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Chu Lingxuan and Chen Feng exchanged a glance, unsure if the Chu family had been implicated. Perhaps a letter from the Marquis’s residence would arrive later in the evening.
Regardless, Princess Rong Zhao being sent to the temple for three months was considered a good thing. The Marquis could finally have a brief respite from her influence and focus on things he wanted to do.
Upon hearing about Princess Rong Zhao’s situation, the others couldn’t help but chuckle. They knew Chu Lingxuan’s intense dislike for her but refrained from openly mentioning it.
Later, they discussed Deputy General He’s proposal to the Chen residence with a matchmaker that day.
Mrs. Fu whispered to Chen Feng, “That He Linsheng is cruel and ruthless, showing no mercy even to women. If your sister marries him…”
Chen Feng couldn’t publicly criticize her sister’s character or reveal that she had set a trap for herself. Instead, she said, “My father also objected to my younger sister marrying He Linsheng. He suggested finding a young man in a distant place for her. However, my younger sister insists on marrying He Linsheng. She claims he has already touched her, so she can’t marry another man.” With a smile, she added, “My younger sister is resilient, with a strong will and not easily controlled by others.”
Mrs. Fu, Mrs. Liu, and Mrs. Qin had heard about Chen Yuhui breaking off the engagement, and they remarked, “If Miss Chen can truly tame He Linsheng, it would be a great service to the world, eliminating a troublemaker and performing a great deed.”
Chen Feng nodded with a smile, privately thinking that if He Linsheng could be controlled by Chen Yuhui, it would indeed eliminate a troublemaker from the world.
The heat of midday was oppressive, with the sun nearing its peak, making it difficult to keep one’s eyes open even in the shade. Despite sitting in a cooler area, the oppressive heat still felt overwhelming.
Chen Feng had shaved ice brought out and called out to the children in the courtyard, “Come over, see what treats Auntie has prepared for you.”
The maids brought several trays, each filled with white porcelain bowls containing fresh red watermelon chunks topped with purple red bean paste, green raisins, and glistening ice crystals—a colorful and enticing treat for the children in the hot weather.
Dabao, Hanyan, and Li Xuan particularly enjoyed shaved ice, but to prevent stomachaches, Chen Feng only allowed them a small bowl each afternoon.
Li Xuan eagerly ran ahead, exclaiming, “Shaved ice, shaved ice, so delicious!”
The other children gathered around, washed their hands, and started eating.
Both adults and children alike couldn’t resist this treat.
After finishing, the older children hesitated to ask for more, but the younger ones, Fu Lushen and Liu Ao, held their bowls and said to Chen Feng, “Auntie, this shaved ice is delicious, we want more.”
Chen Feng smiled and cautioned, “Although shaved ice is tasty, it’s not good to eat too much. We’ll have a better meal soon. I’ll give you another bowl when it’s hottest in the afternoon.”
Seeing the adults still interested, Chen Feng explained how simple it was to make shaved ice.
Mrs. Qin remarked, “Ah, the method for this snack is indeed straightforward. How did we not think of it before? No wonder General Chu refused to marry until he met Lady Chu. She is truly beautiful and capable.”
Everyone laughed, and Chu Lingxuan was delighted.
At noon, they headed to the Western Wing Dining Hall for lunch. The dishes on the table received high praise, with the mothers repeatedly reminding the younger children not to overeat.
Chen Feng chuckled, “If you enjoy Auntie’s cooking, feel free to come over to play more often.”
The children happily agreed, accepting the invitation, bringing joy to everyone.
While the men continued to drink, the women and children finished eating and headed to the backyard to play. Only Li Xuan, Fu Lushen, and Hanyan took a break.
Once the children woke up and had more shaved ice, the guests bid farewell and left.
Chu Lingxuan then took out the letter sent by the Marquis’s residence during the afternoon break to read.
After reading it, he told Chen Feng, “Third Uncle said Rong Zhao has already gone to the Guo State Temple for three months of vegetarianism. He also criticized Father and Second Uncle, claiming their management was lacking and suggesting that he might send an internal official to reprimand Grandfather…”
The royal family lost face, ultimately finding a scapegoat among the officials. While the Chu family’s reputation suffered, they didn’t sustain any substantial losses.
Chu Lingxuan continued, “Third Uncle mentioned that news of the Ninth Prince’s leg injury healing has spread within a small circle at court. The Second and Third Princes should be aware by now. It’s strange that while the Second Prince is shocked, he doesn’t seem as frantic as Empress Wang and her family…”
Could the Second Prince know something?
Thinking of the old monk’s words, Chu Lingxuan and Chen Feng grew anxious.
Especially Chen Feng, who suddenly had a realization. She recalled Chu Lingxuan mentioning that the Second Prince used to be headstrong, often at odds with the Third Prince. However, after his severe injury, his temperament changed drastically. He unexpectedly targeted the Ninth Prince and the Chu family, catching them off guard and altering the course of events. This act left the Ninth Prince disabled, halted the Marquis’s promising career, and forced the Emperor to secretly have another child, sending the legitimate heir away to be raised in secret…
Could the Second Prince be reincarnated, aware of the Ninth Prince’s true maternal family being the Yuan family, the Emperor’s intent to have someone with Yuan blood inherit the throne, and the Chu family’s role in supporting the Ninth Prince? Perhaps, in his past life, the Ninth Prince ascended the throne with the Chu family’s aid, and now he returns to rewrite fate?
Recalling the old monk’s words, “Helpless, I could only watch destinies altered, unable to prevent so many from untimely deaths…”
The phrase “destinies altered” clearly indicated someone’s intent to change fate!
It seemed likely that the Second Prince was the one seeking to alter fate.
Considering her own time-traveling experience, the idea of someone else being reincarnated didn’t seem far-fetched.
If the Second Prince knew about the Ninth Prince’s recovery and wasn’t as alarmed as the Empress Wang and her family, he must have insight into what lay ahead for the Chu family.
Had the Marquis not been forced to marry Princess Rong Zhao, the Chu family’s prospects would have been secure. In the previous life, the Ninth Prince likely ascended smoothly with his support. However, in this life, without real power, the Marquis’s brother, the Third Master , had the best prospects. After nearly twenty years managing the western military and with covert imperial backing, he held considerable influence. Currently serving as the Deputy Commander of the Left Army, overseeing the northern military, his leadership and capabilities would undoubtedly attract many willing to follow his command…
If the Chu family faced a “man-made disaster,” it likely involved the Third Master. Should any harm come to him, it would spell disaster for the Chu family.
Of course, there might be other impending dangers they hadn’t yet anticipated.