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Chu Lingxuan mentioned that he would try to persuade Chen Lu again tomorrow. If his young brother-in-law moved out, he would lose face and be unable to face his in-laws.
Chen Feng shared her plan, mentioning that she would clean up the estate and have Lu interact more with his uncles and cousins, and then eventually allow him to move back in.
Chu Lingxuan nodded, saying, “I will inquire further and introduce more same-age children to Chen Lu besides these few.”
Chen Feng chuckled, “That would be even better. Our children are too young for A’Lu to play with.”
Chu Lingxuan tenderly touched Chen Feng’s pregnant belly, expressing concern, “It’s all my fault, making you carry this big belly and go through such hardships.” He then remarked, “There are only a few days left, but your belly has grown significantly.”
Chen Feng laughed, “Indeed, I also feel like my belly has grown rapidly these days compared to before.” Seeing a small bump forming on her belly, she exclaimed, “Look, it’s moving again, moving!”
Chu Lingxuan joyfully watched and lightly stroked the moving bump, saying, “Our son seems to enjoy punching. I will teach you when you come out.”
After the baby’s movements ceased, Chu Lingxuan helped Chen Feng lie on her side on the bed and gave her a massage. From her shoulders to her feet, he massaged her gently, making her extremely comfortable. She closed her eyes and talked softly with Chu Lingxuan. In these days, whenever he had time, he would massage her like this.
After discussing household matters, Chu Lingxuan informed Chen Feng that there were updates from Yucheng and Yongcheng. They had found two witnesses and some evidence, which were being tightly guarded and planned to be brought here. To ensure Wang Cheng’s safety and avoid alerting Second Prince’s faction, they were to be relocated to an extremely secretive location the following morning. Once everything was revealed, they could return to a normal life openly.
Startled, Chen Feng turned around suddenly and complained, “Regardless, you should have let me meet with Uncle and the others. How can you hide them without a word? How do I explain this to my mother?” Annoyed, she added, “No, tomorrow I must see them.”
Chen Feng’s sudden movement startled Chu Lingxuan, who first checked her belly, then her face, and finally, after finding nothing amiss, he relaxed.
Angrily, he said, “Belly! You must not be so reckless in the future.”
Chen Feng blushed under his gaze and retorted, “What are you looking at? I’m talking to you.”
Chu Lingxuan spoke seriously, “This matter is not a game, Feng, don’t let emotions cloud your judgment. Rest assured, apart from some restrictions, everything is fine with them. Your uncle is also my uncle, and I will not mistreat them.” He added, “I will write another letter to your parents in the countryside tomorrow, only mentioning that your uncles are in some trouble but are under my protection.” He then sternly said, “Remember my words, no more reckless actions like just now, and be more cautious.”
Feeling somewhat sorry, Chen Feng responded, “Okay, I won’t do it again.”
Seeing that Chu Lingxuan didn’t want to discuss Wang Cheng’s situation further, she refrained from asking more.
Both of them lay on the bed with heavy thoughts. It had been twenty-one days since the Golden Swallow left, and there was still no update. Until they received the advice from Master Wuzhi, they couldn’t relax.
Chen Feng was particularly anxious as the Golden Swallow needed to enter hibernation in the space by the fifth of next month, with only fourteen days left. Would they find it in time? She worried incessantly about the Golden Swallow, fearing it might encounter trouble.
In this state of unease, the day slipped by to the 28th. Hong Feng was sent by Madam Jiang to deliver a letter to Chen Feng. On the 30th of July, old lady Chen would turn fifty-three. If Chen Feng was not in Dingzhou, she wouldn’t have been invited. However, since she was in Dingzhou, it was necessary to invite her.
The marriage date of He Linsheng and Chen Yuhui was set for the 20th of March next year. Due to the circumstances surrounding the engagement, the timing wasn’t ideal, but they had to rush due to the situation.
Since the engagement, Chen Yuhui seemed to have returned to normal. She smiled more often, paid respects to Madam Jiang and the elderly lady daily, and even found time to embroider her dowry on leisure days.
Chen Shiying and Madam Jiang felt the alert regarding Chen Yuhui becoming a concubine for Chu Lingxuan had been lifted, and they could invite the eldest daughter’s family back home for a day.
According to Hong Feng, several relatives from Chen’s hometown had arrived, as per the elderly mother’s request, along with some from her maternal family. Additionally, many families with good relations with the Chen family were also invited.
Chen Feng had no intention of going back to wish the old lady a happy birthday, especially since it required kowtowing. Even if her knees were weak, she couldn’t kneel before that wicked old woman.
However, in this society where filial piety was paramount, not attending the grandmother’s birthday celebration could lead to further tarnishing of her reputation if the old lady caused a scene.
She thought for a moment and then smiled, agreeing to go the next day.
After seeing off Hong Feng, the excited little girl, Chu Hanyan, blushing with excitement, asked, “Mother, are we going to Grandfather’s house for a birthday feast the day after tomorrow?”
She had thoroughly enjoyed her visits to other households and assumed they were going to visit again, filled with joy.
Chen Feng shook her head and replied, “We can’t go the day after tomorrow, Mother isn’t feeling well.”
The little girl looked puzzled, her lips pouting slightly, as she thought her mother had already agreed to visit.
On the morning of the 30th, after bidding farewell to Chu Lingxuan, Chen Feng waited until the ninth hour before sending someone to deliver a message to the Chen residence. The message stated that the Chen Feng had left but suddenly felt stomach pain and trembling legs, so she was helped to rest in bed, and a physician was called. The General received news early in the morning about an urgent matter at camp and hurriedly went there. Today, neither General Chu nor the Madam Feng could attend the grandmother’s birthday celebration. Once the Grandmother felt better, they would bring generous gifts to offer their congratulations.
Seeing the disappointed look in Chu Hanyan’s eyes, Chen Feng pinched her cheek and said with a smile, “Don’t worry, another day I will take you to visit your Grandpa.”
The little girl’s happiness returned.
After about an hour, Madam Jiang sent someone to check on Chen Feng. Chen Feng pretended to be asleep in bed, and mama Li thanked the person on her behalf, stating that the physician had already checked her pulse, and the Madam was fine, just a bit tired in recent days, needing to rest more.
On the 2nd of August, the Golden Swallow still hadn’t returned, leaving Chen Feng feeling anxious and helpless.
That day, the Qin family hosted guests. In the morning, women from the Chu, Fu, and Liu families took their daughters and sons not yet in school to the Qin family to play, while the men would join for dinner in the evening after work and school.
Qin Mu had specifically mentioned Chen Lu in the invitation, instructing the messenger to tell Chen Feng that Chen Lu must attend. They could discuss studies together for mutual benefit. In the future, he planned to introduce Chen Lu to more friends.
Delighted by the invitation, Chen Lu agreed to go with Dabao after school.
Trying to calm her anxious thoughts, Chen Feng spent the day playing with the children and the pets.
On the 3rd day, feeling uncomfortable at home, Chen Feng decided it was time to visit the Chen residence.