Chapter 196 (2/2)

Chen Yu pondered a little then shook her head. “He won’t. Cousin has been out the entire time for school. He originally did not have much contact with the Chen family. Moreover, those bank notes were given by third uncle. It’s unknown whether or not eldest uncle knows about it. He won’t cause any problems.” She spoke while walking forward a few steps towards Chen Qing. “Why does cousin not go in to wait?” Upon beginning to speak, she returned to her former beautiful appearance that was absolutely stunning.

Chen Qing had always had a soft spot for Chen Yu since he was young, especially the tender way in which Chen Yu spoke to him. This caused him to blush even harder and become even more dazed.

Previously, the Chen family’s people had mentioned the idea of marriage to Chen shi, and they had thought of having the cousins unite in wedlock, but this was rejected by Chen shi. This was something Chen Yu also knew about. Now that she saw Chen Qing, even an idiot could see that he still had feelings for her, as the long disappeared feelings of conceit once again surged forth in her heart.

“Cousin, you’ve come back?” Chen Qing did his best to calm himself down and saluted Chen Yu, “Chen Qing hastily came to the manor and did not even say a greeting to younger cousin. It truly was improper.”

“Cousin, what sort of things are you saying. Quickly, come inside to sit.” Chen Yu spoke while allowing Chen Qing into the courtyard.

Chen Qing, however, backed up a couple steps and waved his hand, saying: “No, no, no, younger cousin, pay attention to the rules. How could I enter so casually. I only came to greet you before… before going back.”

Chen Yu’s face revealed a trace of sadness and looked at Chen Qing for a while before lowering her head. She then quietly sighed and said: “Cousin must also hate Chen Yu, right? It is alright, Chen Yu does not blame cousin.”

Chen Qing was startled and asked in surprise: “Younger cousin, what are you saying? How could I hate younger cousin?” He then looked at Chen Yu and could not help but become anxious, “Younger cousin, what happened? Why is your complexion so poor? Are you not feeling well?”

Chen Yu did not speak, instead it was Yi Lin who spoke, “Young master, you may not know, but our young miss has suffered great grievances over the past half a year!”

Upon hearing these words, Chen Qing, for some reason, recalled the Feng family’s second young miss, who had treated his illness. He subconsciously asked: “Could it be that it was the Feng family’s second young miss that was bullying younger cousin?”

Chen Yu’s eyes lit up: “Why does cousin say it like that?”

Yi Lin, however, said: “Young master has also heard about this matter?”

Chen Qing frowned: “Speaking about it, it was all true?”

Chen Yu had many grievances in her heart. Flattening her mouth, a couple tears immediately came forth. She raised her handkerchief to wipe away the tears and quietly sobbed. Yi Lin then let out a long sigh and said: “Ever since second young miss returned to the manor, the eldest young miss has suffered worse with each passing day. Madam and eldest young master both passed away one after the other, leaving behind eldest young miss alone and helpless. But she still was not satisfied, as she even took eldest young miss’ title of daughter to the first wife away. Young master, how is madam supposed to be at peace in death!”

Upon hearing her mention Chen shi, Chen Qing also let out a sob. No matter what was said, she was his aunt. He was far away doing his studies, so he did not even get a chance to send her off at her funeral. How could he feel at peace over it?

“Younger cousin, do not cry.” Chen Qing went up and wanted to raise a hand to wipe away Chen Yu’s tears, but he also remembered to restrain himself, so he stopped his raised hand.

Chen Yu, however, raised her head and looked at Chen Qing her with tear-filled eyes. Her gaze was filled with encouragement.

Yi Lin tactfully took a step back, leaving just the two cousins behind. In the end, Chen Qing could not endure being bewitched by Chen Yu. Raising one hand to her cheeks, he gently wiped away tears from her face. His heart was like a rabbit that was hopping rapidly. He was both afraid and joyful.

“Younger cousin, do not worry. Cousin definitely will not allow you to suffer any more grievances.” He expressed himself to Chen Yu, but did not know what he needed to do to ensure she would not suffer. He could not understand how could such a fine girl like Chen Yu be bullied by others? Should a person like her not be held with care?

Chen Yu heard Chen Qing’s words and displayed an extremely grateful appearance. In her mind, however, she was laughing wildly. She thought to herself that Chen Qing really was a bookworm. He did not even look at himself. How could it be possible for her to have taken an interest in him? He was simply another person at her side. Either way, it was better than fighting alone.

It turned out that Chen Qing truly was a bookworm. Departing from Chen Yu’s courtyard, he went straight to his own guest courtyard and dove straight into his pile of books to begin studying. The method he could think of to protect Chen Yu was to pass the Imperial exam in the coming Spring with flying colors. When that time came, he would ask his uncle for support then ask the Emperor to approve the wedding between him and Chen Yu. He wanted to take her out of the Feng family in glory, so that they could happily pass their days far away from Feng Yu Heng.

At this time, Feng Jin Yuan was in Shu Ya courtyard, seated next to the matriarch’s bed. He told her of the happenings at court: “The Emperor has appointed me as his imperial envoy. In three days, I will be going to the North to direct the handling of the disaster.”

The matriarch nodded: “Good, being able to be relied upon by the Emperor is a good thing. You must work to the fullest of your power. Think more about the victims of the disaster and devote yourself fully to doing your job well.”

Feng Jin Yuan nodded then said: “Today, all of the officials promised to donate funds to deal with the Winter disaster. Son, General Ping Nan and Minister Fung all pledged 50 thousand taels. I will need a bit of mother’s assistance from the general funds.”

The matriarch did not show any weakness: “This is something that should be done.”

Who knew that Feng Jin Yuan would follow up and say: “May I know if there is any extra money in the manor’s general funds? Son needs… to take out another one million taels.”