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The materials of these treasures were all top-notch, truly remarkable. Chen Feng couldn’t help but smile.
These items definitely couldn’t be used openly or sold to people from the Dachun Dynasty. They could be sold to the barbarians when the opportunity arose.
The Golden Swallow chirped with a smile, “I sneaked in while they were opening the storage room and stayed inside for two days. However, the package was wrapped in three layers of fabric and tied very securely. It took me half a day to open it.” It then proudly displayed a look of accomplishment.
Chen Feng lifted the Golden Swallow and gave it two kisses, saying, “You are truly capable. Mommy appreciates your efforts.” She continued, “The infamous thief visited the princess’s residence and stole so many treasures. Rong Zhao will be devastated.”
As the Golden Swallow remembered something, it lay on the ground, laughing uncontrollably and then got up, saying, “Because that wicked woman hates birds, they don’t allow birds to visit her home anymore. I sneaked in at night and hid in a tree without coming out. The tree conveniently stood outside the wicked woman’s window… Oh, Daddy Chu’s father is so pitiful…” It covered its mouth with its wings and chuckled mischievously.
“Intriguing, tell me more?” Chen Feng asked eagerly.
The Golden Swallow laughed, “I’m too embarrassed to say. But since you’re interested, here it goes…” It hesitated, then continued its tale.
Chen Feng couldn’t bear to hear more. She scolded, “Enough, enough! From now on, don’t listen to such things, you need to be more discreet.”
Seeing Chen Feng’s discomfort, the Golden Swallow muttered, “Hypocrite!” and then lay on the ground, laughing foolishly.
Embarrassed by its behavior, Chen Feng’s face flushed.
In the blink of an eye, it was the 25th of March.
Tomorrow, the Wang Cheng’s family would head to Dingzhou Prefecture, with Wang Cheng officially starting his assignment on April 1st. They needed to return a few days early to prepare.
Chen Feng had already instructed Zeng Shuang to purchase a quadrangle courtyard in the city for them, had it roughly renovated, bought some furniture, and it was ready for them to move in. Simultaneously, she also arranged for a private tutor for Wang Xiaodi.
Mrs. Wang and Chen Ming were also heading to Dingzhou Prefecture to see off Wang Cheng and to visit Chen Shi’s family and the restaurant. Grandma Chen found out and insisted on going as well, she missed her third son’s family. Chen Ye and Mrs. Hu, however, didn’t dare to mention going, they were still spooked from the last visit.
That day, Luyuan hosted a gathering, inviting not only Chen Feng and a few others but also old Marquis Chu, Steward Luo’s family, the eldest son-in-law, and Hu Laowu’s family. The Old Marquis, feeling lonely in the countryside and having few social formalities, could drink with villagers and servants alike.
Chen Feng played with the children in Fengyuan until noon, then took Chu Hanyan, Wang Xiaodi, Wang Xiaomei, and Chen Daya to Luyuan. Li Xuan was afraid of crowds, so he stayed back with Luo Ming Cheng and Luo Mei, enjoying chicken broth dumplings cooked by Mama Hua right in Fengyuan.
Two tables were set up in the main hall for the men to dine, while two tables in the side room were arranged for the women and children.
Midway through the meal, Shanzi came to report that old Wang had arrived.
Upon hearing this, Chen Ming and Mrs. Wang stood up with serious expressions, stopped Wang Cheng, and went out to welcome the old Wang into the west wing, sending over food and drinks.
The distant sound of the old man’s scolding could be faintly heard. Hu Laowu and Luo Xiao, upon hearing this, went to the west wing. Hu Laowu chuckled, “Second Brother Chen and Second Sister are with the guests, so we’ll keep old Wang company for a drink.”
Mrs. Wang returned to the side room, her eyes slightly teary.
After the meal, everyone felt it was inappropriate to continue socializing and returned home.
Before leaving, Chen Feng asked Luo Xiao to stay and also persuaded Hu Laowu to remain. Old Wang was a troublemaker, and neither Chen Ming nor Wang Cheng knew how to handle him. The one who could manage him was the even more unruly Hu Laowu and Luo Xiao, who had some influence.
Once the guests left, Wang Cheng went to the east wing.
Upon seeing Wang Cheng, old Wang’s cloudy eyes welled up with tears. He said, “Cheng, you’ve returned to the village and paid respects at your mother’s grave. Why haven’t you come home to see me?”
Wang Cheng replied sternly, “From the moment you allowed Ding to sell me out of the Wang family, I became someone else’s son.”
Old Wang explained, “I permitted Ding to sell you because I couldn’t provide you with a good life. I hoped that if Ding sold you to a good household, you would be well-fed and clothed. My decision was not wrong, now you are a military officer, with a steady income, much better than toiling in the fields. So, being sold turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Why hold a grudge?”
His words angered everyone in the room, even Hu Laowu admitted he couldn’t say something as shameless.
Mrs. Wang retorted, “Father, how can you say such things? How much suffering did my younger brother endure when he was sold to the Li family? At just thirteen, he was taken as an enlist and forced into the military.” She raised Wang Cheng’s left hand, tears streaming down her face, and continued, “His hand was cut off by half, with dozens of knife wounds all over his body. He can’t even stand up straight now… How can you say that turning hardship into good fortune? What kind of heart do you have?”
Old Wang’s lips trembled, and he added, “The harder the upbringing, the better the person. Cheng suffered, but his suffering wasn’t in vain. Unlike your father, who endured a lifetime of hardships in the countryside.”
Luo Xiao sneered, “Old man, let’s cut to the chase. Why have you come to see Mr. Wang?”
Turning to Wang Cheng, old Wang said, “Cheng, no matter what, you are still my son. Now that you are a military officer, receiving a steady income, you should provide me with some filial support regularly.”
Mrs. Wang exclaimed, “Father, isn’t the two taels of silver I give you each month enough? My younger brother has suffered so much, how can you ask him for money?”
Old Wang, in a defiant manner, retorted, “Raising children to prevent aging. A son should support me in my old age.” He then turned to Wang Cheng, saying, “You are a military officer now, living comfortably, regardless of what’s right. If you don’t provide for my old age, I will report you for being unfilial, and you may be demoted by three ranks.”
Wang Cheng coldly responded, “What military officer am I? And what demotion by three ranks? Father, you’re overestimating me. I’m just a foot soldier feeding horses. The officer takes care of me due to my disability, providing me with a meal. Dropping one rank would send me to the horse trough. Dropping three ranks would have me in the horse manure.”
Old Wang was taken aback. He had heard from Wang Cai that Wang Cheng had become a military officer, earned a good income, and even repaired his mother’s grave. This was why he had come.
He scrutinized Wang Cheng closely, noticing his gauntness, stooped back, and the fact that his left hand was only half there. Indeed, he didn’t look like an official…