Chapter 406: Suspension

Chen Feng, having already fallen asleep, quickly got up upon hearing that Chu Lingxuan had returned.

Seeing Chu Lingxuan’s weary appearance and averted gaze, Chen Feng felt a pang of heartache. She apologized, “Lingxuan, I’m sorry for putting you in a difficult position. It was expected that Uncle wouldn’t agree, let’s seek help from someone else.”

Shaking his head, Chu Lingxuan replied, “Uncle agreed. He mentioned that the high crop yield achieved within your father’s jurisdiction wasn’t solely father-in-law’s merit but also his own. While he couldn’t assist with the Jiangnan matter, your father’s commendable performance in Dingzhou Prefecture over the past two years speaks for itself, and Uncle will do his best to defend him.”

This was truly a piece of heartening news.

Although Chu Lingxuan didn’t mention it, Chen Feng knew he must have faced his share of challenges and reprimands.

During his visit to the Shizhou Prefecture, Chu Lingxuan indeed encountered several obstacles from the Lou family.

Upon arriving at Lou Mansion the next afternoon, the servants led him to a guest room and left him there without further assistance. He wished to visit the main residence to see the old lady, but without Madam Lou’s permission, he couldn’t pass the second gate. By nightfall, Master Lou hadn’t met with him either.

Fortunately, his good relationship with Fourth Master Lou since childhood and the favorable impression of Chen Feng by Fourth Mistress Lou played in his favor. Fourth Master Luo secretly met him and took him to the rear courtyard to see the old lady.

The old lady had been in poor health, and with the recent incidents involving her daughter and son-in-law, she was now bedridden and unable to get up.

Chu Lingxuan knelt beside her bed, kowtowing and choked with emotion, “Grandson has been unfilial, causing Grandma to worry.”

The old lady, lying in bed, turned away in anger, refusing to look at him, and wept, “Heartless boy, you haven’t visited your old grandma for so long. I miss my pitiful daughter, I miss my darling grandson, I’m almost dying from longing for them. My daughter can’t come to see me, and you should visit home more often. Marrying a wife means not even the closest grandma and uncle want to see me.”

Chu Lingxuan kowtowed several more times, crying, and said, “Grandma, I’ve neglected my duties as a grandson. I miss you and uncle, but I know I’ve done things that upset uncle and aunt. I want to come and apologize once they’ve calmed down.”

This was just one of the reasons. Another reason was that since his betrothal to Chen Feng, things had become more complicated, not just within the military but also involving the Ninth Prince and covert forces, leaving him with little time to spare. The distance between Lou Mansion and Dingzhou Prefecture was over three hundred miles, and even a one-day stay at Lou Mansion would require at least four days of travel back and forth. For Chu Lingxuan at present, four days were incredibly precious.

Beside her, Fourth Master Lou chuckled and advised, “Grandma, if Xuan cousin doesn’t come, you miss him and cry, saying that none of your legitimate grandsons are as dear to you as your adopted grandson. When he does come, you turn away. Be mindful that Xuan cousin might truly believe you no longer wish to see him, and if he leaves, you’ll end up scolding us in frustration.”

Upon hearing this, the old lady turned around, and Chu Lingxuan rushed into her arms, and both grandmother and grandson wept together.

After some comforting words from Fourth Master Lou, the tears were wiped away. Chu Lingxuan personally used a damp cloth to wipe the old lady’s face and gave her a massage, finally bringing a smile to her face.

The old lady, now sixty-two, with entirely white hair, thin and pale, looked even older than before in Chu Lingxuan’s eyes. He felt ashamed for not setting aside his pride and public duties to visit the elderly lady sooner. He had always assumed that the old lady was angry with him, but he hadn’t realized that the more he stayed away, the more upset she became, worsening her health.

In fact, even without the issue involving Chen Shiying, Chu Lingxuan would have asked Chen Feng for a piece of green agarwood incense to give to the old lady. He had heard and understood that this fragrance not only smelled delightful but also enhanced health and longevity. Just by looking at Feng, he could tell that the safe delivery of their child was closely linked to this agarwood incense. Though the fragrance was meant for his uncle, he knew that his uncle would also use it for the old lady.

The old lady scolded, “You bad boy, what’s wrong with your cousin? Since you married her, not only has your life improved, your relationship with your uncle will also become closer, benefiting you only.”

Chu Lingxuan blushed, sitting by the bed and holding the old lady’s hand, murmuring, “Grandma, saying that makes your grandson embarrassed, and it embarrasses my cousin.”

