Chapter 204: A Bright and Beautiful Smile

Chu Lingxuan seemed to wake from his resentment and looked at Chen Feng, continuing, “The child was thin as a skeleton, huddled on the ground, staring blankly at the swallow’s nest under the eaves. Even with her dirty little face, I could tell she looked so much like me, so much like my mother… All her tragedies, perhaps, were due to her appearance… In that moment, I truly felt that this child was my daughter, my own flesh and blood… The fledgling swallows in the nest chirped a few times, and the child actually opened her mouth and smiled.”

The maids nearby sneered, saying that the little fool could even smile. One of them walked over and said to the child, “Little fool, it’s time to drink.” She then brought the tea bowl she had been drinking from to the child’s lips. The child seemed parched and gulped down all the water in the bowl… I was so furious, I kicked the maid away and took the child out of the princess’s residence.

Later, that woman sent people to the Marquis’s residence to try to take the child back. My grandfather took the child to the Emperor, crying bitterly. The Emperor and the Empress scolded that woman and then restricted her for three months. Only then was the child completely removed from the princess’s residence. But our household wasn’t peaceful, so I had to bring the child to Dingzhou…”

Chen Feng was already in tears, feeling for the poor little Yan.

She blurted out, “What about your father? When you weren’t around, your grandfather couldn’t see her, but your father was in the princess’s residence. Didn’t he care for his own granddaughter?”

Chu Lingxuan sneered, “My father? He seemed affectionate, but he was the most heartless of all. The child had the blood of the Ma family, and my father wouldn’t like her. Perhaps he didn’t even bother to look at her before. Maybe later, he saw or heard that the child looked like my mother, so that woman would abuse her, and that’s why she sent me the message.”

“Consort Ma is the princess’s mother, and the Ma family is related to the princess… Your wife has a connection with the princess?” Chen Feng asked, puzzled.

Chu Lingxuan nodded, “Yes, they are distant relatives.”

So, Marquis Chu harbored hatred for the Ma family, and presumably the princess as well, yet they lived under the same roof for nearly ten years, receiving intermittent favor. At Lingyin Temple, the princess seemed quite concerned about him, and he appeared to be a gentle husband…

Chen Feng was feeling disoriented. What was going on?

Her thoughts were interrupted by Chu Lingxuan’s voice, “Yanyan was three years old and didn’t have a name. I gave her the name Chu Hanyan, hoping that one day she would speak and smile brightly. At that time, both my grandfather and I thought it was just a foolish dream. But Yanyan’s fate is good, because she met you. Now she really does speak and smile warmly, just like a normal child. No, she’s even more intelligent and beautiful than other children. Can you blame me for being happy?”

His gaze fell on Chen Feng’s face, and his smile revealed deep dimples, just like Chu Hanyan’s. At that moment, his voice was gentle, his smile warm and radiant, devoid of the previous aloofness, causing Chen Feng’s heart to skip a beat.

Chen Feng quickly lowered her head and instinctively pressed her chest with her hand. She said, “Mr. Chu, you’re too kind. Little Yan isn’t foolish. When she was young, she was frightened by those people and withdrew into her own world for self-protection. Now, seeing the outside world as beautiful, with loving family, friendly friends, and those endearing pets, she feels at ease to come out.”

Chu Lingxuan nodded and smiled, “Yes, that’s how it is. But if you hadn’t guided her well, assuring her that no one could hurt her anymore, and letting her know that the outside world is lively, fun, and full of joy, she wouldn’t have come out or integrated so well. Miss Chen, you don’t need to be modest. Yanyan and I both know that besides me, my grandfather, and my mother, you are the one who loves and cares for Yanyan the most. However, we are all busy and don’t have much leisure time to accompany Yanyan. Most of the time, it’s you who is with her. I deeply appreciate your kindness. I…”

Suddenly, he noticed a swallow perched on a branch ahead. The bird was smiling at him, and unbelievably, its beak was half open with the tips of its wings inserted inside.

Chu Lingxuan was speechless, his mouth half open in disbelief, as he watched this eerie sight.

Following his gaze, Chen Feng saw the golden swallow staring blankly at Chu Lingxuan, seemingly waiting for him to continue speaking.

When the swallow saw Chu Lingxuan remain silent, it took its wings out and puzzledly chirped, “Huh, why isn’t Chu Daddy continuing? I’m waiting to hear.” Seeing Chu Lingxuan still staring at it, it felt unappreciated, rolled its eyes, and chirped, “Silly”, before flapping its wings and flying into the sky.

As the golden swallow flew away, Chu Lingxuan’s soul returned to his body. He stammered, “That swallow, it really, really smiled, put its wings in its mouth, and even rolled its eyes!” Then, with realization, he added, “No wonder Yanyan has been so fixated on it. It’s truly incredible.” Chu Lingxuan seemed to recall what he wanted to say, and then said softly, “I will find a way to clear obstacles, and I won’t let you or the children be hurt. Trust me, I can do it.”

“Huh?” Chen Feng looked at him perplexed.

Chu Lingxuan smiled, “I mean, I will make this place an invincible fortress, a place filled with eternal laughter.”

Eternal?

Even if I don’t marry, Chu Hanyan will eventually marry…

Chen Feng thought to herself, “You’re even more incredible.”

Chen Feng said, “Yes, I also noticed Golden Treasure’s uniqueness later on. But, Mr. Chu, it’s best not to reveal its special abilities. If someone with ill intentions finds out, it won’t be safe.”

Chu Lingxuan said, “Of course, I won’t say anything.” Then, he asked, “Where was I just now?” After asking, even he found it amusing and couldn’t help but laugh.

“Silly!” The golden swallow was right.

Feng chuckled inwardly.

They continued towards the children’s playground. The children and animals were still playing joyfully, with the swallow hopping around in the middle, chirping.

Dabao and Hanyan saw them and both ran over.

Chen Feng and Chu Lingxuan both opened their arms, and the two children both rushed into Feng’s embrace.

Chu Lingxuan awkwardly withdrew his arms and stood watching the interaction between the three of them. He thought to himself, “My daughter doesn’t give me any face.”

At that moment, Shanzhi came to invite them back to Luyuan for dinner.

On the way back, Dabao and Yan’er held hands, with Dabao holding Feng’s other hand and Yan’er holding Chu Lingxuan’s hand. The two children were in the middle, with the two adults on either side. This arrangement was something Chu Lingxuan had fought for. When Yan’er saw her injured father, she let go of Feng’s hand and ran to hold his hand.

The twilight cast a red glow over the land and colored the four of them. As they walked, they left behind a string of laughter and the sounds of dogs barking and birds chirping.