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Marquis Chu found it challenging to express the current dilemma. The Emperor was indecisive, aware that the two women were responsible for the former Crown Prince’s demise and that the Second Prince harmed the Ninth Prince, yet he hesitated to take decisive action. This hesitation allowed the Wang and Sun families to thrive within the court over the years, making it more difficult to handle them now. Unless the Emperor is willing to punish them severely, which he is reluctant to do, dealing with them along with the two princes and the two women proves to be a complex matter. This reluctance hinders the promotion of the Ninth Prince. Fortunately, the Ninth Prince is intelligent and resolute…
The late Emperor eradicated the Yuan family as he knew they couldn’t be bought off, fearing that the current Emperor’s soft nature might jeopardize the Li royal family. The late Emperor sought to clear obstacles for the current Emperor. However, he made an error by sparing traitors along with the loyalists…
Though unspoken, all understood that until the small deity was safely sent away, the Chu family would remain under a looming threat.
Tangyuan was undoubtedly the most secluded place. However, once his identity (Eleventh Prince) was exposed, it would be challenging to protect him.
After discussion, it was decided that Chen Dabao would temporarily reside in the General’s Mansion in Dingzhou Prefecture. Chu Lingxuan could return home daily, as his troops were stationed there, enabling better protection.
Plans were set for the next day’s preparation and the day after’s departure.
Lastly, Chen Feng showed them the two miraculous medicine pellets. After examining them, the men agreed to let Chen Feng keep them safe.
As the meeting came to a close, it was already late into the night.
Chu Lingxuan offered Marquis Chu to stay overnight, but Marquis Chu declined. Princess Rong Zhao might face accusations of being attacked by birds again, this time in the temple, potentially leading to an impeachment. Even the Yongning Marquisate might be affected, thus, he needed to return promptly.
He departed in a carriage to the outskirts of Dingzhou Prefecture, where he would rest at the post station for two hours before boarding the early ship back to the capital.
As he was about to leave, the old Marquis uttered, “From now on, that woman shouldn’t visit the Marquisate again. She is not only annoying but also unwelcome, even the birds are averse to her, it’s unsettling for us.”
Marquis Chu smiled awkwardly, then stopped and turned around, saying, “Alright.”
After seeing off Marquis Chu, Chu Lingxuan led Chen Feng towards the Yanxiang Pavilion.
The night sky sparkled with stars, the gentle breeze rustled through the trees, casting swaying shadows. The two walked slowly, without any servants by their side.
Following the meeting and determining their next steps, both felt considerably more relaxed.
Chu Lingxuan gently squeezed Chen Feng’s hand and whispered, “Feng, I’ve been patient for so long. Can we… today?” He softly murmured a few words.
Chen Feng chuckled softly and replied, “Not today.”
Chu Lingxuan laughed, saying, “Whether it’s possible, you’ll find out soon…”
In the quiet night, their laughter rang out, sounding somewhat abrupt even though it was hushed. Chen Feng quickly covered her mouth, and they both ended up laughing silently.
The next morning, Chu Lingxuan was gone again.
Just as breakfast was being served, Chen Dabao arrived with Zhui Feng’s family. He greeted Chen Feng respectfully and said, “Good morning, Mother.”
Without further ado, he hurried forward and gave Chen Feng a quick kiss.
Returning the gesture, Chen Feng and Chen Dabao sat down to eat. After their return, Chen Dabao and Chu Hanyan seemed to have forgotten about the previous day’s discussions about grandfather Chu, leaving Chen Feng relieved as some conversations were not suitable for children.
Previously, Chen Feng had truly considered Chen Dabao as her own son, reluctant to let him out of her sight. However, as she observed the young prince peacefully enjoying his meal, she felt a newfound urgency to ensure his safety.
Sensing his mother’s unusual gaze, Chen Dabao asked, “Mother, why are you looking at your son like that?”
Teasingly, Chen Feng responded, “Mother thinks her son is growing more handsome by the day.”
Feeling embarrassed, Chen Dabao advised, “Mother, keep these compliments in your heart, don’t say them out loud. Others might make fun of us.”
Chen Feng continued, “Grandfather has not been feeling well lately. Your father wants him to move to the city for better medical care. Once he moves, we’ll all live in the city for a while.”
Excited to hear that he would be going to the city, Chen Dabao expressed his joy, but also felt a tinge of regret, saying, “Then I won’t be able to go to school.”
Chen Feng reassured him, “Mr. Liao will teach you at the General’s Mansion. Your little uncle will also be there.”
Chen Dabao was thrilled to hear that he would be able to return to school, his steps becoming even more lively.
Chen Feng instructed Mama Luo and the others to pack up while Chu Hanyan and Little Li Xuan went to play in Fengyuan. Chen Feng headed to Luyuan.
Chen Ming and Mrs. Wang were both there.
Under the pretext of old Marquis Chu’s failing health and the convenience of residing in the city for medical care, Mr. Liao would accompany them, and thus, Chen Feng suggested that Chen Lu also go since he was staying at the General’s Mansion.
For Lu’s education, Chen Ming and Mrs. Wang wouldn’t oppose his move, Mrs. Wang quickly went to pack his things.
Chen Ming chuckled, “Your mother and I have discussed it, we plan to buy a house in the city. It’s where our businesses are, your uncle and cousin live there, so we might as well spend some time there.”
Chen Feng smiled, “That sounds like a good idea…”
She also proposed they purchase a larger house, preferably a three-section one, all in one go. If they lacked the funds, she could contribute.
Chen Ming laughed, “No need for our daughter to contribute, your parents are well-off now.”
Although Chen Feng didn’t directly offer to buy them a house, she had heard rumors that Chen Ming had been saving private funds.
The earnings from the restaurant, store and the land were well-documented, so Chen Ming refrained from saving secretly. However, mainly due to the Chen’s Grain Shop in the county, Mrs. Wang had mentioned a significant profit during a conversation, which led Chen Feng to suspect that they were earning more than disclosed.
Since their return from the city with Wang Cheng’s family, Chen Ming had been mentioning how busy the shop was and expressed a desire to reside in the Dingzhou. Although Mrs. Wang generously provided him with money to stay at the best inn and enjoy good food, Chen Feng later discovered that he was staying at a modest inn and not eating well.
Afraid to strain their marital relationship, Chen Feng chose not to mention this to Mrs. Wang.
She speculated that Chen Ming had likely been saving the funds to help his eldest brother’s family to purchase a house in the Dingzhou. If the Second and Third brother, including Wang’s uncle, had bought houses in the Dingzhou, it might have caused some imbalance in the family dynamic. Chen Ming probably aimed to secretly assist his Eldest brother in acquiring a property, allowing himself to buy a house in the city.
City properties were expensive, even houses like those of Wang Cheng and Chen Shi cost over one hundred taels of silver…
Regardless of the purpose behind Chen Ming’s private funds, storing away such money was still not ideal. The Eldest brother’s current assets were sufficient to buy a small house in the city. While they were hesitant to spend, Chen Ming intended to secretly help them make the purchase.
Grandma Chen’s meddling wasn’t in vain after all.
Chen Feng felt torn between sympathizing with Chen Ming and disapproving of his actions. While helping his indebted older brother was commendable, he had already done a lot, repaying any major debts. The remaining bond was fraternal, aiding in times of need.
However, these were all Chen Feng’s speculations, best left unspoken.