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Word had been received that they were coming to Yingshuan Monastery. Abbess Liao Chen had been anticipating their arrival since early morning, eagerly awaiting until noon when she finally saw several carriages from Tangyuan and a sedan chair arriving at the gate under the protection of guards.
Stepping out of the sedan chair, Chen Feng was about to bow to Abbess Liao Chen but was stopped as she held her. She looked her up and down, then smiled satisfactorily, “Hmm, you’ve grown a bit taller, not bad.”
Pouting, Chen Feng responded, “I’ve gotten too fat, so ugly.”
Abbess Liao Chen chuckled and said, “A robust mother raises a healthy child. For the sake of your child’s growth, don’t mind feeling ugly or overweight.”
Both children had fallen asleep and were carried directly to the rear courtyard’s meditation room to rest. Chen Feng and Abbess Liao Chen walked slowly towards the back of the temple, where Chen Feng whispered, “Mother-in-law, have you heard about the bird droppings incident at Lingyin Temple?”
Abbess Liao Chen smiled and replied, “I’ve heard a few things from the worshippers. They said a woman offended the Bird Deity, causing the birds to gather and defecate on her, frightening her into hiding in the main hall.”
Chen Feng chuckled and asked, “Do you know who that woman is?” Before Abbess Liao Chen could respond, she continued with a smile, “It’s Princess Rong Zhao. We all saw it, a group of birds formed a thick ‘flock of birds’ and targeted her with droppings. Her attendant used an umbrella to shield her, which ended up covered in a thick layer.” She burst into laughter, covering her mouth with a handkerchief.
Upon hearing that Princess Rong Zhao was the one targeted by the birds, Abbess Liao Chen paused for a moment. With a serene expression, she folded her hands and said, “Amitabha, actions have consequences…”
Not sensing any joy on Abbess Liao Chen’s face, Chen Feng felt puzzled. She continued, “I heard that in February, the birds also defecated on Princess Rong Zhao once before. Adding this incident, it’s definitely more than just a coincidence. That woman must have accumulated quite a list of misdeeds for even the birds to take notice.”
Abbess Liao Chen nodded and recited a few more scriptures before suggesting, “You’ve worked hard for so long, go rest in the meditation room for a while.”
Feeling exhausted, Chen Feng agreed and went to rest in the meditation room. The mixture of previous worries and hardships had left her feeling drained, and as soon as she lay down, she drifted off into a deep sleep.
She was awakened by cheerful laughter and the chirping of birds.
It turned out to be Chu Lingxuan’s arrival, and Chu Hanyan, unable to contain her excitement, called out loudly, “Daddy, Daddy, why did you suddenly come?”
Chu Lingxuan smiled as he lifted his rushing daughter, lifting her high and replied, “Daddy returned from out of town today and upon hearing you were here, hurried to see you.”
Chu Hanyan exaggeratedly exclaimed, “Daddy, I have great news to tell you. Mother is expecting twins, and Grandfather said they are two little brothers.”
Chu Lingxuan burst into hearty laughter and responded, “Both brothers and sisters are good. Let’s not put too much pressure on your mother.”
Upon hearing this, Dabao was touched. Why hadn’t he thought about this earlier? Everyone said their mother would have brothers, but what if she had two sisters instead? Not only would their mother be disappointed, but Grandfather would be even more disappointed. It seemed he was too naive, swayed by Grandfather’s few candies and good books. That was a mistake.
Happily, Dabao now found Chu Lingxuan agreeable. He stepped forward to greet him, exclaiming, “Daddy, today we saw a flock of birds defecating on that bad woman, and even Golden Treasure joined in…”
He vividly described the scene, with Chu Hanyan adding details, amusing Chu Lingxuan further. Along the way, he had heard some discussions from the worshippers but was in a rush and hadn’t yet questioned anyone. Little did he know the woman targeted by the birds was Princess Rong Zhao, and to make matters worse, she had even contemplated harming Feng and the children…
Listening to the children’s account, Chu Lingxuan couldn’t help but exclaim, “That’s satisfying.”
He then paid his respects to Abbess Liao Chen in the pavilion and saw Chen Feng emerging from the meditation room. She stood quietly at the doorway, her belly much larger than when he had left, her figure more rounded. She smiled, her eyes seemingly wanting to convey a multitude of emotions to him.
Seeing his wife in this manner, Chu Lingxuan’s smile broadened.
“Feng.” Chu Lingxuan called out, walking towards her.
Abbess Liao Chen held Dabao and Hanyan back, suggesting to Chu Lingxuan and Chen Feng, “There aren’t many worshippers left now. Why don’t Xuan lead Feng for a stroll outside? The mountain is cool, and the scenery is beautiful.” She added, “Xuan, support Feng and make sure she doesn’t bump into anything.”
The two children insisted on joining, and Abbess Liao Chen, with a smile, said, “You seldom visit, you should spend time with Grandma.”
Chen Feng smiled. She truly was a good mother-in-law, caring for her daughter-in-law and winning her son’s heart. Not like some mothers-in-law who feared their sons getting too close to their wives.
Chu Lingxuan, following his mother’s instructions, led Chen Feng out of the monastery. Hong Fei and a few guards followed from a distance. They passed through the Magnolia Garden and Plum Garden, arriving at the back entrance of the hall. Stepping outside, a waterfall cascaded from the mountainside, forming a wide stream flowing towards the temple, partially encircling the Yingshuan Monastery and streaming downhill.
The cool breeze, fresh air, chirping cicadas, lush greenery, and distant red clouds created a picturesque landscape, enchanting and serene. With no one around, hand in hand, they strolled along the stream, feeling utterly relaxed.
Taking a few deep breaths, Chen Feng felt a sense of relief. She had intended to share what Master Wuzhi had said, but the pleasant atmosphere made her reluctant to bring up such unpleasant matters.
Despite their long engagement and marriage, this was the first time they had strolled together so leisurely, reminiscent of lovers from a past life.
Chu Lingxuan refrained from spoiling the mood, sharing anecdotes from their journey and expressing his thoughts for her… Occasionally, he would affectionately squeeze her hand and steal a quick kiss when he felt no one was watching from behind.
Pretending to scold him, Chen Feng playfully pinched his arm, saying, “Save it for home, why kiss here and risk embarrassment?”
Seeing Chen Feng’s rosy, plump lips, clearly enjoying his affectionate advances, Chu Lingxuan, unable to resist, jokingly whispered, “Kissing at home feels different from outdoors…” He then whispered a few words.
Blushing at his audacity, Chen Feng pinched his arm and said, “You’re impossible, we’re at the Monastery.”
Chu Lingxuan chuckled, “We’re outside, just beyond a wall.”
They reached a spot behind two trees, where Chu Lingxuan stole another quick kiss.
Following the stream, they arrived back at the few ginkgo trees in front of the hall, then retraced their steps.
Unaware, the two children chased after a little swallow, running out of the gate, calling out, “Golden Treasure, wait for us…”
Behind the children followed five guards, three attendants, and two maids.
They were none other than Chen Dabao and Chu Hanyan.
The golden swallow flew low, circling around a nearby pavilion before landing on the railing. It had spotted Chu Lingxuan’s father standing with his hands behind his back, gazing towards the Yingshuan Monastery.