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Today, Chen Yuhui was dressed remarkably in an orange butterfly-patterned short jacket and a pale yellow cloud-patterned long skirt, adorned with pearls and jade, her cheeks blushed.
To highlight her, Chen Yuhui dressed in a more understated manner, wearing a lilac embroidered long jacket. Chen Feng, even more subdued, wasn’t dressing to stand out but lacked the mood for dressing up, wearing a lotus-colored long jacket with just two simple jade hairpins and light makeup.
Even in plain clothes, Chen Feng outshone Chen Yuhui by far in beauty.
However, Chen Yuhui didn’t see it that way. When she saw He Linsheng enter, she was stunned. He looked divine after tidying up. However, when she noticed He Linsheng’s gaze lingered on Chen Feng, not herself, she blushed in embarrassment, clutching her handkerchief tightly, feeling wronged.
To her, Chen Feng seemed deliberate. Knowing that she looked best in lotus-colored attire, Chen Feng chose a different shade today. Was she trying to seduce men? What else could it be?
Meeting Chen Yuhui’s resentful gaze, Chen Feng felt equally upset. Did she really want that odious man to look at her? It was ridiculous. When He Linsheng glanced at her, she found it more repulsive than eating a fly.
Madam He also sensed her son’s inappropriate behavior. Regardless of Chen Feng’s beauty, she was someone else’s wife, and even worse, the wife of her adversary, Chu Lingxuan.
She complimented Chen Yuhui, praising her for being dignified, stable, and talented, causing Chen Yuhui to smile.
When Madam He mentioned Chen Yuhui’s stability, there was a hint of mockery in the eyes of Chen Yuqing and Yuxia, and even He Ying snorted lightly.
Madam He then suggested visiting the elderly lady. Madam Jiang explained, “Mother-in-law’s health isn’t great; she’s still bedridden.”
Around noon, the midwife brought out the baby for a bath, with everyone lending a hand.
After lunch and a bit of laughter, the He family departed.
Seeing Chen Feng appearing to have something to discuss, Madam Jiang dismissed Chen Yuqing and her sister, inquiring, “Feng, is something the matter?”
Chen Feng asked the servants to leave, helped Madam Jiang to sit on the bed, and embraced her arm, saying, “Mother, you must stay strong. Believe that Father is a good official, and trust us. We won’t let Father and this family fall into trouble…” Sensing something important, Madam Jiang grasped Chen Feng’s hand and asked, “Feng, what happened? It’s not your father, is it…?”
As Chen Feng began to explain, tears welled up in her eyes.
Chen Feng nodded, “Yes, yesterday my husband received a letter from my Third Uncle, mentioning that the Emperor intends to appoint my father as the Assistant Minister of Personnel. Consequently, some have begun accusing my father, linking the misdeeds of old lady Zhao in the countryside to him. Here, the focus is on how my father supposedly abandoned his lawful wife and suddenly acquired land and a mansion. These accusations are easily refuted as not being my father’s fault, but the doings of that wicked old lady from the Zhao family. However, the situation in Jiangnan, what evidence they have collected, remains unknown…” She briefly explained Chen Shiying’s situation and asked if Madam Jiang knew about Chen Shiying’s activities in Jiangnan.
Upon hearing this, Madam Jiang trembled and slumped down.
Comforting her, Chen Feng whispered, “Mother, you cannot collapse, this family relies on you. Lingxuan has gone to Shizhou Prefecture to seek his uncle’s help, and he has also sent Steward Luo with valuable gifts to seek assistance in the capital. Father should be fine. However, Mother, you must tell me about Father’s actions in Jiangnan. If there are issues, we need to explore possible remedies…”
When mentioning seeking help from Lingxuan’s uncle, Chen Feng seemed unsure, uncertain if the Lou Family would be of assistance. Regardless, seeking his aid was necessary in their current predicament.
Overwhelmed, Madam Jiang embraced Chen Feng and wept, expressing gratitude for their support during this challenging time.
After her tears subsided, she revealed Chen Shiying’s conduct while serving in Jiangnan.
The two actions Chen Shiying’s mother took back in their hometown made him angry and anxious. When he went to Jiangnan, he made sure Madam Jiang kept a close eye on his mother and Mrs. Tang. Despite some questionable actions by his mother and Mrs. Tang, Chen Shiying rectified those issues. His wealth in Jiangnan primarily stemmed from Madam Jiang’s dowry shop and business dealings with the Tang family, much of which he had no direct control over. In Jiangnan, there were no major scandals, perhaps minor infractions existed, but nothing substantial enough to jeopardize his career. The concern lay in potential hidden misdeeds by old lady Zhao, Mrs. Tang, or actions unknown to Chen Shiying and Madam Jiang.
Based on these accusations alone, Chen Shiying’s foundation wouldn’t be shaken. The worst-case scenario might involve a demotion in rank. As long as he retained his position, they could work on his reinstatement in the future.
Partially relieved, Chen Feng hoped Chen Shiying and Madam Jiang’s keen insight would uncover and rectify any wrongdoings committed by others.
Madam Jiang’s greatest fear was Chen Shiying being imprisoned. As long as he was safe and sound, even if he lost his official position, she would be content.
After dinner, Chen Feng planned to return to the Chu Mansion. Before leaving, Madam Jiang gave Chen Feng some silver notes to use for networking. Chen Feng initially refused, mentioning that she and Chu Lingxuan had already taken gifts to build connections.
However, Madam Jiang insisted, stating that the family had money and didn’t want her son-in-law to put in effort without contributing financially. She also mentioned that the green leaf agarwood incense was priceless, and no amount of money could buy it.
Just as Chen Feng was leaving, a servant came to report that the elderly lady wished to see Madam.
Clutching her sleeve tightly, Madam Jiang went to see the elderly lady.
Since the incident that frightened her the last time, the elderly lady’s health had deteriorated. Despite Madam Jiang’s temple visits and consulting a Taoist priest for rituals and herbal remedies, her physical condition hadn’t improved significantly. While her spirits had lifted, she remained confined to bed for most activities.
She no longer resided in the Longevity Pavilion but had moved to another courtyard, naming it “Tranquil Hall”, hoping the name would deter any unwelcome spirits.
As she hadn’t dreamt of the late master nor encountered any “spirits” recently, the elderly lady felt that the rituals and herbal remedies had been effective, easing her mind.
Upon returning from the countryside, Chen Shiying heard about the incident with the “dream” but was skeptical. While dreaming of the late master seemed plausible, the conversations and floating white head in the air were too far-fetched. Despite Madam’s reaction, confirming she had seen the floating white head, Chen Shiying harbored fleeting doubts – could Feng have orchestrated a scare with someone pretending to be a ghost? However, he quickly dismissed the idea. During those days, he and Madam Jiang reinforced security around the courtyard, ensuring no one, not even birds, could enter.
Tranquil Hall was a secluded small courtyard, incomparable to the previous grand Longevity Pavilion. With only six rooms, lacking even side rooms, bamboo, trees, or plants, there were no dark corners for hiding ghosts or people.