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The Third Madam asked Second Madam Li if she knew who was spreading rumors, to which she claimed ignorance. Second Madam Li genuinely had no knowledge as she had no say in the outer quarters, and many key positions in the inner quarters had been replaced by the Third Madam.
The Third Madam stated, “Very well, I will have it investigated, and if proven, appropriate action will be taken.”
It didn’t take long to trace the source—it turned out to be a coarse maid from Second Madam Li’s quarters, with many individuals corroborating this accusation. The Third Madam had her punished with ten lashes before dismissing her.
Fuming with anger, Second Madam Li stayed hidden in the courtyard, too ashamed to show her face.
As the 25th day arrived, Chen Feng, who had feigned illness for three days, rose from bed. With their departure scheduled for the next day, she still had unfinished tasks and couldn’t feign illness any longer.
She woke up early and began making golden silk cakes with her staff. She first sent some to the heads of each courtyard for breakfast but notably omitted sending any to Second Madam Li.
After breakfast, she continued baking and had the cakes meant for the Empress Dowager delivered to Anrong Hall and those for the Prince Rui’s residence placed in food boxes. Just as the staff from the outer quarters arrived to report the Princess Rui and her son had come.
Chen Feng quickly changed into fresh clothes, washed her hands, and went out to greet them. As she stepped out of the main house, she saw the Princess Rui leading the nursemaid carrying Li Xuan and several servants into the courtyard.
Hastening her steps, Chen Feng greeted them with a smile, “You’ve come at the right time, I was just preparing some snacks for Xuan.”
Observing the forced smile on Princess Rui’s face, Chen Feng noticed her red eyes and slight weight loss.
Surprised, Chen Feng asked in a low voice, “What’s wrong?”
Princess Rui smiled again, and they entered the eastern room, where she was seated on the heated brick bed, served tea by a maid. Placing Li Xuan on the bed, she handed him a golden silk cake and dismissed the attendants.
Curious, Chen Feng inquired, “Is everything alright? Have you encountered some difficulties?”
The Princess Rui nodded, covering her mouth with a handkerchief as tears silently streamed down her face. Seeing his mother upset, Li Xuan also began to cry, his mouth smeared with gold thread cake.
Chen Feng hurriedly embraced Li Xuan, wiping his face and asked, “Your Highness, what’s the matter?”
Princess Rui wiped her tears, gripping Chen Feng’s arm, and said, “Lady Feng, now only you can save my son.”
Perplexed, Chen Feng asked, “What do you mean?”
Princess Rui wept, “When I returned to the mansion, I told your method to the Prince, and he was pleased. He mentioned that even the Empress Dowager was willing to offer her agarwood to cure Xuan’s illness. The Emperor is his grandfather, the Empress Dowager is his great-grandmother—surely, they would agree…”
However, as the Prince couldn’t directly ask them for it, he sought the Empress to request the agarwood incense from the Emperor or the Empress Dowager to treat their son’s illness. Surprisingly, the Empress refused and scolded the Prince, accusing him of being unfilial. The agarwood incense was precious and beneficial for the Emperor and Empress Dowager’s health. Even if the younger generation had it, they should offer it to their elders. The Empress not only refrained from asking for herself but also forbade the Prince from doing so…
Princess Rui became more distressed, “The Emperor and the Empress Dowager each have one, but what about my son? He is so innocent! Although he was made foolish by Li Chao’s birth mother, they still want that wicked woman’s son to inherit the title. That wicked woman must have plotted this far ahead. Lady Feng, I beg you, please take my son to the countryside. Treat him as you did with the Chu family’s daughter…”
Looking at Li Xuan in her arms, who remembered her and clung tightly to her, Chen Feng pondered. The child, though not severely impaired, required proper guidance to overcome his fears and recover from his illness. She cared for Li Xuan and sympathized with his situation, wanting to help him.
However, given his sensitive status, she feared drawing more attention to Tangyuan. Moreover, handling such a significant matter was beyond her control.
Reluctantly, Chen Feng said, “Your Highness, I also care for Xuan, but… taking him to Tangyuan carries immense responsibility. He is of royal blood, and if anything goes wrong with his treatment or any mishap occurs, our family couldn’t bear the consequences.”
Princess Rui wiped away her tears, her eyes filled with determined resolve as she said, “Lady Feng, I have made up my mind, and my husband is in agreement. Rather than letting Xuan live in such a state, it’s better to give him a chance with you in the countryside. If the treatment fails, we won’t blame you. If any mishap occurs, it’s his fate. At least we tried for him, and we’ll have no regrets. Besides, I fear that even if my husband and I pass away, Xuan, even if impaired, won’t have a long life, especially considering the enmity between his brother, and Li Chao’s mother.”
With the Princess Rui’s words, Chen Feng truly couldn’t find any more excuses and said, “This matter is of great importance, and I can’t make the decision alone. I need to consult with my elders. Additionally, will His Majesty agree to this?”
Princess Rui replied, “My husband informed the Emperor yesterday, and the Emperor said that as long as you are willing, Xuan will be entrusted to you.”
In recent days, the Prince had seen his wife crying daily, feeling apologetic for their legitimate son and hoping to cure his illness. After discussing it together, Princess Rui sought out Chen Feng, while the Prince approached the Chu family’s grandfather and grandson for help.
Despite his eccentricities, the Prince was extremely intelligent. His apparent “decline” was not just due to his fondness for women but also a clear statement that he had no interest in that position. Having visited the Fengyuan and seen Chu Hanyan, he found his medicine there, and he had a strong intuition that Chen Feng was not as simple as she appeared. He firmly believed that she could cure Li Xuan’s illness.
Chen Feng entertained Princess Rui and her son for lunch at the Bamboo Pavilion and played with Li Xuan for a while. Li Xuan enjoyed their time together, often laughing joyfully. It wasn’t until the evening that she bid farewell to the mother and son.
Just after dinner, Chu Lingxuan returned, looking weary and exhausted, indicating he hadn’t rested well. Chen Feng quickly arranged food and bathwater for him.
Once he finished his meal and had his hair dried, he was allowed to rest. Despite Chu Lingxuan’s desire for her to join him, blushing, Chen Feng declined, citing unfinished tasks.
As Chu Lingxuan lay down, his content sighs filled the room while Chen Feng began organizing her belongings in the western room. The Marquis’s residence wasn’t her permanent home, and aside from large items, most of her possessions would be packed up for Tangyuan.
As she directed Mrs. Li and the maids to pack, a maid from Anrong Hall came to summon Chen Feng, informing her that the old Marquis and the other elders needed to speak with her.