Fortunate Life of the Rural Beauty
Chapter 519 - 510: Unexpected Situation

Chapter 519: Chapter 510: Unexpected Situation

Afu understood Shiyi’s thoughts the best. Seeing his entanglement and silence, she knew he was upset for Marquis Chu but was too embarrassed to help. She gently pinched Shiyi’s hand and said softly, "Good boy."

For some inexplicable reason, Shiyi was somewhat moved. Indeed, the one who understood him best was still his own "mother". He sniffled, then said aloud to Afu, "Before you go back to Dingzhou, please tell me. I will prepare some things for Grandmother Liao Chen, Uncle Atang, my little brother, and Dahu as a token for their past kindness to me."

What a clever and grateful boy! Afu nodded, approving his sentiment.

Seated at another table, Marquis Chu and the elder Marquis also discerned his implied meaning, and were deeply moved.

After the meal, Afu saw off the guests, then encouraged Chu Hanyan and her two little brothers to go rest.

After a bath with Yu’er, Afu played with her for a while to lull her to sleep. Afterwards, she stepped into her private space.

Yu’er was now over ten months old. Afu had been cautious about letting her into this space since the previous month. The little girl was smart and not only had a good memory, but even started speaking a few single syllable words like grandfather, mother, father, brother, sister, eat and treasure. The first word she ever said was "grandfather" which made Marquis Chu ecstatic, praising her intelligence, sensibility, filial piety, and thoughtfulness. Nowadays, even his own grandsons were overshadowed in his eyes. His favorite little person was Yu’er. Marquis Chu, being wealthy and generous, was well known for expressing his love by spending money. He had already prepared several large boxes of "dowry" for Yu’er.

Lately, Chen Afu had been trying to wean Yu’er off breast milk. She breastfed Yu’er only once a day, and fed her sheep milk cooked with Yan Chenxiang wood for the other meal. The little one was resistant and cried whenever she tasted the sheep milk. However, Afu persisted in having someone feed her. She did not want to bring Yu’er on her upcoming trip to Dingzhou because she was too small and it would be inconvenient.

Jin Yanzi was building a house.

Afu laughed, "What’s the matter? You’re suddenly full of energy?" Jin Yanzi had not built a house in a long time.

With a beleaguered glance at the Golden House on the tree, Yanzi chirped, "Beibei is still sleeping soundly, and Yu’er can’t come in to play anymore. I have nothing to do, so I might as well work."

Afu looked closely at the piece of work in Yanzi’s mouth. Though it was only half done, it was clearly not a house, but a shiny golden bird the size of a baby’s fist. Each feather was vividly depicted, with a tiny gemstone for its eye. It was an exquisite piece of craftsmanship, outdoing those by even the most skilled artisans. "Baby," said Afu, "this bird is really beautiful. Is it going to be a decoration for the Golden House?"

"No," replied Yanzi, lifting his head, "it’s a wedding gift I’m preparing for stinky Dabao and Yan’er. Later on, I’ll make some for Yu Yu, Mingming, and Yu’er, and give them each one when they get married."

Afu could barely contain her emotions. "My goodness, Yanzi, you’re so considerate. You even thought about preparing these gifts. You really worked hard!"

Jin Yanzi replied with cheerful chirps. "Who wouldn’t be willing to do this for their loved ones? Even if it’s hard work, I enjoy it."

Afu held Yanzi up and gave him a few kisses to express her spoils’ gratitude for his kindness.

In early December, Yu’er successfully transitioned to drinking only sheep milk. Afu had also mostly settled affairs at home and handed over the daily matters to Mrs. Li before planning to head back to Dingzhou on the fifth day.

Since about a fortnight ago, the Empress Dowager’s health suddenly declined, causing Mrs. Chu to spend half her time in the palace to care for her. The Emperor’s own health had also deteriorated and he rarely appeared in court; the Crown Prince was now handling most of the imperial court affairs.

Afu liked the Empress Dowager and hoped she could live a bit longer. She made dietary supplements often and had Mrs. Chu bring them to the palace. Unfortunately, this did not improve the Dowager’s condition.

Jin Yanzi suggested that perhaps, the Dowager’s time was simply coming to an end. No one could change the cycle of life and death, not even the famed Yan Chenxiang wood. The green bird’s nest could possibly prolong her life, but it was not possible for him to have it. While it could help in treatment, it could not extend one’s lifespan.

As for the Emperor, Afu had no particular feelings for him, and didn’t dare to provide him any dietary supplements.

When Chen Ming and Mrs. Wang heard that Afu was returning to Dingzhou, they expressed their wishes to travel back to their hometown together with her.

On the fourth of December, Shiyi arranged for many goods to be sent to the Chus’ Mansion. He was rather busy himself, beyond his studies he also had to care for individuals at the Cining Palace and Wanqing Palace.

Chen Ayu and Chen Aman also sent numerous items. Some were for members of the third household, others for Mrs. Chen and the main house. Chu Ling’an and Mrs. Shen also sent some goods, intended for Liao Chen and Chu Lingqi’s household.

Afu thought to herself that it was fortunate Chu Lingqi was raised by the elder Marquis since childhood. If he had been raised by the second Marquis and Mrs. Li, not only would his character be incompetent, he wouldn’t even know basic manners.

It was still dark early in the morning on the fifth day of December when Afu finished breakfast with Yu’er. After kissing a soundly sleeping Yu’er in the bedroom, and greeting her two little brothers in the living quarters, Afu led Chu Hanyan toward the outer court to ride the carriage.

With a light snowfall and chilling winds, they both felt extremely cold even in padded jackets, skirts, and cloaks. Afu was originally reluctant to bring the young miss with her because she was afraid she would suffer. However, she insisted on going because she missed her grandma.

At the outer court, Chen Ming and Mrs. Wang, all bundled up, were already waiting. After greeting each other, they boarded their respective carriages. Each carriage had a heater and a foot warmer, providing some warmth.

As the river was blocked, they could only travel back by carriage. After resting for one night at an inn, they continued their journey very early the next day and finally arrived at Dingzhou in the late afternoon.

Afu opened the curtain and looked out. The sight of the city gate of the Emei School in the distance stirred her emotions. It had been almost a year since she left, and now she was back.

Just as they reached the north gate of the city, Chief Steward Yang, who had been waiting, approached the carriage and reported, "Madam, Abbot Liao Chen has moved to The Luo’s estate."

Afu was taken aback. She opened the curtain and asked, "What? What happened?"

Chief Steward Yang whispered, "Yesterday at midday, Lady sent a chamberlain to the mansion to scold Abbot Liao Chen. She said...." He hesitated, feeling it was inappropriate to repeat the accusatory words, then continued, "She suggested that the Abbot was unclean, that she was ruining other people’s marriages and manipulating others’ relationships while still living in her ex-husband’s home. In response...Liao Chen was extremely angry...The moment the chamberlain left, she moved to The Luo’s estate. Lord Luo and Mrs. Luo had no choice but to accompany her."

Afu felt a mix of anxiety and anger, and instructed someone to inform Chen Ming and Mrs. Wang to go home first. She decided to take Ms. Chu directly to the Luo’s estate.