Font Size:
Chen Feng remembered from her past life that there were customs where pregnant women couldn’t attend weddings, but it seemed that this custom did not exist here.
She asked, “What about Dabao?”
Chu Lingxuan replied, “It’s fine for Dabao. Many people might consider him a tag-along, and we might feel uncomfortable exposing him openly. Let’s go with the flow, only allowing Dabao to interact with a select few families properly, while keeping him away from others.”
Chen Feng remained silent. She disliked engaging with the women of the inner estate, but for Chu Lingxuan’s sake, she knew she had to engage in some diplomatic relations with the ladies.
However, his comment about Dabao being a tag-along left her feeling uneasy. Would he resent her for having a tagalong if Dabao wasn’t a prince?
Turning away, she felt displeased.
Realizing his words had hurt Chen Feng, Chu Lingxuan quickly explained, “Look at you getting upset, that wasn’t my intention. Dabao is a prince, something I only found out after deciding to marry you. I’ve also had my own tag-along, so we’re even.”
This made Chen Feng chuckle, and she turned back, saying, “If Dabao wasn’t a prince, would you and your family still treat the tag-along well? Would you let him hide from others?”
Chu Lingxuan responded, “If Dabao wasn’t a prince, his treatment would definitely be different.” Seeing Chen Feng’s solemn expression, he added, “You’re so quick to react. You treat Hanyan as your own daughter, and I’ll treat Dabao as my own son. If Dabao wasn’t a prince, I would let him take the Chu surname, include him in the Chu family’s ancestral hall, as a true descendant of the Chu family. He wouldn’t hide from people, I would encourage him to mingle with nobles and aristocratic children to pave the way for his future career. Dabao is intelligent, he would surely pass the imperial examinations. I would use my connections to secure a bright future for him…”
Chu Lingxuan’s consideration for Dabao was commendable, not many men, even in her previous life, would go to such lengths. Reflecting on her former self as a tag-along, she realized the emotional turmoil that could have resulted from such treatment. Thinking about the original Dabao, the adopted son of the tag-along, she felt more compassion and decided to treat Dabao even better.
The next morning, the esteemed old physician who had been examining Chen Feng’s pulse at Qianjin Hall was brought in to check her health. He remarked on her robust health and advised her to stay active for an easier delivery.
Chen Feng had the medical fees settled and bid farewell to the old physician before Hong Feng arrived.
Hong Feng expressed gratitude on behalf of the Chen household for the gifts sent by the Chen Feng. Master Chen, Madam Jiang, Misses, and Young Master all appreciated the gifts greatly. In particular, Madam enjoyed the wine sent by Chen Feng, finding it invigorating and improving her sleep. Due to the chaos at home, they had not invited the Lingxuan and Feng along with their children for a visit. Instead, Madam planned to visit the General’s Mansion soon to see Chen Feng and the children. She hoped Chen Feng wouldn’t mind…
This was a clear message, ensuring that Chen Feng’s family didn’t return to her maternal home.
Instead of feeling offended, Chen Feng thanked her with a smile.
This move was likely Madam Jiang’s last resort, fearing that Chen Yuhui might cause trouble. Chen Yuhui’s influence must be limited, with the meddling of the old Lady Chen likely involved.
Considering herself a protector of life, Chen Feng’s respect for life from her past life made her abhor the underhanded methods of many of the mistresses in the inner estate. She believed that even the most detestable individuals shouldn’t resort to murder or causing someone to suffer so greatly. However, she saw Madam Jiang as a more protective figure, feeling that individuals like the old Lady Chen and Chen Yuhui deserved severe consequences.
Madam Jiang genuinely feared losing Chen Shiying’s favor, treating his mother and illegitimate daughter as her own family. Even if they committed wrongdoing, she hesitated to take drastic actions.
As Hong Feng prepared to leave, Chen Feng presented her with a pair of open gold bangles, saying, “I heard that Miss Hong Feng is already engaged. This is a congratulatory gift from me.”
Blushing, Hong Feng thanked Chen Feng, and Qing Feng escorted her out.
Observing Qing Feng’s return after seeing off Hong Feng, Chen Feng’s gaze was prying. With Qing Feng’s parents and siblings all serving in the Chen residence and her close relationship with Hong Feng, she likely knew what had transpired.
In a hushed tone, Qing Feng expressed, “I have always wanted to speak with Madam, but I feared she might find me too talkative.”
Chen Feng reassured her, “You are under my care. You can tell me the truth, and I won’t blame you. Whatever it is, speak freely.”
Unhesitant, Qing Feng shared everything she knew about Chen Yuhui with Chen Feng.
Chen Yuhui was extremely dissatisfied with the prospective in-laws arranged by Madam Jiang, believing that she was being harmed. She cried and refused to comply. Chen Shiying scolded her, stating that he had agreed to the match and she must marry. He explained that although the family was not of official rank, they were wealthy and owned land, the in-laws were kind-hearted, and she would lead a comfortable life once married.
Despite this, Chen Yuhui persisted in her refusal and escalated the issue to the old Lady Chen.
The old Lady, now in better health, could walk with a cane for short distances. She also became upset, crying and lamenting that Chen Yuhui was the true eldest daughter of the Chen family. She should have been the lady of a noble house, but Chen Shiying and Madam Jiang schemed to secure a good match for Chen Feng instead. Even though Chen Yuhui wasn’t the best choice, she couldn’t marry a wealthy rural landowner. Since Chen Feng was pregnant, she suggested Chen Yuhui settle for being a concubine to Chu Lingxuan. This proposal was to be brought up by the girl’s maternal family, as Chu Lingxuan would surely agree. What man wouldn’t enjoy having multiple wives and concubines? Furthermore, Chen Feng, having grown up in the countryside, had only captured Chu Lingxuan’s fleeting interest with her looks, her coarse nature would eventually be revealed. With Chen Yuhui’s refinement, Chu Lingxuan would grow even fonder…
This enraged Chen Shiying, who pretended to ask Chen Yuhui if she agreed. To his surprise, she nodded, shyly consenting. Angered by her compliance, Chen Shiying slapped her and instructed Madam Jiang to inform the Wei family to rush the marriage arrangements. He also ordered strict surveillance of the old Lady and Chen Yuhui, preventing them from meeting or receiving letters.
Restricting the old Lady’s movements and communication was feasible, but controlling Chen Yuhui posed a challenge. With her wealth, physical health, and the longstanding influence of Mrs. Tang in the mansion, there were opportunities for manipulation, especially during Madam Jiang’s lapses in vigilance.
On the day of the marriage proposal from the Wei family, Chen Yuhui disguised herself as a maid and ran into the front yard. Just as the first set of gifts was about to enter, she loudly declared herself as the second Miss of the Chen family, refusing to marry the wealthy landowner, and then deliberately ran into a wall.
She did not suffer serious injuries, only a bump on her forehead. Despite being restrained by two maids and taken back to the inner courtyard, the spectacle was witnessed by onlookers and the Wei family. Despite Chen family’s attempts to clarify that it wasn’t the second Miss Chen Yuhui who had run into the wall, but an unclear-headed maid, both the Chen and Wei families were too embarrassed to proceed with the marriage.
Thus, Chen Yuhui dramatically prevented this arranged marriage from taking place.