Chapter 167: Taking You to Enjoy Comfort

Unexpectedly, Chen Feng was not surprised by these words. Contrary to Madam Chen’s expectations, she didn’t immediately bow and acknowledge her. Instead, she helped Chen Ming to sit on a chair.

Standing alongside Chen Ming, she calmly stated, “Madam Chen, you’re joking. If you were my ancestral grandmother, why would you pay to have me sold? There’s no need to put on an act, as I know you’re not a charitable person. Let me tell you, my real grandmother is in Xiangluo Village, and my real father is right here. I don’t know anything about this Chen person and don’t recognize them. I wonder why you came to my home today. Don’t tell me it’s to force me to leave Tangyuan or to have my parents force me into an unwanted marriage. Let me tell you, your dream won’t come true.”

The elderly lady was taken aback by Chen Feng’s response, and her face flushed with anger. She slammed the armrest of the chair and scolded, “Impudent! You are uncultured and don’t even understand the basics of filial piety. How did Mrs. Wang raise you?”

Rolling her eyes, Chen Feng teased, “Hmm, and you say I’m uncultured. Yelling and shouting in someone else’s home—is that considered cultured behavior? Let me tell you, my mother raised me well. I’m very filial to my grandmother and my parents. People in our village praise me for my filial piety and manners.”

The elderly lady clenched her fists, exclaiming loudly, “No, my granddaughter from the Chen family can’t be wasted like this. Feng, you must come back home with me.”

Surprised, Chen Feng responded, “Go back where? This is my home. Where else would I go? In this home, I have a father as steadfast as a mountain, a mother as gentle as water, and a clever brother and filial son. I’m not stupid enough to abandon such a good home and run into a wolf’s den.”

Today, she was determined to confront the elderly lady, to stand up for Mrs. Wang, and to seek justice for the deceased Little Feng. She wasn’t from this era and lacked the understanding of parents who believed there was no child who wasn’t good. Moreover, she wasn’t the original owner.

Upon hearing Chen Feng describe her home as a wolf’s den, the elderly lady was further incensed, raising her voice, “Someone, come and slap this insolent wench.”

The maid standing behind her hesitated for a moment, then nervously stepped forward toward Chen Feng.

Alarmed, Chen Ming quickly extended his arm to shield Chen Feng, saying, “Don’t hit A’Feng.”

Chen Feng reassured him, “Father, don’t worry. We have several Tangyuan guards in the courtyard. Anyone who lays a finger on me can be sure these people won’t leave this place.”

The maid stopped in her tracks, afraid to proceed.

Mrs. Tang, realizing that the elderly lady had forgotten her primary reason for coming, quickly laughed out loud and said, “Oh my, it seems that we are all forgetting each other. Madam, Feng is your granddaughter, and her harsh words are just her way of being playful with you. After enduring years of hardship and poverty, she is just letting off some steam. Weren’t you here to take her back home to enjoy comfort? How could you forget the main purpose?”

Madam Chen, upon hearing this, recollected her original intention for visiting and laughed at herself. “Look at me, getting old and forgetful. Feng, I understand that you’re upset, feeling like your grandmother has abandoned you. But this isn’t entirely my fault. Initially, Mrs. Wang deceived all of us. She concealed her pregnancy and brought you to this home to suffer. Good child, I understand now and will take you to enjoy comfort. Hurry, go get ready, we will leave soon.” She added, “There’s no need to prepare anything at this home, you can come with us as you are. I will buy you beautiful jewelry and clothes and let you live in a splendid mansion. I will also find you a good match in the future.”

Chen Feng looked coldly at the old lady as she painted a rosy picture. If she were truly a naive young girl from the countryside, she might have been deceived by her.

The eldest daughter of the Chen family, seated next to the old lady, stood up, approached Chen Feng, and playfully said, “Big sister, I’ll take you to the Ni Shang Embroidery Workshop and the Jade Qilin Jewelry Store in the provincial capital. Oh, they have so many wonderful things there. Let’s convince Mother to spend more money to buy you some beautiful clothes and jewelry.”

Chen Yuhui was dressed in a silver-red embroidered short jacket with a row of lilac-colored flower buttons slanting from the collar to the waist, paired with a lilac pleated satin long skirt. This was the outfit designed by Chen Feng for the Ni Shang Embroidery Workshop, albeit in a different color.

Perhaps noticing that Chen Feng was wearing a somewhat old silk cotton robe and a partly old cloth skirt, with only a wooden hairpin in her hair, she deliberately adjusted her own jacket and smoothed her hair, which was adorned with a golden hairpin set with jade and pearls.

Not only did this girl resemble the elderly lady, she also assisted her in doing wrongful deeds. She was indeed a mischievous girl.

Chen Feng withdrew her arm and sneered, “Are you taking me to your home?”

The elderly lady proudly declared, “Of course, we are going to our grand mansion in Dingzhou.”

Chen Feng coldly responded, “I don’t believe it. If you were really taking me to that home,” she gestured towards Mrs. Tang and Chen Yuhui, “these two wouldn’t be so pleased. I won’t be fooled.”

This statement infuriated Mrs. Tang and Chen Yuhui. Chen Yuhui was overwhelmed with shame and anger. She detested the fact that she didn’t resemble her good-looking parents and was mortified to have it brought up by this wretched girl. She cursed, “You wretched girl!” and raised her hand to strike Chen Feng’s face.

Chen Feng grabbed her arm and pushed her out. If Mrs. Tang hadn’t risen to hold her, Chen Yuhui would have surely fallen.

Chen Feng wiped her hands with a handkerchief and then threw it on the ground, cursing, “Dare to strike me again! If there’s a next time, I’ll break your arm.”

Mrs. Tang said something to Chen Yuhui, who stomped her foot, tearfully insulted Chen Feng, and reluctantly sat back in her chair.

Madam Chen was nearly full with anger. She thought this insufferable girl was both sharp-tongued and stubborn, and she was unwilling to let her be out of her control. Suppressing her fury, she said, “Little Hui is your real younger sister. How can you say such things about her? She sincerely wanted to bring you home.”

Chen Feng retorted, “If I were to go to your home, what would be my status? I can’t just say that Magistrate Chen had an illegitimate child to tarnish his reputation and risk being reported by the censors…”