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Chu Lingxuan embraced Chen Feng and said, “Prince Rui will be taking Princess Rui to the princess’s residence tomorrow. Don’t be fooled by Prince Rui’s playful nature, he is extremely clever. Third Aunt mentioned that Princess Rui is also a good person. It would be best if you can build a good relationship with Princess Rui, having more friends in the capital will keep you from feeling lonely.”
Certainly, having more than just a few friends.
“Alright.” Chen Feng replied softly.
Chu Lingxuan was enveloped by a delightful fragrance that made him momentarily dazed. The woman in his arms seemed like a celestial nymph emerging from the rosy clouds, not just stunningly beautiful but also exuding a captivating scent. Sniffing again, he detected the aroma of the green leaf agarwood incense in the room. Smiling, he remarked, “The fragrance is intoxicating! This green agarwood inense seems to have another wonderful use.”
The next day, Chen Feng didn’t dress too extravagantly. After the old Marquis and Third Madam publicly embarrassed Princess Rong Zhao, her hatred towards her deepened. Jealousy could lead to irrational behavior. To avoid trouble for herself and the Chu family, she chose to keep a low profile.
She wore a simple rose-purple brocade robe with a lilac embroidered bamboo leaf skirt. Her hair was styled in a round bun, adorned with a butterfly-shaped golden hairpin as large as a wine cup. Her makeup was done by herself, with arched eyebrows, rosy cheeks, and vivid red lips, giving her a bold and vibrant appearance.
Despite her slightly mature appearance, she couldn’t hide her beauty, but it wasn’t as striking and elegant as before.
Observing her, Chu Lingxuan tenderly said, “I’m sorry for putting you through this. One day, I will proudly present you without any need for concealment.”
Chen Feng smiled and replied, “I believe you.”
Chu Lingxuan opted for a low-key appearance, wearing a lake-blue silk robe with slightly worn-out sleeves.
Today, he planned to present a pair of shoes, handmade by Chen Feng, as a gesture of respect to Marquis Chu and Princess Rong Zhao.
Previously, Chen Feng had crafted shoes for the old Marquis, Third Master Chu, and Third Madam Chu. In contrast, the shoes for Second Master Chu, Second Madam Chu, Marquis Chu, and Princess Rong Zhao were made by the maids. She had wanted to make a pair for the Marquis herself, but fearing that her skills might be recognized, she had the maids do it instead.
After getting ready, they headed to Anrong Hall. This time, Chu Lingxuan only allowed Chen Feng to bring one maid, Hong Fei, and assigned two middle-aged maids. These women were tall and robust, likely skilled in various tasks. Interestingly, Hong Fei seemed more agile and taller than the average maid.
Upon arriving at Anrong Hall, Mrs. Li and Chu Zhen were already there. They mentioned that Princess Rong Zhao had invited them as well.
Observing Chu Zhen’s attire, it seemed she wasn’t dressed too flamboyantly. Chu Zhen was considered attractive, and as the only legitimate daughter left in the Marquis’s residence after Chu Hua’s marriage, she had always hoped to marry into a prestigious family. Her usual attire was luxurious and eye-catching.
Chen Feng quickly understood the situation. Princess Rong Zhao had a daughter named Xue Baoyi, who was thirteen years old and lived with the princess. Chu Zhen must be cautious due to her fear of Xue Baoyi. It appeared that Princess Rong Zhao’s own daughter wasn’t easy to deal with.
They traveled to the outer courtyard, with Chu Lingxuan riding a horse while the women rode in carriages. Third Madam and Chen Feng shared a carriage, with Third Madam reassuring her, “Don’t be afraid, I’m here. Even though she’s a princess and I’m a county princess, I’m not afraid of her.”
Chen Feng replied with a smile, “I trust Third Aunt.”
After half an hour, they arrived at the princess’s residence and were required to switch to sedan chairs. Unlike carriages, sedan chairs could only accommodate one person each.
Observing the sedan chair and the two bearers, Chen Feng felt a bit uneasy. While Princess Rong Zhao might restrain herself in front of others, unexpected incidents could still occur on the way.
Third Madam noticed this and instructed the two sturdy maids behind Chen Feng, “Go and attend to my niece-in-law, Lingxuan’s wife sedan. She grew up in the countryside and this is her first time in this luxurious princess’s residence. I’m worried she might be frightened.”
These maids were brought back from the border by Third Madam. They were strong and agile, serving as her personal bodyguards.
The bearers exchanged a glance, looking somewhat flustered. Chen Feng’s original two maids, along with Third Madam’s assigned maids, stood by the sedan poles, while Hong Fei stood by the window of the sedan.
Feeling reassured, Chen Feng opened a corner of the curtain and gazed outside. The scenery was breathtaking, with picturesque gardens and captivating views passing by. The courtyard was not extensive, resembling more of a garden than a residence.
After about a quarter of an hour, one of the bearers suddenly exclaimed and fell to the ground, causing the sedan to tilt. The two maids beside the sedan quickly caught the poles to prevent it from tipping over, with Chen Feng only slightly leaning forward. If the sedan had fallen, she would have been embarrassed, if not injured.
Chen Feng was seething with anger. That despicable woman had resorted to such dirty tactics, it was no wonder she had committed such shameless acts.
Concerned, Hong Fei asked, “Young Madam, are you okay?”
Chen Feng replied, “I’m fine.”
The commotion was heard by Third Madam and Chu Lingxuan, who were relieved upon hearing that everything was fine.
A maid took over from the fallen one and continued carrying the sedan. Shortly after, another maid stumbled and was caught by two others. Chen Feng leaned back, still unharmed.
Despite two traffic accidents along the way, they had a lucky escape.
Upon reaching Zhao Yang Hall, they passed through a screen carved from rosewood and jade, entering a room filled with men and women dressed in exquisite attire. Some wore dragon-embroidered robes, while others wore phoenix-patterned robes. Chen Feng avoided scrutinizing them closely, knowing that there were other royal members as well.
Princess Rong Zhao and Marquis Chu were seated at the main position. However, in the princess’s residence, the princess sat on the more prestigious left side, while the husband sat on the right.
After the formalities, Third Madam and Second Madam took their seats, and Chu Lingxuan and Chen Feng approached the Marquis and Princess Rong Zhao.
Princess Rong Zhao, adorned in luxurious phoenix and dragon embroidered palace attire, looked haughtily at them.
The maids brought two cushions to place on a flower-patterned cashmere blanket from the Western Regions. Chu Lingxuan and Chen Feng knelt down together.
Chu Lingxuan was overwhelmed with shame and anger. This was the second time he had knelt before this woman, the first had been while serving tea with Lady Ma. It took considerable effort for him to resist clenching his fists tightly together.
For the Ninth Prince, the Eleventh Prince, the last trace of the Yuan family bloodline, and his father had endured for so many years. Now, he, too, had to learn to endure.
Chen Feng bowed her head to Princess Rong Zhao and said, “Your daughter-in-law pays her respects to you, wishing you endless prosperity and safety.” She then raised the teacup above her head with both hands.