Chapter 93: The General

Steward Luo estimated about five feet and suggested making ten dolls with the remaining material to make clothes, thanking Chen Feng for helping young miss.

Before leaving, Chen Feng wanted to buy five pairs of plum blossom buttons to give as a gift to her young cousin. Manager Luo smiled and had the attendant bring five pairs of the cheapest plum blossom buttons as a gift for her.

Chen Feng had set her sights on a slightly more expensive type, but seeing Manager Luo’s generosity, she didn’t say much and accepted the gift.

The group took a Chu mansion carriage to travel, which was much faster. Chen Feng and her son sat inside the carriage, while Steward Luo sat with the carriage driver outside.

During the journey, Steward Luo mentioned that the young miss was very fond of the swallow dolls, especially the larger one. She even slept while hugging it. However, it was accidentally thrown away by a servant, causing Hanyan to cry and fret for several days, which also affected her health…

What he didn’t mention was that after returning to the mansion from Tangyuan, Chu Hanyan’s eyes, which had almost never moved, occasionally followed the movement of the dolls. Not only did she say “birdie’s laughing” and “birdie’s flying,” but sometimes she would even say “Dabao.” Although her speech wasn’t very smooth, it was the only thing she said besides “father,” “mother,” and “grandfather.” Their master was exceptionally pleased, almost excited.

However, after the large swallow doll was thrown away by Granny Xu, her condition worsened for several days, then reverted to its original state. This made their master so angry that he ordered Granny Xu to be executed by caning and replaced the attendants serving Hanyan. Even the steward son’s wife, Wei, was temporarily brought to the mansion to serve her.

Steward Luo briefly introduced the situation at the Chu mansion. In the Dingzhou, Chu mansion, only their master, Chu Lingxuan, and his daughter, Chu Hanyan, resided. Steward Luo proudly added, “Our master is only twenty-three years old and is already a general. He is the youngest third-ranking military officer in the Dachun Dynasty.”

Dabao was very impressed. He widened his eyes and exclaimed, “Oh, the General, such a high-ranking official!”

His exaggerated expression made Steward Luo and the carriage driver, Qinbo, burst into laughter.

Chen Feng thought to herself that it was quite remarkable for someone so young to achieve the rank of third-ranking officer, even though he was a military officer. However, with only the father and daughter in the mansion, the general’s official duties must be very demanding. The young girl was already ill, and her relatives were often absent, making her quite pitiable.

Taking advantage of the opportunity, Chen Feng also asked Steward Luo about a reliable land store in the city. She had saved some money and wanted to buy some land.

Steward Luo smiled and said, “Ms. Chen is indeed capable. I will also be staying in the city for a few days, waiting for young miss’s birthday to pass before leaving. When the time comes, I’ll accompany you to a trustworthy store. I know a good land seller and the place.”

Chen Feng was overjoyed and quickly expressed her gratitude. With Steward Luo’s help, she wouldn’t have to worry about being taken advantage of.

Upon returning to Chen Shi’s House, Mrs. Wang suggested not going to the Chu mansion, as she was afraid of encountering nobility. But, with her daughter and grandson accompanied by Steward Luo, she felt at ease.

Chen Feng gave the plum blossom buttons to Chen Aman, and the young girl was delighted, covering her mouth and continuously expressing her joy, saying she would immediately make new clothes.

She then went to the guest room, closed the door, and entered the space.

Busy as he was, the Golden Swallow heard that Chen Feng wanted to take some agarwood tree bark to make something for his beautiful sister. He quickly stopped his work and looked at Chen Feng with curiosity. “Alright, I’ll give it to you. Mommy, remember, I’m helping not only the beautiful sister, but also you. Mommy, don’t forget about this favor.”

Chen Feng was both amused and annoyed. The child was so naive, almost delusional. Not to mention the strict social hierarchies in the world, there was an insurmountable gap between them. Even if they were of the same social status and even if they had mutual affection, it didn’t mean they could be together.

Fortunately, she was an adult soul who had experienced heartache and knew her own worth. If it had been a fifteen-year-old girl, it would have been troublesome to be emotionally stirred up by the Golden Swallow. Unrequited love was quite painful.

She resolved to talk to the Golden Swallow when she had the chance, to refrain from speaking such irrelevant words.

The Golden Swallow pecked a piece of agarwood bark, about the size of an eye booger, with its small beak. It then said that the wood should not be soaked in water, but boiled directly, and only a small amount of the flavor was needed to avoid it being too overpowering.

Chen Feng used her slender fingers to pick up the small yellow dot from the bird’s beak and wiped it onto a handkerchief, then wrapped the cloth and tucked it into her bosom before leaving the guest room.

Seeing that someone as important as Steward Luo had come to their home and that it was already noon, Chen Shi warmly insisted that he, Chen Feng and Dabao should join them for lunch.

Steward Luo waved his hand and smiled, “No need, I along with Miss Chen and Dabao will come to Chu’s mansion for lunch.”

Chen Feng and Dabao, along with Qiqi and Gray, followed Steward Luo and rode a carriage to the Chu mansion.

The Chu mansion was located on Wanxiang Street, not far from West Street, and it was inhabited by the elites of Dingzhou Prefecture’s city.

Upon arrival at the Chu mansion, the carriage went directly to the second gate. After everyone alighted, they entered the Drooping Flower Gate. It was evident that Steward Luo held a prominent position in the Chu household, as even an outsider like him was allowed to enter the second gate, and the gatekeeper was very eager to please him.

The mansion was a four-part residence, not overly large but exquisitely crafted, with pavilions, towers, and beautiful flowers and plants throughout, along with connected corridors.

As they arrived at the gate of a small courtyard, Steward Luo said, “This is where young miss resides, the Joyful Pavilion.” After speaking, he walked right in.

Chen Feng and Dabao followed him inside.

The courtyard was filled with colorful flowers and the air was filled with the fragrance of flowers. Chrysanthemums and hibiscus were in full bloom, and several birdcages hung from the trees and eaves. Birds were hopping and singing merrily in their cages.

In the center of the courtyard, a tall man dressed in a pale-colored robe was holding a little girl in his arms at an angle. The midday sun cast a halo of light upon him, giving his fair skin a rosy hue. He was completely absorbed in looking at his daughter, with his previously stern features softened considerably and his gaze no longer aloof but filled with concern and tenderness, like a deep, tranquil autumn water.

This man was none other than Chu Lingxuan, the “hero” who had once saved Chen Feng, and the little girl was Chu Hanyan.

Perhaps because Chen Feng had initially seen him in his heroic aura, she had always perceived him as cold and dignified. Seeing him like this was somewhat surprising.

At the very least, he was undoubtedly a good father.

Chen Feng and Dabao were hesitant and followed behind Steward Luo. However, Qiqi and Gray, not understanding the situation, flew out of their basket upon seeing the beautiful sister.

Although they were afraid of Chu Lingxuan and didn’t dare to land on him, they circled around the heads of the father and daughter. They kept chirping “sister Yan” and “beautiful sister,” sounding exactly like Dabao.