Fortunate Life of the Rural Beauty
Chapter 550 - 541 Countess of Huitao

Chapter 550: Chapter 541 Countess of Huitao

At this moment, a chamberlain from Cining Palace entered to report, saying that the Empress Dowager had invited Madam Chu and Ms. Chu to Cining Palace to entertain her. Ms. Chu was gentle and kind-hearted, and the Empress Dowager liked her very much. She would keep Ms. Chu in Cining Palace for a few days to recite Buddhist scriptures for her.

The Empress Dowager also said that she was really fond of Ms. Chu and would petition on her behalf for a grace from the Emperor, asking the Emperor to award Ms. Chu with a tangible gift.

Surprised by the Empress Dowager’s intervention and stopping her Buddhist activities, the Emperor knew that it must be Prince He who had complained. He laughed and said, "Indeed, Ms. Chu has won the Empress Dowager’s favor, to garner such a request from her. Alright, I will grant Ms. Chu a gift." He postured in thought and continued, "This is her first petition to me for a gift. As it can’t be too modest, I will ennoble Ms. Chu as Countess of Huitao, and grant her two boxes of Dongzhu beads."

In their dynasty, not many non-royal ladies had been ennobled to the rank of a countess. The title not only signified the Emperor and the Empress Dowager’s favour towards Chu Hanyan, but also made it less likely that other noble ladies would dare to offend her lightly. Chu Guangche and Chu Lingxuan were overjoyed, immediately kneeling and bowing, loudly expressing their "Thanks for the Emperor’s benevolence."

The other ministers in the main hall also knelt and bowed, loudly saying, "Your Majesty is kind and benevolent." After standing up, they congratulated the father and son of the Chus.

The good news of the Emperor granting Chu Hanyan the title of Countess spread to Cining Palace, which delighted both Chen Afu and Shiyi.

Lady Yang’s face was full of joy as she kept saying "congratulations", but in her heart, she was even more apprehensive.

Yesterday, Yang Wenfang returned directly to the Yangs’ Mansion. She didn’t dare to tell her parents that she had insulted Chu Hanyan and got thrown out of the Royal Mansion by Prince He, and could only cry in bed. The servants were scared, but went quietly to tell Mrs. Yang about it.

Mrs. Yang was horrified to hear that her daughter had said such dreadful things. She knew that her actions would bring trouble to Lady Yang. Yang Wenfang was Mrs. Yang’s late-in-life daughter and was very loved by her. Seeing her daughter in such trouble, Mrs. Yang didn’t dare to cover up for her, and quickly sent for Mr. Yang.

Mr. Yang was at his concubine’s place. When he returned to the main court and heard what happened from his wife, he was furious. However, the palace entrance had already been closed for the night and he couldn’t get in. The next morning, Mrs. Yang visited Lady Yang to inform her about the incident. Before Lady Yang could apologize to the Emperor and the Empress Dowager, a chamberlain from Cining Palace came to deliver the Empress Dowager’s edict, asking Lady Yang to go to Cining Palace immediately.

In front of the queen and the other consorts, the Empress Dowager first chastised Lady Yang for neglecting her sister’s etiquette and often letting her sister sleep in the palace. Many of the princes and nephews were studying in the Imperial Study Room, and Ms. Yang did not know how to avoid them – her behavior was abominable. She also mentioned that Ms. Yang was shameless to have been rude to the future Princess He, amongst other things.

The Empress Dowager was always kind and never lost her temper. This was the first time she had shown her sternness as a mother-in-law, scaring not only Lady Yang into kneeling but also causing the queen and the other consorts to kneel and listen to the reprimand.

After lunch in Cining Palace, Chen Afu had to leave the palace alone.

Although the young lady wasn’t very articulate, she was comfortable with several Buddhist scriptures since she often accompanied Liao Chen in the past. Additionally, the Empress Dowager was a truly compassionate person. She wouldn’t make the young lady’s time difficult, especially as she was showcasing her kindness towards her. However, the young lady had rarely been away from Chen Afu since she was conscious, even if she occasionally separated from Chen Afu, Shiyi would accompany her. Thus, Chen Afu was still a little worried about the young lady.

