Fortunate Life of the Rural Beauty
Chapter 281 - 280: Looking at Others

Chapter 281: Chapter 280: Looking at Others

Mrs. Jiang "hmm" in acknowledgment, and only then did Chen Afu sit down.

Mrs. Jiang turned to Chen Yuhui and said, "Hui’er, your father was born and raised in the countryside, he is a bona fide countryman. But he was also a titled scholar more than a decade ago, and everyone praised him for his handsome looks and scholarly talents. How can you disparage country folks so much?"

Tears welled up in Chen Yuhui’s eyes, and she quickly stood up, saying, "Mother, you are right. I was wrong." She’s not foolish. With her grandmother half-paralyzed and her biological mother dead, it would not bode well for her to offend the woman who holds her fate.

Mrs. Jiang acknowledged Yuhui’s response with another "hmm", and only then did Chen Yuhui sit down again.

Mrs. Jiang had chastised both girls, but anyone listening could tell who she was really scolding.

Then, Mrs. Jiang turned to Chen Afu and asked, "Have you prepared the clothes you’ll wear to the banquet at The Chus’ Mansion?"

Chen Afu replied, "I’ve prepared them."

Mrs. Jiang nodded, "I know you’re a capable girl. You may not like the clothes made by our household’s seamstresses. So I didn’t prepare clothes for you, but I’ve prepared a set of jewelry instead."

As she finished speaking, Hong Feng carried over a foreign lacquer floral box, which contained a set of gold and jade jewelry including hairpins and earrings. The pieces shone brightly and were absolutely stunning.

Chen Afu stood up smiling to thank Mrs. Jiang and took the jewelry box.

Mrs. Jiang then addressed Chen Yuqing and Chen Yuxia, "You two should also prepare well. The day after tomorrow, you’ll accompany your elder sister."

Once she finished speaking, two maids brought over trays with clothes and jewelry boxes. The two younger sisters happily thanked Mrs. Jiang and received their garments and jewelry.

Seeing the confusion in Chen Yuhui’s eyes, Mrs. Jiang explained to her, "Aunt Tang passed away just two months ago. She was, after all, your birth mother, so it would be inappropriate for you to entertain guests within three months. Therefore, you can’t accompany your sisters to The Chus’ Mansion the day after tomorrow."

Chen Yuhui, her eyes rimmed in red with anger, felt indignant and thought Mrs. Jiang was inventing excuses to oppress her. She was about to turn fifteen, and yet no marriage plans had been made. Why was she being barred from attending such a grand banquet, teeming with the distinguished ladies of Dingzhou and even of Capital City and the Provincial City? If she were allowed to go, wouldn’t she have a chance to be noticed and claim a brighter future?

While Aunt Tang may have been her birth mother, she was still merely an aunt. How could she be kept in the house simply because of her aunt’s death?

Although she harbored these thoughts, she didn’t dare utter them. She resolved to work harder to claim her rights on her father’s return.

Amid much laughter and chatter, time flew by and Chen Yulan arrived from school.

After paying his respects to Mrs. Jiang, he cheerfully started chatting with Chen Afu, pulling on her sleeve.

As evening fell, Chen Shiying returned home. Mrs. Jiang stood up and led the children and servants to greet him.

Chen Shiying nodded first at Mrs. Jiang, then turned to Afu with a smile, "Afu, you’re here. Stay at home for a few days, spend some time with your father and mother." He then spoke individually with each of the children.

His demeanor was kind-hearted, extending his warmth to everyone; even the two aunts were soaked in his gentle gaze.

The large family, at least on the surface now, appeared to be in perfect harmony.

Chen Shiying and his wife dined with their five children together at one table without any distinction.

After dinner, Chen Shiying and Mrs. Jiang discussed attending the birthday banquet at The Chus’ Mansion. Shiying insisted Chen Afu and her sisters prepare well, but agreed that Chen Yuhui should not attend any public social events so soon after Aunt Tang’s death.

"Father, I..." Chen Yuhui looked tearfully at her father.

Chen Shiying said, "I know you were close to your Aunt Tang, but life must go on, Hui’er. You don’t need to take it to heart."

With a wave of his hand, he dismissed all his children.

After they had left, Mrs. Jiang poured a cup of tea for him, briefly explained about the verbal spat between Chen Afu and Chen Yuhui, and added, "Afu, as the eldest sister, was right in guiding her sister, but her approach was somewhat inappropriate. I’ve given her a talking-to."

Chen Shiying replied, "You did right, my lady. Afu grew up in the countryside and is a bit too straightforward, but she doesn’t mean harm. As for Hui’er, ah..." he sighed deeply, looking a bit grave, "it’s partly my responsibility that she is this way. If I hadn’t been too soft-hearted, and insisted on not listening to mother and leaving her upbringing to you... Have you found any suitable matches for her as I asked?"

Mrs. Jiang replied, "I’ve been inquiring around lately and I think there are three families that might be suitable. I was planning to discuss it with you..."

After hearing about the conditions each family offered, Chen Shiying thought for a moment and said, "What about that young man, Wei, from Zhongning County? Despite just being a scholar, he may not achieve much, but he’s honest and his family’s lands span hundreds of acres, so life wouldn’t be hard. If we provide a generous dowry, Hui’er could live comfortably. Given her temperament, she needs to marry into a family like this to avoid causing trouble, and the Weis will treat her well for my sake."

Mrs. Jiang also thought the Wei family was the best match for Chen Yuhui. Yet, fearing Chen Shiying might misunderstand and think she was deliberately avoiding suitable matches, she also found two options among official families.

After listening to Chen Shiying’s suggestions, Mrs. Jiang hesitated and said, "I also think this family is suitable, but considering Hui’er’s nature, and my mother-in-law’s expectations..." Her mother-in-law originally had her heart set on the Marquis’s son, a third-ranking general.

Chen Shiying waved his hand, "Hui’er is strong-willed, but fortune cannot be forced. This family is her best choice. The marriages determined by parents, the words of matchmakers — she is not allowed to object. My lady, proceed with it. As for my mother, we don’t have to inform her now. Once it’s all settled, I’ll explain to her." He sighed and added, "Hui’er may have her faults, but she is still my daughter. My lady, please guide her more strictly in the future. It’s not necessary that she is virtuous, but she must have basic human decency and act sensibly..."

Mrs. Jiang replied, "Hui’er is your daughter, and hence, my daughter too. I understand."

Chen Shiying reached out and held Mrs. Jiang’s hand, saying, "These past years, I have made some achievements in my official career and had no home worries thanks to your wisdom. Not only do I appreciate all you have done for me and this family, but outsiders also hold you in high regard."

Mrs. Jiang’s eyes welled up, "I don’t care what others think of me. As long as you understand my heart, it’s worth it."

Chen Shiying patted her hand and said earnestly, "I know your heart, I’ve always known."

Today was his turn to spend the night at Aunt He’s, but he decided to stay in the main court instead.

The next morning, after breakfast, when Chen Afu and her sisters went to pay their respects to Mrs. Jiang, they were interrupted by a servant reporting that the old lady was causing a commotion again.

Mrs. Jiang’s face fell slightly. After throwing a glance at Chen Yuhui, she sent the sisters back and rushed off to Hengshou Pavilion herself.

When Chen Afu returned to the Rose Courtyard, another servant came to announce that Mr. Zeng, the shopkeeper from Fuyunlai Trading Company, had arrived.