12 Chapter 11 Mr. Chen

Chen Dabao first said triumphantly, "The villagers all think I'm too young to understand, so when they're talking about grandma, they don't avoid me. Thus, I have eavesdropped quite a bit. I know much more than my uncle does."

Then, his little face twisted, "It seems that Mr. Chen's family lives in the next town. When his father was seriously ill and about to die, his mother bought grandma to be a bride for good fortune and to help with their household chores. Grandma was only ten when she entered the Chen's family, and Mr. Chen was five. It was Grandma who raised him. After Mr. Chen passed the imperial examination, his mother got rid of my grandma. It's said that that man later became a scholar, married the daughter of an important official, and has always been a big official somewhere called Jiangnan. He has never returned. And, they all say Mr. Chen is very handsome…"

Chen Afu was shocked again, realizing that not only was Mrs. Wang a child bride, but perhaps the man who might be her real father was raised as a stepson by Mrs. Wang herself. Mrs. Wang is now 36 years old, two years older than Chen Ming. This body was born when Mrs. Wang was 21. In ancient times, it was normal for a woman to have a child at fifteen or sixteen. Giving birth to a first child at the age of 21 was indeed old.

Thinking of this, Chen Afu felt pain for Mrs. Wang again. At a young age, she was sold as a child bride and helped her husband grow. But after her husband passed the examination, she was abandoned and returned to her family. Because she was pregnant, she married a dying man in desperation. Since then, she had to bear the burden of raising this family of sickly people. Thankfully, Chen Ming survived and was kind to Mrs. Wang and himself, the burden.

In her heart, she cursed Mr. Chen hundreds of times. Such a Chen Shimei, once becoming successful, he abandoned his wife who had dared all the hardships with him.

But, wouldn't this be a stain on him? Even officials in ancient times cared about character. This place is relatively close to the Capital City, only about 200 miles away. If someone intentionally leaked this info, he could probably be impeached by a censor. Could there be something else going on here? She'd figure it out after she got better.

Then she thought, why should she worry about all this? She'll only ever see Chen Ming as her real father and take good care of him in the future. As for that bastard Chen Shimei, she didn't want any contact with him.

Thinking of this, she lost interest in Mr. Chen.

She remembered the second reason the little boy mentioned why her auntie and cousin disliked her. She said, "The Chen family has been divided long ago. How could it be because of the two of us that no man wanted to marry Aju? Certainly, it was because she herself was undesirable. No man wanted her, so she took her anger out on us."

Chen Dabao whispered, "I also think so. Auntie Aju has a bad temper, and she's lazy and greedy. If I grow up, I won't marry such a home wrecker."

This statement did not match the boy's cute image.

Chen Afu frowned, "Son, how could you speak ill of someone?"

The little boy blushed with embarrassment, and he chuckled, "That's what grandma called Auntie Aju."

"Bad mouthing is not fair, Dabao. You're a good boy. Do not do it again," said Chen Afu.

"Okay, I won't say bad words about people again," the little boy quickly promised.

The next day, the little boy helped Chen Afu tidy her hair. Chen Afu treated the little boy's head as a test field, and was busy for half a day. Not only was she sweating at the tip of her nose, but the little boy's face was also sweaty. Finally, she managed to make him a skyrocket hairstyle.

Looking at the loose little tree, Chen Afu felt accomplished. Things were improving.

The little boy looked at his mother admiringly, praising her, "Mom is great. She even can comb my hair."

Chen Afu continued to spoon feed more dreams to him, "In the future, Mom will not only comb hair for you, but will also sew new clothes for you. Also, Mom will earn money —— to let you and your uncle go to school, treat your uncle's and grandfather's illnesses."

"Great!" Chen Dabao jumped up, his trust in his mother overflowing.

Mrs. Wang wanted to recomb Chen Dabao's hair, but the little boy shook his head and said, "No need, I like the hairstyle Mom made."

The three of them left the east room. Chen Dabao didn't stop bragging to Chen Alu that his mother could comb his hair. He was showing off so much it was impossible to ignore. "Mom said after she gets better, she will earn money to send us to school and help Uncle treat his leg."

Chen Alu clearly didn't believe this, but still smiled and said, "Let Dabao go to school by himself. When Uncle grows up, he will go to the capital city with uncle to learn business, and provide for Dabao's education."

Chen Afu looked at her frail little brother. He was really a good boy, just as kind as Father Chen Ming.

Chen Afu was working hard to strengthen her body. In the midst of her bustle, the seventeenth of March arrived. In the late afternoon, Chen Ming led the family to the chief's house. Before leaving, Chen Dabao grabbed a handful of soot from under the stove and smeared it on Chen Afu's face.

As he smeared, he frowned saying "You should be cautious being this handsome."

Everyone was used to Chen Dabao's antics and did not react. Chen Afu also accepted it. After listening to him, she pinched his face and laughed, "Dabao is more handsome than Mom."

Chen Dabao pouted, "How can it be the same? I'm a man."

They walked along the path, looking around. The village wasn't small, with probably over a hundred households.

The village was surrounded by green trees, a babbling stream, large fields in the distance, and continuous mountains. It truly was a beautiful mountain village.

Living here for a lifetime wouldn't be bad, of course, on the condition that there's enough food and clothing, and no bullying.

Xiangluo Village has an ideal location, not far from Sanqing County and Dingzhou. Sanqing County is the thoroughfare for southerners heading to the capital, and Dingzhou is a strategic hub, both very prosperous. In addition to that, this is a large plain with good crop growth. It can be considered a land of abundance. Therefore, as long as people are diligent, it is possible to make a living here. If one's brain is more flexible, life can be better.

Chen Ming, Mrs. Wang, and Chen Alu are introverted by nature. When they meet people, they would just smile. As for Chen Afu, she can hardly speak clearly, and doesn't start a conversation casually. In this family, the most talkative one is Chen Dabao.

He greeted everyone with a bright smile. Most of the farmers were simple and also responded to him with smiles, greeting him and chatting about some insignificant things.

However, there were a few people who seemed to feel that talking to Chen Dabao would lower their status. They frowned and grunted in acknowledgement.

Dabao didn't seem to mind and continued talking to the next person.

But Chen Afu noticed. Her eyes darkened momentarily before quickly returning to normal.

This was a form of self-protection, wasn't it?

......

I apologize, I was so busy today that I just sat in front of the computer. I'll post this first and then have dinner. Thank you for your continuous support! Also, thanks to Keppra for the recommendation. It's too much trouble, really appreciate it!