Fourth Master Luo added with a grin, “Grandma, if Third Sister hears your words, she’ll be in tears again.”

The old lady chuckled at the thought, saying, “That’s right, as one grows older, they become confused and start speaking carelessly.”

Chu Lingxuan then presented a cotton shoulder cape specially made for the old lady by Chen Feng, along with two jars of wine, snacks made by the housekeeper, and some tonic medicine he had purchased. The old lady only glanced briefly at the tonic but proudly ignored the gifts brought by Chu Lingxuan’s wife.

Chu Lingxuan whispered to the old lady, “Grandma, this wine contains precious herbs that are beneficial for health. It’s not just favored by my grandfather but even the Empress Dowager herself. I’ve previously given you two jars, and if my uncle is unhappy that I gifted it to the servants, it would be a waste.”

Upon hearing that the Empress Dowager enjoyed the wine and its health benefits, the old lady exclaimed, “You previously sent me this wine? How did I not know?”

Fourth Master Lou regretfully remarked, “That truly was a waste. The gifts Xuan cousin sent were given to the servants by me, by my… my father.”

He almost said “my mother” but changed it to “my father” to avoid potential scolding.

The old lady teased Chu Lingxuan, “You bad boy, why didn’t you explain clearly to your uncle?”

Chu Lingxuan responded with a smile, “The Empress Dowager enjoys this wine, and I heard about it when I went to the capital recently for official duties and from my Third Aunt. Grandma, if you have half a cup every day, it will benefit your health.”

The old lady requested, “Fetch a jar for my eldest son, he toils day and night in court affairs, working hard.”

Chu Lingxuan replied, “I’ve brought a jar for my uncle as well.”

After conversing for a while, the old lady grew weary, prompting Chu Lingxuan and Fourth Master Lou to bid her farewell.

As Chu Lingxuan and Fourth Master Lou left, the old lady held Chu Lingxuan’s hand and instructed, “If your uncle scolds you out of concern, listen to him. He genuinely cares for you and your mother, having previously gone to great lengths for you both. Don’t let his heart grow cold, you must mend your relationship with him…”

Chu Lingxuan nodded in agreement and excused himself.

Accompanied by Fourth Master Lou, Chu Lingxuan proceeded to the outer study room of Lou Mansion. After a pat on the shoulder from Fourth Master Lou, he departed.

Looking up at the stars in the sky, Chu Lingxuan steeled himself and entered the courtyard.

The gatekeeper made no attempt to stop him, allowing Chu Lingxuan to head straight to the study room where Master Lou was engrossed in reading correspondence.

Chu Lingxuan bowed deeply and called out, “Uncle.”

Master Luo seemed oblivious, not even lifting his head.

Unable to speak further, Chu Lingxuan stood awkwardly for a while until midnight approached, and master Lou still hadn’t looked up.

Chu Lingxuan tried again, “Uncle.”

Finally, Master Luo raised his head, sneering, “So you remember you have an uncle?”

Chu Lingxuan bowed deeply to the ground and said, “Uncle, your nephew is truly grateful. Your previous support for the Chen family and me has not gone unnoticed.”

Master Lou waved his hand dismissively, saying, “Those were duties I should have fulfilled. Fei is my own sister, and you are my nephew, my sister’s son. Everything I did was in hopes of a better future for you and your mother. But how have you acted? Are you saying that my daughter is inferior to a magistrate’s illegitimate daughter? Your actions have not only brought disgrace upon yourself but also upon your noble mother…” He continued to scold and reprimand Chu Lingxuan harshly, berating him with a string of insults and even throwing a book at his head out of anger.

Chu Lingxuan dared not dodge, humbly listening to the reprimand before attempting to explain. He clarified that Chen Feng was not an illegitimate daughter but Chen Shiying’s legitimate eldest daughter. Due to Chen Shiying’s mother’s malicious actions, she had driven Chen Shiying’s true wife away, leaving Chen Feng stranded in another household. To protect Chen Shiying’s reputation, Chen Feng had reluctantly married Chu Lingxuan under the guise of being an illegitimate daughter. He also praised Chen Feng’s intelligence and virtues, her ability to “cure” the “foolishness” of Hanyan and Prince Rui’s son, and the fact that his mother greatly admired Chen Feng. Additionally, Chen Feng had earned the respect of the Wise Master Wuzhi, being deemed to have great fortune. Furthermore, Chu Lingxuan hinted that the Ninth Prince’s leg ailment had vastly improved, suggesting that after enduring humiliation for many years, he would seek revenge on the Second Prince for his “leg injury” and strive for the throne…

In the end, Chu Lingxuan promised to restore Chen Feng’s rightful status as Chen Shiying’s legitimate eldest daughter, now that these matters had come to light.

