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Mrs. He’s demeanor was intriguing, she wasn’t particularly warm towards Chen Feng, even casting side glances at her with a forced smile. However, she engaged in lively conversations with Madam Jiang, often holding her hand to display their intimacy. Whenever Madam Jiang tried to move closer to sit next to Chen Feng, Mrs. He would subtly prevent her from doing so.
Considering that the He family had been keen on a union with the Chen family, why would Mrs. He show such different attitudes towards Jiang and her daughter? At the very least, she shouldn’t look down on Chen Feng’s background, should she?
Thinking about it, it all made sense. Chen Feng was considered the “bastard daughter” of Chen Shiying. In the eyes of these high-ranking ladies, a bastard daughter was even more disgraceful than a legitimate daughter. They likely assumed that even Madam Jiang was disgusted by Chen Feng but endured her presence for the sake of her virtuous reputation and pleasing men.
These women could never fathom a woman like Madam Jiang, who loved men in such a humble and selfless manner, thinking and living solely for their desires.
In this era, almost all women touted themselves as virtuous and submissive, placing men on a pedestal. However, many of them harbored ulterior motives, and few genuinely embodied these virtues. Otherwise, there wouldn’t be so much intrigue and rivalry in the inner chambers.
Perhaps Mrs. He felt that she had embarrassed Chen Feng, leading Madam Jiang to hold a grudge. Once the He and Chen families truly became in-laws, she might further sow discord between the Chu and Chen families, propelling Chen Shiying to become a trusted confidant of the Second Prince.
From this perspective, could it be that the Emperor was considering reinstating Chen Shiying’s position?
Pretending not to notice Mrs. He’s disdain, Chen Feng paid little attention to her and engaged in light-hearted conversation with the neighboring ladies.
In truth, she disliked conversing with these women, they carried themselves with airs and were of higher social status, making it challenging to find common ground. After exchanging a few polite words, she led her daughter to meet Mrs. Qin.
Most of these high-ranking ladies believed Chen Feng to be a “bastard daughter” and a country bumpkin. They thought she had married Chu Lingxuan solely due to her beauty and held her in low regard. Yet, upon seeing Chen Feng and Chu Hanyan, some of them began to dispel their disdain.
Chen Feng possessed not only beauty but also grace and sophistication. She knew how to dress elegantly, carried herself with dignity, and spoke appropriately, far from the image of a countryside girl. Educating the once “foolish girl” so well, it was no wonder that even the legitimate son of Prince Rui trusted her to take to the countryside. Chu Lingxuan’s attraction to her likely went beyond just her appearance.
While some individuals may have held reservations about Chen Feng, they maintained a facade of acceptance. Only Mrs. He and a woman in her forties, possibly the wife of Vice General Cui from the capital, cast disdainful glances at Chen Feng. Two others also displayed a hint of contempt, perhaps feeling that Chen Feng’s presence diminished their status. These two women, being civilian officials’ wives, though condescending, didn’t overtly show it.
At seventeen and drawing from her past experience of reading people in the workplace, Chen Feng could discern the intentions of these individuals to a significant degree. She hoped to navigate through the day smoothly, having managed the first day, anticipating smoother days ahead.
Mrs. Fu was exceedingly kind, arranging for her seven-year-old granddaughter to come and play with the young guests, engaging in a pleasant conversation with Chu Hanyan.
Feeling comforted by the warmth of Mrs. Fu and with her mother nearby, Chu Hanyan felt less apprehensive and responded readily to the questions posed. Mrs. Fu’s inquiries were simple, focusing on her age, literacy, and preferences.
Thanks to the promotion by Princess Rong Zhao and Second Madam Chu, Chu Hanyan’s reputation as a “foolish girl” had garnered widespread attention, known to both the people in the capital and Dingzhou. Despite a change in perception following her behavior last year, many remained skeptical about her supposed recovery. People tended to believe the worst about others while holding a more favorable view of themselves.
Observing the charming and intelligent demeanor of Chu Hanyan, those present were astonished by her lack of the previously perceived foolishness. Many praised her, remarking on her pleasant disposition.
“Oh, such a delightful child.”
“Yes, clearly bright and clever.”
“Young Madam Chu is elegant, and her child reflects that too.”
…
“Oh, Young Madam Chu, I heard you have a six-year-old son. Why isn’t he here?”
Someone decided to stir up trouble.
Chen Feng replied with a smile, “My husband intended for him to come, as he thought today presented an opportunity to make new friends due to the large gathering. However, our child is dedicated to his studies and didn’t want to miss school, emphasizing the importance of learning. So, we respected his decision.”
“Mr. Chu is truly kind and magnanimous.” someone remarked.
Pretending not to catch the sarcasm in the comment, Chen Feng replied with a smile, “Indeed, my mother often says I am fortunate to have married into the Chu family.”
“I must say, not only is Mr. Chu a good stepfather, but Mrs. Chu is an even better stepmother. People often say stepmothers have a tough role, yet to have raised such a bright child, who is also so close to Mrs. Chu, surely required a lot of effort. It’s truly remarkable.” insinuated Mrs. Cui, indirectly suggesting that Chen Feng was trying to please her stepdaughter to win Chu Lingxuan’s favor.
Mrs. He chimed in, “Exactly, it must have been quite challenging. Let’s not talk about others, in our own families, every household has stepchildren and their share of difficulties. However, from a young age, we are taught the female virtues, nurtured by the teachings of our elders to be virtuous and gracious, to be magnanimous. Even if they are not our own flesh and blood, we should treat them as such. Isn’t that right, Mrs. Chu?”
Her words were both sympathetic towards Madam Jiang and intended to provoke Chen Feng.
While others might have given Mrs. Cui some leeway, Chen Feng had no patience for her provocations and wasn’t willing to engage in a confrontation, especially for the sake of Chu Lingxuan.
However, she was not inclined to be polite to Mrs. He and was ready to take a stand using her as a foil. Sternly, she retorted, “Mrs. He, you are mistaken. My eldest daughter is the legitimate granddaughter of the Marquis of Yongning’s family. Regardless of certain families’ legitimate children, they have no right to compare themselves to my eldest sister. As for your comments about ‘effort’ and ‘not easy’, they are also inaccurate. Serving one’s husband, educating one’s children, are basic duties of a wife and mother. I dare not claim credit.” With that, she subtly shook the folding fan in her hand.
Mrs. He, though visibly upset, managed to maintain her composure and sarcastically quipped, “Mrs. Chu, are you here to flaunt your background?”
The emphasis on the phrase “background” sparked amusement among the women present.
Chen Feng, composed, continued to fan herself calmly and responded, “There’s nothing to flaunt about my background, as my mother is right here. I simply answered Mrs. He’s question. If you ask me, I must respond.”