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Chen Feng had already seen the small courtyard in the Tangyuan and had specifically named this courtyard “Yanxiang Pavilion.” The Tangyuan wasn’t quite large, so there weren’t many courtyards, and they were all quite small. The distinctive feature of the Tangyuan was the abundance of crabapple trees, with various colors of crabapples both inside and outside the courtyard. Chen Feng didn’t request major renovations, just a refurbishment of the house.
Measurements for the house had been taken, and Luo, the steward, was tasked with procuring some fine oak. Initially, Steward Luo had suggested obtaining some precious redwood, but Chen Feng felt it unnecessary. This was the countryside, and there was no need for such luxury—comfort, practicality, and aesthetics were sufficient.
The carpenters engaged were still the father and son from the Wu family, and they would make the furniture according to the designs used for Fengyuan, with adjustments for the different dimensions. It was said that the wood would be delivered in a few days, and the Wu family would come to Fengyuan to work on the furniture.
For their residence in the Deputy General’s Mansion in Dingzhou Prefecture, they would occupy the best and largest main courtyard, and the courtyard was also being renovated. The furniture for this residence was being overseen by Chu Lingxuan, and the craftsmen had gone to the mansion a couple of days ago.
Chu Lingxuan sought Chen Feng’s opinion on the furniture, and she provided some general comments. She didn’t request major modifications to the designs, opting to follow the prevailing styles of the era. She did, however, mention the general structure of the wardrobe, ensuring it could accommodate her clothes.
Chu Lingxuan mentioned that Third Madam Chu had sent a message, stating that the courtyard at the Marquis’s Manor had already been renovated, it was the courtyard where he had lived before moving to the outer courtyard as a child.
Chen Shiying had already sent people to take measurements and prepare to make furniture for the Marquis’s Manor in Dingzhou Prefecture, and afterward, it would be transported there. It was said that the wood used was pearwood, and the best craftsmen from the northern Ji Province had been engaged. Due to the short timeframe and the relatively large amount of furniture to be made, over twenty craftsmen were working diligently, following an extravagant style. Chen Feng didn’t intervene in this matter, she believed that the clever Jiang family would surely make a good impression, pleasing Chen Shiying while also earning a good reputation.
In truth, they would be staying in the Marquis’s Manor for a very short time, so there was no need for such extravagance. The good furniture would be more suitable for use in the Deputy General’s Mansion in Dingzhou Prefecture. However, as the Marquis’s Manor was their true home, and also where they would wed, most of her dowry would be transported there.
Chu Lingxuan had received another letter, sent by a trusted aide of the Marquis’s Manor, regarding the ownership of the courtyard. Recently, Second Madam had caused quite a stir over this matter. This courtyard was one of the best in the Yongning Marquis’s Manor, and it was intended for use by Chu Ling, the Second Young Master of the Chu family, when he got married. She had even specifically locked it up.
Third Madam Chu stated that Chu Lingxuan was the heir to the Marquis’s Manor, and considering that he had lived in this courtyard during his early years and that his elder sister-in-law had intended this to be used for him upon his marriage, it was only fitting for Chu Lingxuan to reside in this courtyard.
But Second Madam wouldn’t back down. She insisted that Chu Lingxuan rarely returned to the Marquis’s Manor and occupying such a large courtyard was a waste, yet she refused to hand over the keys. Third Madam then had the lock broken, the courtyard renovated, and repainted.
Second Madam wept and caused a scene, claiming her husband was disabled, and her daughter-in-law and grandchildren were being mistreated. This enraged Second Master Chu to the point that he left the Marquis’s Manor for several days. With the Elder Master absent, Third Madam Chu even went to the Princess’s Manor to seek advice from “Eldest Sister-in-law” Princess Rong Zhao. Surprisingly, Princess Rong Zhao condescended to help mediate the conflict between the two sisters-in-law but was driven away by Second Madam Chu’s fiery temper.
