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After reviewing the “Merit Register” of the Chu family, the old Marquis summoned his second son and reprimanded him harshly. He emphasized the principle of shared glory and failure. Seeing how the Yongning Marquisate was struggling, with two women from the family contributing ideas and resources for the court, he demanded that any ill-gotten gains be returned if Madam Li failed to understand the situation.
The clear reprimand from the old Marquis left the Second Master red-faced. He then went to Madam Li’s courtyard and scolded her. Feeling pressured, Madam Li initially wanted to donate five taels but, sensing the Second Master’s anger, ended up donating thirty taels of silver to avoid conflict.
Upon hearing of this, Chen Feng felt that Madam Li lacked intelligence. Spending a few dozen taels of silver for the sake of reputation and goodwill not only pleased the old Marquis but might also improve relations with the assertive Third Madam. In contrast, the Second Master Chu was astute, knowing when to assert authority and when to please, despite past wrongdoings. The old Marquis and Marquis Chu found it hard to take action against him. In reality, much of the embezzled silver ended up being spent lavishly on women of the Second Master Chu.
Within three days, more than six thousand taels of silver and hundreds of carts of clothing and bedding were collected. These contributions would save countless lives, although the clothes and bedding donated were mostly from servants.
The Empress Dowager commended Third Madam once again, declaring her a model for women nationwide and a role model for women of the royal family.
Due to the notable contributions made by the two women of the Yongning Marquisate towards disaster relief and the subsequent commendations from the Emperor and Empress Dowager, the accusations against the Marquisate gradually decreased.
Third Madam was delighted and gifted Chen Feng numerous pieces of jewelry and ornaments, all from the Imperial Household, unaffordable otherwise.
The old Marquis, Marquis Chu, and Third Master Chu were even more pleased. To prevent Chen Feng from feeling disadvantaged, they each rewarded her with a thousand taels of silver.
Madam Li, on the other hand, felt indignant. Despite her significant contributions, she only attracted criticism. In contrast, Chen Feng gained a stellar reputation and even earned back the extra silver she donated.
The snow continued to fall relentlessly. The Emperor personally led the courtiers to the Temple of Heaven to offer prayers, issuing a self-penitence decree. However, the massive snow calamity showed no signs of abating.
By the twentieth day, Chen Feng speculated that the snowfall would likely range from the twentieth to thirtieth of the month. If the snow ceased within the next eleven days, there might be hope. However, if it persisted into the next month, the situation would worsen.
On the twenty-sixth day, the heavy snowfall continued. In the afternoon, Chen Feng and Mama Hua made osmanthus cookies in the small kitchen, sending a plate to the old Marquis and Anrong Hall and keeping one for themselves. The men of the Chu family had a sweet tooth, so she now made desserts daily, mainly to entertain the Marquis when he visited his grandson. Even if he ate sparingly, she made sure to cater to his preferences.
Chen Feng now deeply sympathized with this grandfather of the children. From the gentle look in his eyes when he looked at his grandson and his endless concern for the Abbess Liao Chen, it was evident that he was a good man who valued his family. To break up his own family, send his wife to a nunnery, must be deeply heartbreaking for him.
However, due to his loyalty to the Emperor, he felt compelled to carry out these actions. Of course, if the Emperor commanded it, he had no choice but to comply. Refusing would mean doom for the entire family. By obeying, there was at least a chance for a fresh start after facing dire circumstances.
In the late afternoon, Chen Feng sat on the heated brick bed observing her two sons trying to roll over. Wrapped in thick layers, they resembled chubby penguins, making it quite a challenge for them to turn over. After much effort, they finally managed to flip over, lifted their heads, looked around with wobbly heads, and broke into a proud smile.
Delighted, Chen Feng mischievously flipped them back down again. The silly little boys showed no signs of annoyance and continued their diligent efforts to roll over.
As they were joyfully playing, the old Marquis and Marquis Chu arrived once more.
Chen Feng served them tea, offered biscuits, and cheerfully said, “Just out of the oven, perfect for snacking.”
The old Marquis enjoyed the biscuits, while Marquis Chu nodded and sat by the heated brick bed to watch his grandsons.
The two boys adored their grandfather, evident in their increased speed in flipping over upon seeing him, looking up at him with smiles, saliva dribbling down like silver threads.
Marquis Chu chuckled as he wiped their faces with a handkerchief and playfully pinched their cheeks. He was cautious about holding such young children himself, fearing he might handle them too roughly. If he wanted to hold them, he would open his hands wide for someone to place the child in them, a quick cuddle, then a swift return to safety.
Observing the scene, Chen Feng decided to have both of them stay for dinner and suggested inviting the Third Master as well. She planned to cook a few dishes herself.
Marquis Chu gladly agreed.
While Chen Feng was busy in the small kitchen, a maid informed her of an urgent matter in the outer courtyard, revealing that the old Marquis and the Marquis had already left.
Feeling disheartened, Chen Feng decided to stop cooking, as the dishes she had prepared were enough for herself. Having just finished her dinner, a servant came to inform her that the Marquis requested her presence at the Sixian Studio.
The Sixian Studio was the former study of Marquis Chu, now serving as a place for hosting distinguished guests and discussing important matters, nestled in a bamboo grove between the outer and inner courtyards.
Chen Feng was taken aback. Since arriving in the capital, she had not been part of any secret high-level meetings.
Dressed in her outdoor attire, she wore a small coat over a cotton skirt, and a windproof cape with a hood. Accompanied by Hong Fei holding an umbrella and Mrs Hong carrying a lantern, she made her way towards the outer courtyard.
After a journey of over a quarter of an hour, she arrived at a courtyard adorned with numerous lanterns, illuminating the area brightly. This was the most secretive place in the Chu residence, yet at this moment, it appeared no different from the other courtyards, all shrouded in white.
Passing through the corridors, she reached the main hall. A young, handsome servant opened the door, drew back the thick curtain, and ushered Chen Feng inside, while Hong Fei and Mrs. Hong were directed to rest in the side room.
Although the study was filled with books on two multi-treasure shelves, it felt more like a reception room. Four glazed palace lamps hung down, casting a brilliant light in the room. Facing them was a large painting of a fierce tiger descending a mountain, a few feet tall ancient bronze cauldron placed on a mahogany table. In the center, there was a mahogany Eight Immortals table, surrounded by two Grand Master chairs and four mahogany official chairs on each side, with a Western rug covering the floor.
Chen Feng removed her cape and placed it on the farthest chair.
Another servant led her to the east room. Below the north window was a large heated brick bed, while a massive mahogany bookcase occupied the entire wall to the south. Eight green porcelain candle holders were lit on the Koi Phoenix candlesticks, illuminating the room brightly.
Sitting on the bed with elaborately carved and gilded side tables were the old Marquis, Marquis Chu, and Third Master Chu sitting on a chair to the left.
The expressions of all present were extremely serious.
Approaching them, Chen Feng respectfully bowed.
The old Marquis pointed to a chair on the right, saying, “Sit here, Xuan’s wife.”
Chen Feng took her seat. The servant brought in tea and silently withdrew.
Marquis Chu reiterated the news he had just received from the Ninth Prince: the Second Prince had sought the Emperor’s approval to fast for three days, beginning at midnight, and to conduct a blood sacrifice at the Temple of Heaven on the thirtieth to seek divine protection and end the disaster.