Chapter 236: Madam Jiang

After about two hours, they arrived at the Chen residence. Unlike in previous historical eras, where the magistrate’s office and residence were combined, here they were entirely separate—official business was kept separate from home life.

Chen Shiying led Chen Feng to a courtyard within the residence. Several lanterns hung in the corridor, casting an orange glow through the lattice windows. The moonlight illuminated the courtyard, revealing a picturesque scene with fragrant flowers and ancient trees.

Chen Shiying whispered to her as they walked towards the main house, “This is Jiang’s courtyard. You will stay here temporarily. I will have someone tidy up the courtyard for you, and you can move in tomorrow. Jiang is very kind and virtuous. Get along well with her. If you do, you won’t suffer here. You’re a clever person and know how to act in your best interest.”

As they entered the main house, they were greeted by Madam Jiang, who emerged from a room to the east. She was dressed in a slightly worn azure satin embroidered jacket, her dark hair casually pinned atop her head, and her face, free of cosmetics, appeared plain. She seemed ready to rest.

Upon seeing Chen Feng, Madam Jiang was momentarily surprised, but she quickly composed herself, smiled at Chen Feng, and then at Chen Shiying. “You’re back, and you’ve brought Feng with you?” Her demeanor was dignified and serious when not smiling, but when she did, she exuded a gentle warmth, her eyes curved as if her heart were also smiling. Her voice was soothing and gentle, bringing a sense of calm to those who heard it. It was hard to believe that such a voice could come from her.

Madam Jiang’s contradictions left Chen Feng feeling confused.

Chen Shiying smiled and said, “Please, take a seat. Let A’Feng pay her respects, and then we can talk in detail.”

Madam Jiang nodded with a smile and whispered to a maid behind her.

Chen Shiying and Madam Jiang sat on a couch, and a maid placed a cushion in front of Chen Shiying. Chen Feng knelt down, kowtowed to Chen Shiying, and said, “Feng pays respects to Father.”

Chen Shiying’s eyes reddened at the long-lost term “Father” and accepted the tea she offered him. He said, “Good girl, this is your home. Don’t be afraid. Get along well with your younger siblings.”

At that moment, a maid emerged from a side room with a tray, on which sat an amber-carved flower ornament. She approached Chen Shiying, who glanced appreciatively at Madam Jiang. Today had been rushed, and he hadn’t prepared a gift. The amber lotus flower was something that not even Qing would part with, but today, he was giving it to Feng. He took the ornament and handed it to Chen Feng.

Chen Feng rose and handed the amber ornament to Summer who stood nearby.

The maid placed the cushion in front of Madam Jiang, and Chen Feng knelt down to kowtow to Madam Jiang, saying, “Feng pays respects to Mother.”

Madam Jiang accepted the tea offered by Chen Feng and said with a smile, “Feng, don’t be so formal. This is your home. If you need anything, just tell Mother. If anyone dares to bully you, tell Mother, and I will take care of it.”

After speaking, she handed Chen Feng a white jade hairpin with a cherry blossom design.

Subsequently, Chen Feng was led to the west wing by the maid for tea, while Chen Shiying and Madam Jiang went to the east wing for discussion.

Sitting on an embroidered cushion, Chen Feng gazed around the lavishly decorated room, lost in thought.

After a short while, she heard bustling noises from outside. A short time later, Madam Jiang arrived at the west wing.

She smiled at Chen Feng and said, “Due to the urgency tonight, you’ll have to stay in the west courtyard. I have already arranged for the Rose Pavilion to be prepared, and tomorrow you will move there.”

Saying this, she took Chen Feng’s hand and led her outside. Chen Shiying was standing in the hall, now dressed in casual attire, and his eyes were full of smiles as he watched them, seeing the intimacy between them.

Exiting the main house, they reached a moon gate. Beyond it was a small courtyard with three rooms.

Madam Jiang smiled and said, “Qing lived here before she turned ten, and then she moved to the Moon Pavilion.”

Chen Feng smiled and said, “Thank you, Mother.”

After Madam Jiang left, Chen Feng freshened up and lay down on the bed. She stayed in the east room, sending Summer and Granny Xu to the west room.

She assumed Summer and Granny Xu would have gone to bed, so she quietly rose, closed the door, and left the window slightly ajar. She then pinched the back of her left hand. In less than a moment, the Golden Swallow flew in through the window and joined Chen Feng in the room.

The Golden Swallow chirped, “Mommy, why did you move here to live? Poor Dabao has been crying his throat hoarse because you haven’t come back.”

Chen Feng felt a pang of heartache and grumbled, “Do you think I wanted to come? I had no choice. It’s all because of that annoying Seventh Prince, who forced me to the Chu residence. Now I’ve not only agreed to marry Chu Lingxuan but also have to come here to acknowledge my roots.”

Upon hearing about her agreement to marry Chu Lingxuan, the Golden Swallow burst into laughter, opening its beak wide, even revealing its reddened throat. After laughing, it said, “I told you that Daddy Chu would become my daddy, but you didn’t believe me! See, see, I was right…”

Chen Feng tapped it on the head, interrupting its speech. “I brought you here to tell you that you must protect Dabao at all costs. I’ve made a significant discovery. Dabao looks very much like the Seventh Prince and that Ninth Lord. I’m afraid he may be of royal descent. Since he was abandoned, someone must not want him to survive, especially after Master Wuzhi said he would have a disastrous fate. I’m even more concerned about his safety. I won’t be able to return to my uncle’s house for a few days, so you must protect him and ensure no one harms him. Now go back.”

The Golden Swallow said, “Dabao is such a crybaby. Before I came, he was crying and demanding his mother. No matter who tried to console him, he wouldn’t stop. He’s so disobedient, far worse than his sister Yan.”

Chen Feng’s eyes reddened slightly as she said, “He’s been with me all night and has never been separated from me. He must not be used to it.”

The Golden Swallow said, “The bark of the swallow agarwood tree can help with sleep. I’ll bring some over to Dabao.” It then flew to the tree and pecked at the bark.

Afterward, Chen Feng and Golden Swallow left the space, and Chen Feng watched Golden Swallow fly out of the window, disappearing into the night.

Chen Feng lay back on the bed, contemplating how to spend the next few days and what to do if trouble came her way. It wasn’t until the late hours of the night that she drifted into a fitful sleep.

Early the next morning, Chen Feng was woken up by Summer. As she was getting ready, a maid entered with a tray containing clothes. She had seen this maidservant yesterday, and she seemed to be Madam Jiang’s senior maid.

The maid curtsied and said with a smile, “I am Hong Feng, here to greet Miss. Madame asked us to prepare a set of clothes for Miss overnight. Please try them on to see if they fit.”

Chen Feng rose and smiled, “Thank you to Madame, and thank you, Hong Feng.”