Fortunate Life of the Rural Beauty
Chapter 548 - 539: Not Afraid

Chapter 548: Chapter 539: Not Afraid

Everyone agreed that the old Marquis’ words were wise and executable. Not only did this demonstrate the position of The Chus, but it also represented a strategic withdrawal.

All of them analysed that the things Yang Wenfang said were assuredly not instructed by Lady Yang. Lady Yang, astute as she was, had been by the Emperor’s side during his moments of difficulty and had once benefitted from the old Marquis’ assistance. Therefore, she was well aware of how the old Marquis had aided the Emperor.

Her aim in allowing Yang Wenfang to grow closer to Prince He must have been to gradually foster feelings between the two of them, and maybe even form an amicable relationship with Chu Hanyan. The ideal outcome would be for Yang Wenfang to slowly replace Chu Hanyan in the heart of Prince He, initially as a mistress, and then gradually ascend.

However, Yang Wenfang was young and rash, allowing the truth to escape from her lips in her impatience. The things she said were certainly whispered among many noble ladies, or they reflected the thoughts of many families. Since this topic had been brought up, it presented a perfect opportunity for The Chus to present their side.

If the royal family truly felt that Chu Hanyan was not good enough, then The Chus breaking off the engagement due to the young lady’s hidden illness could be a blessing in disguise. This match was one where The Chus were indeed punching above their weight. They were looking at Prince He’s character and their past connection, but others may not see things the same way.

If the Emperor did not approve, he had to give The Chus a satisfactory explanation, causing those who coveted Prince He to curb their ambitions. In particular, Yang Wenfang must pay the price for her words.

Moreover, the existence of Chu Hanyan and the fact she was made foolish by Rong Zhao were all due to the old Marquis’ endurance in order to place the Ninth Prince on the throne.

Therefore, under normal circumstances, both the Emperor, the Empress Dowager, and the Empress would punish Yang Wenfang severely. Even Lady Yang and The Yangs might be implicated.

In the future, Chu Lingxuan and his father will need to seize the opportunity to hit The Yangs hard. This is not merely a matter of two children squabbling or arguing; it’s about The Yangs and Lady Yang’s intention to undermine The Chus and steal their son-in-law.

Before the old Marquis left, he addressed Chen Afu, saying, "Do not restrain Yu’er too much, I happen to like her quick wit, strong presence, and even her dominant demeanor. Daughters of the Chu family should be like this. My heart aches for Yan’er... You have done a great job as a mother, Xuan’er’s marriage to you was a blessing for The Chus."

Having said that, he sighed deeply and walked out.

Before this, Chu Lingxuan had always maintained that the old Marquis did not quite like his granddaughter, Chu Hanyan. Based on his usual behavior, Chen Afu thought so too. Now, it seems that it wasn’t that the old Marquis didn’t like her, but that he bore guilt in his heart and did not know how to face the young girl.

When all the others had left, the children returned to the main room. Chen Afu took the little girl in her arms, praising her sons for standing by their sister. She encouraged them to carry on in this manner.

Yu’er also waved her little arms, saying, "If a bad sister bullies my sister, Yu’er will also fight her and hit her!"

Chen Afu nodded, saying, "Good, that’s exactly how it should be."

Chu Hanyan lifted her head and said weakly, "Mother, Sister Yang said I am not smart, in the future Prince He will not like to be with me, he will like other clever girls..."

Chu Hanyan was too young and naive, she didn’t understand affection, liking, or attraction at all.

The reason she was happy to be engaged to Prince He was because she knew that those who are engaged will live together in the future. She believed in the past Dabao, and liked the past Dabao, enjoying the life they shared.

However, this child was indeed too kind-hearted. Yang Wenfang was so evil, yet Hanyan still called her "Sister Yang".

Chen Afu asked, "Do you believe what she said?"

Shaking her head, Chu Hanyan thoughtfully replied, "I don’t. Back when Prince He was Dabao, he was so good to my mother and me. I still remember a lot from the past."

Chen Afu pinched her small face, laughing, "That’s right, if you don’t believe her, why cry over it? Yang Wenfang is just jealous because you are prettier than her and you garner more of Prince He’s attention. Her goal was to make you cry. Now that she’s upset you, your grandfather and father will lodge a complaint to the Emperor tomorrow, requesting that the Emperor and Empress punish her. Good girl, don’t be afraid, Chu family daughters are not to be bullied. Don’t bother with that bad girl Yang Wenfang anymore. If you ever come across a girl who insults you, don’t cry, just tell her, ’I hate you, please leave,’ or just leave yourself. Come home and let us get justice for you..."

She couldn’t teach her to physically fight, so she could only give her advice like this.

Hearing these words, the little girl smiled through her tears, saying, "Yes, that’s right. Prince He also told me, if there’s a bad girl who insults me, don’t cry, tell him, and he will help me seek justice. He even said that he would teach Sister Yang a lesson."

From the side, Chu Lingxuan spoke, "See, my daughter, you have so many people looking out for you, why should you be afraid? You needn’t be afraid of anyone."

Chu Hanyan nodded her head, saying, "Ok, I’m no longer afraid."

The next day in late morning, the old Marquis arrived at the palace entrance as scheduled. Chu Lingxuan was already waiting for him, and they entered the palace together.

At the same time, a eunuch left the Imperial Palace and rushed to the Yong’an Marquis Manor. He was a chamberlain of Cining Palace, delivering an oral decree from the Empress Dowager, asking Chen Afu and Chu Hanyan to come to the palace.

Upon hearing this, Chen Afu hurriedly dressed in full attire and helped the little girl get ready. Together, they rode to Cining Palace. She was perplexed. At this time, the two men should have just entered the palace not long ago. Why would the Empress Dowager summon her so soon?

Moreover, after the late Emperor’s death, the Empress Dowager would go to the Small Buddha Hall to practice Buddhism at this time every day. According to Prince He, no matter what happened, nothing could disrupt the Empress Dowager’s schedule.

Upon arriving at Cining Palace, she saw the Empress Dowager sitting in the highest seat, with the Empress, Prince He, and even Lady Yang and several concubines present.

However, Prince He looked upset, while Lady Yang seemed panicked.

Chen Afu and Chu Hanyan performed a formal salute, the Empress Dowager gave Chen Afu a seat, and then beckoned the little girl to come over. Holding Chu Hanyan’s hand, she smiled and said, "What a good girl, beautiful, gentle, virtuous. I like her very much."

The Empress also chimed in with a laugh, saying, "Absolutely, such a good girl, the Empress Dowager is not the only one who likes her, I too am quite fond of her."

The Empress Dowager turned to Chen Afu and chuckled, "Madam Chu, I have always remembered your care for Shiyi and the goodness of The Chus. Ever since Shiyi returned, I had the desire to treat him with extra affection but as I have seen through many worldly matters and have been busy with my Buddhist practices, I have not been able to fulfil this wish. Especially after Shiyi moved out of the palace, my care for him decreased even more..."

Prince He’s eyes welled up with tears, "Mother Empress has always cared for me."

Empress Dowager smiled at Prince He, then turned back to Chen Afu, "Shiyi is still young, and he lives alone in such a big mansion. I hope he can experience more motherly love. I ask you and your family to continue treating him as you always have."