Fortunate Life of the Rural Beauty
Chapter 211 - 210: So Happy

Chapter 211: Chapter 210: So Happy

Shan Zi, who went to collect Dahu and his sister from the main house, told them that the main house was in an uproar when he arrived. Chen Agu was yelling at Mrs. Hu, but Hu Laowu’s voice was even louder.

Chen Afu asked curiously, "What’s Hu Laowu causing a ruckus in the main house for?"

Shan Zi replied, "It seems Uncle Chen is also ill. The Old Lady wanted to send Mrs. Hu back to her parents’ home to recover, because the house can’t take care of two sick people at once. Hu Laowu wouldn’t allow Mrs. Hu to go back, even went so far as saying if she wanted to die, why not drown herself or hang herself. Instead, she shamelessly burdened others. He declared that he no longer has a sister as stupid as a donkey, and forbade her to return home again. If she had nowhere to go, she could go jump in the river, after all, there is no lid on the river... He said a lot, but my memory is fuzzy. He scolded Mrs. Hu so badly that she wailed. He also pointed out that with respect to the growing fortune of the eldest daughter, even a fool could see that things would only get better and Uncle Chen II would also prosper. Instead of currying favor with these good relatives, they dared say those words. He suggested they use their pig brains to think, if those words of Mrs. Hu’s ever reached the governor, he might expose their scandal to the military, or likely poison or kill them. He continued to say..." He trailed off, unable to continue.

"What else did he say? Go on." Chen Afu urged.

Shan Zi’s voice became even softer, "Hu Laowu also said, everyone knows what’s going on with the eldest daughter, Uncle Chen has the clearest idea. They should consider why the shit-eater would want to keep the shit-producer. The eldest daughter is doing The Chens a favor out of goodwill, not obligation. If she’s provoked and puts the Chen family in order, don’t blame him, Hu Laowu, for tagging along..."

Chen Afu nodded and dismissed him.

While Hu Laowu could be an idiot at times, he had a clear grasp of the situation. Chen Ye may appear chivalrous but in truth, he was petty-minded and sometimes could not even distinguish right from wrong.

Hu Laowu was correct. Helping the main house was indeed out of goodwill, not obligation. She had already made up her mind that one share of Xinglong Grand Restaurant and the promised watermelon seeds would be her way of repaying Mrs. Chen, Chen Ye, and Chen Agu for their past protection. In the future, they should not expect to benefit from her without giving anything in return. Chen Afu had never spent a penny from The Chens; her upbringing was funded by Mrs. Wang’s earnings.

However, it did leave her wondering why Chen Ye hadn’t argued back even after such crude insults from Hu Laowu. Was he seriously ill?

Thinking about those people made Afu agitated. She suppressed the emotions welling up in her and headed to the West Wing, where she saw the children presenting birthday gifts to the birthday boy.

The Luo family and the Wu family were aware that it was Dabao’s birthday, so Ms. Chu, the Luo brother and sister, and Shitou had brought birthday gifts.

Chu Hanyan gifted two Wen Shangzhai’s Goat Hair Brushes with the words, "Wishing Dabao a successful academic journey." In addition, on behalf of Chu Lingxuan, she gifted a jade pen holder.

The Luo brother and sister gifted a set of satin Gowns and shoes, made by Mrs. Wei personally, and Shitou presented a Wood Carved Sheep.

Yang Chao and Yang Qian only learned that it was Dabao’s birthday this morning and felt quite embarrassed for not preparing gifts. Yang Chao nevertheless removed a wallet he wore on his belt and gave it to him, saying that it was brand new, only been worn for two days.

Yang Qian took a new handkerchief from Mrs. Huang, one of several she always had on her person when traveling. Speaking sweetly, she said, "Brother Dabao, this handkerchief is embroidered with red carps. It’s my very favorite one."

Regardless of the gift, Dabao was thrilled and thanked everyone graciously.

The sight of the children melted Chen Afu’s heart, washing away her agitation.

She kept them entertained for a while with games before announcing, "Auntie will go to the kitchen and will make something really yummy and beautiful for you, just wait patiently."

"Okay," agreed the children in chorus.

Afu had the girls play with the kids in the classroom while she busied herself in the kitchen.

Jin Yanzi knew that it was Dabao’s birthday today and had specially brought him a green swallow’s nest the size of eye grit. Afu praised her generosity and let Dabao drink the swallow’s nest, which was so delicious Dabao squinted with delight.

Jin Yanzi, knowing that Afu was going to make the legendary birthday cake, stayed at home to play with Qi Qi and Hui Hui. The other birds who were restless had already flown off.

Around midday, Chen Ming asked Aunt Mu to deliver the birthday gifts he and Mrs. Wang prepared for Dabao, a set of handmade silk gowns, mentioning that they wouldn’t be coming over.

As it turns out, Hu Laowu, Chen Ye, Mrs. Chen, and Agu went to Lu Garden. They wanted to come to Fu Garden to celebrate Dabao’s birthday, but they were dissuaded by Chen Ming. He said there were nobles at Fu Garden, and they didn’t want to disturb them. Nonetheless, they asked Aunt Mu to deliver a tiny silver lock from The Hus and a small gown from the first branch of the family, handmade by Mrs. Gao.

Aunt Mu also said that half of Chen Ye’s face was swollen to a great extent, and his voice was hoarse. Hu Laowu and Agu kept apologizing to Chen Ming and promised to manage Mrs. Hu effectively, asking Chen Ming for patience...

She paused and continued, "Uncle Chen asks you to send over two dishes to thank them for remembering Dabao’s birthday."

Afu replied, "I didn’t cook any dishes for lunch today. For those people, except my parents, I don’t want to specifically cook for them."

After agreeing, Aunt Mu left.

Indeed, instead of making any dishes, Afu had made "long life noodles," a play on words symbolizing longevity.

At first, the children quite disappointed to only see the noodles. Yang Chao asked, "Auntie, you were so busy for so long, and all you made was a bowl of noodles?"

"Of course not," Afu laughed, "we must have the noodles today to wish our birthday star Dabao a healthy body and long life. Have the noodles first and then the dessert."

Upon hearing this, the children obediently ate their noodles.

When they finished their noodle, they saw Afu bring out a beautiful object about the size of a small round basin.

Yang Qian asked out of curiosity, "Auntie, why are you bringing over a porcelain basin with the bottom facing up? What is in the basin? How strange, there are pretty flowers carved into the bottom of the basin. Ah, and there are five small candles stuck in."

Ms. Chu might not react as quickly, but she had quite a nose. She quickly replied, "I know, I know. There’s definitely a cake inside the porcelain basin. And eggs, osmanthus syrup, rose syrup, and apples."

Afu laughed as she placed the cake on the table and said, "This is not a porcelain basin; it’s a birthday cake. Come, let’s together wish Dabao happy birthday, always and forever happy!"

When the cake was put on the table, its aroma was even stronger. The kids all chanted with Afu, "Happy birthday to Dabao, always and forever happy."

Chen Dabao felt so happy he was on the brink of tears. He felt so fortunate, and he thought his mother was amazing.