master. However, the Prince clearly didn’t regard them highly, leaving them with no recourse.
Prince Rui appreciated how well Li Xuan had been raised and thanked the Chu family for their excellent suggestion. Due to his strategic advice, not only did the Emperor view him favorably, praising his brotherly love and selflessness, but his other brothers also warmed up to him, appreciating his camaraderie. Despite the Second and Eighth Princes holding a grudge, he no longer cared. Any prince ascending the throne, except those two, would remember his magnanimity.
Moreover, he had already seen that the emperor disliked Empress Wang and the Wang family very much, and felt that they were too domineering. The second prince seems to be from the middle palace, the most promising, but in fact the most hopeless.
This banquet was held by the peach blossom pool. As soon as the Chu family came, they were all invited there.
Prince Rui is merry by nature, and he also likes peach blossoms. In the northwest corner of the palace planted a few acres of peach forest, there is a pool of blue spring in the forest, it is named peach blossom pond.
Prince Rui led Princess Rui and Li Xuan to greet the guests. If it was usual, he would be followed by the charming Concubine Shen at any time. But today, he didn’t dare to bring a side concubine, because the Third Master Chu didn’t like concubine the most.
Not far from the edge of the pond, two octagonal pavilions were built together, and everyone was invited into the pavilion. The men are in the pavilion on the left, and the women and children are in the pavilion on the right.
Marquis Chu was already sitting in the pavilion on the left, and today his dress made Chen Feng stunned, and he was actually wearing a red embroidered flower robe.
If you think about it, you can understand that he is Princess Rong Zhao’s horse, and he is the person who has always been molded by Princess Rong Zhao. Now few people will invite him to be a guest, and finally Prince Rui did not shy away from inviting him, and he also had to think about his master and wear festive clothes to ward off evil spirits.
Chen Feng don’t know if he was embarrassed, or if he was lined with red clothes, she felt that his face was also red, and the white was as red as the pink peach blossoms outside the pavilion.
At this time, it is just mid to early February, and the pink peach blossoms are already hanging on the branches, and the flowering period is a month earlier than usual. Under the spring sun, the peach blossoms are full of flowers, and as soon as the wind passes, the petals flutter and fall down, which is breathtakingly beautiful.
The diameter of the Peach Blossom Pond is about three feet, and it is surrounded by a half-human-high boulder. If the peach blossoms are not blooming, they are green and deep, and they are verdant. Now it is much more colorful than usual, and there are not only pink reflections in the water, but also pink petals floating on the surface of the water.
This kind of love shadow always makes people’s hearts unsteady.
As soon as Chen Feng and the others went, Li Xuan ran to Chen Feng, and called “Auntie” sweetly.
In a joking tone, Third Madam scolded, “You call me ‘Royal Aunt’, but refer to my in-law’s niece, aunt. We both end up at a disadvantage.”
Her words elicited laughter from those present.
According to hierarchy, Chen Feng should be considered Li Xuan’s sister-in-law. However, in order for Chen Feng to care for him better, Prince Rui and Princess had instructed Li Xuan to address Chen Feng as “aunt”, a decision approved by the Emperor.
Chen Feng chuckled inwardly at the thought that if Dabao were to formally acknowledge his heritage in the future, the family relationships would become even more complicated.
Li Xuan playfully interacted with his two younger brothers in the baby carriage. Both infants were awake, giggling and showing their teeth as they playfully interacted with him. Quite surprised, Li Xuan exclaimed, “Aunt, my little brothers have grown so much. Why haven’t I grown this much?”
Regardless of his son’s words, Princess Rui marveled at his intelligence. Delighted by his question, she responded, “Oh, Xuan is very bright. He can already see that his brothers have grown significantly. Children under the age of one grow rapidly, they change in appearance within days. After the first year, their growth slows down.”
Li Xuan had an epiphany, wide-eyed as he exclaimed, “Oh, Xuan is already five years old, that’s why I haven’t grown as much.”
Princess Rui, beaming, remarked, “My son is indeed clever.”
Prince Rui frowned and quipped, “Wife, praising our son like this might invite ridicule.”
Despite Prince Rui’s passive and calm demeanor, his eyes betrayed his immense satisfaction and joy.
Chen Feng replied with a smile, “In a mother’s eyes, all her children are exceptional.”
Initially, Princess Rui had considered not letting Xuan accompany Chen Feng back to Dingzhou as she was reluctant to part with him. However, Prince Rui believed that Xuan should stay with Chen Feng for a while longer. Justifying his decision, he stated, “The head of the Wang Mansion can indulge in leisure, but must maintain a clear conscience. Although Xuan has shown remarkable improvement, he still has room to grow. He should spend more time with Lady Chu, who is sharp and not as simple as she appears.”
The Prince’s reasoning was noble, but he couldn’t reveal the true reason behind it. The valuable herb, the tricolor ball, found in their home was a rare medicinal substance that even the Imperial Physicians didn’t possess. This herb was instrumental in curing the Ninth Prince’s long-standing ailment. Speculating that the cure was administered by a monk they had visited together at Lingyin Temple, the Prince was convinced that the Chu family played a significant role.
This realization led the Prince to believe that the relationship between the Ninth Prince and the Chu family was deeper than it appeared, indicating a continued covert association over the years. The ingenious idea of “unity among brothers” proposed by the Third Young Master of the Chu family wasn’t just to assist him but primarily to aid the Ninth Prince.
Years later, he felt secretly pleased, realizing that his hidden ailment had unexpectedly worked in his favor, allowing him to see the situation clearly ahead of time…
The words of Prince Rui left the Princess speechless. She knew that her husband, who appeared to be the most absurd among all the princes, was actually one of the Emperor’s favorites and led one of the most comfortable lives among them. She understood that Prince Rui’s inner self was far from the frivolous and playful facade he presented, he was devoid of any deceit.
