Fortunate Life of the Rural Beauty
Chapter 130 - 129: Lend a Hand

Chapter 130: Chapter 129: Lend a Hand

Chen Afu continued, "Actually, during the past when I was ’sick,’ I would occasionally have moments of clarity. When I saw my dear parents, Alu, Dabao, and others who loved me, always there by my side, caring for me, I would feel very happy and relaxed, not fearing others’ oppression. Now, we need to make Yan feel that the outside world is just as beautiful and make her feel that her family loves her, cherishes her, and will not abandon her. Only then will she be willing to step out of her own world."

She said so to let Chu Lingxuan know the importance of constant care from loved ones to the young girl. No matter what reason their family had, they couldn’t just come and go as they pleased, leaving the girl to the servants and making her alone taste the unease and pain of being abandoned.

The way her family seemingly spoiled her, with numerous people celebrating her birthday, and the quality of her clothing and supplies, none of these exhibitionist displays had any effect on the child. The most crucial thing was regular companionship and consistent care.

Chu Lingxuan listened, and a sharp pain struck his heart. His gaze lingered on Chen Afu for a moment before he turned and walked towards the West Room; Manager Luo followed closely behind. After two steps, he signaled Chen Afu to follow.

Chen Afu was confused, slightly regretting speaking out of turn. The upper-classes were known for their capricious behavior. Acting out of kindness might even invite hostility. Reluctantly, she steeled herself and followed.

The West Room was furnished more like an intellectual lady’s living room or study. There was a row of rosewood bookcases filled with books. A large desk, shaded with carved jade, set up with the Four Treasures of the Study, and a Guqin nearby. remarkably, two small Yanzi dolls were hung on the bookcase, and a small Yanzi model sat on the writing desk.

Chu Lingxuan sat on the chair in front of the desk. The sunlight streaming in from the west window hit his back and haloed around him, casting his facial features softened by the shadows..

He raised a hand and said, "Please sit, Madam Chen." He then addressed Manager Luo, "Uncle Luo, please sit as well."

Chen Afu and Manager Luo sat, and Qiao’er brought tea.

Chen Afu sat with her head slightly bowed, her hands held together on her lap.

Chu Lingxuan tapped his slender fingers against the desk a few times, falling silent for a moment before he coughed slightly and reluctantly approached the subject with Chen Afu. "Yan’er’s mother died giving birth, and I wasn’t by her side at that time. As soon as she was born, people blamed her for her mother’s death. Two years later, when I first saw her at the court... At that time, she looked as skinny as a monkey, staring blankly at a swallow’s nest under the eaves while the wet nurses and maidservants nearby..." He seemed unable to continue. The hand resting on the table clenched into a fist so tight that the veins showed, and he suppressed his fury.

Manager Luo wiped a tear from his reddened eyes and whispered, "Young Master."

Manager Luo’s call seemed to bring Chu Lingxuan back from his memories. He loosened his clenched fist and sighed, saying, "Upon seeing Yan’er in that state, I brought her to The Chus’ Mansion. But my family is...complicated. My biological mother had left... left our house, my grandmother has been deceased for many years, my grandfather is occupied with official matters in Capital City, and it wouldn’t be appropriate to burden all other female family members... Therefore, I moved Yan’er to Dingzhou where I found a job. But I often have to be elsewhere on official duties and can’t always accompany Yan’er. Sometimes, I would send her to Tang Garden, thinking that Uncle Luo’s family is reliable and close to my mother. But even though my mother loves Yan’er, she can’t stay in worldly life forever... sigh..." He sighed deeply and then added, "What happened to Yan’er is our family’s responsibility, but we really didn’t have a choice. I’ve been this busy, not only for my career but more for Yan’er to have a better future. I have to do it...">

Although Chu Lingxuan wasn’t very clear about his explanations nor specific about the key parts, Chen Afu could understand from what he had said; Ms. Chu’s past was even more miserable than she had imagined, The Chus’ family was even more complicated, and this seemingly cold Chu Lingxuan was carrying so much helplessness...

She felt more sympathetic to Ms. Chu. No wonder she was introverted; anyone who had lived in such an environment from an early age would also retreat into their shell and refuse to come out.

Chu Lingxuan then said, "Master Chen, I believe that under your guidance, Yan’er will get better and step out of her world. My family and I will always remember and appreciate your help for Yan’er. Now, I have another inappropriate request and hope you could help..."

Chen Afu looked up at him.

Chu Lingxuan said, "Could Yan’er go to your home when you are having a rest day, and neither my mother or I are in Tang Garden? Yan’er is so dependant on you, having you by her side is equivalent to having all her family members around. Don’t worry, she will only go during daytime; she has already gotten used to sleeping with Mrs. Song at night and will return to Tang Garden to rest. She would follow you wherever you go during the daytime. And..." he added, "Rest assured, I will increase your monthly payment."

Chen Afu replied, "Whether you increase the payment or not is not important. Yan and I have already developed a bond, and I can’t bear to see her hurt. However, we are country folks, our house is simple and it might not meet Yan’s accustomed standards."

Chu Lingxuan pursed his lips, a hint of a smile making his dimples more apparent. He said, "I think, in Yan’er’s eyes, anywhere with Master Chen would be a paradise."

Who would have thought that such an icy person could be so eloquent?

Chen Afu also smiled knowingly. Even if Chu Lingxuan hadn’t made this request, she had been contemplating it herself; she couldn’t bear to see this child suffering. She nodded and agreed, "Alright, in the future when I have my day off, Uncle Luo can bring Yan’er to my house."

Manager Luo quickly said, "Alright."

Chu Lingxuan added, "In that case, I thank you, Master Chen. However, I must depart for the field tomorrow and it may be a while, perhaps more than twenty days, before I return. My absence will impose on Master Chen and Uncle Luo’s family to look after Yan’er."

Manager Luo was quick to respond, "Young master, it is our duty as servants to care for the young lady."

Chen Afu also nodded in agreement.

With all matters resolved, she stood and said, "Since Mr. Chu is accompanying Yan today, I will head home now."

Chu Lingxuan nodded, and gave a signal to Manager Luo who immediately stood up to accompany Chen Afu out.