Fortunate Life of the Rural Beauty
Chapter 493 - 484: Farewell

Chapter 493: Chapter 484: Farewell

The dishes were served on the table, led by Chen Afu, Shiyi, Chu Hanyan, Li Xuan, and Chu Hanyan were eating at the table, the little brothers were being fed by their mother at a small table on the ground, while Qi Qi and Hui Hui were eating from a big plate, and Zhui Feng’s family was eating from two large bowls.

Looking at this long-lost scene, Shiyi’s emotions surged. If life could always go on like this, it would be wonderful.

Just then, trouble arose. Xiao Gezi, Shiyi’s eunuch, tried to test for poison with a silver needle.

Shiyi’s face reddened again, his eyes bulging as he scolded, "How foolish! You don’t need to use that needle here."

Frightened, Xiao Gezi immediately kneeled down upon Shiyi’s harsh words.

Xiao Gezi, who was not even ten years old and skinny, pale, and Chen Afu pitied how this young boy had already been forced into the imperial court as a eunuch. She had him taken to a side room to eat.

Both Shiyi and Li Xuan saw that the table was laden with their favorite dishes, and they could not resist eating heartily. Upon seeing the fried noodle with mixed sauce, Shiyi said cheerfully, "After all this time, this is still my favorite flavor."

Li Xuan also added, "Not even the Royal Rui’s Imperial Kitchen can make food as well as my aunt’s."

In the late afternoon, Mrs. Li brought out little Yu’er. The children all flocked around her, finally allowing Chen Afu a chance to be alone with Shiyi. Though he also wanted to play with his little sister Yu’er, he missed his mother’s embrace even more. So he squeezed into Chen Afu’s arms, resting on her shoulder, breathing in her unique, pleasant fragrance.

Chen Afu could not bear to push away Shiyi, who was enjoying her embrace. Mrs. Li tactfully blocked Xiao Gezi’s view by standing in front of them, and then, under some pretext, took him to the West Side Room, where there were many foods to be taken back to the palace.

Now, Chen Afu occasionally sends the Empress Dowager desserts through Mrs. Shan and also Consort Shan. Consort Shan also appreciated these desserts and always accepted them gladly.

Shiyi, nestled in Chen Afu’s arms, spoke softly, "Mother, no matter what, in my heart, you are always my mother, even if I call you Mrs. Chu."

Chen Afu, moved by his words, leaned her head touching his and said softly, "And in my heart, you are always my son. This is our secret, we must not tell anyone."

Shiyi who wasn’t overly willful, hearing the words he longed to hear, smiled brightly and sat back upright.

Happy times always seem to pass too quickly. Before they knew it, the mid-morning hours had passed. Xiao Gezi bowed and said, "Your Highness, it’s time to return to the palace."

As soon as he said this, both Shiyi and Li Xuan had tears welling up in their eyes, and Chu Hanchu also started crying. Only the two little brothers continued to play joyously, oblivious to the meaning of Xiao Gezi’s words.

Despite her reluctance to say goodbye, Chen Afu nonetheless smiled and said, "Why are you upset? You can always come back to visit."

She then took them by the hands and walked them out of the courtyard.

It was only then that the two little brothers realized that their big brother was leaving again, and they both burst into tears.

Watching the gradually receding figures, their hands interlocked, turning back for a final glimpse now and then, Chen Afu sighed and said gently, "You boys are crying so loud, you’ve scared your little sister."

Upon hearing this, the two little brothers immediately stifled their crying and whimpered quietly.

The most distressed of all was Ms. Chu who wept silently, constantly dabbing her eyes with a handkerchief.

Chen Afu consoled her, "They live nearby; they’ll make time to come home and play."

On the fifth day of the second lunar month, in the late afternoon, Chu Lingxuan returned home. Instead of returning to the Bamboo Pavilion, he went to the Liuyun Studio to discuss matters with the old Marquis, Marquis Chu, and Mr. Chu.

Chu Huai came to the Bamboo Pavilion and handed a package to Chen Afu. Inside were clothes made by Mrs. Wang for the children and a letter written on behalf of Alu.

Upon hearing that Dabao was actually a prince, everyone in the Chen family was ecstatic, especially for Dabao’s good fortune. They felt that being a prince meant an endless life of happiness. However, Mrs. Hu was terrified for she had often mistreated Dabao in the past, and she feared that Dabao would send the Imperial Forestry Army to kill her...

After reading the letter, Chen Afu went to the kitchen to prepare Chu Lingxuan’s favorite shrimp dumplings. She also prepared chicken soup and asked Mrs. Hua to cook it as soon as he returns. She also got together with the maids to organize the items which Chu Lingxuan would need to carry to the battlefield. The items could only fill a few boxes as it was necessary to travel light.

Chu Hanyan and the little brothers stayed up upon hearing that their father would be coming home. They wanted to wait for him but returned to their rooms to rest after much persuasion.

It wasn’t until midnight that Chu Lingxuan finally returned to the Bamboo Pavilion.

Perhaps it was because he hadn’t seen Chen Afu in a long time, or because he would be heading directly to the battlefield after returning to the barracks tomorrow, Chu Lingxuan pulled Chen Afu into his arms upon arrival and kissed her deeply.

Chen Afu did not feel embarrassed, she allowed him to kiss her and even responded now and then.

The servants immediately retreated.

After a flurry of affection, the couple then proceeded to sit on the bed in each other’s arms, whispering sweet nothings into each other’s ears.

Chu Lingxuan whispered to her, "Tomorrow morning, I will return to the barracks. The troops will wait for my uncle in Dingzhou, and then we will all head south together. Ideally, we will be back by next year, or the year after at the latest."

Chen Afu, feeling a pang in her heart at his words, said, "Yes, you must be careful. The children and I cannot be without you."

Chu Lingxuan added, "For the sake of you and the children, I will not take unnecessary risks. However, war is always dangerous, and there will always be casualties. I have already discussed with my grandfather and father. If anything happens to me, my father will ensure that Yu inherits the title. Even if I pass away, the caretakers and the princes will look after you and the children, so you won’t have any difficulties."

Saddened by his words, Chen Afu sobbed. "A life without you, is a life without a sky. What’s the point of good days then?" She sat up and said, "Regardless of the circumstances, you must return alive. Otherwise, I will never forgive you."

Seeing Chen Afu’s tearful eyes, Chu Lingxuan could no longer restrain himself, and pulled her into the bedroom.

After making love, they bathed together, then lay in each other’s arms making hushed conversations. They conversed, then made love again, and bathed once more.

Chen Afu handed over the "Divine Medicine" to Chu Lingxuan. Spinning a tale about it, she added, "There are rare medicinal ingredients from Master Wu Zhi in this medicine. It is said to have healing properties and can also replenish energy. Although it is not as potent as the medicine that Uncle had previously, it is much better than any ordinary medicine for external injuries."

Chu Lingxuan was glad to accept it. After witnessing Master Wu Zhi’s abilities during Mr. Chu’s fall and the epidemic, Chu Lingxuan had a newfound respect for Master Wu Zhi’s skills. He exclaimed, "With this divine medicine, I have a better chance of returning alive."

After sleeping for less than two hours, they were awoken by Hong Fei, "Your highness, Madam, Chu Huai has sent word that his grandfather will be setting off in fifteen minutes."