Chapter 130: Helping Out

Chen Feng continued, “In fact, during my ‘illness,’ I would occasionally have moments of clarity. When I saw my father, mother, A’Lu, and Dabao, who cherished me, staying by my side, caring for me, I felt very happy and relaxed, unafraid of being bullied. Now, I want little Yan to feel that the outside world is equally beautiful and to feel that the loved ones around her like and cherish her, and will never abandon her. Only then will she be willing to step out of her world.”

She said this to make Chu Lingxuan understand the importance of constant care from loved ones for the little girl. Regardless of their family’s reasons, they couldn’t just come and go, leaving the little girl to be cared for by servants and experience the anxiety and pain of being abandoned.

Though her loved ones appeared to indulge her greatly, with many people attending her birthdays and her luxuries, such flattery did nothing for the child. The most ordinary, constant companionship and care were the most important.

Hearing this, Chu Lingxuan felt a pang in his heart. His eyes lingered on Chen Feng for a moment and then turned away as he walked toward the west room. Steward Luo followed closely, taking a few steps before signaling for Chen Feng to follow.

Chen Feng felt a sense of regret and unease at her own outspokenness. The powerful and influential were capricious, and her well-intentioned words might still provoke their displeasure. Nonetheless, she had no choice but to follow them.

The decor of the west room resembled the living room or study of a talented woman. There was a row of rosewood bookshelves filled with books. A carved jade-inlaid large writing desk held the four treasures of the study, and nearby stood an ancient zither. The only difference was that there were two little swallow dolls hanging on the bookshelf door, and a little swallow doll placed on the desk.

Chu Lingxuan sat in a chair in front of the desk, and the sunlight from the west window cast a halo around him, softening his features as he sat in the shadows.

He raised his hand and said, “Ms. Chen, please sit.” Then he said to Steward Luo, “Uncle Luo, please sit too.”

Chen Feng and Steward Luo sat down, and Qiao came in to serve tea.

Chen Feng sat with her head slightly lowered, her hands folded on her lap.

Chu Lingxuan tapped the desk with his long fingers, deep in thought for a moment, then cleared his throat and hesitantly said to Chen Feng, “Little Yan’s mother had a difficult childbirth and passed away. I wasn’t with them at the time. When she was born, people said she was an unlucky child. Two years ago, when I first saw her at the… at that place, she was as thin as a little monkey, staring at the swallow’s nest under the eaves, while the wet nurse and maid… ” He seemed to struggle to continue, his fist on the desk clenched tightly, even the veins in his hand were visibly strained as he struggled to suppress his anger.

Steward Luo’s eyes turned red, and he lowered his head, wiping his tears with his sleeve, softly calling out, “Master.”

Steward Luo’s call seemed to pull Chu Lingxuan back from his memories. He released his clenched fist and sighed, “When I saw little Yan like that, I took her to the Chu residence. However, my family situation is unique. My birth mother left… the family for certain reasons, my grandmother passed away many years ago, and my grandfather’s affairs in the capital keep him busy. The other women are segregated, and I didn’t want to burden them… So, I arranged for a position in Ding Prefecture and brought little Yan there. But my work keeps me busy, often traveling, unable to be with little Yan all the time. Sometimes I sent her to Tangyuan, relying on Uncle Luo’s family, closer to my mother. However, my mother, despite caring for little Yan, is a recluse and cannot reside in the secular world… Ah,” he took a deep breath, “Little Yan is like this, all of us have a responsibility, but we’re truly helpless. My efforts are not just for my future, but for… for little Yan’s better future. I must do this…”

Although Chu Lingxuan’s explanation was vague and the key points were left unsaid, Chen Feng understood. Little Yan’s past was even more tragic than she had imagined. The Chu family was more complex than she had thought. This icy Chu Lingxuan was carrying so much helplessness…

She now felt even more compassion for the little girl. No wonder she was withdrawn, having lived in such an environment from a young age. Even good people would retreat into their shell and not want to come out in such circumstances.

Chu Lingxuan continued, “Ms. Chen, I believe that under your guidance, my Hanyan will improve and emerge from her world. My family and I will remember your help for little Yan and be grateful to you. Now, I have an unexpected request, and I hope you can help…”

Chen Feng lifted her eyes to look at him.

Chu Lingxuan said, “When you’re resting and my mother and I aren’t at Tangyuan, could little Yan stay at your place? As she is so reliant on you, having you by her side will be like having us, her family, with her. Don’t worry, it will only be during the day, she’s already accustomed to sleeping with Mama Song at night and will return to Tangyuan to rest. Only during the day, wherever you go, take her with you.” He added, “Don’t worry, I’ll increase your monthly pay.”

Chen Feng said, “Whether the pay increases or not doesn’t matter. I’ve developed affection for little Yan, and I can’t bear to see her sad. However, our rural home is simple, and little Yan is from a wealthy family. I’m afraid she might feel uncomfortable.”

Chu Lingxuan pursed his lips, a hint of a smile appearing, accentuating his dimples. He said, “I believe that in little Yan’s eyes, wherever Ms. Chen is, will surely be a wonderful place.”

He appeared cold, but he was quite eloquent.

Chen Feng also smiled. Even if Chu Lingxuan hadn’t made this request, she already had the thought and couldn’t bear to see the child unhappy. So, she nodded and said, “Alright, when I rest, Uncle Luo will bring little Yan to my home.”

Steward Luo hurriedly agreed, “Alright.”

Chu Lingxuan added, “In that case, thank you, Ms. Chen. However, I have to leave for some time tomorrow, and I might be back in about twenty days. In my absence, I’ll trouble Ms. Chen and Uncle Luo’s family to look after little Yan.”

Steward Luo quickly said, “You’re welcome, sir. Taking care of the young miss is our duty.”

Chen Feng also nodded in agreement.

With the matter settled, she stood up and said, “Little Yan has Mr. Chu’s company today, so I’ll head home.”

Chu Lingxuan nodded and gestured to Steward Luo, who then walked her out.