Seeing the fear in the young lady’s eyes, Shiyi wanted to stay in Cining Palace. However, he understood that he must avoid any appearance of impropriety to prevent giving others an excuse to attack Chu Hanyan.

He gave Rong Jing a look, and Rong Jing walked over, taking Chu Hanyan’s hand and playfully said to the Empress Dowager, "Mother, I wish to join Ms. Chu in reciting scriptures for you."

The Empress Dowager knew Chu Hanyan was timid, and noted her son’s concern. So, she laughed and said, "Rong Jing will stay with Ms. Chu in the side hall these two days. Shiyi can’t neglect his studies, and can come here to eat after school."

Shiyi’s eyes curved into smiles as he nodded.

With his assurances, Chu Hanyan found some of her dread dissipated.

Chen Afu knew she remained fearful, but could offer no assistance. The young lady had grown up, and it was inevitable she’d have to face many obstacles alone.

Later that day, Tang Garden received the Imperial Decree in which the Empress Dowager and the Queen penalized Yang Wenfang, restricting her movements for half a year and had an old lady sent over to guide her harshly for a year.

The next day, Mrs. Wei discreetly informed Chen Afu that the Emperor had severely reprimanded Lady Yang the previous evening.

In the late afternoon of the day after, Chu Hanyan returned to the Chus’ Mansion. She not only carried rewards from the Emperor, but also numerous gifts from the Empress Dowager and the Queen. Consequently, the edict naming Hanyan as the Countess of Huitao was received. Soon after, another Imperial Decree arrived, this time from the Empress Dowager and the Queen, commending Chu Hanyan.

Overnight, Chu Hanyan, the eldest daughter of the Marquis Yong’an, became the most envied woman in Capital City.

The elders of the Chus were delighted. The girl who had worried them most and had been the most profoundly hurt was paving a promising future for herself.

Chen Afu was equally pleased. This Emperor was far superior to his predecessor. He was not only tolerant but also wise. The Empress Dowager too was as compassionate as a Bodhisattva. Members of the royal family might turn their backs without a second thought, but she remembered kind deeds, which was rare.

The Empress Dowager was particularly noteworthy. Although she occupied an honored status, she was a pitiable woman, suffering far more than Liao Chen. Liao Chen at least once experienced the affection of her husband, who still held her in fond remembrance. In contrast, the Empress Dowager did not have her life to call her own and was merely a tool for procreation and absolution by the previous Emperor.

Perhaps for this reason, Liao Chen, despite having renounced the worldly life for over a decade, had not truly cut off her worldly desires. But the Empress Dowager, who had truly seen through the vanities of the world, could not fulfill her wish to renounce the world.

Since the Empress Dowager devoted most of her time to Buddhist practices and had clearly stated she wanted Shiyi to grow up happily, Chen Afu’s relationship with Shiyi had almost returned to what it used to be. The only thing missing was Shiyi boldly calling Chen Afu "mother". However, the clever Shiyi would never call Chen Afu "mother", only "mother-in-law".

By mid-May, Mr. Chu and Mrs. Chu were set to return to the countryside. Chen Afu had already sent the leader of Song He’s mansion to Fu Garden several days before to tidy up. She moved her belongings from the main room to Tang Garden and redecorated the house. Afterwards, Mr. Chu would live in the west room of the main house, and Mrs. Chu in the east room.

Actually, Song He’s household member was Hong Fei, who was married to Song He last year. Although she was already five months pregnant, she was familiar with Fu Garden, so she was sent there.

Mr. Chu even proposed that Yu and Ming, his two grandchildren, should take turns living in Fu Garden to show respect. In reality, Mr. Chu would have preferred if Yu’er went, but as that was impossible, he did not make such an unreasonable request.

Though reluctant, Chen Afu had to concede. She understood that the children were not only being sent to show respect, but more importantly to appease Liao Chen’s heart.