Chapter 366: Disgust

Frustrated, Chen Shiying slapped Chen Yuhui twice and considered sending her to a nunnery to transcribe Buddhist scriptures. The old Lady tearfully pleaded for mercy, leading Chen Shiying to relent, giving Madam Jiang one final chance to find a distant family to marry her off to. If she caused any more trouble, he wouldn’t hesitate to send her to the convent to become a nun…

Qing Feng humorously remarked, “Madam is afraid that if the old Lady and Master return to the maternal home and word gets out, it would damage their reputation.”

Indeed, Chen Shiying cared deeply about his image. If his son-in-law were to learn that his second daughter was willing to become a concubine, it would be a significant blow to his pride.

Chen Feng couldn’t help but laugh and cry at Chen Yuhui’s shameless and self-absorbed behavior. Wanting to become Chu Lingxuan’s concubine, thinking he would like it, expecting Chen Shiying to suggest it—she truly had some nerve…

Seeing her mistress’s displeasure, Qing Feng quickly knelt down and apologized, “I deserve death for speaking out of turn and upsetting Madam.”

Chen Feng reassured her, “Get up. I’m not angry, just puzzled by the audacity of these people, their faces thicker than the city walls.”

If she didn’t want to go back, she wouldn’t, not out of fear of the wicked old Lady and Chen Yuhui, but simply because their presence made her feel sick.

Later that afternoon, Mrs. Zhang and Mrs. Wu, accompanied by their daughters, unexpectedly came to visit Chen Feng.

Mrs. Zhang, astute, knew that Wang Cheng was Chen Feng’s true maternal uncle, and their relationship was more reliable than that of the Chen family. Additionally, she appreciated Mrs. Wu’s gentle nature and skilled embroidery, often taking Chen Aman to visit the Mrs. Wu. Through this closeness, Chen Aman learned embroidery from Mrs. Wu. Although Mrs. Wu’s eyesight was limited, she could still guide on color matching and needlework techniques.

Having no relatives or friends here, Mrs. Wu enjoyed Mrs. Zhang’s conversational and straightforward nature, thus warmly welcoming the Zhang family into her home.

The two families weren’t too far apart, a short walk of half an hour. Their relationships had grown exceptionally warm, with the men often socializing together.

Chen Feng held a favorable opinion of both families, so she invited them to stay for dinner and sent for Chen Shi to join them.

She then had someone inform Wang Cheng to come to the General’s Mansion for dinner. Wang Cheng had never disclosed his relation to the General, nor had he visited the mansion, but he knew its location.

Chu Hanyan remembered Wang Xiaomei and was delighted to see her, saying, “Little Sister Xiaomei, come and see Chang and Duan, they have grown so much.”

Even though Wang Xiaomei was a year younger than Chu Hanyan and Chen Dabao, her seniority made her the “little aunt”, causing her to blush with shyness.

Chen Aman playfully teased Chu Hanyan, “She’s your little sister, but she’s also your aunt. Which is it?”

This question sparked laughter between Chu Hanyan and Wang Xiaomei. Chen Aman then crouched down to observe Chang and Duan, playfully comparing their noses with her jade-like fingers, noting that the nose of Chang was indeed longer than Duan.

Chen Aman had earned a place in Chu Hanyan’s heart, making the usually reserved girl happily engage in conversation, sharing stories about their pets’ intelligence and charm. Soon after, Little Xuan was also drawn into the conversation.

Having blossomed into a graceful young lady, Chen Aman, with her charming demeanor and friendly nature, had won everyone’s favor.

This was a testament to the saying that character shapes destiny. Yang Mingyuan took a liking to her, and the Yang siblings, Yang Chao and Yang Qian, enjoyed her company not just for the sake of the families but also due to Chen Aman’s cheerful and likable personality.

Of course, Yang Mingyuan was also commendable, not only in business acumen but also in character. While the Chen family might have benefitted from their association, they did not sell their daughter.

On the other hand, individuals like the troublesome Chen Yuhui and the unpleasant Chen Jue, with their bad temperament, wouldn’t attract genuinely exceptional men, causing unrest in their households.

However, in a world where many marriages were arranged without understanding, parents’ poor judgment could lead to suffering for their sons.

In the evening, Chen Shi arrived first. With a radiant face and some added weight, he looked every bit like someone in the food industry.

Chen Feng chuckled, “Boss Chen is looking more prosperous and dignified.”

Chen Shi laughed heartily, “Don’t mock me, Feng. Thanks to the fame of my niece and Mr. Chu, business is doing well.”

Chen Shi always had a knack for words.

Chen Feng chuckled, “Not at all, it’s mainly due to Boss Chen’s excellent management.”

After some laughter, Chu Lingxuan and Wang Cheng returned together.

Wang Cheng had gained some weight and looked much healthier than before, even his perpetually stiff posture seemed to have relaxed.

The group gathered in the West Wing for dinner, with the four men at one table enjoying drinks while the women and children sat at another.

Chen Shi had become more polished, subtly flattering Chu Lingxuan and Wang Cheng, making Wang Cheng feel more at ease.

That evening, as Chen Feng and Chu Lingxuan lay in bed, Chen Feng brought up the matter of Chen Yuhui. She didn’t believe that Chen Yuhui’s actions would reflect poorly on her because she never considered that troublemaker as her sister.

As the conversation drew to a close, Chen Feng jokingly remarked with a wrinkled nose, “Mr. Chu’s charm is truly remarkable. Someone was willing to ruin a marriage just to be close to you.”

Chu Lingxuan jokingly retorted, “Her? Forget about being close to me, I wouldn’t even want her guarding the gates at home.” He then playfully pinched her nose and said, “Let’s not make these jokes again, they are quite nauseating and might make me vomit up tonight’s wine.”

Chen Feng burst into laughter at his response.

Chu Lingxuan was delighted to have his wife by his side every night, and as they lay in bed, their hands began to wander.

Chen Feng pushed him away gently, saying, “You had your way yesterday, not today.”

Chu Lingxuan chuckled, “I must have my way today, as you were the one who disgusted me with that woman. If you don’t sweeten things up for me, I’ll be too disgusted to sleep tonight…”

This playful banter brought another round of laughter from Chen Feng. Chu Lingxuan noticed her happiness, especially after being pregnant for a long time, she seemed more carefree than before.

On the afternoon of July 5th, Madam Jiang arrived at the General’s Mansion alone.

Chen Feng greeted her at the gate, and the two walked hand in hand into the main courtyard.

Chu Hanyan, who was playing with Little Xuan in the corridor, led her brother over to greet Madam Jiang, saying, “Greetings, Grandmother.”

Little Xuan, following his sister’s lead, stammered, “Greetings… Grandmother.” Afterward, he blushed, looking at Chen Feng expectantly for praise.

Chen Feng smiled and praised, “Little Xuan is so well-behaved, just like his sister.”

Madam Jiang beamed, exclaiming, “Oh, both children are so lovely. Grandma is very pleased. Little Yan is getting smarter, and this must be Young Master Xuan? He’s truly handsome.”

She had heard that this child named Xuan was Prince Rui’s legitimate son and had been sent here after Chen Feng cured Chu Hanyan’s illness.