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Steward Luo smiled and said, “Mrs. Chen, can I ask Dabao and Golden Treasure to come to Tangyuan to keep young miss company? Young miss came over this morning and has been insisting on having Golden Treasure, refusing to even eat breakfast.”
Chen Feng expressed regret, “Oh, Golden Treasure flew south this morning with a flock of swallows. I’m afraid we’ll have to wait until next year to see it again.”
Steward Luo seemed a bit absent-minded, as if he couldn’t quite grasp the situation.
Chen Feng continued, “I wouldn’t dare deceive Mr. Luo. Early this morning, I saw Golden Treasure fly into a group of swallows and head south. Oh, we do have an even more beautiful little bird. How about giving it to Miss Chu to brighten her spirits?” She then invited Steward Luo into the courtyard.
When Steward Luo saw the cloud brocade sparrow, his eyes widened, and he said, “This bird is really beautiful. Are you sure you want to give it to young miss?”
Judging by Steward Luo’s expression, this cloud brocade sparrow must be extremely rare. However, since the words were already spoken, and especially since it was at the behest of the golden swallow, Chen Feng couldn’t go back on her word, even if it pained her. But she had to say it tactfully.
She smiled and said, “Yes. I heard from Dabao that your young miss Chu really likes Golden Treasure. It’s a pity that it’s cold, and Golden Treasure had to go to the south. This little bird is so pretty and has a pleasant call. Giving it to your young miss to amuse her, maybe she’ll like it.”
Steward Luo was overjoyed and wholeheartedly expressed his gratitude, “Thank you, Mrs. Chen. With this little bird’s company, my sister will definitely be pleased.”
Chen Dabao also stepped forward and said, “This little bird looks as beautiful as Little Hanyan. Giving it to her is like bestowing a treasure upon a hero.”
Upon hearing this, Steward Luo burst into laughter again.
Steward Luo’s intention was to have Dabao take Qiqi and Gray to Tangyuan, even if Golden Treasure wasn’t there. This was to allow Dabao to explain to his young miss that Golden Treasure had gone to the south and to have him, along with Qiqi and Gray, keep her company, so she would be happier.
The previous day, Steward Luo had been puzzled. How could a four-year-old child like Dabao get along so well with his young miss, and so patiently? When the young miss ignored him, he would play with the two parrots and the little dog, making a commotion to get her attention. When she looked at him, he would smile at her and say a few words. Even when she ignored him, he would remain unfazed, continuing to sit quietly. When she looked at him again, he would exchange a few words with her.
In the past, his family had engaged many maids and children to keep the young miss company, but none of them managed to capture her attention. Only he, a four-year-old boy, had unexpectedly captivated her, if only for a very short time, enough to move his Madam to tears.
Last night, his wife had inquired and found out that the child had been adopted and that his mother had once been mentally ill. No wonder he was so adept at dealing with such patients. However, it was a lot to ask of such a young child.
Steward Luo’s attention was now on Chen Feng. This young lady, so lively and articulate, didn’t seem like someone who had once been mentally ill. Perhaps there was hope for their young Madam’s condition now…
Chen Feng felt uncomfortable. It was truly a case of the powerful forcing another family’s child to keep their own child company. The key issue was that kindness wasn’t being reciprocated, and she was afraid they might take advantage of Dabao.
Feeling uneasy, she didn’t dare show her displeasure.
She forced a smile and said, “Mr. Luo, although we’re poor, we cherish our children and would never sell them.”
Steward Luo assured Chen Feng that there was no need to worry. He explained that his Madam had given her word, and no one dared to have any ill intentions towards Dabao, Golden Treasure, Qiqi, or Gray. He also mentioned that if Chen’s family encountered any trouble in the future, they could reach out to him, as he managed matters at Tangyuan and had some influence in the area.
Chen Feng felt relieved upon hearing this, as long as no harm came to Dabao, Golden Treasure, or the others.
Additionally, she had been anxious about the absence of the golden swallow outside, fearing that their family’s newfound wealth might attract unwanted attention. With Steward Luo’s assurance, she hoped that their days at home would improve.
She then retrieved the little swallow doll and said, “I heard from Dabao that little Miss Chu said Golden Treasure can smile, so I made a smiling little swallow to give to Miss Chu to play with.” She added, “Excuse the rudeness, please don’t mind it.”
Steward Luo saw the doll and, though it was decently made, hesitated to accept it due to the poor fabric. Understanding his reluctance, Chen Feng smiled and gave the doll to Dabao.
Thus, Dabao, along with the smiling Golden Treasure, Qiqi, Gray, and Zhui Feng, accompanied Steward Luo, carrying the birdcages, to Tangyuan.
Shortly after they left, Changgen’s wife arrived with Shitou.
She brought needlework and proposed to join Chen Feng. In addition to a small gourd of milk for Chen Lu, she also brought six pears, explaining that there was a variety of pears among their relatives and she brought the first batch over.
She also remarked, “Oh, the rose jelly cake that Dabao brought yesterday was both cute and delicious. I heard from my father-in-law that it’s a delicacy from the Qingxiang store in the capital, quite expensive… Tsk tsk, your Dabao is clever, winning the little noble’s favor.”
She didn’t mention that last night, Steward Luo’s wife specifically inquired about the situation in the Chen family’s second household, particularly about Dabao and Chen Feng.
Her mother-in-law had divulged all the family’s affairs.
Early that morning, her mother-in-law had sent her to inquire whether it was true that Dabao had won the favor of the little miss at Tangyuan.
Chen Feng chuckled and said, “Dabao has been boasting at your house again. It’s just that the little noble at Tangyuan finds it boring and wants to find a playmate.”
Upon hearing that Dabao had been called away to Tangyuan again, Shitou became upset, tears welling up. He wanted to go to Tangyuan to play with Dabao.
Changgen’s wife scolded him, “Are you courting trouble? Tangyuan isn’t a place you can just go whenever you want.”
Upset, Shitou went to play with Sixizi.
They all sat in the west room of the new courtyard, doing their needlework. Mrs. Wang also joined them, and they chatted and laughed together.
Changgen’s wife also shared some tales about Tangyuan. She had visited once to deliver a basin. She mentioned that the garden had many begonias, hence its name. Although no one from the Wu family had seen the Madam of Tangyuan, they were quite familiar with Steward Luo and his wife. She also mentioned that Steward Luo wielded significant power in this generation, such that not even the local landlords and officials dared to provoke him, and even the county officials in the city had to show him respect…
After hearing her words, Chen Feng was determined to ensure the safety of Dabao and Qiqi. As long as Tangyuan didn’t have any ill intentions towards them, she was committed to securing their safety.