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In the palace, the Second Prince was infuriated. He had anticipated the heavy snowfall to cease at noon on the thirtieth day of the first lunar month. He intended to conduct a blood sacrifice alone to earn the Emperor’s full favor, hoping to change the Emperor’s insistence for the sake of the country and the people. However, his plans were thwarted by the conniving Seventh Prince, who managed to gather all the adult princes for the sacrificial ceremony.
The Third Prince, adept at deception, had fasted and conducted the blood sacrifice while ill, stealing the limelight and earning widespread praise. Currently, in the eyes of the common people, the Third Prince’s reputation had reached new heights. Had the Emperor truly altered his previous stance and begun paving the way for the Third Prince?
The Second Prince felt uneasy, fearing that his strategic move might inadvertently assist the Third Prince.
Although the snow disaster had ended, the sudden rise in temperature transitioned from cold winter to warm spring. Many elderly and children who had endured the snow calamity fell ill and succumbed to the sudden warmth.
The Second Prince recalled a similar occurrence in a past life when peculiar weather patterns led to an epidemic in Liaozhou, resulting in Chu Guangkai’s unexpected demise during a northern inspection.
In response to the sudden temperature rise, the Emperor decreed nationwide post-disaster reconstruction efforts, emphasizing disease prevention and control. Those who perished in the snow disaster, both people and livestock, were to be swiftly buried and handled…
Chen Feng paid little attention to national affairs. Before returning to Dingzhou, she aimed to visit the families she needed to see.
On the second day of the second lunar month, Chen Feng took her children to the pseudo mother’s residence—the Jiang Mansion.
The Jiang family members conducted themselves with grace, and their relatives continued to do so. They treated the mother and her children as close grandchildren, making them feel entirely at ease.
Jiang Daren, Madam Jiang’s father, a third-tier official position that lacked significant influence. True visionaries would not seek his favor. After Chen Shiying’s incident, he sought help from many but found no one truly capable of assisting. Even meeting Chen Shiying was only possible through connections with the Chu family.
Old lady Jiang, Madam Jiang’s mother embraced Siyu and Siming, presenting them with generous gifts. Then, she took Chen Feng’s hand and expressed, “Your mother wrote to me, grateful for your care and son-in-law for them…”
Chen Feng sincerely replied, “My mother is virtuous and kind-hearted, and Yuqing and Yulan are sensible. We get along very well.”
Old lady Jiang wiped a tear and continued, “This second daughter of mine has always been kind and sensible since she was young, but faced hardships in recent years. Fortunately, she met your father later on, but…”
At the mere mention of Chen Shiying, old lady Jiang became even more sorrowful and broke into tears. Chen Shiying was her most beloved and proud son-in-law, facing such unfortunate circumstances.
Chen Feng consoled old lady Jiang, “Great tasks are entrusted to those with great qualities, who must endure hardships and toil… My father is a capable man, and perhaps this is a test of his will by the heavens. He believes this as well, and his emotions have not been affected.”
Old lady Jiang’s sister-in-law, Mrs. Jiang, hastened to reassure her, “Sister, look, your granddaughter-in-law also speaks in the same manner, right? My husband has similar thoughts. Your son-in-law possesses great talent and is capable. He will be greatly valued in the future after undergoing some trials…”
Upon hearing this, the old lady felt somewhat comforted.
After lunch and a short while of rest, Chen Feng and the children returned home.
Shortly after arriving at the Bamboo Pavilion, the old Marquis and Marquis Chu came over. The weather was warmer that day, and Marquis Chu wasn’t wearing a hat. Chen Feng noticed a fresh scar on his forehead, thick and long, resembling a red earthworm crawling across, appearing quite fierce and terrifying. It shocked and saddened Chen Feng to see such a large scar, she wondered how he got it.
Despite being a middle-aged handsome man, the scar marred Marquis Chu’s overall appearance.
Initially grim-faced and with a heavy tension, Marquis Chu’s expression softened immediately upon seeing the two boys on the bed. There was warmth in his eyes as he took out two pieces of jade pendants from his pocket, asking their mother to keep them safe.
The two boys were already asleep, and Marquis Chu sat quietly beside them, watching over.
The old Marquis instructed Chen Feng, “Prepare a few tasty and light dishes, then call the third son. We shall have a drink together.”
Chen Feng nodded, leading the housekeeper and the maid to the kitchen to prepare the meal.
It was winter, and with recent calamities, supplies were scarce. Although there was no shortage of rice and flour at home, preparing delicious dishes was challenging. Fresh vegetables were limited to radishes and white turnips. Chen Feng had sprouted some bean sprouts and grown some garlic shoots but hadn’t dared to use the Golden Swallow’s droppings.
Given Marquis Chu’s facial injury, they couldn’t prepare braised dishes or seafood, making the task even more difficult. After some thought, Chen Feng made roasted chestnut chicken, pickled cabbage fish, crispy duck, sour cabbage duck blood tofu, braised pork with preserved vegetables, stir-fried garlic shoots with cured meat, crispy bean curd rolls, stir-fried bicolored mushrooms, refreshing wood ear fungus, garlic-flavored bean sprouts, white turnip and pig trotter soup.
Chen Feng entered a room while no one is around, accessed the space and retrieved a large piece of Swallow Agarwood fragrant green leaves, known for their beautifying properties. She hoped this item would help reduce the visibility of the scar on the handsome gentleman’s forehead. Chen Feng placed the green leaves in wine to mask some of their fragrance, as the wine’s strong aroma could help conceal the scent. Since she had previously added some agarwood barks to the wine, giving it a unique fragrance, adding the leaves wouldn’t stand out much.
Not only did she request the presence of Third Master Chu, but she also invited Third Madam, Chu Lingwei, and Chu Lingzhi.
Aware that the three men had important matters to discuss, she arranged for them to dine in the west room while Chen Feng, Third Madam, and the brothers dined in the east room.
Third Madam whispered to Chen Feng, “The scar on Eldest Brother-in-law’s forehead must have been caused by Rong Zhao.” She expressed her frustration, “Brother-in-law is too tolerant. If I were there, I would have given her a good scolding. She snatches something away without realizing its value.”
Chen Feng also suspected Princess Rong Zhao to be the cause of the injury. She couldn’t understand why they had resorted to physical violence. If only the Golden Swallow were around, she could have led the birds to do the dirty work.
After the meal, Marquis Chu instructed Chen Feng to visit the Princess Mansion before returning to Dingzhou. As the nominal daughter-in-law, it was customary and proper to pay respects to Princess Rong Zhao and Marquis Chu before leaving, but she was advised not to bring the children. Marquis Chu assured her he would be waiting at the mansion, ensuring no unexpected incidents would occur.
The thought of meeting Princess Rong Zhao made Chen Feng feel uneasy. Third Madam volunteered to accompany her, mentioning she hadn’t seen Rong Zhao since the foot injury.
Considering the series of unfortunate events in the Chu family, Chen Feng felt it was best not to involve Third Madam Chu in any potential misfortune at Princess Rong Zhao’s Mansion. The superstitions surrounding Princess Rong Zhao’s presence made it unwise for Third Madam to go there. Chen Feng declined the offer, assuring Third Madam that she would be fine with Marquis Chu’s presence.
Understandably, Third Madam agreed, realizing that misfortune seemed to linger around Rong Zhao’s vicinity. She nodded and instructed, “Have Mama Huang accompany you. She is well-versed in palace etiquette.”
The next day, Chen Feng sent a notice to the Princess Mansion, informing them of her visit with the children to pay respects to the princess.