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In the evening, Chen Yuqing skipped dinner and lay in bed wiping away tears. Despite the efforts of Chen Shiying and Madam Jiang to console her, she continued crying. It wasn’t that she was particularly fond of He Linsheng, she had only met him once and found him agreeable. Feeling that she was getting older, she wished to settle her marriage soon.
However, just as both sets of parents were considering arranging their engagement, her older sister’s unexpected actions left her feeling ashamed. She also knew that Chen Yuhui’s behavior would tarnish the reputation of the Chen family’s daughters further. With all the prominent ladies from Dingzhou Prefecture, even from the capital and provincial cities present, securing her future marriage became even more challenging. At fifteen, each passing year felt increasingly difficult, leaving her uncertain about her prospects.
At that moment, a servant arrived to announce the arrival of the eldest sister and brother-in-law and the eldest daughter of the Chu family.
Upon hearing this, Chen Shiying hurried to the front yard, while Madam Jiang instructed the servant to bring Chen Feng and Hanyan directly to their location.
Madam Jiang advised, “Quickly freshen up, Yuqing. Your eldest sister has come so late, there must be a reason.”
Feeling embarrassed about her tear-streaked face due to the marriage issue, Chen Yuqing reluctantly rose to wash her face and apply makeup, though her eyes remained swollen and red, unable to hide her distress.
Just as she finished tidying up, Chen Feng arrived with Chu Hanyan.
Madam Jiang greeted them at the door, taking Chen Feng’s hand, and said, “It’s getting late, and you’re pregnant, yet you rushed back to your parents’ home. Be careful not to fall.”
Chen Feng chuckled, “My husband needed to talk to my father. I was planning to invite you over to my house for a day of fun, but then this incident happened.”
Chen Yuxia was also summoned and took Chu Hanyan to the west room to play. Chen Feng led Madam Jiang and Chen Yuqing to the east room, which was Chen Yuqing’s bedroom.
Taking Chen Yuqing’s hand, Chen Feng smiled and said, “Little sister, you must believe that one’s deeds are observed by the heavens. Hmph, our second sister thinks she’s won a treasure, but she’ll realize the truth once she marries into the He family.”
Madam Jiang inquired, “What do you mean by that, Feng?”
Chen Feng helped Madam Jiang to sit down on a chair, then sat down with Chen Yuqing on a beautiful couch before saying, “According to my husband, He Linsheng has a bad character and temper. I hadn’t had a chance to tell my mother, but before I knew it, my younger sister was eager to get herself married…”
She went on to detail He Linsheng’s violent and cruel behavior, revealing how he often mistreated soldiers and maids, having several concubines. Families who knew his character wouldn’t dare to offer their daughters to him. Chen Feng refrained from mentioning that He Linsheng was connected to General Wang and the Second Prince, as such political matters didn’t concern women. She suggested leaving it to Chu Lingxuan and Chen Shiying to discuss.
Madam Jiang and Chen Yuhui exchanged a glance. Madam Jiang breathed a sigh of relief, saying, “He looks refined and courteous, but turns out to be such a person.” She added, “However, Yuhui’s disgraceful behavior has tarnished Qing’s reputation as well.”
Patting Chen Yuqing’s hand, Chen Feng said, “Destined marriages are bound by fate. Perhaps sister’s time hasn’t come yet. If it does, no distance will keep you apart. I will write a letter to my third sister-in-law tomorrow, asking her to help find a suitable match for you in the capital.”
Third Madam Chu’s connections were extensive, and with her assistance, they might find a good match for Chen Yuqing.
Blushing, Chen Yuqing turned away and retorted, “Stop saying that, I’m ignoring you.”
Madam Jiang chuckled, “That’s good. Thank you, Feng.”
She also planned to have her family in the capital search for a suitable match. Her sister-in-law and younger siblings had recommended a few families, but none had caught her eye.
After discussing Chen Yuhui for a while, a servant arrived with a message from Chen Shiying, indicating that Chu Lingxuan had requested Chen Feng and her daughter to come to the front yard as it was time for them to leave.
Once Chen Feng and her companions departed, Chen Shiying pondered Chu Lingxuan’s words and concluded that Chen Yuhui shouldn’t marry into the He family. He couldn’t bear the thought of his second daughter suffering at the hands of He Linsheng. He then headed to Chen Yuhui’s courtyard to speak with her.
Speaking earnestly, Chen Shiying said, “I’ve heard that He Linsheng has a bad temper, often resorting to violence, even towards women, and has caused the death of a maid. I don’t want you to endure hardships in the He household. Moreover, this alliance wouldn’t please the He family. Therefore, when the He family comes to propose tomorrow, we will decline, fulfilling their desires. Despite the tarnishing of your reputation by that boy, I will arrange for you to be betrothed to someone in a distant place, where they won’t know about your past.”
Indignant, Chen Yuhui retorted, “What do you mean, Father? Are you planning to reserve this good match for my younger daughter? Am I not your own daughter?”
Chen Shiying was so enraged he felt like spitting blood, angrily retorting, “What nonsense are you speaking! He Linsheng is unsuitable, how could I leave him for your younger sister? I am doing this for your own good. Even if you’re disappointing, you are still my beloved daughter. I don’t want you to suffer in the future.”
Chen Yuhui refused to believe his words, stating, “This must be Mother’s doing. She despises my mother and is eager to marry me off to the worst possible family. Even if the He family won’t marry my younger sister, she still won’t want me to marry into it.” With a determined tone, she added, “If Father tries to obstruct this good match, he can expect consequences.” With that, she entered her bedroom.
Disappointed and disheartened, Chen Shiying shook his head, saying, “Hui, I’ve said all that needs to be said. Think carefully tonight. If you regret your decision, tell me in the morning, it’s not too late.”
Chen Feng and her party returned to the Chu residence, arriving quite late.
Upon reaching the main courtyard, they noticed the lights were still on in the upper house. Hearing their arrival, Dabao hurried out, exclaiming, “Mother, Father, Sister, why are you only just returning? Little Brother and I have been waiting for you.”
As soon as he finished, Li Xuan also rushed out, pouting, “Waiting with Big Brother, waiting for Aunt, waiting for Uncle, waiting for Sister.”
Chen Feng, holding one child in each hand, chuckled and said, “Oh, my two little darlings, why aren’t you resting in your rooms at this late hour?”
The housemaids, Mama Wei and Mama Luo, chimed in, “We’ve called them multiple times, but these two boys refused to go and started crying when we tried to pull them away.”
Dabao hurriedly defended himself, “I didn’t cry, it was Little Xuan who cried.”
Li Xuan quickly added, “Yes, Xuan cried, missing Aunt.”
Li Xuan’s demeanor had become more cheerful, even though his expressive abilities were slightly weaker than his actual age, he could still convey his basic thoughts.
After spending some quality time with the children on the kang, Chen Feng bid them goodnight and sent them back to their respective courtyards.
Feeling exhausted, Chen Feng washed up and lay down on her bed. If Chu Lingxuan is nor present, she could have relaxed in her mental space, but now she could only unwind in bed.
Chu Lingxuan, lying beside her, remarked, “Your father genuinely cares for his daughters. After hearing about He Linsheng’s behavior, he’d rather have your younger sister marry someone far away than into the He family.”
Chen Feng commented, “Chen Yuhui won’t appreciate my father’s actions. She’ll see it as him and Mother thwarting her plans again, and she’ll fight tooth and nail to marry into the He family.”
Chu Lingxuan sneered, “With her attitude, she’s truly asking for trouble.”