Chapter 217: Engagement

Chen Shiying was unlike the patriarchal figures of feudal society, even if he was at fault, he didn’t assume the airs of an elder. At the very least, he was friendly and polite, not angered by Chen Feng’s impoliteness.

He could only smile helplessly, sigh deeply and gently say, “A’Feng, I understand your resentment, and I’ve also endured it. But bringing up those things is embarrassing for me. I know you’re capable and don’t need any help. Your life with your mother will improve. It’s a pity I didn’t find you during your most difficult times. If I had, you would have suffered less, and my heart would have been lighter.” He looked towards Luyuan, his expression growing desolate as he said, “Your mother, how is she? In the future, we’ll have many opportunities to spend time together, but with your mother…”

He sighed several times, seeing Chen Feng remain silent and then continued, “Your mother is a good woman, and I have wronged her. It’s my fault. Anyway, there are some things… oh well, enough said.” He waved his hand and said, “A’Feng, you can be resentful towards me, but don’t let that affect your own affairs. You’re a clever child, you should think about what’s best for yourself…”

He didn’t continue with what would be best for her, but instead picked up a teacup, took a few sips, and said, “I left the city as soon as the gates were opened to get here in time for lunch.”

Observing him, Chen Feng wasn’t very keen on interacting with him and didn’t want to address him as “father.” Nonetheless, as the guest, and seeing his genuine regret, she couldn’t deny him even a meal. She said, “Mr. Chen, please remain seated. I’ll go to the kitchen and prepare a few dishes for you.”

Chen Shiying was quite satisfied with his daughter’s “enthusiasm” and wore a slight smile, saying, “Let the servants handle those tasks. Let’s have a chat, father and daughter…”

At that moment, Dabao’s excited voice rang out, “Mother, Uncle Chu taught me to stand tall, taught me martial arts stances and punches, and even gave me a small weapon.”

Hearing this, Chen Feng breathed a sigh of relief. Indeed, Chu Lingxuan was a gentleman, his annoyance with her hadn’t been taken out on the child.

Dabao continued, “Sister Yan wants to eat the cold chicken noodles you make. Grandpa Luo invites you to come to Tangyuan and make it.”

As the heavy footsteps approached, Dabao lifted the curtain and walked in, holding a sheathed small dagger. The dagger was quite beautiful, with a brown and yellow cowhide sheath, adorned with two rows of copper studs, and a curved wolf’s head with more copper studs.

Seeing Chen Shiying, Dabao stopped, put his hand down, and asked, “Mother, who is this gentleman?”

In Dabao’s eyes, although the man had a small beard, he looked even younger and more familiar than Grandpa Chen and Grandpa Luo, so he called him “uncle.”

Chen Shiying knew that Chen Feng had adopted a son, and he was aware of the meticulous care that Mrs. Wang had put into finding this child for her daughter. He hadn’t expected the child to grow up so well. With thick eyebrows and bright eyes, the child was exceptionally handsome even at a young age. This pleased him, but he also felt somewhat uncomfortable. Despite being a fourth-rank official, his daughter was also a wealthy young lady. How could they be treated like servants at Tangyuan?

He suppressed his unease and said with a smile, “You must be Dabao, right? You’ve used the wrong term of address. You should call me Grandfather.”

Dabao finally understood, he was his maternal grandmother’s ex-husband. No wonder he looked so familiar.

Dabao looked at his mother, unsure whether he should address him as “grandfather.”

Chen Feng said, “You can call him Grandfather, that’s always appropriate.”

Smartly, Dabao thought that if he called him “grandfather,” he would have to bow to him. If he called him “Grandpa Chen,” he wouldn’t have to. He handed the dagger to Chen Feng, bowed deeply to Chen Shiying, and said, “Dabao pays his respects to Grandfather.”

Disappointed that his daughter didn’t call him “father” and didn’t want her grandson to call him “grandfather,” Chen Shiying smiled and said, “Good child, you must study hard in the future and be filial to your mother and your grandmother. If you have any difficulties with your studies, Grandfather will help you.” With that, he took out a jade pendant from his pocket, specially prepared for this occasion.

Dabao respectfully accepted the jade pendant that his mother nodded to, saying, “Thank you, Grandfather.” Then, he turned to Chen Feng and said, “Mother, we have a guest at home, so you can’t go to Tangyuan to make the cold noodles. I’ll go and tell them.”

Chen Feng stopped him, took the dagger from him, and said, “What’s wrong with Mr. Chu? How can he give a child something like this to play with?”

Dabao chuckled, “Don’t worry, Mother. Uncle Chu specifically said that this dagger hasn’t been opened, so it won’t hurt me.” He then handed the jade pendant to Chen Feng and said, “Please keep these two good things for me, Mother.”

After saying this, he bowed to Chen Shiying again and left the room.

With Dabao gone, Chen Shiying said somberly, “A’Feng, you are my own daughter, and you deserve a better life. It’s my fault that I let you struggle to make ends meet. From now on, I’ll have someone send you a monthly allowance. You don’t need to work for the Chu family anymore. Cooking for them, you’re not just an employee, but a servant.”

Chen Feng replied, “Mr. Chen, you’re mistaken. I haven’t been a servant. I only cook occasionally because Miss Chu likes my cooking. Teaching her, it’s because I like her. Even if I don’t need that money anymore, I still want to teach her. So, there’s no need for you to provide for us. Besides, I need the support of Tangyuan, otherwise, I would’ve been sold off long ago.”

Chen Shiying’s face flushed. He knew that Chen Feng was referring to his mother’s misdeeds. Thinking that things needed to be addressed one by one, he didn’t dwell on the matter. He continued, “I came today to discuss an important matter with you. It would be better if your mother could come and offer her advice.”

Puzzled, Chen Feng replied, “What important matter? My mother doesn’t need to be here. I can make decisions about my own affairs.”

Chen Shiying observed Chen Feng, delicate in appearance and soft-spoken, yet exuding an imposing aura. She displayed a blend of outward gentleness and inner strength, resembling him not just in looks but also in her manner. It was regrettable that Wang wasn’t present, he certainly wouldn’t be able to see her today.

He continued to appraise Chen Feng, noting her transition into womanhood. He said, “A’Feng, you’ll soon be sixteen. Many girls of your age are already married. Even if they aren’t married, they are already betrothed…”

Upon hearing this, Chen Feng immediately grew wary and hastened to say, “Why are you bringing up my marriage? You have no right to interfere in my personal affairs.”