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Upon discussing the matter, Chen Feng also grew concerned. She advised, “Master Wuzhi must have had a purpose in giving those two divine pills. Take them with you on your journey. Even if something unfortunate happens, the pills could save life, offering a second chance.”
Third Madam sighed, “Let’s hope for the best.”
The children woke up, babbling happily. Chen Feng began feeding them.
Seeing the adorable children, Third Madam’s mood lightened. She remarked, “Xuan’s wife, Aunt has helped you and your husband a lot. When the time comes, I’ll ask you for treasures, so don’t be too attached.”
Chen Feng chuckled, “Third Aunt has treasures that fill several rooms. What treasures of mine could you possibly want?” She thought about how Third Madam had always longed for her to have a daughter, eager to nurture her. Quickly, she added, “Third Aunt is generous, she doesn’t expect favors in return.”
Third Madam replied with a half-smile, “I do expect favors. When you have another daughter, give her to me. Don’t worry, I am fair. I won’t take your first daughter, the second one will do.”
Even if it’s the Ninth daughter, she couldn’t bear to part with.
In her previous life, Chen Feng adored daughters, but this time, due to the elders’ preference for sons and Chu Lingxuan’s lack of a son, she desired a son. Now with two sons, she longed for a daughter. Imagining a daughter, soft and sweet, snuggling in her arms like Chu Hanyan’s, brought a sense of joy.
Moreover, Third Madam, being indulged by the Empress Dowager, might raise her daughter in a domineering manner. Entrusting her daughter to someone like that made Chen Feng uneasy.
Third Madam’s guidance towards Chu Zhen was different, she wasn’t genuinely fond of her but aimed to rectify her flaws to satisfy the old Marquis’s reputation.
Chen Feng cautiously replied, “When I have my second daughter, your son Wei will be ready to marry. By then, you’ll have your own granddaughter to cherish, and you won’t long for your niece.”
Third Madam stated, “I won’t rush my sons into marriage too early; at least they should be eighteen or twenty. Some families marry off their sons hastily at fifteen or sixteen, which isn’t ideal for their well-being…” She then looked at Chen Feng and continued, “So, I will keep an eye on your future daughter. Trust me, she’ll be in good hands. I admire your and Xuan’s qualities, which is why I look forward to your daughter. If it were someone else’s, I wouldn’t be interested.”
Chen Feng could only chuckle awkwardly to brush off the topic.
Not long after, Chu Zhen arrived. She greeted Third Madam and Chen Feng with a forced smile, her eyes slightly red. Seeing that Third Madam was preoccupied and uninterested in household matters that day, she was directed by the stewardess to the council chamber to handle family affairs.
Shortly after, Mama Qian who was assigned to Chu Zhen returned. She reported to Third Madam that Madam Li had caused trouble again by assigning a girl to serve her sons last night. Chu Zhen had tried to reason with Madam Li before coming to Third Madam, advising her not to alienate her daughter-in-law any further as it had already displeased the senior members of the household and earned the resentment of the legitimate and illegitimate sons and daughters-in-law. Madam Li scolded her, claiming it was a mother-in-law’s prerogative to assign maidservants and accused Chu Zhen of adopting a petty attitude, which left Chu Zhen in tears…
Third Madam smirked, “For that nouveau riche to call me unrefined is truly laughable! That wretched woman needs to be taught a lesson.”
Third Madam’s expression was cryptic, undoubtedly devising a plan to deal with Madam Li.
Chen Feng remarked, “Zhen has truly improved under Third Aunt’s guidance, she can see her mother’s current predicament clearly. Second Aunt is confused and malicious, ignoring her own daughter’s advice and engaging in unethical behavior.” Concerned for Young Madam Song, she added, “Both Second Aunt’s daughters-in-law are sensible, but under a mother-in-law like this, they are unlucky. Especially sister Song, she’s truly pitiable.”
Without Madam Li’s consent, Young Madam Song and Young Madam Shen responded to Third Madam’s “initiative” by donating twenty taels of silver, much to Madam Li’s discontent. She felt that they not only aided Third Madam but also caused her financial loss.
The day after Madam Li was pressured by the Second Master to donate thirty taels of silver, Young Madam Song and Young Madam Shen visited her to pay their respects. Madam Li made Young Madam Shen stand inside the house all day but kept Young Madam Song waiting outside for hours. That evening, Young Madam Song developed a high fever and had to call for a physician to administer treatment.
Third Madam cursed, “That Li is heartless. Even the maids changing the door curtains every hour in this freezing weather, let alone lady Song, who comes from a humble background, is a delicate daughter of an official. How can she endure such suffering?” She sighed, “Lady Song is a pitiable soul, since she married into the Chu family, she’s hardly had a day of peace. I’ve helped her before, but the more I help, the more Li resents lady Song. Subsequently, the torment she inflicts on her intensifies, and I can’t intervene any longer.”
Chen Feng suggested, “Second Uncle is filial and reluctant to take on distant assignments. If we have grandfather intervene and allow him to take the illegitimate child of Second Uncle away from the capital, she wouldn’t have endured Li’s mistreatment all these years.”
Chu Lingqi is a decent person, highly regarded by Chu Lingxuan. He praises him as kind, patient, and capable but oppressed by his formidable stepmother. To ensure his well-being, Chu Lingxuan avoids much interaction with him at home. The brothers wish to converse more and plan to visit a tavern outside for drinks.
Chu Lingxuan previously asked if Chu Lingqi would accompany him to Dingzhou. Chu Lingqi expressed concern about the Second Master’s health, preferring not to venture far. Despite enduring mistreatment from his stepmother, he believes that enduring it for now will lead to better days once they separate households. However, he fears that if he and his wife were to leave, his birth mother in her quarters would face even harsher treatment from Madam Li.
Third Madam added, “Chu Lingqi is filial but overly cautious, often indecisive. He may be sacrificing his wife and son for the sake of his birth mother.” Turning to Chen Feng, she remarked, “Growing up in a secondary residence may be a blessing. In the capital, there are many stepmothers as ruthless as Li. While Li is cruel, she lacks cunning. Her greed is well-known, and her mistreatment of illegitimate sons and daughters is no secret. If faced with a more cunning and malicious stepmother, the illegitimate children wouldn’t stand a chance.”
Chen Feng agreed with this assessment. Madam Li’s avarice was widely known throughout the noble circles in the capital, causing sympathy for the Second Master Chu and his son. Despite Madam Li’s attempts to influence the Second Master Chu, she faced no consequences. With Young Madam Song’s situation now so blatant, if Lingqi were to take his wife and son away, the household and the Second Master Chu would surely support him.