Upon hearing the Princess’s inclination for Li Xuan to stay longer with her, Chen Feng, holding Li Xuan in her arms, smiled and said, “I also adore Xuan. I’ve grown accustomed to having him by my side. If the Princess is willing, I’ll take Xuan to Dingzhou and stay there a bit longer.”
Li Xuan, elated, nestled even closer to Chen Feng upon hearing this. Princess Rui, filled with envy, had tears welling up in her eyes.
In another pavilion, Marquis Chu beckoned for them, indicating his desire to see his grandson. Chen Feng had the double baby carriage pushed over to him.
Observing the affectionate gaze of Marquis Chu towards his grandson, Prince Rui chuckled, “Heroes may be short of breath, but their love for their children knows no bounds. True heroism doesn’t require ruthlessness… No wonder my eldest sister has admired Marquis Chu since she was ten. The true sentiments of Marquis Chu are far from the stern facade he presents on the surface.” Seeing Marquis Chu’s expression darken, he quickly added, “Haha, ignore my rambling. I was trying to praise Marquis Chu.”
Third Madam, in another pavilion, remarked unhappily, “I say, Seventh Brother, are you finding the peach blossoms too abundant in your household? Planning a peach blossom robbery, are we? Why bring up that person for no reason?”
Prince Rui, hastily responded, “Sister, you’re mistaken. I admire peach blossom luck, not peach blossom robbery.”
Apart from that disagreeable comment, Prince Rui’s behavior was generally acceptable.
Everyone had a delightful day, returning to the mansion only after dinner.
Back at the Bamboo Pavilion, Chen Feng packed her belongings once more. With her heart already set on Dingzhou and her thoughts on Chu Lingxuan and the children, she found it challenging to sleep. She vaguely heard lively sounds outside and, not fully awake, drifted back to sleep.
Early the next day, the maidservants helped her rise from bed.
Mrs. Yu, who had brought food from the kitchen, mentioned, “There’s gossip going around that Third Master was summoned to the palace by the Emperor last night and dispatched to Liaozhou for official duties. He hasn’t even returned to the mansion. They say Third Madam was in tears…”
Liaozhou was a significant town north of Dachun.
Startled, Chen Feng got up, exclaiming, “I’ll go to the Anrong Hall.” And with that, she hurried outside.
From behind, Mama Li called out, “What about the little ones if you’re not back?”
Chen Feng replied, “If I don’t return, bring them to the Anrong Hall.”
On her way, Chen Feng pondered that it was already the 10th of February, with sixteen days remaining until the Golden Swallow can go outside the space. If Third Master could endure these sixteen days and wait until the Golden Swallow’s return, there would be an added layer of security.
She arrived at the Anrong Hall, passed through the corridor, and entered the rear room to find the old Marquis sitting solemnly on the bed, accompanied by his tearful grandson, Chu Lingwei.
Chen Feng respectfully greeted the old Marquis. He said, “Go and persuade your Third Aunt. We are prepared, so Third Son won’t encounter any issues. If she continues like this, she might fall ill before Third Son faces any danger.”
Chu Lingwei, also teary-eyed, added, “Please, Sister-in-law, talk to my mother. She cried all night.”
Entering the eastern side room, Chen Feng found Third Madam Chu leaning against the pillow with red, swollen eyes. Chu Lingzhi sat beside her, comforting her. When Chen Feng approached, Third Madam Chu burst into tears.
Accustomed to the cheerful and optimistic demeanor of the Third Madam, seeing her so helpless and sorrowful brought tears to Chen Feng’s eyes as well.
Reaching out to hold Third Madam Chu’s hand, Chen Feng said, “Aunt, please don’t worry. We’ve made all the necessary preparations, so your husband will be fine.” Though she felt unsure herself, she had to offer reassurance. In a hushed tone, she asked, “Has he taken that… that thing with him?”
Third Madam Chu, choked with emotion, replied, “He has. Every time before he leaves, I check to see if he has it with him. I checked last night before he left.”
Chen Feng nodded reassuringly, “That’s good. With that item, your husband has a safeguard.”
Third Madam Chu, in tears, lamented, “That item is for external injuries, but infectious diseases are far more dreadful.”
Curious, Chen Feng inquired, “Infectious diseases?”
The Marquis gestured for the servants to leave the room and explained, “Last night, the Emperor summoned several high-ranking officials to the palace for urgent matters. They received a distress call from a county within Liaozhou, reporting a large-scale epidemic outbreak. Surrounding the area are numerous military camps and over a dozen large stables… The Emperor had your Third Uncle and some officials head there immediately, while others organized Imperial physicians, military physicians, veterinarians, and medicines to follow.”
In such a scenario, no one dared to refuse the call. Despite the dangers ahead, Third Master Chu had no choice but to go.
Third Madam Chu rose from her seat and embraced Chen Feng, crying once again.
Suddenly, Chen Feng remembered the Green Swallow’s Nest that the old monk requested, specifically for treating epidemic diseases.
She hastily mentioned, “I recall meeting Master Wuzhi, and he seemed to have discussed an outbreak of an epidemic with Master Guiling, instructing him to prepare a remedy for it. Both Masters are highly skilled in medicine and had likely prepared in advance, developing a cure for the epidemic. Moreover, Master Wuzhi foresaw these events and procured the miraculous medicine in advance. Your husband should return safely.”
The old Marquis brightened, stating, “Did you hear that, Third Daughter-in-law? Don’t worry, the epidemic is under control, and Third Son has the miraculous medicine. He will return unharmed.”