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The second charge of “accepting substantial bribes to purchase land and property” was also proven to be orchestrated by Chen Shiying’s mother without Chen Shiying’s knowledge.
Currently, they had sent someone to the south to verify if he had indeed committed any wrongdoing. The two incidents in the south were also related to Chen Shiying’s mother and the Tang family. While Chen Shiying had taken corrective actions after the incidents, the outcomes were still uncertain.
Therefore, until the return of the envoy from the south, Chen Shiying had to remain confined. With the end of winter fast approaching, the resolution of Chen Shiying’s situation might only come after the New Year…
Chu Lingxuan continued, “If there are no major issues in the south, the individuals we have contacted will intercede on behalf of my father-in-law. They will appeal to the Emperor based on his contributions to promoting high-yield crops, his dedication to the court, and his filial piety. We must ensure a fair decision, as the Dachun Dynasty cannot afford to lose such a talented individual…”
This outcome was far better than expected, at least Chen Shiying had not suffered.
Chen Feng’s tense mood had significantly eased, and tears of joy welled up in her eyes. She embraced Chu Lingxuan, gently rubbing her cheek against his head, saying, “Lingxuan, thank you. You have worked hard these days for my father, and you have become thinner. Also, thank your family for their support.”
Chu Lingxuan held her hand and softly replied, “The one to be thankful for is you. If your not the foster mother of the Eleventh Prince, he wouldn’t have been as comfortable as he is now. I managed to meet with father-in-law, and he was so touched by the Emperor’s grace that his eyes were filled with tears. Even he didn’t expect to live so comfortably.”
The meal was set on the kang in the east side room – soy-braised pork, steamed prawns, cold marinated jellyfish, scallion and radish salad, mushroom and chicken noodle soup, and a small pot of homemade wine.
Chen Feng filled Chu Lingxuan’s cup with wine. She was in a good mood and didn’t want him to drink alone, so she poured herself half a cup and toasted with him.
Seeing Chen Feng willingly drinking with him, Chu Lingxuan was delighted. After finishing a glass of wine, he noticed Chen Feng’s eyes becoming moist and her cheeks turning pink, her rosy lips forming a gentle smile, and her ample bosom sparking inappropriate thoughts in him. He had already been feeling thirsty watching his son nurse…
In this moment, his heart was filled with indescribable emotions and restlessness, and his body responded accordingly.
He had consulted the midwife, who advised waiting two months after childbirth before resuming intimacy. He counted the days every day, eagerly anticipating when that time would come. Yet, it was only the 23rd of the month, with eight more days to go, and he felt like he was about to explode with anticipation. Suppressing his feelings, he downed the rest of his wine in one gulp.
Unaware of Chu Lingxuan’s inappropriate thoughts, Chen Feng refilled his cup. Seeing her own glass empty, she refilled it as well.
In a different lifetime, Chen Feng often drank with clients and had a strong tolerance for alcohol. She could handle eight ounces of white liquor and still manage two bottles of beer. However, in this current era, to maintain a ladylike demeanor, she only indulged in a little fruit wine during festivals and had never tried such strong spirits before.
The Qinghua wine was a tribute liquor, very aromatic, reminiscent of Maotai from her previous life. Whenever old Marquis and Chu Lingxuan enjoyed it, she would watch with envy but felt too shy to partake.
She sipped half a cup and found it delightful, not considering this small glass to be a challenge, and then finished the other half. After drinking, her face flushed intensely, and she felt a bit dizzy.
It seemed that this body was not as tolerant to alcohol as in her previous life.
Observing Chen Feng’s increasingly flushed complexion and slightly glazed eyes, Chu Lingxuan asked, “Feng, are you drunk?”
“Mm.” Chen Feng replied.
Chu Lingxuan sighed dejectedly, “What’s the use of you being drunk? It’s not been two months yet, you can’t…”
Chen Feng chuckled at him, her smile even more radiant than a peony under the spring sun, and said, “Can’t what? Oh, you mean the things we love to do? Hehe, I’m already able to. The midwife checked me a few days ago and said I’ve recovered better than others…”
Chu Lingxuan was surprised for a moment, then smiled. Indeed, that was something he enjoyed. He stopped drinking and lifted Chen Feng, carrying her to the bedroom.
The attendants Autumn and Xiaomo blushed and quickly cleared away the food and wine from the kang table.
Chen Feng was laid on the bed, and Chu Lingxuan hovered over her, kissing her from her eyes to her nose and then to her lips, gradually intensifying the touch, clouding her already hazy mind even further.
Before slipping into complete intoxication, she briefly thought that his skills had improved significantly, no longer resembling an inexperienced young man…
The next morning, Chen Feng heard Chu Lingxuan getting up, prompting her to sit up with determination.
Chu Lingxuan leaned over, gave her a kiss, squeezed her hand, and softly remarked, “Feng, yesterday was wonderful…”
In her mind, Chen Feng silently cursed him.
Thinking about fetching some swallow agarwood bark from the space to brew a drink and use internally and externally.
The two of them got up, and Autumn and Xiaomo came in to help them dress.
After seeing Chu Lingxuan off to the yamen and sending Dabao and Lingzhi to school, Chen Feng fed the twins before heading to the Chen residence alone with her servants.
She was initially puzzled why the elders of the Chen family, after learning about the misdeeds of old lady Zhao and Chen Shiying’s self-sacrifice, did not come to Dingzhou Prefecture. Later, she realized that since Chen Shiying didn’t reside in his hometown, but had gained prestige and wealth, the relatives would only come seeking his success. If he got into trouble, they wouldn’t rush to this place as their own safety would be at risk. They would only come once it was certain that their involvement wouldn’t implicate the family, to ensure fair judgment.
Madam Jiang had become thinner and aged significantly.
Upon hearing that Chen Shiying had not suffered and was living in a small courtyard, albeit restricted in freedom but otherwise well, Madam Jiang cried tears of relief.
She embraced Chen Feng, sobbing uncontrollably, “Feng, it’s fortunate to have a daughter like you and such a good son-in-law. Otherwise, your father would have suffered…”
After listening to Madam Jiang’s tearful recounting, including her arguments with the old lady, Chen Feng realized that Madam Jiang was not only upset about Chen Shiying’s troubles but also because as a woman, she bore the immense burden of managing such a large household, with the old lady causing trouble instead of providing support, leading to overwhelming mental stress.
Once Madam Jiang had cried enough, a maid brought in water for her to freshen up.
Chen Feng advised, “Mother, take care of yourself. Perhaps father’s situation will only be resolved after the New Year. If you fall ill, what will become of this household? Those venomous individuals will be dealt with by someone else.”
Madam Jiang was too concerned about Chen Shiying to take any action against the old lady. If it were Chen Feng, she would have definitely taken advantage of Chen Shiying’s absence to deal with that troublesome old lady.
Madam Jiang nodded and said, “Knowing that your father hasn’t suffered, my heart is at ease. Whether he holds office is irrelevant, as long as he is safe.”
After chatting for a while, Chen Feng took her leave to return to the mansion. Madam Jiang knew the whole household was waiting for Chen Feng and didn’t want to keep her any longer.
***Novel Alert!!! Genre: BL, Romance, Light and Short Story, Historical, Title: “I’m Pregnant with the Regent’s Baby”***