Chapter 23: Father

 Chapter 23: Father 

"Chen'er..." Concubine Jiang reached out to gently touch Chu Qianchen's smooth, fair face. "Have you been visiting the madam often recently?"

Chu Qianchen calmly nodded in acknowledgment.

Concubine Jiang asked again, "Chen'er, where did you learn your medical skills?"

"From a village," Chu Qianchen looked into Concubine Jiang's eyes, as clear as autumn water, and answered, "At that time, I had nothing to do, so I bought two medical books from a traveling physician. As I read, I started to understand."

The corner of Chu Qianchen's mouth lifted slightly, and she continued, "Auntie, you know, back then I was very ill, and there were no good physicians in the village. I thought if I learned medicine, I could treat myself. And so, I did. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have been able to return to the mansion."

"Auntie, don’t you think so?"

"Actually, that Liuhe Village is really nice, with clear mountains and beautiful waters, perfect for recovery. I heard from Cui Mama that your illness is still lingering. Maybe you should go there and recuperate?"

"..."

Concubine Jiang was momentarily stunned.

She stared at Chu Qianchen, unsure whether she was being subtly rebuked or not, but considering Chu Qianchen's gentle temperament, she didn't think she was the type to provoke.

"Second Miss," Cui Mama, standing nearby, quickly intervened, "Auntie has always been frail. She has been pushing herself for the sake of you and the eldest young master. After all, who else could you rely on in this mansion?"

"Ah, so that’s how it is," Chu Qianchen nodded, as if she had just been casually making conversation.

"You didn’t call me here to suggest going to Liuhe Village for recuperation, did you?" Chu Qianchen pretended to stand up, "If there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave now."

She never mentioned going for recuperation, did she? Concubine Jiang almost blurted out the words, feeling a lump in her chest. In just a few days, she could no longer see through Chu Qianchen.

What did Chu Qianchen mean by her words? Was she concerned for her or was she mocking her?

"Chen'er!" Concubine Jiang suddenly reached out and grabbed her.

When Chu Qianchen's bright eyes met hers, Concubine Jiang paused and, with a composed expression, pulled at the water-green embroidered pouch on Chu Qianchen's waist, praising, "This pouch is beautifully embroidered, your needlework has really improved. Could you take it off so I can take a closer look?"

Chu Qianchen understood and removed the pouch, handing it to her.

"The lotus flowers on this pouch are so well done, and the water droplets look almost real," Concubine Jiang gently stroked the surface of the pouch, seemingly reluctant to let go.

Chu Qianchen only smiled faintly, offering no further comment.

Concubine Jiang lowered her gaze slightly, carefully examining and playing with the small, delicate pouch, her smile soft.

Cui Mama, eager to smooth things over, suggested, "Auntie, since you like it so much, why not have the second Miss make another one for you?"

"How could that be?" Concubine Jiang responded with a hint of reluctance. "Embroidery takes such effort. Just look at the petals of the lotus flowers, at least ten different threads were used to make them so lifelike. I can't bear to trouble Chen'er."

"Well, your pouch is new as well. Why not exchange it with the second Miss?" Cui Mama continued her coaxing.

Concubine Jiang turned her gaze to Chu Qianchen, her eyes brimming with unspoken expectation.

"I also like this pouch," Chu Qianchen smiled and gently refused.

"..."

Concubine Jiang was slightly surprised and widened her eyes before she was about to speak. At that moment, a round-faced maid entered, beaming, and announced, "Auntie, the Marquis has arrived."

The Marquis in question was none other than the head of the household, Marquis Yongding, Chu Lingxiao.

Chu Qianchen's heart skipped a beat.

This was the first time she had seen her father since her rebirth—the same father who had cast her out of the family in her previous life.

Her eyes flashed with complex emotions.

Parents should be the ones to protect and care for their children, but after all that had happened in her previous life, she realized not all parents were like that. Sometimes, the people who shared your blood were no better than strangers with no ties to you.

Concubine Jiang, who spoke of "wanting the best for her," had merely spoken empty words. In reality, she probably cared more for a stray cat or dog than for her own flesh and blood.

When the cat or dog died, Concubine Jiang would shed a few tears, mourn for a while, and bury it.

But when she was expelled from the Marquis' mansion in her past life, Concubine Jiang didn’t even show her face.

Cui Mama had come, but only to see her outside the mansion. What she said then was still fresh in Chu Qianchen’s mind:

"Miss, Auntie fell ill because of your situation. She couldn't get out of bed, but don't worry. When she recovers, she will definitely speak to the Marquis on your behalf. Here's five taels of silver, take it, and settle down for now..."

Cui Mama had handed her the silver as if it were charity.

At that time, she had been filled with anxiety and hope, wondering how to make the five taels of silver last until Concubine Jiang could persuade her father to allow her back into the Marquis' mansion. However, in the end, she lost both the silver and the chance to return to the mansion.

Whether it was because Concubine Jiang had never really interceded on her behalf, or because her father had refused to relent, she would never know.

In her previous life, her father had so easily abandoned her. Was it because he had some unavoidable reason for doing so, or was it that, like Concubine Jiang, he had never cared for her, his illegitimate daughter?

With that thought, Chu Qianchen’s eyes flickered, and she glanced toward the door curtains at the front right.

Chu Lingxiao strode in with great speed.

At thirty, he was handsome and poised, dressed in a rich blue brocade robe and a jade crown securing his hair. His gaze, filled with a gentle smile, landed on Concubine Jiang as he walked directly toward her.

"Father," Chu Qianchen stood up, gave a respectful bow, and called out.

Chu Lingxiao gave her a formal nod without much expression, then gently assisted Concubine Jiang, who was about to rise to greet him, and said softly, "You’re not well, stay seated."

Concubine Jiang smiled at him, her lips pressed together, her eyes sparkling with affection and warmth.

Chu Lingxiao sat down on the beauty couch, next to Concubine Jiang’s left side.

"What were you two talking about?" Chu Lingxiao asked with a smile, his gaze toward Concubine Jiang full of tender affection.

"Lord Marquis, look, this is the pouch that Chen’er embroidered. Isn’t it beautiful?" Concubine Jiang held up the water-green pouch for him to see, smiling as she said, "I asked Chen’er to give it to me, but she refused."

"Chen’er’s embroidery is much better than mine. I simply adore it," Concubine Jiang’s voice was soft and melodious, with a slight upward lilt at the end, making it sound coquettish and endearing.

"Oh?" Chu Lingxiao, uninterested in such feminine trinkets, didn’t even glance at the pouch. Instead, he squinted at Chu Qianchen and said, in a tone that brooked no disagreement, "Chen’er, since your aunt likes it, you should give it to her as a sign of filial piety."

(End of Chapter)