Fortunate Life of the Rural Beauty
Chapter 287 - 286: But Relax

Chapter 287: Chapter 286: But Relax

The old lady cried and berated, leaving Chen Shiying flushed with embarrassment, his face turning purplish with shame.

He said, "Mother, what are you saying! I’m a grown man, well-versed in the teachings of the sages, should I rely on women to arrange my future for me? Yes, if I had married my sister, perhaps my career path wouldn’t have been so smooth. But do you realize the dangers you’ve buried behind that smooth path? The pretend child-bride you brought into our home to fulfill a marital luck custom, who was in reality a young servant girl you found to comfort my father, was dismissed as soon as she got pregnant after my father passed away and I succeeded in the Imperial Exams. Who would believe me if I said I didn’t know about this? Moreover, as a son, I cannot push all the responsibilities onto you. That would not only be unjust but also unfilial. A man’s reputation is his life, if it becomes known that even the child-bride for my father was fake, who would trust me? How could I establish myself in the world of officialdom? Mother, I would rather work hard myself, step by step. Even if the road is tortuous, it’s still better than traveling a seemingly smooth path full of hidden dangers. I have always aspired since childhood to commit myself to public duty, to uphold the teachings of our ancestors for future generations. Yet, every time I think of my father who passed away too soon, and my sister who suffered so much, my heart is filled with guilt. How can I govern the country and bring peace if my own house is in such disarray?"

The old lady wiped away her tears, angrily said, "Now that you’re in this position, you can speak all the righteous words. No matter how elegant your words are, don’t forget who planned your path to success, it was thanks to me. What hardships has Wang Juanniang endured? If it weren’t for me buying her, her life would have been much harder, she should be grateful to me. Although I am just a woman confined to the inner quarters, I know that His Majesty rules the country with filial piety. Even if His Majesty were to judge our case, whether it’s the minor child-bride mystery or the woman who gave birth to you and raised you, listening to your mother can’t be a mistake. Don’t lecture me with those grand principles; I’m not interested in hearing it."

Chen Shiying looked into his mother’s murky eyes. They had had this kind of conversation a hundred times before, yet the old lady persistently believed that she had arranged a good future for him, and everything she did before was right. He didn’t want to argue anymore, as it was pointless.

Helplessly, he said, "Mother, let’s not talk about the past. Right or wrong, discussing it now is meaningless. Afu is my biological daughter, your true granddaughter. I do not ask for you to be kind to her, but you can’t harm her anymore. If the scheme you had plotted had come to fruition, how could I live? Even the Chus would revenge us, and might even cause the downfall of our family."

The old lady spoke nonchalantly, "That scheme didn’t succeed, did it? Besides, those who knew about it, other than you, Mrs. Jiang, and Hui’er, were all dealt with by you. What is there to fear?"

Chen Shiying choked, his face quivering with anger. "Mother, I beg you, stop making trouble. If you resent my sister, dislike Afu, don’t see them anymore, out of sight, out of mind."

The old lady stubbornly said, "No, I want that wretched girl to come and show respect to me, to serve me by fetching water and medicine. She was unfilial to me, she spoke harshly to me; I need to see her kowtow in front of me. You stay here with me, if that wretched girl dares to disrespect me, let them slap her hard. Otherwise, I won’t eat. Let the world know how you disregard your mother’s life for the sake of your daughter."

Chen Shiying looked at the stubborn old woman, feeling utterly powerless. After a moment of silence, he said, "Fine, as you wish. However, after participating in the birthday banquet at the Chu’s today, Afu will go directly to her other father’s brother’s house. When she returns tomorrow, I’ll let her serve you."

The old lady didn’t quite believe him and asked, "Are you tricking me?"

Chen Shiying said, "Why would I lie to you? It’s true; she won’t return until late afternoon tomorrow."

The old lady continued, "See, that wretched girl only acknowledges her stepfather, even his brother is honored by her. No matter how kind-hearted we are to her, we can’t win her heart. Hui’er grew up by your side and already lost her biological mother, it is pitiful, you must treat her better. She is already fourteen years old; it’s time to start arranging her marriage."

Chen Shiying said, "Hui’er is my biological daughter, of course, I will take care of her. Don’t worry, mother, I will find a good marriage for her."

Chen Shiying, lacking the energy to pacify the old lady further, left the Hengshou Pavilion with heavy steps.

Before he left, he commanded to the housekeeper of Hengshou Pavilion, "Keep an eye on this, in these few days, don’t let Second Miss secretly visit the old lady."

Even though it was Mrs. Lu’s turn to serve him for the night, he still headed for the main court.

Upon seeing Chen Shiying suddenly arrived with a gloomy face, Mrs. Jiang guessed that he must have been vexed by the old lady again. She promptly offered him some ginseng tea she was about to drink herself. After he finished drinking, she got up and began massaging him.

The maidservants all retreated from the room.

After about half an hour, Chen Shiying finally exhaled a long breath and regained some composure. With his eyes closed, he said, "Tomorrow, tell Mother that Afu went straight to the countryside from Chen San’s house."

Mrs. Jiang agreed, continued massaging him without stopping, and then softly said, "Master, I want to speak some heartfelt words today... please don’t be upset." After hearing Chen Shiying hum in agreement, she hesitated a moment before saying, "Master, please be assured. Even if that matter is exposed one day, it won’t lead to you being dismissed or demoted from office, at most it will hinder promotion prospects. But in my eyes and in our children’s eyes, regardless of whether you are an official or not, you are a righteous man, and a father whom they regard with reverence."

Upon hearing this, tears streamed down Chen Shiying’s cheeks...

Inside the Rose Courtyard, the three Chen siblings had all arrived. Chen Afu was chatting with them, wondering why the old lady hadn’t caused any trouble since she arrived at the Chens’ Mansion a few days ago. This didn’t fit her usual behavior. The old lady was bound to stir things up, but evidently, Chen Shiying had managed to keep it under control. She wondered how he did it.

Also, Chen Yuhui hadn’t come to disturb them, he must have been grounded by Mrs. Jiang....

She had a night without dream. The next day, she dressed neatly and went to the main court.

At that time, the sky was still dark, but all the four siblings had gathered here, except Chen Yuhui.

Seeing them, a smile appeared on Chen Shiying’s face, "Family unity heralds all things prosperous, you siblings should always maintain harmony like this."

Chen Yulan immediately vowed with determination, "Father, don’t worry, my sisters and I will get along well."

Chen Shiying’s gaze moved to Chen Afu, as her attitude was the most important to him. Chen Afu smiled and said, "Father, I am the eldest sister, I will take care of my younger siblings."

After breakfast, a servant reported from the front yard that Mr. Chu had arrived. Chen Afu said goodbye to Mrs. Jiang and her sisters, Chen Yuxia and Chen Yuqing, and went to the front yard with Chen Shiying and Chen Yulan.