Fortunate Life of the Rural Beauty
Chapter 157 - 156: Fearless

Chapter 157: Chapter 156: Fearless

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Chen Afu hugged Mrs. Wang and whispered, "Mother, don’t say that, you didn’t upset Afu, you didn’t shame me. I should thank you. Thank you for keeping me, giving birth to me, raising me into an adult, seeking medical treatment for me... Thank you, mother. And father, he never despised me and gave me a warm home..."

Little Afu, who has passed away, would surely echo her feelings.

Towards the end, Chen Afu also started crying. Both mother and daughter embraced each other in tears. Mrs. Wang seemed to remember something, she lifted her tear-streaked face and asked, "Afu, what... what do you know?"

Chen Afu went on, "Mother, it doesn’t matter who I resemble, nor does it matter who people say is my biological father. These aren’t important to me. All I know is that you’re the best mother in the world, my father is the best father, and Alu, Dabao, the five of us will always be a family."

Mrs. Wang’s eyes welled up even more. Although her daughter hadn’t explicitly said it, she knew who her biological father was. It was unsurprising. With all the rumors in the village, how could she fail to guess?

Mrs. Wang felt overwhelming shame and cried, "Afu, your mother... your mother was young then; he... he treated me very well when we were young. He was dependent on me too much and before I knew it..."

She couldn’t bring herself to utter the words "I couldn’t help it" to her daughter. She burst into even more tears.

Chen Afu counseled, "Mother, I know. Many things just happen, people can’t control them..."

Chen Afu comforted Mrs. Wang for a while. Although Mrs. Wang felt embarrassed by her daughter’s frankness, her sorrow was alleviated. Having such an understanding and lovely daughter was worth everything.

Mrs. Wang’s sobs lessened, then she asked, "What if they devise other schemes since they’re so afraid of you working at Tang Garden and couldn’t achieve their goal? Junior Officer Zhao is truly awful, and that... woman, is incredibly cunning..."

Chen Afu comforted her, "Mother, don’t worry. Junior Officer Zhao, despite being malicious, can’t interfere with our life in Xiangluo Village. That woman, despite being fiercely manipulative, relies on her son. That man, although a high-ranking official, comes from a humble family. He doesn’t dare provoke Mr. Chu from a prestigious family. Otherwise, they wouldn’t fear me working at Tang Garden, they must be terrified that the master of Tang Garden learns of their shameful deeds. Now we live near Tang Garden, they can’t harm us blatantly. But you should remember, don’t go far alone. Stay home when idle, don’t open the door casually. As for brother, Shan Zi should pick him up to and from school..."

While they talked, a knock sounded on the door. Shan Zi opened the door and Chu Hanyan, crying, was brought into Lu Garden by Dabao and a few others from Tang Garden.

Seeing them arrive, both mother and daughter quickly wiped away their tears. Mrs. Wang lowered her head and went to the main hall. Chen Afu came out carrying Chu Hanyan whose face was covered with tears. She was too worn out to comfort the little girl so she just held her and sat on a chair to rest. Chu Hanyan sat in Chen Afu’s lap, her crying stopped, her little face pressed tightly to her chest.

Seeing the red eyes of his grandmother and mother, Dabao also had red circles around his eyes. He walked over, tugging her and asked, "Mother, why were you and grandmother crying?"

Chen Afu forced a smile and replied, "We just recalled some old matters, and felt a bit sad. Don’t worry son, it’s nothing serious."

Mrs. Song and Mrs. Wei felt awkward noticing that the other party was dealing with something. But, their little master insisted that she be taken to Master Chen’s house amidst her tears and fuss.

Once Little Chu calmed down, Chen Afu led her to the South room to play with building blocks. She sat down and even thoughtfully said, "Want eat.... Auntie’s... Fan Fan..."

Mrs. Song blushed, whispered, "Miss, don’t say like this."

Little Chu pouted and insisted, "Want eat."

Chen Afu sighed, said, "Okay, auntie will make delicious food. Be good and play here."

She went to the kitchen and mentioned the dishes to Aunt Mu. She didn’t do the cooking herself but just sat by the fire. It was a breather.

Little Chu had a meal here as she wished and received a promise from Chen Afu to come to Tang Garden when she woke from her nap. Then, she returned to Tang Garden for a nap. Dabao wanted to stay with his mother, but Chen Afu led him with Chu Hanyan to Tang Garden for a rest.

When the commotion in the western wing finally calmed down, Chen Afu entered her space. She was extremely tired and wanted to vent her feelings to someone.

Jin Yanzi was busy. Looking up, she noticed Chen Afu’s eyes were red and even her nose was red. She quickly stopped her work and chirped, "Mommy, you got another Daddy, a high-ranking officer. You should be happy."

Chen Afu rolled her eyes in exasperation, leaned against the agarwood to settle down, and uttered, "You’re joking. That Chen Shimei caused so much pain to my mother. I’m filled with hatred towards her. How could I be happy?" She went on, "Mr. Zhao has already figured out who I am, he is Mrs. Chen’s cousin brother. He will surely tell her of my identity when he goes back. I don’t know what trouble Mrs. Chen will stir up. It would be good if you were outside. You could peck that old woman’s face until it looks like a sieve."

Jin Yanzi chuckled, "Mommy, you think I can peck whomever I want?"

"Isn’t it the case?" Chen Afu retorted.

"Of course not," Jin Yanzi replied, "Unless someone attacks me or threatens to harm my master, I may peck and hurt or even kill them. If I hurt people directly in situations other than this, I will face retribution. Otherwise, wouldn’t I be the unrivaled ruler in the human world?"

Chen Afu was upset again. She sighed and closed her eyes in rest.

Jin Yanzi saw that Chen Afu didn’t want to talk. She perked up her tail and continued her work.

It was almost time for her to go to Tang Garden for work, Chen Afu got up and exited her space. At that moment, she felt re-energized.

Arriving at Tang Garden, she led the kids to exercise and play games, then let them play with building blocks.

When she returned to Lu Garden that evening, she saw the elderly lady, Chen Ye, Mrs. Hu, and Dahu sitting in the main hall. They came to witness the spectacle of Chen Afu hiring two servants after hearing the news from Mrs. Gao.

Chen Ming saw that Mrs. Wang had been crying and heard from her that Junior Officer Zhao visited their home. He knew his mother was feeling upset so he didn’t invite them to stay for dinner.

But Mrs. Hu was hoping to enjoy the feeling of being served by servants. When Chen Ye suggested going home, she didn’t budge. She said, "Uncle’s family is now rich, how can they not provide dinner when their mother and sister-in-law visit?"

Chen Ming had no choice but to invite them for dinner.

Dinner was served at the big square table in the east room.

Mrs. Hu had been expecting Aunt Mu and her son to attend them but instead, they left after setting the table. She couldn’t help snorting, "Oh, how could you not command the servants to attend us? Clearly, you are peasants who don’t know how to make use of servants even after hiring them."