Chapter 58: Chapter 57: An Invitation Again Chapter 58: Chapter 57: An Invitation Again Manager Luo smiled and asked, “Ms. Chen, could Dabao and Jin Bao accompany my sister to the Tang Garden? She has been demanding Jin Bao since this morning that she did not even have her breakfast.”
Chen Afu regretfully replied, “Alas, Jin Bao flew south with the swallows this morning. I’m afraid we’ll have to wait till next year to see it again.”
Manager Luo looked somewhat stunned, as if he could not quite fathom the news.
Chen Afu went on, “It’s true, I wouldn’t dare deceive Mr. Luo. I watched it fly into a flock of swallows and head south this morning. Well, we have another, even prettier, bird that can keep Ms. Chu company.” Then, she invited Manager Luo into the courtyard.
When Manager Luo saw the Cloud Brocade Sparrow, his eyes widened in surprise. “This bird is so beautiful,” he exclaimed, “Are you sure you want to give it to my sister?”
Seeing Manager Luo’s expression, it was clear that the Cloud Brocade Sparrow was rare indeed. But once the words were out and since it was Jin Yanzi who had entrusted her with the bird, Chen Afu had to be firm, albeit tactfully.
She laughed and said, “Indeed. I heard from Dabao that Ms. Luo enjoys Jin Bao’s company. Unfortunately, with the onset of cold weather, Jin Bao has gone south. This bird, being both beautiful and having a pleasant song, will surely amuse Ms. Luo. She might even grow fond of it.”
Manager Luo was overjoyed and thanked Ms. Chen, “With the company of this bird, my sister will surely be pleased.”
Chen Dabao also walked out and said, “This bird is as beautiful as Yan’er, a perfect gift for the beautiful lady.”
Hearing this, Manager Luo burst into laughter.
Manager Luo’s intention was clear. Even without Jin Bao, he hoped that Dabao would accompany Qi Qi and Hui Hui to the Tang Garden. Firstly, to explain to his sister personally about Jin Bao’s departure, and secondly, his presence along with Qi Qi and Hui Hui’s would cheer her up.
Manager Luo was puzzled yesterday. How could such a young child as Dabao get along so well with his sister and exhibit such patience? When she ignored him, he would simply play with his parrots and puppy, skillfully managing to grab her attention. Even when she ignored him, he remained unperturbed while continuing to sport a good humor.
In the past, many children and maids were brought in to accompany his sister, but none could capture her attention. However, Dabao, a four-year-old boy, managed to do so, even for a brief moment, which brought tears to his master’s eyes.
Last night, his wife had elicited information about Chen’s family situation from other sources, and found that Dabao was adopted and his mother had once been a fool. No wonder he was well-versed in handling patients like his sister. It was, however, hard on the young child.
Manager Luo discreetly observed Chen Afu. He found it hard to believe that such a clever and articulate young woman had once been a fool. Perhaps, there could be hope for his young mistress…
Chen Afu, on the other hand, felt uncomfortable with the situation. The powerful elite were imposing their will, expecting other children to entertain their child. What upset her more was that the rightful compliance didn’t yield any good returns. Instead, she was worried they might involve Dabao in their schemes.
Despite her discomfort, she couldn’t afford to express her displeasure.
Chen Afu managed a smile and said, “Mr. Luo, even though we are poor, we dote on our child and would never consider selling him.”
Manager Luo realized he had frightened the family the previous day. He hurriedly reassured Chen Afu that no one would dare harm Dabao, Jin Bao, Qi Qi, or Hui Hui as per his master’s orders. He promised to remember their kindness if they could keep his sister company. He said that he had some influence in and around Tang Garden and offered to help the Chen family in case of difficulty.
On hearing this, Chen Afu felt a bit relieved that Dabao and others were no longer in danger.
She had been worried about the security of the house in Jin Yanzi’s absence, given their financial condition. With Manager Luo’s words, she felt that their situation might improve.
She then went inside and brought out the swallow toy, laughing, “I heard from Dabao that Ms. Chu thought Jin Bao could laugh. So, I made a laughing swallow for Ms. Chu to play with.” She politely added, “I apologize for the simplicity of the gift.”
Manager Luo noted that while the toy was made decently, the fabric was poor. He didn’t think it appropriate for the young mistress. He stroked his beard and refrained from accepting it.
Chen Afu noticed that he didn’t appreciate the fabric of the toy. She smiled and handed the toy over to Dabao.
Consequently, Chen Dabao accompanied by a grinning Jin Bao, Qi Qi, Hui Hui and Zhui Feng, followed Luo to Tang Garden, with a birdcage in tow.
Shortly after they left, Chen Afu was visited by Mrs. Changgen and Shitou.
Mrs. Changgen came with her needlework to join Chen Afu. Not only did she bring a small gourd of cow’s milk for Alu, but she also brought six pears, saying that her relative had a pear tree and had sent her some of the first fruits of the season.
She mentioned, “Ah, the rose cake given by Dabao yesterday was exquisitely delicious. I heard from my father-in-law that it’s a delicacy from Capital Qingxiang Vegetarian Restaurant, really expensive… Dabao certainly knows how to please.”
What she didn’t say was that last night, Manager Luo’s wife, Madam Luo, had specially inquired about The Chens’ second house, especially about Dabao and Chen Afu.
Her mother-in-law had told her everything about the Chens.
This morning, her mother-in-law asked her to go to the Chens and find out if it was indeed Dabao who had won the little mistress’s favor.
Chen Afu laughed and said, “Oh, Dabao went to your house and boasted again. It’s just the rich girl doesn’t have fun in the garden, so she wanted to find a playmate.”
Upon hearing that Dabao was taken away by the people from Tang Garden again, Shitou felt so sad that he was on the verge of tears. He even wanted to go to Tang Garden to play with Dabao.
Mrs. Changgen scolded him, “Are you seeking death? The Tang Garden is not a place you can just go to.”
Upset, Shitou went to find Si Xizi to play with.
They sat in the West Room of the New Courtyard, sewing and chatting. Mrs. Wang joined them too. They worked and bantered along.
Mrs. Changgen narrated some stories about Tang Garden. She had visited the garden once to deliver goods, describing that it was named due to the numerous begonia trees. She said that though the Wu family had never met the master of Tang Garden, they were quite familiar with Manager Luo and his wife. She said Manager Luo was influential, feared not only by local leaders and landlords, but even some government officials in the county town had to give him face…
Hearing her, Chen Afu was more determined to maintain a good relationship with the Tang Garden, as long as they didn’t harm Dabao and others.