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The golden swallow, seeing the approaching Chen Dabao and little Hanyan, chirped excitedly, “Come and see, Daddy Chu’s father is here!”
Marquis Chu noticed the group of adults and the two children heading their way, including Eleventh Prince and Hanyan whom they had met in the morning.
Contemplating whether to turn back to avoid a direct encounter, he heard a bird’s call. Glancing over, he saw a small swallow with black and gold feathers perched on the railing, hopping and chirping loudly with its beak wide open.
Chirp chirp chirp chirp chirp…
“Come and see, Daddy Chu’s father is watching me daydream…”
Marquis Chu chuckled. This peculiar-looking little swallow was not only strange in appearance but also quite noisy, chirping like a sparrow.
He had been pondering whether Princess Rong Zhao had truly offended the “Bird Deity”, as the birds seemed to target her exclusively. Having been defecated on by birds three times, Princess Rong Zhao’s courtyard and the princess’s residence were now devoid of any birds—a complete turnaround.
While he found some amusement in Rong Zhao’s predicament, he couldn’t shake off the mystery behind the birds’ behavior. Now, encountering this quirky swallow…
As he pondered, the two children had already reached the area outside the pavilion.
His gaze shifted back to the children. Observing the Eleventh Prince, with his striking features resembling Ninth Prince, he noted how well his daughter-in-law had taken care of him.
Turning his attention to the little girl in a silver-red jacket, radiant, joyful, and lively, her laughter tinkling like silver bells, he wondered if this was the same girl who had been tormented and frail three years ago.
“Hanyan…” Marquis Chu murmured softly.
Having only glanced at her briefly in the morning, he now carefully observed her, realizing she was the loveliest little girl he had ever seen.
Dabao and Hanyan also spotted Marquis Chu and recognized him. Instinctively associating him with the “bad woman”, they grew wary of him.
Emboldened by the presence of the guards behind them, Hanyan mustered her courage and warned, “Golden Treasure, come quickly. This man is with that bad woman, be careful, he might harm you.”
Golden Treasure swiftly flew over to perch on Chu Hanyan’s collar.
Observing Marquis Chu, Dabao had heard clearly what their mother had called him. Speaking softly, he said, “Sister, Mom called him ‘Father-in-law’, he’s our…”
The little girl, puzzled, interrupted, “When Mom calls someone ‘Mother’ it’s our grandmother Wang or Jiang. When she calls someone ‘Father,’ it’s our grandfather Chen. When she calls someone ‘Mother-in-law,’ it’s our grandmother. So, who is ‘Father-in-law’ for us?”
Despite her lack of exposure, having only interacted with some individuals from Tangyuan and Luyuan, she hadn’t paid much attention when Mama Luo occasionally referred to Steward Luo as “Father-in-law”. Furthermore, Chen Feng hadn’t taught her about who “Father-in-law” was. Hence, she truly didn’t know what this person was.
Dabao explained, “Sister, when Mom calls someone ‘Father-in-law’, it’s Dad’s father, Grandma’s husband, and our grandfather.”
The little girl’s large eyes shifted back to Marquis Chu, shaking her head, “It can’t be. Why isn’t Grandma’s husband with Grandma? Why hasn’t our grandfather ever visited us? He’s with that bad woman who wants to harm Hanyan and Mom. So, he can’t be Dad’s father, Grandma’s husband, or our grandfather. Brother must have misheard.”
Speaking slowly, her innocent eyes revealed her disbelief in the situation.
Her certainty made Dabao start to doubt himself, furrowing his brow as he said, “Could I have misheard?”
Their casual conversation left the guards and servants feeling a bit sad. They knew that their Master had been forced by the Emperor to marry another woman and send the original wife to Yingshuan Monastery. Both the old Marquis and the master held resentment towards him, causing them to remain silent out of fear.
Seeing the distress in the children’s eyes, Marquis Chu bent down and explained, “Hanyan, I’m your grandfather. Your mother calls me ‘Father-in-law’ and Dabao heard correctly.” He continued, “Hanyan, you’ve grown up well, lovely, clever, and smart. Your mother has raised you very well.”
Wanting to pat her head, Chu Hanyan instinctively stepped back, avoiding him. Wide-eyed, she innocently asked, “You’re our grandfather, why don’t you come home to see us?”
Dabao added, “Yes, Grandpa, Greatgrandfather lives with us in Tangyuan, why don’t you stay with us?”
Marquis Chu sighed, “Grandfather is busy with official duties and has been living in the capital.”
“Even if he’s busy, there’s always time to visit us…” Dabao reasoned persistently. Suddenly, his eyes widened as he exclaimed, “Grandpa and Grandma should live together, but Grandma is a nun and wouldn’t have a husband.”
“Right, but he’s lying.” the little girl understood, casting a suspicious glance at Marquis Chu, tightening her grip on Dabao’s hand, and said, “Brother, Mom doesn’t want us talking to strangers.”
Dabao nodded, “Yes, Mom says I’m handsome, and you’re beautiful. The human seller likes children like us, we can fetch a high price.”
Meanwhile, Chu Lingxuan and Chen Feng arrived at the gate of Yingshuan Monastery, witnessing the scene in the pavilion.
Although Chu Lingxuan couldn’t see the man clearly, he could tell who it was. Surprised, he exclaimed, “Father?” Then muttered to himself, “Why is he here and not returning to the capital with that woman?”
Chen Feng explained, “I haven’t told you yet. Father-in-law is staying at Lingyin Temple for three days to copy scriptures and observe a vegetarian diet, praying for that woman.”
Chu Huai approached and respectfully reported, “Sir, the informant informed me two quarters of an hour ago that the Marquis and Princess Rong Zhao arrived at the Dingzhou Prefecture pier last night, stayed at an inn outside the city, and came to Lingyin Temple this morning. They first paid respects to Master Wuzhi, and it’s said that Princess Rong Zhao cried afterward…”
The details of Princess Rong Zhao and Marquis Chu’s movements were revealed clearly.
Chen Feng thought to herself, no wonder this area fell within the Chu family’s sphere of influence, and no wonder they dared to place Eleventh Prince around here.
Chu Lingxuan mused, “That woman is truly audacious to desire a child at this age…” As he spoke, he led Chen Feng towards the pavilion.
Seeing Chu Lingxuan and Chen Feng approaching, Marquis Chu pointed at them and joked, “Ask your father and mother if I’m your grandfather.”
The two children ran to embrace Chen Feng, asking, “Mom, he says he’s Dad’s father, our grandfather. Is it true?”
Chen Feng glanced at Chu Lingxuan, who nodded in confirmation. She then nodded and replied, “Yes, he is your grandfather.”