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Chen Shi smirked and continued, “They also said that Mr. Chen is refined, exceptionally handsome, and quite resourceful. He is esteemed by the emperor, and at such a young age, he’s been appointed as the magistrate in Dingzhou Prefecture. Oh, he’s a fourth-ranked official.”
Mrs. Zhang snorted, “Chasing away his original wife after becoming a Jinshi scholar, and still being called upright? He’s certainly resourceful.”
Chen Shi added, “A schoolmate once told me that it wasn’t Mr. Chen, I mean, the magistrate, who chased away his original wife. Right after he passed the imperial examination, before even returning home, his mother sent his original wife back to her family.” Lowering his voice, he continued, “I heard that when Mr. Chen returned to his hometown, he went to visit his former wife’s family, but by then, she had already married my second brother.”
Observing the situation, Mrs. Zhang lowered her voice and remarked, “I’ve always thought highly of the former wife, second sister-in-law. She was knowledgeable, reasonable, and loyal. Her treatment of your second brother made that clear. But after staying at Mr. Chen’s house for ten years and raising him, she must have developed some feelings, so how could she agree to marry second brother-in-law within ten days? Moreover, your second brother was in such a situation.” Suddenly, a possibility dawned on her, and she widened her eyes, “Oh, the former wife married your second brother, and in just over seven months, she gave birth to Feng… Feng is extremely beautiful and looks nothing like your family…”
Chen Shi had long known that A’Feng was not Chen Ming’s biological daughter. He had also been told that it would be even better if Mrs. Wang became pregnant. At that time, Chen Ming was almost dying and could not have relations, so if he didn’t survive, there had to be an heir. Mrs. Wang was indeed blessed and capable. Not only did she heal Chen Ming’s illness, she also managed the household, and a few years later, they had a son.
Thus, Chen Shi was sincerely grateful to Mrs. Wang and regarded her as a resilient and remarkable woman. He had always treated Feng as his own niece, even before when the original Chen Feng was mentally challenged.
The fact that Feng wasn’t Chen Ming’s biological daughter was a major secret in the Chen family, known only to Chen’s mother and his three sons, as well as Mrs. Wang. Chen Shi would never reveal it, even to his wife.
Hearing Mrs. Zhang’s words and seeing her curiosity, Chen Shi frowned and scolded, “What nonsense are you thinking? A’Feng is, of course, my second brother’s biological daughter. His wife had a premature birth after a fall.” Then, with a thick skin, he added, “Why does A’Feng’s good looks not resemble our family? Wasn’t it because your father found me handsome that he agreed to marry you to me?”
Seeing her husband getting angry, Mrs. Zhang stopped talking, but her suspicions grew stronger.
Chen Shi can’t help thinking about Feng’s biological father, Mr. Chen’s exceptionally handsome and unique face flashed in his mind, overlapping with Chen Feng’s face. The resemblance between the two was uncanny. Now that Mr. Chen had returned to Dingzhou Prefecture, if anyone who knew about Mrs. Wang’s background met both him and Chen Feng, they would surely guess their relationship.
I wonder how long this secret can be kept.
Many years ago, Chen Shi and Chen Ming also studied in the town. They had even attended a poetry contest in Sanqing County, and had met Chen Shiying. At that time, Chen Shiying was almost identical to Chen Feng now. He was handsome, talented, and envied by all scholars and admired by many young ladies…
Chen Shi told Mrs. Zhang, “From now on, don’t talk about Chen Shiying as a slip of the tongue could cause trouble. Regardless of whether you like him or not, he is now the top authority here, responsible for life and death, so don’t disrespect him. It could bring disaster if anyone overhears.”
Startled, Mrs. Zhang quickly agreed, “Alright, I won’t talk about Mr. Chen from now on.”
Chen Shi sighed and added, “Please don’t spread the news about Mr. Chen becoming the magistrate here. Your sister-in-law hasn’t had an easy time these years, and life has only recently improved. Let’s not cause her further distress.”
Mrs. Zhang responded, “If you don’t mention it, I won’t say anything in front of her.”
Unbeknownst to them, Chen Feng was in the space, overhearing their conversation.
Wanting to retreat to the space for a while, she found it crowded everywhere, with Chen Lu in the living room, Mrs. Zhang, Mrs. Wang, and others in the kitchen, Dabao with Qiqi and Gray in the courtyard, and even the helper in the service room. Seizing a moment when no one was watching, she quickly slipped into the empty living room and then into the space.
Leaning against the agarwood, she watched as the golden swallow diligently built its golden nest. The bird’s beak emitted tiny sparks, occasionally nibbling on leaves and releasing green fluid. Some of the liquid formed small nests, while others clumped the gold together, creating a mesmerizing scene.
As she was about to leave, Mrs. Zhang entered the room, leaving Chen Feng no choice but to remain inside. Unexpectedly, she overheard the gossip.
Recalling the appearance of the old lady Chen, who was around fifty, with narrow eyes, thin lips, and deep wrinkles, she seemed to be a difficult and unkind person. Chen Shiying didn’t resemble her at all. He probably took more after his father. It seemed that the old lady was the executioner in the family.
That old witch was truly despicable. She bought Mrs. Wang to bring joy to a man and then cast her out when she was pregnant to elevate her son’s status. It’s unclear whether Chen Shiying was truly innocent or if he allowed his mother to act for the sake of his reputation…
Ah, regardless, that man has nothing to do with Mrs. Wang or our family anymore. When we return to the countryside, it will be even less of our concern.
With this in mind, Chen Feng decided that she must visit the land store tomorrow, whether or not Chen Shi would accompany her. Buying the land early meant returning to the countryside sooner.
Once Mrs. Zhang and Chen Shi had left the living room, she emerged from the space and returned to her usual room.
The lunch spread was lavish, featuring their own braised meat and vegetables, along with a pot of radish and pork bone soup. With their improved financial situation, the quality of Chen Shi’s family’s meals had also improved, and there was meat available every day. However, generally, they prepared more dishes in the evening when their son returned, as the family was complete. Today, to her surprise, they had prepared five or six dishes for lunch and even brought out half a plate of braised chicken hearts, which they usually sold. It was a first.
During the meal, Chen Shi continuously encouraged Mrs. Wang to eat more, expressing gratitude for raising a good daughter and enabling them to find a more profitable livelihood while also making connections at the General’s Mansion. He also gestured to Mrs. Zhang to serve Mrs. Wang more meat.
Chen Feng felt that Chen Shi must have great respect for Mrs. Wang’s resilience and sympathy for her past, which was why he acted this way. Chen Shi, like Chen Ming, was a good man. In the future, she not only wanted to regard Chen Ming as her father but also considered Chen Shi as her uncle.
Seeing the slightly aged Mrs. Wang, Chen Feng felt a pang of sadness and persistently served her with the delicious dishes.