Fortunate Life of the Rural Beauty
Chapter 432 - 427: Heading North (4000K)

Chapter 432: Chapter 427: Heading North (4000K)

For Hera@Qianlin+

Those two incidents, like the previous ones, were due to Chen Shiying’s failure to manage his family and relatives properly. For sure, he would not be decapitated nor imprisoned; his fate depends on the Emperor and the court officials. Moreover, all necessary connections had been made, and all that needed to be done had been done, all that remained was to wait. There was no other way.

Just as the two were enjoying their conversation, General Lin in the hall spoke, "Mr. Chen, Mrs. Chu, it’s time."

The two stood up, and tears welled up in Chen Afu’s eyes again. She didn’t know when she could see him again. Choking with sobs, she held onto Chen Shiying’s sleeve and said, "Dad, you must take good care of yourself, me and our family in Dingzhou will be waiting for you. And don’t think too much, too much worry can age you fast. Look at you, you already have white hair."

Chen Shiying smiled, his eyes grew red, and he said, "Fu’er, after you return home, tell your mother and siblings not to worry, Dad is well. I have come to terms with my situation and I won’t be defeated regardless of the hurdles ahead... Also, don’t blame your grandmother. A son does not criticize his father’s wrongs. Given the situation we are in, she won’t be having good days anymore..."

Upon hearing his last statement, Chen Afu was not happy. The wicked old lady had put him in such a predicament, yet he still protected her. If the old lady continues to have good days, then heavens must be blind. Chen Afu interrupted him, "Dad, I understand, I will let them know about your current situation..."

After more advice, they parted reluctantly.

On the morning of the ninth, Marquis Chu and Chen Afu, her children, and Mrs. Chu were invited to the Royal Rui for a visit. In the evening, Mr. Chu, who was working in the office, and his studying brother Chu Lingwei would go for dinner. They also heard that Marquis Chu will attend.

Even Sasa and his family were invited according to the invitation of the Royal Rui. But, the second room’s family was not invited. Mrs. Li was so furious, and even Mr. Li was angry. However, they had no choice since the prince had clearly shown no regard for them.

Prince Rui was grateful to Chen Afu for taking good care of Li Xuan and appreciated The Chus for giving him such a good idea. Because of his "suggestion", the Emperor had regards for him and even said he was a fraternal and selfless person. This earned him the regard of his other brothers.

Although the second and eighth princes held resentment towards him, he no longer cared. Except for these two, every other prince who could one day become an emperor would appreciate him for now on.

More so, he had realized that the emperor greatly disliked Queen Wang and The Wangs, as he felt they were too domineering. Though the second prince was seemingly the most promising candidate to the throne being from the central palace, he was, in fact, the least hopeful.

The banquet was set by the Peach Blossom Pond. When The Chus arrived, they were all ushered there.

Prince Rui was naturally amorous and had a particular liking for peach blossoms. He had a few acres of peach forest planted in the northwest corner of the royal mansion and a clear spring pond in the middle of the forest was named Peach Blossom Pond.

Prince Rui, Princess Rui, and Li Xuan were greeting the guests. Normally, the charming Concubine Shen would have been by his side at any time. But today, he dared not bring any of his concubines due to the presence of Princess Huachang, who did not like secondary ladies.

Two octagonal pavilions were built not far from the pond for the guests. The men were in the left pavilion, while the women and children were in the right pavilion.

The Marquis Chu was already sitting in the left pavilion. His attire today took Chen Afu by surprise, he was wearing a red robe embroidered with flower clusters.

But it made sense after some thought. As Rong Zhao’s son-in-law and an unlucky person caused by Rong Zhao, he was rarely invited to be a guest in somebody else’s home. Now, the Prince Rui made an exception to invite him, he had to dress festively to bring good luck for the host, dispelling evil.

Whether it was out of embarrassment or because his red dress made him seem so, but his face appeared red as well, a kind of pinkish white akin to the peach blossoms outside the pavilion.

Now it was just past mid-February, and the pink peach blossoms were already hanging in full bloom on the branches; the flowering period was a month earlier than previous years. Under the spring sun, the peach trees were resplendent with flowers. The breeze swirled and petals fell one after another, creating a breathtaking sight.

The diameter of the Peach Blossom Pond was about three yards, surrounded by half-human-sized stones. When the peach blossoms were not in bloom, the pond was emerald green and a sight full of lush greenery. Today, it was much more vibrant than usual. Not only was there a pink reflection in the water, the water surface was also dotted with pink petals.

The reflections made people feel uneasy.

When Chen Afu and the others arrived, Li Xuan ran to Chen Afu and they greeted each other warmly. With a sweet mouth, he called her auntie.