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Chen Feng had previously mentioned that once she felt better, she would attend the grandmother’s birthday celebration at the Chen residence, making a grand entrance with valuable gifts. She also planned to inform Madam Jiang and Chen Yulan, asking Chen Yulan to invite Chen Lu to play more during leisure time. Her intention was to stay in the main courtyard at the Chen residence, return after lunch, and avoid impulsively visiting the old lady.
Accompanied by Chu Hanyan, Chen Feng brought four brightly colored brocades and four jars of blue flower wine to the Chen residence. She left behind Li Xuan this time, as that household had its own challenges.
She led the children straight to the main courtyard, where several of the Chen family’s young ladies, including Chen Yuhui, were present.
Chen Yuhui’s previous despondence seems to have vanished, her eyes no longer held any hostility. Instead, she exuded a contented air, embodying the demeanor of a woman in love without a doubt.
Madam Jiang cheerfully pulled Chen Feng to sit with her on the bed, while Chen Yuxia took Chu Hanyan to the table to fold handkerchiefs.
Madam Jiang and Chen Yuqing chatted and laughed with Chen Feng, paying no attention to Chen Yuhui.
Madam Jiang remarked, “It’s the autumn harvest season now. Your father went to the countryside early this morning and won’t return for a few days.” She appeared genuinely concerned.
Chen Shiying left? If she had known, she wouldn’t have come. What should she do if that crazy woman caused trouble?
Chen Feng smiled and said, “My father is a good official. If he promotes the harvest well, it will benefit the people greatly and be a political achievement for him.”
Madam Jiang understood the importance of the autumn harvest for her husband’s career and nodded with a smile. She also mentioned the number of guests from the Chen and Zhao families who had stayed at the residence for over half a month and only left yesterday.
Chen Feng also discussed her desire for her brother to make more connections, which Madam Jiang readily agreed to.
Chen Yuhui interjected with a smile, “Elder sister, you didn’t come to pay respects to Grandmother on her birthday. Will you kneel to her today?”
Since the arrival of the Chen and Zhao family members, Chen’s elderly lady had been actively complaining that Chen Feng was unfilial, claiming she never visited her, talked back, scolded her, and hadn’t even kowtowed after acknowledging her heritage. She was visibly upset, speaking through tears.
The Zhao family members sided with the elderly lady, joining in the criticism of Chen Feng.
The Chen family members held a negative impression of the elderly lady, finding her harsh, selfish, and critical. They criticized Chen Feng for not residing there, choosing to stay at her maternal home instead. They also accused her of instigating Chen Shiying to distance himself from his relatives. Despite these opinions, after hearing the elderly lady’s words, they still believed that Chen Feng should show filial piety as a younger family member.
In particular, the eldest Chen ancestor, nearly eighty years old, was furious after listening to the elderly lady. He instructed Chen Shiying to bring Chen Feng back to her maternal home, intending to discipline the successful Chen family member. The Chen ancestor had never liked the Zhao family and had no intention of attending the birthday celebration solely due to the increased presence of Chen family members. He used this opportunity to visit the prosperous Dingzhou Prefecture and educate the most promising child in the Chen family.
Chen Shiying privately praised his daughter, highlighting her maturity, filial piety, and intelligence, attributing the success of the “Dingzhou wheat” initiative to her. He subtly hinted that her mother had suffered due to the elderly lady’s displeasure, explaining their strained relationship.
Although the Chen family members understood the elderly lady’s harsh nature, they could sense that Chen Feng’s mother had faced more than just simple mistreatment, prompting them to let the matter go. However, the Chen ancestor still emphasized to Chen Shiying, “You are the pride of our Chen family. Keep a close eye on that Zhao woman, don’t let her hinder your future…”
On the day of the birthday celebration, the elderly lady waited for Chen Feng to come and kowtow to her, preparing to publicly pressure her. However, a servant reported that the eldest lady had left, citing sudden stomach pain and being unable to attend. She promised to bring generous gifts on another day to offer her congratulations.
The elderly lady, unconvinced, began to scold once more.
Madam Jiang quickly explained with a flushed face, “Feng is carrying twins, and her large belly can make her uncomfortable with even a little exertion…” She addressed the elderly lady and the other guests.
Knowing the elderly lady’s intentions to trouble Chen Feng, Chen Yuhui suggested that Chen Feng visit the elder lady.
Ignoring her, Chen Feng told Madam Jiang, “Mother, I felt a bit unwell after the sedan ride.”
Madam Jiang gently smiled and said, “Your situation is special. Don’t strain yourself. Rest here for a while, have lunch, and then you can go pay respects to your grandmother.”
Chen Feng shook her head and said, “We won’t have lunch today, there are matters at home.” She then turned to Chen Yuhui and remarked, “Younger sister, I heard you’ve found an ideal husband. Congratulations. My husband mentioned that General He is both talented and handsome, especially skilled in the unique martial art of Iron Sand Fist from the He family.”
Chen Yuhui felt that Chen Feng was trying to please her. After all, her future father-in-law, General He, was a formidable figure above Chu Lingxuan, so Chen Feng wouldn’t dare offend her easily.
Despite her deep resentment towards Chen Feng, these words brought Chen Yuhui a sense of contentment.
She blushed and shyly twisted her handkerchief, saying, “Elder sister, you’re quite eloquent.”
This awkward behavior was not typical of Chen Yuhui. Chen Feng and Chen Yuqing exchanged glances, chuckled, and both felt a shiver down their spines.
At that moment, a servant entered as if to report something but hesitated, prompting Madam Jiang to leave the room.
Seeing Madam Jiang depart, Chen Yuhui walked over and sat beside Chen Feng, whispering softly, “Elder sister, General He has more virtues than what you mentioned. What I appreciate most is that he has never been married before, so I will be his first and only wife. Unlike you, who entered as a second wife, having a legitimate child standing there as soon as you came in, it’s quite awkward.”
This mischievous girl was making progress. At least she wasn’t as openly malicious as before. She now cared about her reputation, deliberately lowering her voice to avoid tarnishing her image.
Thinking that someone would eventually deal with her, Chen Feng decided to keep her response brief, saying, “Everyone has their own thoughts and circumstances. I’m very content with my husband and my family. I hope that when you marry into the He family, you’ll be as happy and fulfilled as you are now.”
Chen Yuhui giggled, “Elder sister, rest assured, I will definitely be happy and content in the future.”
Chen Yuqing chimed in coldly, “Let’s hope so.”
Suddenly, they heard a commotion outside, followed by the sight of the elderly lady being carried in by two maids.
After over a year, the elderly lady had gained weight but appeared pale, likely due to insufficient exposure to sunlight. Her eyes gleamed with malice as she stared fiercely at Chen Feng, seemingly wishing to devour her.
It seemed that the good die young while the wicked live forever. Despite being partially paralyzed, her spirit remained strong, ensuring a prolonged existence.
The other Chen sisters all stood up, but Chen Feng remained seated, staring coldly at the elderly lady.