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After Dabao finished talking with Chen Feng, it was almost the end of the Chinese hour. Instead of going to bed, he went to the study to work on the assignments given by his teacher.
Dealing with today’s tasks today is a good habit. Despite feeling sorrow for his swollen eyes and choked sobs, Chen Feng didn’t stop him.
She stooped to block Qiqi and Gray, who wanted to cause trouble, scolding, “Troublesome little things, haven’t you caused enough trouble already?” Then, she gave them each a head pat.
These two troublemakers had sneaked in while Dabao was crying loudly. They stood on the table, watching the drama, eating peanuts, and rooting for Dabao.
“Don’t separate, don’t separate, don’t separate, don’t separate.”
“Sleep together, sleep together, sleep together, sleep together.”
…
Chen Feng was infuriated.
Seeing the two about to cause chaos, Chen Feng said, “No more mischief. Tomorrow, I’ll have someone in the county town custom-make anklets for you both.”
The two little troublemakers didn’t know what anklets were, but they sensed it was something good. Having secured a reward through their efforts, they happily whistled their way back to rest.
Chen Feng sighed, dogs don’t mind poverty, they truly are humans’ best friends. Birds and cats are pets that need care, but these clever “young masters” need even more care and attention.
After completing his assignments, Dabao felt sleepy as midnight approached. After Summer helped him freshen up, Chen Feng sat by his bedside, holding his little hand and watching him drift off to sleep.
As he fell asleep, he murmured, “Mother, don’t leave me, forever…”
Seeing him like that, Chen Feng felt a twinge of sadness.
Now, she finally understood why the bond between a widow and her only son could be almost pathological, rejecting anyone else outside their bubble.
She wasn’t a widow, but living intimately with a son resembled the relationship patterns of a single mother and orphan.
Moreover, Dabao knew very well that he was an adopted son. In his eyes, Chen Feng wasn’t just his mother but also the sole source of happiness in his life.
He genuinely feared losing her.
Chen Feng sighed, bent down to kiss his forehead, and then rose, letting down the curtain.
Stepping out of the East Wing, she gazed at the bright moon in the sky and let out a long breath, relieved that a difficult task had finally come to an end.
After freshening up in her room, she slipped into the space. Without Dabao around, it was easier for her to enter.
The Golden Swallow was busily constructing a house with its long tail held high. Chen Feng looked around and didn’t spot Jinbei, so she asked, “Where’s Jinbei? I don’t see her.”
The Golden Swallow paused its task and replied, “I’ve placed her in the golden chamber, hoping the Green Swallow’s Nest will give her more vitality.” After speaking, it resumed its work.
Sitting beside the Golden Swallow, Chen Feng watched for a while, feeling a sense of relaxation, before returning to bed to sleep.
The next day, she woke up early, wanting Dabao to see her first thing when he opened his eyes.
Dabao had a peaceful night’s sleep. Upon waking up, he found his mother sitting beside him, smiling. As usual, he quickly sat up, hugged Chen Feng, and said, “Good morning, Mother.”
Looking around, he noticed the changed bed, curtains, and the entire room, realizing he was in the East Wing now.
Seeing his desolation, Chen Feng pretended not to notice and helped him get dressed.
There’s always a process of adjustment.
After breakfast, Chen Feng escorted him out of Fengyuan, where Chen Lu met them, and they proceeded to Tangyuan together, with Chu Xiaoniu following behind.
As they walked, Wang Laowu approached, carrying a water bucket, and greeted, “Young Miss, I’d like to fetch water at Fengyuan.”
Chen Feng speculated that Wang Laowu must have heard Dabao causing a commotion late at night. She nodded at him, indicating he could go ahead with fetching the water.
Six days later, as Dabao had grown accustomed to resting alone in the East Wing, Tangyuan became lively once again. Not only did Mr. Chu and Hanyan return, but also Abbess Liao Chen, Chu Hua, her husband Xie Ling, little Heng, Master Lou and his wife, daughter Lou Ying, along with their guards and attendants, totaling over forty people, moved into Tangyuan.
After listening to Mrs. Zeng’s explanations, Chen Feng finally understood these families completely.
Chu Hua’s husband, Xie Ling, was the second son of the heir to the Wei State Duke, holding a fifth-rank position in the Imperial Guards. Although his rank was not high, his grandfather, the Duke, was a prominent figure during the Dachun Dynasty, currently serving as the Commander of the Left Division of the Imperial Guards with a first-rank title.
During the Chu family’s downfall, they couldn’t have secured such a good marriage. A few years back, Xie Ling visited the border, and Third Master Chu invited him home to play. He took a liking to the beautiful Chu Hua, and after returning, he insisted on marrying her. Unable to refuse, the Duke had someone act as a matchmaker, resulting in this auspicious union.
Lou Zhiyuan, was given a minor official position due to failing the imperial examinations. Although it was a small position, it was still legitimate. They came with his wife and daughter to celebrate Chu Hanyan’s birthday and visit Abbess Liao Chen. Master Lou was Abbess Liao Chen’s biological brother and currently held the position of Inspector of Jibei Province.
Therefore, Abbess Liao Chen chose to become a nun not far from here, at Honglin Mountain. The highest-ranking official there was her elder brother, and it was close to her dowry estate.
They arrived at Tangyuan before noon. In the afternoon, Chu Lingxuan sent an invitation, asking Chen Ming’s family and Chen Feng to join them for dinner.
As the members of the Lou family and Xie Ling were outsiders, it wasn’t suitable to invite them to Fengyuan. Therefore, in the names of Chen Feng’s parents, Chen Ming and Mrs. Wang, they were invited to Luyuan for a vegetarian dinner.
Chen Feng discussed the menu with Chen Ming and Mrs. Wang, sending Old Zeng and Auntie Mu to the county town to purchase ingredients. They also needed to buy extra items for the guests as parting gifts.
In the evening, Chen Feng, Mrs. Wang, and Chen Ming went to Tangyuan. As Tangyuan wasn’t large, they all went to the He Tang Courtyard where the old marquis usually resided.
When Chen Feng first saw Xie Ling, she was taken aback by his towering stature, but his features were decent. Despite his rugged appearance, he had a gentlemanly demeanor, showing great patience with Chu Hua and Heng, portraying him as a perfect husband.
Master Lou, Lou Zhiyuan, had the air of a young noble, handsome and tall. Known to be quite a libertine, with several concubines and maids, it was only due to the strictness of his mother, that things didn’t get out of hand.
Seeing Chen Feng, Master Lou was momentarily stunned. While he had heard that Chen Feng was attractive and knew that Chen Shiying’s daughter couldn’t be anything less, meeting her in person surpassed his expectations, understanding why the Seventh Prince pursued her to the General’s Residence. Unconsciously, he stole a few more glances until he heard Chu Lingxuan clear his throat, quickly averting his gaze.
Noticing her wife’s expression darken slightly, Madam Lou also seemed displeased.