Chapter 154: Nurturing a Cunning Stomach

Steward Luo entered the carriage and quietly said to the solemn Chen Feng, “The person just now was Zhao Lizheng from Zhaojia Village. He’s also Mr. Chen’s maternal cousin. Two days ago, he specially came to Tangyuan to hand me an invitation, inviting my father and me to Zhaojia Village for a flowing water banquet.”

So, he was Chen Shiying’s cousin.

Chen Feng asked Mu and Shanzhi to alight from the carriage and then whispered to Steward Luo, “Thank you, Steward Luo, for your support of me and my mother. I’ve also heard some rumors in the village, suggesting that my mother used to be a child bride. But it wasn’t her fault, every step was forced upon her. Steward Luo, are you not afraid that our family might cause trouble for you and have disputes with the magistrate?”

Steward Luo replied, “Ms. Feng, please call me Uncle Luo from now on, and rest assured. My master and Mr. Chen have an amicable relationship. Also master and us Luo family, hold you and your family in high regard. Not only is it because the young miss cannot be without you, but my master and madame are very satisfied with you.”

Chen Feng nodded appreciatively and whispered, “Thank you, Uncle Luo.”

Soon, Mrs. Wang and Luo Xiao returned. Mrs. Wang handed the slave contracts to Chen Feng, saying, “Our A’Feng now also have servants.”

Chen Feng embraced her mother’s arm and smiled, “Now that I have them, it’s as if Dad and Mom have them too.” She then instructed Mrs. Wang, “With more people in the house, if you ever need to go to the village or somewhere far, make sure to take someone with you.”

Mrs. Wang thought her daughter was safeguarding against her stepmom and nodded in agreement.

Once back home, Chen Feng boiled water in a large pot for Mu and her son to bathe.

Afterward, she started preparing the braised vegetarian dishes. Once the vegetables were braised, she fried a few radish cakes. To make them tasty, she soaked the shredded radish in her family’s special water for a while before squeezing it dry.

When it was nearly done, she cut the last bit of garlic sprouts in the basin and stir-fried some dried tofu.

Thinking about making Chu Lingxuan’s diet a bit more challenging and further improving their relationship, she felt less worried about the old witch (Chen Shiying’s mother) causing trouble. Knowing she had some backing from the military, she felt much relieved.

She glanced at the specially-built clay oven in the kitchen, which she hadn’t had the chance to use yet. When she had time, she planned to prepare some of her favorite pastries from her previous life, as she had heard that the Chu family had a sweet tooth for generations.

After finishing the preparations, she placed the two small dishes of food in a food container, wrapping a small cushion around the outside to keep the food warm. Concerned that the food might not taste good if it cooled, she also prepared some sweet rice and jujubes to bring to the temple and Dingzhou for the two of them to enjoy after dinner. Making these small treats wasn’t troublesome, and after her recent hard work, she didn’t want to create any hassle.

As dusk settled, smoke rose from the rooftops of the surrounding houses in the village. It was the perfect time to deliver the food, just in time for their dinner.

She felt somewhat resigned. Her current diligence and caution were no different from the diligence and caution she had shown towards Liu Xudong in her previous life. The difference was that now she sought to please in pursuit of a protective umbrella. In her past life, it was for the hope of love.

Arriving at the corner gate of Tangyuan, she handed the food container to the gatekeeper, Fang Bo, and then went to find Dabao at Luo’s house.

Fang Bo smiled and said, “Ms. Chen, Dabao has been playing with the young miss in the inner courtyard.”

Hearing this, Chen Feng thought that Dabao would likely return home after dinner. Just as she turned to leave, she heard Dabao’s voice, “Mother, wait!”

Turning back, she saw Dabao running out with the two dogs. He ran up to Chen Feng, smiling, “Mother, I heard from Uncle Luo that you bought a servant and piglets?”

After returning to Tangyuan, Steward Luo went to the outer study to report today’s events and Chen Feng’s request to Chu Lingxuan.

Chu Lingxuan said, “When I return to Dingzhou tomorrow, I will send a few people over…” He added coldly, “That person from the Zhao family is becoming quite audacious. If he dares to speak out of turn again and meddle in Tangyuan’s affairs, make sure to give him a harsher reprimand.”

Steward Luo bowed in acknowledgment.

As dinner was almost ready, they all went to the Serene Courtyard.

Dabao had been playing with Chu Hanyan, and Abbess Liao Chen had allowed him to stay for dinner. However, when he heard that they had purchased a servant and piglets, he lost his appetite. He ran out, causing Chu Hanyan to burst into tears. She tearfully called after him, “Dabao, waaah… Dabao…”

Feeling bad for making her cry, Dabao returned to appease her before leaving the courtyard.

Chu Lingxuan was quite frustrated to see his daughter behave this way. He could accept that she couldn’t be separated from Chen Feng, but now, even her young son Dabao couldn’t be apart from her. It really irked him.