These points undoubtedly touched Master Lou’s heart, particularly the last one. The Second Prince’s support for Princess Rong Zhao in forcing his sister into religious life and coercing his brother-in-law to become a consort had left his mother bedridden and constantly finding reasons to criticize him. Master Lou knew that if the Second Prince ascended to the throne, not only would his own future prospects be jeopardized, but he could also face demotion and confiscation of his estate.

Moreover, learning that Chen Feng was not an illegitimate daughter but had sacrificed for her family showcased her filial piety.

Master Lou gazed at the green agarwood incense in his hand, and as soon as he took it out, an unfamiliar and captivating fragrance filled the air. Immersed in this scent, he felt refreshed and rejuvenated, as if his entire body had relaxed. This agarwood incense, produced by the Wise Master Wuzhi, not only emitted a long-lasting fragrance but also had health-enhancing and longevity-promoting properties. It was said that Master Wuzhi had only gifted this agarwood incense to few important people, including the Emperor, and now Chen Feng had it too, indicating her high regard. The fact that she could “cure” foolishness also hinted at her complexity beyond her surface appearance.

Having realized the situation, Master Lou expressed, “Chen Shiying is a good official, and if he faces trouble, it’s a loss for the court. Even if Xuan doesn’t intercede, I will do my best to defend him…”

The two conversed for a while, and by midnight, Chu Lingxuan retired to his guest room to rest. The next day, he paid a visit to his two aunts, neither of whom met with him.

Madam Lou was upset with Chu Lingxuan for not marrying her daughter. The reason for Second Madam Lou’s anger, unknown to most of the Lou family, stemmed from her suggestion that her niece be chosen as a wife for Chu Lingxuan. When he declined and married a woman with such a background, it left Second Madam Lou feeling chest pain.

Helpless, Chu Lingxuan had the gifts delivered to his aunts by the servants. He then visited the old lady and later departed for Dingzhou Prefecture.

On the twelfth day, a messenger from the capital sent a letter, detailing the accusations against Chen Shiying that had flooded the imperial court. Five charges were listed: abandoning his lawful wife after passing the imperial exams, accepting substantial bribes, purchasing extensive land and property, tolerating corruption among the Zhao family relatives, and two additional charges related to his actions in Jiangnan. Chen Shiying had been suspended pending investigation in the capital city, unable to return to Dingzhou Prefecture.

The letter from Master Lou’s steward also mentioned that the Chu family had leveraged connections, and Prince Rui would also offer full support…

Upon learning of these developments, Chen Feng was enraged. Chen Shiying’s blind filial piety could jeopardize his future. Even if he were to clear the latter three accusations, being found guilty of the former two could not only ruin his prospects but also land him in prison.

Furious, she drafted a letter but tore it up afterward. Summoning Luo Fang, she gave instructions for him to immediately visit Chen Shiying’s hometown. Despite the wickedness of the old lady, Chen Shiying would never take action against her due to his filial piety. These matters needed to be brought to the attention of the Chen family elders for resolution.

On the thirteenth day of winter, news of Chen Shiying’s suspension for investigation reached Dingzhou Prefecture swiftly.

Madam Jiang received a letter from her father’s messenger, mentioning his efforts to seek help in the capital. Unfortunately, finding someone with extraordinary influence proved challenging, and ordinary connections were unlikely to assist in such a significant matter.

Madam Jiang sought counsel from Chen Feng on finding a solution. Accompanied by Chen Yulan, her eyes bloodshot, they approached Chen Feng, with Chen Yulan tearfully clinging to her sleeve.

Unable to say much, Chen Feng could only offer reassurance, emphasizing that Master Lou would likely assist, they had influential connections in the capital, Chu Lingxuan had found additional witnesses, and the situation might not be catastrophic. She advised them to return home, shut out the rumors, and carry on with their lives.

At present, the Chu family and Chen Feng were the strongest support for Madam Jiang and her son. Feeling reassured by her words, they returned home.

After returning, Madam Jiang summoned the estate steward and key stewards to the meeting hall, briefing them on the situation. She instructed them not to panic, keep the matters confidential from the old lady and the young ladies, particularly ensuring they were not disclosed to the old lady and the second miss.