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Third Master Chu gestured, and an attendant-like person brought in a tray containing a sculpture of a jade horse trampling a flying swallow, a lingzhi mushroom, and two sets of calligraphy tools.
He said, “Thank you, Miss Chen. You’ve taught Hanyan very well. As her elder, nothing makes me happier than seeing her healthy and happy. Now, she has both. This child… hasn’t had it easy!”
The old Marquis nodded and said, “For Hanyan to be so well, Miss Chen’s efforts cannot be overlooked. The Chu family will remember this kindness.”
Chu Lingxuan remained silent but nodded in agreement. The three generations of the Chu family had given her work high praise.
Chen Feng smiled and said, “Old Marquis, Third Master Chu, you’re too kind. I also care deeply for Hanyan and hope she remains healthy and happy. Today was rushed, and if there were any shortcomings in the hospitality, please forgive us.”
Third Master Chu smiled and said, “It was already wonderful. Thank you for your generous hospitality. I must leave in a hurry today, but I hope to come back and try the lamb hotpot. According to Lingxuan, it’s even more delicious than the famous Hongyun Hotpot Restaurant in the capital.”
The eloquence of this Confucian scholar made Chen Feng’s heart feel warm with just a few words. She expressed her gratitude and accepted the tray, passing it to Zeng Xiaoqing behind her.
Third Master Chu exchanged a few more words before taking his leave. The members of the Chu family and the Chen family escorted him out of the courtyard, watching as he and a dozen horsemen disappeared into the vast night.
The old Marquis then invited Dabao and Lu to bring Qiqi and Gray to Tangyuan the next day, and mentioned treating Chen Ming to a drink at Tangyuan another day.
Chu Lingxuan quietly assured Chen Feng, “I’ve already spoken to Mr. Chen about his mother’s actions. He is deeply upset and ashamed of his mother’s behavior. He promised to restrain his mother and relatives, ensuring that such incidents won’t happen again, putting your minds at ease.”
After that, the members of the Chu family bid their farewells and returned to Tangyuan. Steward Luo walked ahead, supporting the old Marquis, while Chu Lingxuan carried Chu Hanyan from behind.
As Chu Lingxuan reached the withered tree, he heard Chu Hanyan’s giggles and her soft voice saying, “Auntie, Dabao.”
Chu Lingxuan stopped and turned around. There, at the entrance of Luyuan, stood two figures—one tall and one short—holding hands, bathed in the red glow of two lanterns, giving off a sense of warmth even on a cold winter night.
The small figure, seeing them turn back, extended his arms and waved to them, calling out loudly, “Sister Yan, Uncle Chu!”
Although the tall figure didn’t move and couldn’t be seen clearly, one could imagine her smile, radiant like a spring flower…
Chu Hanyan giggled again and said, “I like it… Auntie, Dabao.”
“Alright.” Chu Lingxuan replied with a smile.
Mrs. Wei and a Tangyuan maid were carrying food containers at the back. The containers held braised dishes prepared by Chen Feng specifically for Steward Luo, the old Marquis, and the Chu family’s attendant who hadn’t eaten.
Without glancing aside, Mrs. Wei led the maid past the Chu Lingxuan. The starry night sparkled brilliantly, and even though the father and daughter stood under the tree, the dappled starlight filtering through the branches illuminated his bright smile and the sparkling eyes.
It turned out their Master had such a smile!
Mrs. Wei thought of her fifth cousin from her own family. Well, it’s best to return after the Lunar New Year.
Chu Lingxuan watched the two figures for a while before reluctantly turning around and striding to catch up with the old Marquis walking ahead.
“Not seeing little Yan, can we go home now?” Chen Feng said with a smile, emphasizing the words “Hanyan.” After speaking, she felt she had been a bit too deliberate and blushed.
Every time, Dabao would pull her to the door to watch the father and daughter walk further away, and every time, she would accept it willingly. But each time, when she saw that tall and elegant figure turn around to look back at them, her heart couldn’t help but feel a bit strange.
Strange! The word startled her.
She knew very well the gap between them and was acutely aware that it was absolutely unlikely. She was already thirty-two in her previous life, well past the age of dreaming, especially after having been hurt so deeply by love. In her view, the chances of Cinderella and the Prince living happily ever after were almost zero. Besides, he already liked someone else…
She needed to quickly dispel these vague and improper thoughts. She needed to find a man who matched her status, or even someone beneath her status.
Chen Feng clenched her hands, making a determined decision.
Dabao, who had some reservations about his mother’s statement, corrected her, “Mom, I wasn’t just watching Hanyan, I was also watching Uncle Chu.” With that, he pulled his mother’s hand and led her back into the courtyard.
Once everyone was inside the courtyard, Old Zeng closed and secured the gate.
Chen Feng had her and Mrs. Wang’s meals taken to the side room of the upper residence and instructed the servants to eat elsewhere.
Upon her return, she found not only the items sent by Third Master Chu but also gifts from the old Marquis on the Eight Immortals table. The old Marquis had sent ginseng and a catty of bird’s nest.
Pointing to the items on the table, Chen Ming said, “These are all gifts from the Chu family to thank you for guiding Miss Chu. You should take them all back.”
Chen Feng only took a set of calligraphy tools, saying, “This calligraphy set is for Dabao, the rest my father can keep. Bird’s nest is very beneficial for father’s health, you drinks a bowl every morning. The sculpture will be placed in my brother’s study, for elegance. Also, Steward Luo said that the Chu family gave me a gift, specifically asking Dabao to keep it in the west wing.”
Dabao nodded, saying, “Yes, Steward Luo specifically mentioned that it contained my mother’s monthly allowance, as well as a gift from Grandpa Chu and Uncle Chu. They said my mother has guided sister Yan very well, and they are very pleased.”
Chen Ming also noticed Steward Luo quietly calling Dabao out and pointing to the large package in his hands. It seemed like he was worried Dabao couldn’t carry it, so Steward Luo and Dabao took it into the west wing. After listening to them, Mrs. Wang then cleared the items from the table.
Chen Feng and Mrs. Wang had their meal in the side room, and Chen Ming also came in to taste each dish. He remarked, “Eating with nobles, I couldn’t even tell the taste, let alone get full.”
His comment drew laughter from everyone.
After the meal, Chen Feng led Dabao back to the west wing. Dabao pointed to a large package on the table and said, “This is the gift from Grandpa Chu and Uncle Chu.”
Chen Feng opened the package and found a large wooden box at the bottom, with a very delicate lacquered wooden box stacked on top, and a purse on top of that.
She opened the purse and found a five-taels silver ingot inside, likely her monthly allowance. There was also a two-hundred-taels silver note, which was probably a year-end bonus from Chu Lingxuan as a reward for her.
Chen Feng smiled and thought to herself that Mr. Chu had always been so generous. She put the silver and the note into the purse and continued to examine the material rewards.