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Chen Ye glared at Mrs. Hu and scolded, “Can’t you keep that foul mouth of yours shut? Keep harping on, and you’ll be asked to leave.”
Chen Ming added, “Our family has always been humble, we truly don’t know how to use servants. Aunt Mu and Shanzhi were bought by A’Feng and are temporarily staying at our house.”
Chen Feng remained silent, considering Mrs. Hu’s words as nothing more than idle chatter.
Grandma Chen also glared at Mrs. Hu and then spoke about her third son’s family.
Chen Ming said, “We have plenty of rooms at home. When my third brother returns, we should let them stay with us.”
Chen Ye waved his hand and said, “No, it’s been a long time since my mother and I have seen him. They should stay with me.”
After returning home from the second branch, Mrs. Gao whispered, “Grandma, Father-in-law, two people from Zhaojia Village have come, saying they have something to discuss with you.” She then led Dahua into the eastern wing.
The family members exchanged uncertain glances as they had no acquaintances in Zhaojia Village. The most talked-about event in Zhaojia Village was the upcoming water banquet in three days, on the 20th day of the twelfth lunar month.
This was because Mr. Chen’s mother was returning to her hometown, and on the 20th, the Zhao Family Bridge, funded by Madam Chen, would officially open, and the village was planning to host a three-day water banquet.
This was a significant event covering a large area. Not only had officials from the county been invited, but even some well-known dignitaries from nearby villages and towns had also been invited. It was rumored that not only had Steward Luo and his son been invited, but even Gao Lizheng and Hu Laowu had also received invitations.
Could they also be coming to invite them?
Upon considering this possibility, Chen Ye was delighted and quickly led his elderly mother to the main room.
In the main room were two men, one in his fifties and the other in his thirties, and Chen Gui was entertaining them with tea.
As Chen Ye and the others entered, the two men stood up, smiled, and greeted them.
Chen Gui introduced, “Grandma, Father, this is Zhao Lizheng from Zhaojia Village, and this is his son, Zhao Sanshu.”
Chen Ye quickly smiled, returned the greeting, and said, “Zhao Lizheng, Zhao Sanshu, it’s a pleasure to meet you. Please, have a seat.”
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Zhao Lizheng took out five silver ingots and placed them on the table, smiling at the Chen family.
Chen Ye was taken aback. He was aware of the family’s humble status and felt unworthy of such a grand gift. Giving such a lavish present was surely no simple matter. Considering Chen Feng’s background, could this be related to her? Chen Ye exchanged a glance with the elderly mother, who shared his concern, looking at him with a hint of worry.
Chen Ye asked, “Zhao Lizheng, what is the meaning of this?”
Pulling his beard, Zhao Lizheng noticed the sparkle in the eyes of Chen Ye’s wife but saw skepticism in the other three. He felt a tinge of disappointment. He said, “I heard that your niece is working at Tangyuan. Isn’t her public exposure tarnishing the reputation of the Chen family? Who would be willing to marry your niece in the future? I suggest you find a way to marry her off, preferably before the New Year.”
With thirteen days left until the New Year, was he suggesting they employ drastic measures?
Grandma Chen hurriedly said, “A’Feng has already established her own household and is looking for a husband, not to marry off.”
Chen Ye also expressed his difficulty, “A’Feng lives independently, and we cannot dictate her marriage. Moreover, she is quite fierce and daring, willing to wield a knife…”
Seeing Zhao Lizheng present so much money, Mrs. Hu thought that it must be for a challenging task. When she learned that it was a proposal for Chen Feng’s marriage, she felt it was not difficult at all and was thrilled because it meant ten acres of land. However, she saw her mother-in-law and the men refusing, and in her eagerness, she blurted out, “Regardless of marriage or seeking a husband, Feng will marry anyway…”
Before she could finish, she was scolded by Chen Ye and told to stay out of it. He then turned to Zhao Lizheng and said, “Zhao Lizheng, we truly cannot handle this matter. My second brother has already separated and A’Feng lives independently. Moreover, they live right next to Tangyuan…”
Zhao Lizheng’s expression turned serious as he turned to the elderly mother and said, “You are A’Feng’s grandmother. If you agree to this marriage proposal, can Chen Ming refuse?” He then continued persuasively, “You brought her here. As a single woman, everything here is under your command. If this matter is settled, there will be benefits.”
It was clear they intended to use force. Aside from the fact that the second branch now had the powerful Tangyuan as a support, such an act would surely make it difficult for them to get through the year. Even if they didn’t have Tangyuan, they couldn’t engage in such underhanded deeds.
The grandma Chen, Chen Ye, and Chen Gui all shook their heads, indicating they dared not proceed with the matter, fearing retribution from Tangyuan.
Despite Zhao Lizheng’s repeated assurances that they had the support of Old Lady Chen, the three members of the Chen family shook their heads, displaying their unwillingness to proceed.
After talking for a while, the Zhao family left, disgruntled, with the silver.
Seeing Mrs. Hu’s pained expression, the grandma Chen said, “Hu, engaging in such underhanded deeds would be as dishonorable as what happened with Mrs. Ding. It would invite criticism.”
Chen Ye also scolded, “You money-grubbing woman, I’ve told you before, some money is worth thinking about, and some isn’t. Can you spend that money without worry?”
Chen Gui added, “I’m afraid we won’t even have the chance to spend it, we’ll end up losing our lives. Mother, according to what Dahua’s mother said, Tangyuan’s young miss can’t do without Feng. If we harm Feng, the military officer won’t let us off. Mother, be more considerate in your actions and refrain from speaking and acting recklessly.”
He then said to Chen Ye, “I’ll go to Luyuan now and deliver a message to cousin.”
The group, including Chen Feng, was furious after hearing Chen Gui’s words. The Zhao family was attempting to use the same approach that had worked with Mrs. Ding, but this time it didn’t work.
Mrs. Wang anxiously asked, “A’Feng, what should we do? Will they come to our house to abduct someone?”
Chen Feng replied, “They wouldn’t dare abduct someone from our house openly. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have tried to go through Uncle Chen’s family. But I should be careful on the road, I might suddenly disappear.”
Chen Ming added, “Apart from Tangyuan, A’Feng can only stay at home and can’t go anywhere else.” He then stood up and said, “I’ll go find Steward Luo and ask him to send two people from Tangyuan to accompany you.”
Upon hearing this, both Steward Luo and his son immediately assured Chen Feng that they would send guards to accompany her to Tangyuan.
The next day, just over a quarter to the hour of Si (roughly 9-11 am), four guards arrived at Tangyuan, and from then on, Chen Feng enjoyed the luxury of traveling with bodyguards.
Three days later, on the 20th day of the twelfth lunar month, Chen Lu began his winter break, but Chen Feng went to work at Tangyuan as usual. Since Chu Lingxuan hadn’t returned the previous day, it was likely that she wouldn’t be resting that day either.
On her way, she met Steward Luo and his son on a carriage heading west. She guessed they were going to attend the water banquet in Zhaojia Village.
Chen Feng greeted Steward Luo and his son cheerfully as if nothing was amiss.