Chapter 235: Visiting the Chen Residence

Chen Shiying bowed and said, “I am ashamed. Feng and her mother have been living in the countryside, and I have rarely given them much attention before. Her mother has remarried. I will have my wife register Feng as my daughter, and she will marry Mr. Chu as my legitimate daughter.”

The Second Prince, upon observing Chu Lingxuan, thought to himself that despite his esteemed background, he was willing to marry such a woman with a troubled past. No prominent family in the capital would be willing to have their legitimate daughter marry him. However, with this status, Princess Rong Zhao would certainly take good care of her. But just in case, it would be wise to inquire further. How could Chu Lingxuan be willing to marry under these circumstances?

With this in mind, he solemnly said, “Mr. Chen’s family affairs are quite complex… However, Mr. Chen must ensure that his daughter is well taken care of. General Chu is a pillar of the state and the stepson of my royal sister. We cannot let him and his fiancée suffer.”

Chen Shiying quickly bowed, “I will not let General Chu and my daughter suffer.”

The Second Prince then said to Chu Lingxuan, “When General Chu gets married, I will also send a gift.”

Chu Lingxuan restrained his urge to clench his fist and saluted, “Thank you, Your Highness.”

Although the Seventh Prince was regretful for not being able to claim the beauty, he found the spectacle quite entertaining. He said, “I apologize, General Chu. I didn’t know that Miss Chen was your fiancée; otherwise, I wouldn’t have acted as I did. When Mr. Chu gets married, I will also send a gift.”

Chu Lingxuan bowed his thanks once more.

The Second Prince and the Seventh Prince then departed. Chu Lingxuan and Chen Shiying escorted them to the door, watching the carriage disappear into the night before turning back to the hall.

Chen Feng had taken a seat, feeling a mix of fear and anger, her face turning red.

Seeing her in this state, Chu Lingxuan wanted to comfort her, but with Chen Shiying present, he refrained from saying too much. He sat beside her and said, “Miss Chen, everything is fine now.”

Chen Feng replied, “Those two princes came to a subject’s home so casually to demand a woman. Aren’t they afraid of censure from the officials?”

Chu Lingxuan explained, “Censure against the Seventh Prince has never stopped, and the Emperor has often reprimanded him. His inner nature is far from as reckless and lawless as he appears on the surface. He is actually quite clever. He often leaves loose ends but has never caused a major incident. Hence, despite being titled a prince and having no chance of becoming the heir, he is still one of the Emperor’s most beloved princes…”

Chen Shiying also said, “I’ve heard that the Seventh Prince’s reputation is not as good as that of the Second Prince, Third Prince, and Fifth Prince. They say he is lecherous and frivolous, but he still enjoys the Emperor’s favor. Nonetheless, let the officials worry about royal matters. A’Feng, it’s late. Come home with your father.”

Chen Feng knew she had to return to the Chen residence with him tonight, as Chen Shiying had come specifically for her. However, she didn’t want to go back there, with the wicked old lady, Mrs. Tang, and Chen Yuhui. She said, “I’m afraid that if I go in standing, I’ll come out lying down.”

Chen Shiying sighed and said, “A’Feng, it was my fault before, I let you suffer so much and allowed my own people to hurt you. Rest assured, nothing you fear will happen at home. I will talk to them and make it clear, they can’t trouble you anymore. When I’m not at home, Jiang will protect you as well. Except for Yuhui, who has been spoiled and doesn’t know her place, your younger brother and the other two sisters are good. This household is mostly under my and Jiang’s control. After you officially recognize Jiang as your mother, I will add your name to the ancestral hall. Once your engagement is thoroughly settled with the Chu family, if you want to continue living there, that’s best. If you don’t want to stay there, you can live with your uncle or return to the countryside.”

Chu Lingxuan added, “You’ll have to stay at the Chen residence for a few days. I will send a maid and two maidservants with you, and station two guards outside the Chen residence. If you need anything, contact me. Tomorrow, my grandfather and third aunt will be here, and I will ask them to settle our affairs with the Chen family as soon as possible. Once everything is settled, you can return to the countryside.” He then said to Chen Shiying, “Please tell the old lady Zhao and the others that my third aunt has a bad temper and is overprotective. If she learns that the future bride of the Chu family is being mistreated at your residence, she will definitely come with people to sort things out.”

Chen Shiying felt a bit indignant. He was Feng’s father, after all, and this prospective son-in-law was clearly not giving due respect. Normally, he would never offend someone he shouldn’t. However, as an elder, he couldn’t afford to lose face. He said, “Mr. Chu, no need to worry. I won’t let my daughter suffer.”

Chu Lingxuan pretended not to notice his displeasure and said, “That’s for the best. Mr. Chen, remember what was said today.” He then said to Chen Feng, “Bring Dabao to my home. He can play with Hanyan there.”

Chen Shiying suggested, “Dabao can also go to the Chen residence with A’Feng.”

Chen Feng didn’t want Dabao to go to the Chu residence. When the Marquis came, there would surely be visitors, and she didn’t want Dabao to meet more people. Going to the Chen residence was also unfavorable, she was afraid of being mistreated there, and that was even less suitable for Dabao. She shook her head and said, “Let him stay with my uncle. He will be more comfortable there.”

At this moment, a sturdy and robust older woman arrived, accompanied by two fourteen or fifteen-year-old maids, as well as two robust guards, one of whom had accompanied her during the day. The older woman’s surname was Xu, and she was known as Granny Xu. The two maids were called Yin and Yu, while the guards included one named Wang, and another named Ding.

Chen Feng instructed Autumn to return to the Chen residence to look after Dabao, and emphasized that Dabao was not to leave the courtyard. She also informed Zeng Shuang that the shop would not be purchased for the time being and should be rented. Then, accompanied by Summer and the others provided by Chu Lingxuan, she took a carriage to the Chen residence.

During the carriage ride, Chen Feng’s mind was in turmoil and far from calm.

She never expected to encounter so many things after coming to Dingzhou Prefecture, and she had been forced to make the two most significant decisions of her life. While she might be willing to accept Chu Lingxuan as her husband deep down, she had no desire to return to the Chen residence to acknowledge her roots, accept another woman as her mother, or even acknowledge that wicked old lady as her grandmother. Moreover, she was now destined to live as Chen Shiying’s daughter, a prospect she found unbearable.

She couldn’t believe how many things had transpired that she had never anticipated. She wished she could give herself a good shake. Why had she come to Dingzhou Prefecture at this time? Why had she gone to the Jade Qilin Jewelry Store today…