Fortunate Life of the Rural Beauty
Chapter 223 - 222: Just Pretend You Didn’t See

Chapter 223: Chapter 222: Just Pretend You Didn’t See

A person who looked relatively cultured bowed to receive the jade necklace from Ninth Master’s hand and presented it in front of Chu Hanyan. Chu Hanyan bowed her head and did not dare to accept it at all.

Chen Afu said softly, "Sister, accept the gift from Ninth Master."

Upon hearing this, Chu Hanyan raised her head. There was still a layer of mist in her eyes as she timidly reached out to take the jade necklace.

After Manager Luo and others bowed and sent Ninth Master out of the wine shop, they finally breathed a sigh of relief. Manager Luo looked at the jade necklace in Chu Hanyan’s hand, and told Mrs. Song, "Make sure to keep this jade necklace safe."

Mrs. Song agreed and reached out to take the jade necklace.

Chen Afu picked up Chu Hanyan and kissed her little face, saying, "My sister is so capable, she is already not afraid of strangers. Look how much Ninth Master liked you just now."

The little girl smiled again when she heard the praise.

Chen Afu quietly asked Manager Luo, "Ninth Master seems to be a nobleman. Why would he appear in a small place like Sanqing County Town?"

Manager Luo’s eyes flickered. He said in a low voice, "Miss Chen, pretend you didn’t see him, and don’t mention to anyone that you’ve met him."

Manager Luo’s expression made Chen Afu even more convinced that Ninth Master was extraordinary. She quickly nodded in agreement.

After everyone had eaten, they went to find the Yang family.

The servant invited Chen Afu and Chu Hanyan to Mrs. Yang’s courtyard. The butler invited Manager Luo to the Outer Court for tea.

Mrs. Yang was in her forties, kind-looking and frail. Knowing that Ms. Chu was a daughter of the Marquis’ Mansion, and depending on the power of the Marquis’ Mansion to conduct business, she hurriedly asked her to take a seat on the honor seat.

Chen Afu politely declined and sat the young girl on her own lap.

Mrs. Yang sent someone to invite her son and daughter.

Chen Afu was surprised and asked, "Did brother Chao not go to school?"

Mrs. Yang sighed, "My son broke his arm when he was playing with his classmates at the private school a few days ago. It’s a pitiful sight, he has suffered a lot. It’s all his father’s fault, who hurried him off to school at the age of six. I think, there’s no rush for him to go to private school when his arm is healed. He can start next year when he is seven. Or even at the age of eight, it isn’t late." She said a few more words and was out of breath.

Chen Afu was startled by this news. She felt a bit guilty for not visiting the Yang’s house more often, she only found out such a big incident now.

Just then, Yang Qian arrived. Her little face was flushed, it was obvious she had run all the way here.

She first paid her respects to Mrs. Yang, then she rushed to Chen Afu and yelled, "Aunt Chen, Sister Yan’er, why did you come to pick us up so late? My brother broke his arm and cried in pain. It was heartbreaking. Sister Qian was very distressed." As she spoke, tears welled up in her eyes again.

Chen Afu helped her wipe her tears and gently comforted her.

After a while, Yang Chao also arrived. His left arm was suspended in front of his chest, and he walked slowly. He completely lacked the vigor he had before.

Yang Chao came before Chen Afu, his eyes red and teary, saying, "Aunt Chen, I got hurt. Oh how embarrassing, I was actually defeated by that kid Cao Yang, and I can’t even go to school anymore." He seemed quite wronged.

Chen Afu put Chu Hanyan down and pulled Yang Chao to rest against her leg, stroking his head with a pained expression, "Aw, how did this happen, remember to be more careful in the future, fight less. Don’t worry too much, children heal quickly. Your arm will be better in no time."

Upon seeing this, Mrs. Yang felt bitter sweet. Even though it was her first time meeting Chen Afu, her son, grandson and granddaughter have mentioned her countless times. The grandchildren loved her immensely, and her son even had thoughts of marrying her. But sadly, she was already chosen by Mr. Chu. Where would her son, a common merchant, dare to compete with powerful officials over a woman? Therefore, he had to let that thought go.

It would be so nice if she could marry into our family. Not only would my son be happy, she truly cares for my grandchildren as well, and I could worry less, focusing on maintaining my health.

Alas, what a pity.

Mrs. Yang suppressed these thoughts. Looking at several boxes of delicacies on the table, she smiled and said, "Thank you, Ms. Chen. Not only are the desserts you sent delicious, I actually feel less constricted after eating them." She then joked, "This must be my mouth getting greedy."

Everyone laughed at her comment.

Mrs. Yang has asthma and constantly takes prescription decoction throughout the seasons. Chen Afu, although never meeting Mrs. Yang previously, sincerely wished her health for the sake of Yang Mingyuan and the two children. She believed that the Swallow Sink Incense Tree leftovers won’t necessarily cure Mrs. Yang’s illness, but there’s still benefits in consuming it, hence every month, she would send over desserts.

Upon hearing Mrs. Yang’s words, Chen Afu smiled and said, "Since Mrs. Yin enjoys them, I’ll send them twice a month from now on."

Mrs. Yang kept thanking her, laughing and smiling.

After a little idle chatter, Yang Qian suggested that she wanted to visit Fu Garden for a few days. Upon hearing that, Yang Chao, despite his injuries, seemed more spirited and squawked to join the trip.

Chen Afu smiled at Mrs. Yang, "Mrs. Yang, I really love these two kids, let me take them to the countryside for a period of time. Rest assured, I have several servants at home, they will look after the kids well, and will not mistreat them."

Chen Afu had already planned to take them to Fu Garden, with Yang Chao getting injured, she was even more decisive about the plan. She intended to add some agarwood into his medicine, which would aid in his recovery.

Mrs. Yang laughed, "That’s great, these two little monkeys are always joyful every time they come back from your house, energetic and full of life. I’m just worried that their naughtiness will cause you trouble."

As hoped, Chen Afu left the Yangs’ residence with Yang Chao and Yang Qian. Not only Li Dong, Mrs. Huang, and Uncle Yang the driver came along, even Yang Chao’s wet nurse, Mrs. Li, joined them.

Once they returned to Fu Garden, they saw Qi Qi and Hui Hui in the courtyard playing with Zhui Feng and Wang Cai.

Yang Chao and Yang Qian loved them the most, and immediately rushed over to join them after they got off the carriage. Whereas, Chu Hanyan was looking about, searching for Jin Yanzi.

On the roof stood several chirping birds. One was Jin Yanzi, another vibrant one was Jin’er. The other four, two were larks of the house, which Chen Afu named Ge’er and Qu’er. The other two, one with green feathers was called Lu’er, the other with blue feathers was called Lan’er. Because these two birds’ feathers were exceptionally beautiful and they always liked to follow Jin Yanzi to play at home, Chen Afu gave them these names.

Jin Yanzi was standing on the roof, looking out over the scenery. Seeing them return, it quickly flew to perch on the little girl, turning its beak up to look at her happily.

Chu Hanyan’s eyes curved in amusement, she asked, "Is Jin Bao back?"

Jin Yanzi chirped at her twice, then flew onto Chen Afu’s shoulder and chirped, "From now on, Lu’er and Lan’er will live here permanently like Jin’er. The other little brothers and sisters still love the forest more, and will only occasionally come here to play."

Chen Afu sighed in relief, this was for the best. These little ones were cute, but too many of them would be too chirpy, and they’d become annoying. Just hopefully they would only visit occasionally, just to vary their diet.