Fortunate Life of the Rural Beauty
Chapter 383 - 382: Instigation

Chapter 383: Chapter 382: Instigation

Chen Afu had previously said that once she was in good health, she would visit the Chens’ Mansion to wish Granny Chen a happy birthday and bring extravagant gifts as a formality. Moreover, she had to talk to Mrs. Jiang and Chen Yulan so Chen Yulan would spend more playtime with Alu when resting. Afu only planned to stay in the main court of the Chens’ Mansion, then leave after lunch, rather than foolishly visiting the old woman.

Chen Afu took Chu Hanyan and four brightly colored brocades, along with four jars of Blue Flower Wine to the Chens’ Mansion. She didn’t bring Li Xuan today, after all, there were two ticking time bombs at home.

She led the child directly to the main court, where all the daughters of the Chens, including Chen Yuhui, were present.

Chen Yuhui’s previous desolation was gone, and there was no ruthlessness in her eyes. She bore a look of spring joy, undoubtedly showing the demeanor of a young woman in love.

Mrs. Jiang smiled, pulled Chen Afu to sit next to her on the Luohan Bed, while Chen Yuxia took Ms. Chu to the table to fold handkerchiefs.

Mrs. Jiang and Chen Yuqing chatted with Chen Afu, ignoring Chen Yuhui.

Mrs. Jiang said, "Now it’s the autumn harvest season, your father went to the countryside to work this morning, and he won’t be back until a few days later." She looked very sympathetic.

Chen Shiying has left? Had she known that earlier, she wouldn’t have come. What if that crazy old woman caused trouble?

Chen Afu laughed and said, "My father is a good official. If these food crops are well promoted, it will be a boon to the people of Dashun, and also a great merit of my father’s."

Mrs. Jiang knew how crucial this autumn harvest was to her husband’s career, she smiled and nodded in agreement. She also mentioned how many guests from the Chens and the Zhaos had stayed at the mansion for more than half a month and just left yesterday.

Chen Afu also spoke of her wish to have her two younger brothers foster more relationships, which Mrs. Jiang readily agreed to.

Chen Yuhui interjected with a laugh, "Big sister, you didn’t come on Granny’s birthday, will you pay respects to her today?"

Ever since the clansmen of the Chens and the Zhaos arrived, Granny Chen would not miss an opportunity to claim that Chen Afu was unfilial, for not coming to see her, this grandmother; not to mention talking back her and even swearing at her. Granny Chen was very aggrieved, crying while she spoke.

Members of the Zhao clan all agreed with Granny Chen, reproaching Chen Afu.

The clansmen of the Chen family didn’t have a good impression of Granny Chen, feeling that she was bitter, selfish, unconcerned about the ancestral home after marriage and as a homeless widow insisting on staying in her maiden home. However, after hearing what Granny Chen had to say, they felt Chen Afu was in the wrong, as the younger generation should always show respect.

Especially one of the oldest Chen ancestor, who was almost eighty, was angered by Granny Chen’s words. He requested Chen Shiying to call Chen Afu back home, so he could teach her a lesson. The elderly Chen had always disliked Madam Zhao and would certainly not make a special trip to wish her a happy birthday. However, this time there were many descendants from the Chens accompanying him, thus he decided to visit the wealthy Dingzhou Mansion and incidentally educate the most promising child of the Chen family.

Chen Shiying privately told the disgruntled Chen clansmen that his daughter was outstanding, understanding, filial and intelligent, and that the "Dingzhou Wheat" was her making. He subtly hinted that the reason for her not getting along with Granny Chen was due to her birth mother being wronged by Granny Chen’s dislike.

The Chen clansmen were aware of Granny Chen’s harshness, even though Chen Shiying didn’t directly state it, they could guess that Chen Afu’s mother had suffered more than just grievances. They dropped the issue, but the elderly Mr. Chen sternly corrected Chen Shiying, "You are the glory of our Chen family. Keep an eye on Madam Zhao, don’t let her ruin your future..."

On Granny’s birthday, she was waiting for Chen Afu to pay respects, and planned to humiliate her publicly. But the servant came and reported that, Chen Afu got sudden stomach ache and couldn’t come. She even said that she would definitely bring heavy gifts to congratulate another day.

Granny Chen, of course, did not believe this and started cursing again.

Mrs. Jiang quickly explained embarrassedly, "Afu is carrying twins, her belly is so tight that a little fatigue would cause discomfort..." She was saying this not only for Granny Chen but also for the guests.

Chen Yuhui knew that Granny wanted to torment Chen Afu, so she wanted Chen Afu to go to Wanshou Hall.

Chen Afu ignored her and said to Mrs. Jiang, "Mother, after the sedan ride, I feel a bit uncomfortable."

Mrs. Jiang replied gently, "You’re in a special situation, don’t tire yourself. Rest here first. After lunch and a good rest, you can go and pay respects to Granny."

Chen Afu shook her head and said, "We won’t have lunch today; we have some things to take care of at home. " She then smiled at Chen Yuhui, "Second sister, I hear you have a perfect match, congratulations. My husband said that Young General He excels in both literature and martial arts, and is extraordinarily handsome, and particularly his He family’s unique Iron Sand Fist skill, which is both formidable and powerful."

Chen Yuhui felt that Chen Afu was trying to please her. Of course, her future father-in-law, Deputy General He, was superior to Chu Lingxuan. Therefore, Chen Afu wouldn’t dare to offend her in the future.

Although she hated Chen Afu, these words gave her immense satisfaction.

With a blush on her face, she shyly laughed while twiddling her handkerchief, "Big sister really knows how to speak."

This flirtatious behavior was not Chen Yuhui’s style; Chen Afu and Chen Yuqing exchanged a glance, laughed, and felt goosebumps.

Just then, a maid came in seemingly wanting to report something but was uncomfortable speaking. When Mrs. Jiang got up and went out to deal with it.

Seeing Mrs. Jiang left, Chen Yuhui came over and whispered to Chen Afu, "Big sister, General He’s merits are not only those you mentioned. What I’m most satisfied with is that he hasn’t married before. When I marry him, I’ll be his first wife, unlike you as a second wife with an eyesore of an original child in the house."

This bad girl had also made progress. At least she was not as blatant as before in making mischief; she was aware of her image, wanting to provoke Afu but made sure to lower her voice, not wanting others to hear and spoil her reputation.

Chen Afu didn’t bother to engage in excessive conversation with her considering someone would deal with her someday. She laughed and said, "Everyone has their own thoughts and fate. I am very satisfied with my husband and my daughter. I wish that you will be as happy and joyful after you marry into the He’s as you are now."

Chen Yuhui giggled, "Big sister, don’t worry, I will definitely be happy and joyful in the future."

Chen Yuqing sneered, "I hope so."

At this time, there was a commotion outside, and they saw Granny Chen being carried in on a chair by two maids.

They hadn’t seen the old woman for over a year, but she had actually gained weight. Only her complexion was a bit pale, obviously due to a lack of sunlight. Her eyes were maliciously fixed on Chen Afu, as though she wished to devour her.

Good people don’t live long, while bad ones last for ages. Even though she had hemiplegia, she was still so spirited; she definitely wouldn’t die for another ten or eight years.

The other sisters of the Chen family all stood up, only Chen Afu still sat, watching Granny Chen indifferently.