……
Unbeknownst to them, as they had been talking for quite some time, Chu Xiaoniu had already coughed several times outside, and Old Zeng had paced the courtyard a few times.
Chen Feng blushed and shooed him away several times, but Chu Lingxuan refused to leave, saying softly, “We’re just having a peaceful conversation, there’s nothing to fear. Besides, everyone here is on our side, no need to worry about mixing with others…” What he didn’t say was that, with Dabao’s absent, there was no need to worry about a sudden surprise attack, emerging from any corner.
After being shooed away for the fifth time, Chu Lingxuan also felt that he couldn’t linger any longer. Before leaving, he suddenly turned and planted a kiss on her cheek.
Chen Feng hadn’t expected this move and lightly touched her cheek, scolding, “Nuisance.” She couldn’t speak loudly because Chu Xiaoniu was outside, so she stood up after speaking.
Chu Lingxuan was delighted by his successful sneak attack. He thought Chen Feng would be shy and possibly too embarrassed to look at him, even lowering her head in embarrassment. However, although her face was blushing and she scolded him, her lips were slightly pouting, and her eyes couldn’t hide her amusement.
She liked being kissed by him!
He wished he had kissed her slower, it would have been even better if he had kissed her lips…
Chu Lingxuan was both happy and somewhat regretful, foolishly staring at the face that had appeared countless times in his dreams. In the candlelight, her shy blush made her cheeks as red as rouge…
Seeing him staring at her dumbly, Chen Feng chuckled and said, “Are you still lost? Aren’t you leaving?”
“Oh.” Chu Lingxuan replied, leaning in again.
Outside, Chu Xiaoniu was standing, and the door wasn’t closed.
Chen Feng took a step back and whispered, “No, there’s someone outside.” barely audible.
Chu Lingxuan laughed again. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to, it was because there was someone outside.
Accompanied by Zhui Feng and Sasa, Chen Feng escorted him to the outside of the courtyard, then returned back inside. Just then, the Golden Swallow, who had been hiding in the foliage, flew out. It eagerly circled around Chen Feng before settling on her collar, chirping, “Mommy, Mommy, you two finally kissed, the leading man and leading woman have finally kissed. Oh, it’s so good, so good. I want to celebrate this special day by having some green swallow’s nest.”
Hearing about the green swallow’s nest celebration, Chen Feng felt delighted and wanted to join in. She quickly sent Zhui Feng and Sasa to rest in the ear room, then sent Autumn away after washing up.
She entered the space with the Golden Swallow, seeing the little one dart into a golden room, filling the space with an even more pleasant fragrance. After a while, the Golden Swallow emerged and even licked its beak with its tiny tongue.
Chen Feng teased, “So, you’ve sneaked into the room to eat the green swallow’s nest, and you didn’t share any with me?”
The Golden Swallow puzzledly replied, “It’s none of my business if you play kissing, why should I share my green swallow’s nest with you?”
Annoyed, Chen Feng retorted, “It’s none of your business if we play kissing, so why are you having a celebration?”
The Golden Swallow smirked, “I’m willing!”
Chen Feng was taken aback and scolded, “You little rascal.” then stormed out of the space, her lips pouting in anger.
The next morning, upon hearing the news, Mrs. Wang hurried over, worriedly saying, “A’Feng, I heard there’s a wild dog at your place, don’t let it harm you.”
Chen Feng smiled and reassured her, “Mother, don’t worry. Look at Sasa, it’s well-behaved and won’t bite people.” Saying this, she walked to the east wing.
There, she found Zhui Feng and Sasa crouching. Mrs. Wang saw the large white dog, bigger than Zhui Feng, with a wide mouth that seemed capable of biting through a neck, and eyes that looked extremely indifferent. She was terrified. But when Chen Feng approached, stroked its fur, and spoke softly to it, its gaze softened, and it obediently let Chen Feng stroke its fur, even squinting contentedly at times.
Only then did Mrs. Wang feel relieved.