Fortunate Life of the Rural Beauty
Chapter 269 - 268 Sasa

Chapter 269: Chapter 268 Sasa

The long tendrils of the ginseng had all broken, leaving only a thick and long main body. The main body was soil yellow, with deep and dense grooves, and clusters of broken short tendrils.

Even Chen Afu, who did not understand ginseng, could tell this was an old ginseng, but could not tell how old it was.

Marquis Chu was also astonished when he saw the ginseng. He said, "Afu, you’ve got another treasure. I have seen thousand-year ginseng, and none of them were this thick or had this many grooves. This ginseng is undoubtedly several thousand years old, if not ten thousand. Although its tendrils were broken and it does not look good, its medicinal properties still exist. Once it is properly prepared, it can save lives."

The old man was overjoyed. His daughter-in-law got another treasure. She truly led a charmed life.

Chen Afu laughed at the stray dog and said, "Oh, you’re too kind, coming to our home is enough, there is no need to bring such a valuable gift. Are you hungry? I’ll have someone prepare food for you."

Jin Yanzi corrected her at the side, "Mommy, your daughter-in-law did not bring a gift, she brought a dowry."

Chen Afu laughed heartily and quickly corrected herself, "Oh, I was mistaken, it’s not a gift, it’s a dowry. If this were converted into silver and used to buy things, it could be enough for a fancy dowry that can last you and your dog partner a lifetime."

The courtyard was filled with laughter, the people were no longer afraid, and they all came to watch the excitement.

Chen Afu laughed and said, "Since you have entered my home, you should have a name. Let’s call you Sasa, the name represents valor and gentleness."

Sasa didn’t fully understand, but Zhui Feng did. He barked happily several times and licked her, expressing his joy. Following that, Sasa also barked twice at Chen Afu, showing her willingness.

Chen Afu stood up with the ginseng in her hand, ordering people to prepare a bath and cook meals in the Animal House, and asked Dabao to play with Chu Hanyan and Chu Lingzhi in Tang Garden. He was to sleep there as well in case he was not used to being at home. Afu would go to look after them in Tang Garden the next few days.

Sasa was brought back by Jin Bao and Zhui Feng. She still retained some wildness, along with an unfamiliar temperament. Chen Afu needed to build a relationship with her before letting Dabao come back and bringing the children to play.

Marquis Chu agreed. Despite loving this fierce big dog, he was afraid that she may harm the children before being properly trained, especially Dabao, his obligated-to-protect-at-all-cost child.

However, he still had some concerns about Chen Afu, saying, "Let me summon a few strong women to accompany you in Fu Garden."

Of course, Chen Afu couldn’t say she had the scent of agarwood, a friend of animals, on her body. She shook her head and said, "No need. There is Zhui Feng, it won’t harm me."

All the children were reluctant to leave. Only when Chen Afu arranged for Jin Yanzi, Qi Qi, and Hui Hui to accompany them to play in Tang Garden did they reluctantly follow Marquis Chu.

After the water was boiled, Chen Afu personally bathed Sasa in the courtyard. Sasa was confused and unwilling to cooperate. But seeing Zhui Feng willingly bathing in another basin, she too jumped into the large wooden basin.

Once Sasa was cleaned, her grey fur turned white and shimmered silver under the starlight. Chen Afu exclaimed, "My heavens, Sasa, you’re beautiful." This was a compliment from her heart.

Sasa enjoyed her bath immensely after a while, she even closed her eyes in pleasure. Her eyes no longer held the ferociousness and wariness previously; they were replaced by gentleness and joy.

But that was only to Chen Afu and Zhui Feng. When Qiu Yue tried to help, Sasa gave her a warning look that scared her away.

After drying Sasa’s fur, her white hair wasn’t as fluffy as when she was dirty. It was thick, long, and extremely soft. With such abundance of fur, it made her look even rounder when standing up, like she was wearing a white fluffy skirt. If you don’t look at her large head and the intimidating wide mouth, she looked like a beautiful large white lion dog.

As for what breed this large dog was, Chen Afu had no clue. She speculated whether it was a hybrid of some animal and a dog.

Chen Afu thought to herself, she should watch it closely. Its fur was more beautiful than white fox fur, and extremely warm. She couldn’t allow someone with ill intentions to covet it.

She couldn’t help but praise again, "Zhui Feng has good taste, finding such a beautiful wife."

Zhui Feng was incredibly happy and leapt towards Chen Afu with his tongue out, expressing his excitement. Sasa didn’t know how to socialize with humans yet, and just stood there perplexedly watching.

The meal was braised pork mixed rice. It was the first time Sasa tasted such a delicious meal, so much so that she almost cried from the deliciousness. She ate two small basins of it.

Afterwards, Chen Afu led the two dogs to the West Wing Room. After Qiu Yue lit the candle, she left, leaving only Chen Afu and the two dogs in the large room.

Chen Afu sat on the wooden floor, with Zhui Feng lying next to her. She also let Sasa crawl into her lap, grooming its long white fur. They bonded over conversation, forming a close-knit circle.

Just as they were talking, they heard the courtyard gate. It was followed by Mr. Zeng’s voice, he opened the door and said, "Oh, the master has returned."

It was already late into the night when he returned.

Chu Lingxuan came directly to the West Wing Room. Seeing Chen Afu sitting on the floor surrounded by two large dogs, one with its fur shining silver, was looking at him cogently and even opening her mouth. He laughed and said, "So this is the new dog?"

Chen Afu nodded and replied with a smile, "Mmm, I have given her a name - Sasa." Seeing Sasa showing a fierce face, she patted her back and said, "Don’t be fierce, he is our friend." She then asked Chu Lingxuan if he had his meal.

Chu Lingxuan replied, "I’ve already eaten at Tang Garden." Seeing Sasa being comforted by Chen Afu, he sat down on the floor next to her arrangement.

Men by nature love ferocious animals, especially a military leader like Chu Lingxuan. Although he was fond of Sasa, he dared not make any sudden move and chose to hold Zhui Feng in his lap while talking to Chen Afu.

Because they now shared a secret, as well as a common long-term goal, the relationship between Chen Afu and Chu Lingxuan had become more casual than before.

The two of them played with the dogs while speaking softly. Chu Lingxuan frequently touched Chen Afu with his arm and shoulder, at times coming so close that she could feel his warm breath. Later on, his large hand took Chen Afu’s small hand resting on Sasa and held it tight.

Chen Afu allowed him to hold her hand. She loved his big hand, which was warm, solid, and covered in callouses. She felt it was a pair of powerful hands that could protect her and solve any troubles for her.

They then talked about furnishing their new house.

They would have three homes. Their main residence would naturally be in Tang Garden, which would serve as Chen Afu’s base for taking care of the children, and also the place where Abbot Liao Chen was hosted. The second house was in the Senator’s Mansion in Dingzhou, where they would stay occasionally. The third house was the Capital Marquis Mansion where they would stay when something serious arose that required them to return to the capital, or possibly their permanent residence years later.