My low-key cultivation of immortality was discovered by the emperor in my diary.

Chapter 27 The Chu Family's Reaction, Inquiring into Details

Although Chu Wenchen returned to the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion, he still planted spies to keep an eye on Xuanzhen Temple and Chu Lengyu's every move.

He had just returned from court today and sat down in his study when his subordinates reported that Chu Lengyu had bought a manor in the east of the city and seemed to be moving there soon.

Upon hearing this, Chu Wenchen snorted coldly and said, "My goddaughter has really grown up, thinking she's all grown up now. Does she think that old man surnamed Lin can stop me? Humph!"

The subordinate continued, "After Chu Lengyu took over the manor, she immediately dismissed all the servants. Master, do you think I should send people in?"

"If there's an opportunity, let a few people in."

"Yes. There's one more thing." A hint of confusion flashed across the subordinate's face. "I also found out that when the young lady bought the manor, she was very generous and paid for it directly with gold bars."

His words made Chu Wenchen frown.

But then he thought about it. Although the Xuanzhen Temple outside the city didn't look impressive, it was still one of the top ten temples in the world. He figured that many powerful and wealthy people in the capital would go there to donate money.

But Lin Jiuxiao's willingness to fund the purchase of the manor for Chu Lengyu still surprised him somewhat.

This old man is quite old, is he senile? He's just a little girl who has nothing to do with him, and now he's actually developed feelings for her?

If he truly cared so much about Chu Lengyu, why didn't he take her to the Taoist temple and raise her in the first place? Instead, he had his elder brother bring her back to the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion!

But why didn't they take her back after her older brother died?

It's disgusting that he's only pretending to be kind now.

Chu Wenchen sat down on the wooden chair, picked up a cup of tea, and seeing that his trusted subordinates were still not leaving, asked somewhat impatiently, "What else is there? Tell me all at once."

"Your instructions to inquire about the invitations to the snow appreciation banquet have yielded some results. Rumor has it that Princess Jin'an received an imperial edict to host a banquet at Yingxue Tower for the sons and daughters of the four princes and eight dukes. Not only our family, but also the Prince of Qin's family, the Duke of Qi's family, the Duke of Ying's family, and the Duke of Li's family have all received invitations."

With a "bang," Chu Wenchen slammed the teacup in his hand onto the table.

His expression became much more serious.

Over the years, the emperor and the four kings and eight dukes have maintained a subtle tacit understanding, as if they were keeping to themselves.

What was so special about this year's snow-viewing banquet that warranted such a grand gesture from the emperor?

Chu Wenchen went through the events that had occurred in the capital over the past two years in his mind, but couldn't think of anything suspicious.

Well, well, he has kept a low profile since taking over the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion, so I suppose no one can find fault with him.

only……

Princess Jin'an sent three invitations in total. He had already torn up Chu Lengyu's invitation, and he refused Chu Wen'er's invitation on the grounds that she had fallen and injured herself. Only his only son, Chu Lin, was left, and he had to attend the banquet that day.

He then instructed, "When Lin'er returns, bring him to see me as soon as possible."

"Yes, Master." The subordinate bowed and finally withdrew.

When Song saw her trusted confidant come out, a hint of fear and annoyance flashed in her eyes.

If this person hadn't secretly informed her last time, she wouldn't have been slapped by her husband.

Song still harbors resentment over this matter.

Seeing him come out, she couldn't help but worry again: Could it be that he said something bad about me to the master again?

Madam Song frowned slightly and told her maid to ask him for information. She then carried the pear soup into the study.

Chu Wenchen was feeling annoyed by the Emperor's use of the princess to host a banquet for the children of the four kings and eight nobles.

Just then, Madam Song brought in the soup and said sweetly, "Husband, I made pear soup today. It's sweet and soothing to the throat, please try it."

Chu Wencheng's expression softened slightly, and he said, "You're very thoughtful."

Song smiled sweetly, noticing the slight weariness in his eyes, and took the initiative to massage his shoulders.

Her tender eyes were filled with love for her husband.

Chu Wenchen then felt that Song was very good; she was gentle, considerate, and humble.

Completely forgetting that just two days ago, she was complaining in her heart that Song was stupid and clumsy, and had no demeanor as a mistress of the house.

The couple chatted for the first time in a long time and then went to have lunch together.

Seeing her parents being close, Chu Wen'er secretly admired her mother's methods; she had managed to appease her father in less than two days.

No wonder my father hasn't taken in a single concubine or maid all these years.

……

After meal.

Madam Song summoned her maidservant to inquire.

Although the maidservant tried to get information from the confidant, she had little success. She only learned that Chu Lengyu had bought a garden outside the city.

Upon hearing this, Song wondered, "Where did that girl get the money?"

Over the years, she had been in charge of the household's accounts and storerooms. The share she gave to Chu Lengyu was barely enough for her to eat and stay warm, and she couldn't save a single penny.

Like Chu Wenchen, she thought that Lin Jiuxiao had paid for Chu Lengyu.

She harbored a secret grudge and ordered her maid, "Go and find out which estate she bought, where it is located, and how much it cost."

Madam Song was still thinking that if Chu Lengyu died or married someone from another place, the garden should be taken over by the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion.

Isn't this just another free property deal?

Thinking about this easy way to get something for nothing, she couldn't help but laugh.

Just then, Chu Wen'er came running over.

She plopped down next to her, hugged her arm, and said in a spoiled tone, "Mother, please talk to Father and let me attend the snow appreciation banquet. I heard that many noble families have been invited this time."

Mrs. Song naturally knew what her daughter was planning.

For the first ten years or so, Chu Wen'er was the daughter of the Duke of Zhenguo's younger brother. Although she associated with many young ladies in the capital, she was still somewhat distant from the social circles of dukes, marquises, and princesses.

After her father took over the Zhenguo Duke's Mansion, Wen'er had to keep a low profile with him for the past two years, and Madam Song did not dare to let her go out and cause trouble.

Receiving Princess Jin'an's invitation was enough to make Chu Wen'er happy.

Moreover, this gathering of nobles and dignitaries, with young masters and ladies from various households all coming together, is a rare and precious opportunity.

Lady Song knew that her path had come to an end once she became the wife of a duke or marquis, and there would be no further opportunities for advancement.

But Chu Wen'er is different; she is still young and has a much higher starting point than Chu Wen'er.

The snow appreciation banquet was of great significance to her.

After thinking for a moment, Madam Song held her daughter's hand and assured her, "Don't worry, I'll talk to the master when your brother comes back. This matter will definitely be resolved."