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The elderly lady leaned against the bed, her face stern as she asked, “Has that stubborn girl, Feng, come to the mansion?”
“She has.” Madam Jiang replied.
“Why wasn’t she brought here to greet me? Could it be that she no longer respects me, and even you, my daughter-in-law, no longer see me in a favorable light?” She began to cry, yelling, “Jiang, don’t think that because I’m aging, you can disrespect me. In your eyes, I’m just a background-less old woman, while that wicked girl is the daughter-in-law of the Yongning Marquis. Showing me filial piety is far less rewarding for you than currying favor with her.”
Years of grievances and today’s anger surged within her, causing Madam Jiang to glare fiercely at old lady Zhao, her fists clenched tightly within her sleeves.
The intensity of that gaze startled the elderly lady, who shouted, “Jiang, what kind of look is that? I will tell my son that you are unfilial!”
Suppressing her anger, Madam Jiang coldly responded, “Mother-in-law, this courtyard is named Tranquil Hall. You should be quiet and not cause a commotion like this. With an unkind heart and many misdeeds, not even residing in this tranquil hall, but in a real Buddhist hall, you won’t find redemption or peace.”
Enraged, the elderly lady trembled and cursed, “Fine, you’re learning from that wicked girl, daring to argue with me. I will tell my son that you are neither virtuous nor filial and have him divorce you.”
With a mocking smile, Madam Jiang retorted, “I am neither virtuous nor filial? Have your son divorce me? Heh, elderly lady, you’ve got it all wrong. Because of your lack of virtue and filial piety, you have already ruined your son and this family. If the elders of the Chen family knew of your actions, they would demand your son and your deceased father-in-law divorce you.”
Hearing this, the elderly lady burst into tears, hurling insults at Madam Jiang.
Disregarding her, Madam Jiang instructed the serving maid, “The elderly lady is not to leave Tranquil Hall anymore. If anyone dares to move her without permission, they will be dealt with directly.” With her head held high, she walked away.
In the background, the sound of the elderly lady’s wails and the clattering of teacups could be heard.
In the courtyard, Chen Yuhui stood there in a daze.
Madam Jiang coldly remarked, “If you still wish to marry, refrain from wandering aimlessly.”
Under the moonlight, the cold and fierce look in Madam Jiang’s eyes startled Chen Yuhui. Even in the past, when she caused trouble, even stealing Chen Yuqing’s fiancé, Madam Jiang’s anger had never seemed as terrifying as it did now.
Bending slightly, Chen Yuhui said, “Yes, Mother, I will go back now.”
With that, she quickly turned and hurried back to her own courtyard.
Upon entering her home, Chen Feng learned that Chen Ming and Luo Xiao had brought a guest from the countryside, waiting for her arrival.
Chen Feng went directly to the reception hall in the outer courtyard, where she found Hu Laowu, old Marquis Chu, Chen Ming, and Luo Xiao.
It turned out that Hu Laowu had received sudden news today, indicating that someone had been inquiring about Chen Shiying and his child bride in Zhaojia Village. They were also asking about the land purchase by the Chen family in Zhaojia Village over a decade ago, the illegal activities of the Zhao family, and even paying to find out who sent Wang Juan back home. Old Wang, reliant on Wang Juan for support, spoke the truth. However, Mrs. Ding had recently come into money, buying gold hairpins and several silk outfits…
Hu Laowu expressed regret, “It’s all my fault for not hearing this news earlier, otherwise, I would have informed you sooner.”
Chen Feng thanked Hu Laowu, explaining that they were already aware of these matters. These were all deeds carried out by Chen Shiying’s mother and did not involve Chen Shiying himself.
She then rewarded Hu Laowu with fifty taels of silver and arranged for him to stay at the General’s Mansion, allowing him to enjoy the city for two days before returning.
Lastly, she instructed Luo Xiao to return promptly and keep an eye on Mrs. Ding and old Wang. Especially Mrs. Ding, as she was a key witness in the dealings with old lady Zhao.
Mrs. Ding was utterly devious and would likely resort to betraying others for money.
Chen Feng also had Chen Ming taken to the Gui Courtyard to rest with Chen Lu, while Mrs. Wang would stay in the main courtyard with her.
Upon returning to the main courtyard, Chen Feng found Mrs. Wang there. Her eyes were swollen and red as she reached out and took Chen Feng’s hand, saying, “A’Feng, will Brother Shiying be okay? He’s a good person, and Mother has harmed him.”
Chen Feng reassured her, “Father isn’t harmed by you, it’s his mother’s doing.” She comforted her, “Mother, don’t worry, Father will be fine…”
Upon hearing that Chen Shiying might be demoted, Mrs. Wang burst into tears again, expressing her concerns, “Brother has always been sensitive and considerate. Once, he was scolded by his teacher and cried for a long time. If he is demoted and all those shameful incidents are brought to light, he will be devastated and ashamed. It’s all my fault for causing this. If Mother hadn’t entered his life, none of this would have happened.”
Chen Feng remarked, “If Mother hadn’t entered his life, my father would have been led astray by that wicked old lady. His outstanding character and good reputation today are all thanks to Mother’s guidance.”
“Mother isn’t as great as you say.” Mrs. Wang replied tearfully.
Embracing her arm, Chen Feng said, “Mother truly is wonderful. You didn’t just guide my father well, but also me and A’Lu.”
Mrs. Wang retrieved a few silver notes from her pocket and said, “These were given to me by him in the past, I’ll return them to him. If he faces trouble, it can help in making connections.”
Chen Feng pushed her hand holding the silver notes away, stating, “Keep this money, Father doesn’t need it.”
Mrs. Wang trusted her daughter greatly, hearing that Chen Shiying wasn’t in grave danger eased her worries.
Later that evening, Chen Feng escorted Mrs. Wang to the side chamber to rest. After freshening up, she closed the door, brought the children and their small bed into the space.
From last night until now, her nerves had been on edge.
Sitting on a chair, leaning against the agarwood, she closed her eyes to relax. The laughter of the golden swallows and the sounds of her children calling could be heard.
“Mama, little brothers is growing up and looks so beautiful. The baby likes them, the baby really wants to kiss them.” the golden swallow exclaimed.
With her eyes closed, Chen Feng replied, “They are too small, the baby shouldn’t kiss them.”
“But I want to lick them with my tongue.”
“Go ahead.”
“Oh, little Yu caught my paw, and little Ming grabbed Jinbei’s head.”
Too exhausted to engage with the golden swallow’s chatter, Chen Feng drifted into sleep.
Just as she was in a deep slumber, a knocking sound followed by Mama Li’s voice woke her, “Madam, it’s time to feed the babies and change their diapers.”
Startled awake, Chen Feng hurriedly got up, removed the golden swallow, exited the space, and took the Jinbei from Ming’s hand, placing it on the floor before leaving the space.
With moonlight streaming into the room, Chen Feng went to open the door.
Mama Li entered, lit the candle, and remarked, “Madam, why did you close the door? It’s inconvenient for us to assist when it’s shut.”
Chen Feng explained, “It’s a habit. If the door is open, I don’t sleep soundly.”
Chu Lingxuan returned on the fourth night.
***Novel Alert!!! Good Novels for the readers, with similar genre. “Reborn as a Farmer with Fields”, “Lingquan Space: Fortunate Wife of a Farmer’s Family”, “Farm Girl’s Space: Picking Up a Major Villain during the Runaway Journey”***