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After the Ninth Prince’s injury, the Emperor was furious. Although he suspected the Second Prince’s involvement, he refrained from taking action against him. Not only was he considering the Wang family, but also sought to maintain balance, allowing the Second and Third Princes to continue their rivalry, and the Wang and Sun families to remain in conflict. This strategy provided him with the necessary time to handle the Ninth Prince’s treatment, while planning for Concubine Shan to bear another son or for the Ninth Prince to father one, and strengthening the Chu family’s influence…
If fate didn’t align with his wishes, the Emperor would have to support the Seventh Prince. The two women had caused the death of his beloved son, and he wouldn’t pass the throne to their sons. After contemplating for two days, the Emperor stripped Chu Guangche of his command over the Imperial Guards, granting him a nominal title as a pillar general and marrying him to Princess Rong Zhao. Although it seemed like Chu Guangche was completely distanced from the center of power, he was still working for the Emperor behind the scenes, who began supporting Chu Guangkai at the border.
To protect Concubine Shan from harm, she was sent to the Huan’en Temple in the outskirts of the capital under the guise of praying for the Ninth Prince’s well-being…
These plotlines, only present in books, took the Emperor eleven years to orchestrate, with no end in sight. Thinking about the near recovery of the Ninth Prince, his father’s suffering should soon come to an end, right?
Contemplating these thoughts, Chu Lingxuan’s eyes welled up. He said, “Thinking about my father, I feel incredibly fortunate. I met the woman I love, married you as desired, and will spend peaceful days with you in the countryside.” After speaking, he kissed Chen Feng’s hand.
Chen Feng softly replied, “When my father and mother-in-law were young, wasn’t it the same? They met, fell in love, got married, and raised two children, spending fifteen years of tranquil days together. It was only later that my father-in-law chose loyalty, sacrificing himself, his wife, and children.”
Chu Lingxuan continued kissing her hand, saying, “Soon, when the Second Prince’s faction falls, my father will be able to bring my mother back.”
Shaking her head, Chen Feng said, “While I understand my father-in-law was constrained, I sympathize with him. But if I were Mother-in-law, I wouldn’t return to live with him without any resentment. He may be a loyal subject, but not a good husband. His actions may be understandable but unforgivable. If I were Mother-in-law, I’d prefer to live in the monastery rather than return to a man who caused me heartbreak for over a decade, especially one who served another for so long.”
Hearing the last statement, Chu Lingxuan blushed deeply, frowning, “You’re speaking nonsense. What do you mean by ‘served another’? That’s my father, don’t speak that way.”
Chen Feng asserted, “Words have consequences. So remember, if you have such intentions, first excel as a loyal subject, then return as a good husband. Even if you are constrained, I won’t forgive you. I will keep my distance, ensuring you never find me again.” With that, she withdrew her hand from his.
Since discovering Chu Guangche’s true motives for marrying Princess Rong Zhao, Chu Lingxuan had been hoping for the smooth ascension of either the Ninth or Eleventh Prince to become Crown Prince, facilitating the reunion of his parents once either of them took the throne. However, after hearing Chen Feng’s words and observing his empty hand, doubts crept into his mind. Could Mother forgive Father and mend their broken relationship?
Seeing Chu Lingxuan lost in thought, Chen Feng smiled and gently wiped his furrowed brow, saying, “These matters are between your parents, and our opinions won’t change anything. Your mother is gentle and virtuous, whether she chooses to forgive your father remains uncertain.”
The thought process of ancient women differed from modern times. For instance, to win over Chen Shiying, Lady Jiang willingly accepted concubines. Considering Marquis Chu’s loyalty and constraints, ancient women might not only forgive him but also possibly view him as a hero.
Chu Lingxuan sighed, recounting, “My mother appears gentle but has a strong temperament and principles in certain matters. I recall an incident from my childhood when my mother was pregnant with my sister. My father got drunk, and a bold maid climbed into his bed… My mother didn’t utter a word, locking herself in a room and crying all night, while my father stood outside, trying to console her. It was only after a servant sought my grandmother’s help that my mother finally opened the door. Since then, my father rarely drank alcohol again, except for a small amount at royal banquets, until that incident… My parents have been deeply in love since their marriage, envied by all women. It was because of this that the young Princess Rong Zhao boldly declared ‘I won’t marry anyone but the eldest son of the Chu family,’ showing her lack of shame…”
The beautiful and gentle Lady Lou (Abbess Liao Chen) had her own temper.
As for Marquis Chu, he seemed quite innocent.
Curious, Chen Feng asked, “What happened to that bold maid?”
“Sold off by my father.” Chu Lingxuan replied.
He truly was a man of loyalty and integrity. Nevertheless, manipulated by Princess Rong Zhao, or rather, “coerced.”
Thinking about the stoic Marquis Chu, Chen Feng curiously inquired, “After consoling your mother all night, what did your father say?”
Chu Lingxuan chuckled and said, “I was young back then, but I remember my father repeating, ‘Wife, don’t cry. If you cry until you’re sick, it hurts my heart.’ Then, my wet nurse took me away.”
Hearing about this side of Marquis Chu, Chen Feng felt that regardless of what had happened, Abbess Liao Chen should forgive him.
As they conversed, a servant from Anrong Hall arrived to report that Third Madam had returned and requested their presence.
They proceeded to Anrong Hall, where the old marquis was already present.
Third Madam smiled and asked Chen Feng, “Are you alright?”
Shaking her head, Chen Feng inquired, “And Chu Zhen? Is she injured?”
At the mention of Chu Zhen, Third Madam’s expression darkened, muttering, “That silly girl, like mother like daughter.” She continued, “Don’t worry, the dish was cold, it just dirtied Chu Zhen’s clothes.”
Chu Lingxuan’s expression soured, “Is this another mess caused by Princess Rong Zhao? Despicable!”
Third Madam chuckled, “This time it wasn’t Princess Rong Zhao, it was me who orchestrated it. That Rong Zhao is insufferable, who knows what trouble she’ll stir up next. I had someone act first to ensure you could leave earlier and also teach her a lesson…”
It turned out that one of Third Madam’s maids accidentally flicked a small pebble while serving the maid, hitting the servant’s arm and causing the dish in her hand to tilt towards Chu Zhen.
Chu Lingxuan also assigned two maids to accompany Chen Feng, but they weren’t allowed to enter Zhao Yang Hall due to their rank, being kept outside. Chen Feng only brought one maid, Hong Fei, inside. Third Madam’s servants didn’t dare block by anyone, so two maids were stationed behind Chen Feng to protect her at all times.