Chapter 104: Fainting

“Don’t ask too many questions. The doctor has arrived. Someone, carry the matriarch out to the courtyard.” Su Hong observed that although the old lady’s complexion was pale, her breathing was steady, and she seemed unharmed.

Yao Ruoshui tugged on Su Hong’s sleeve and asked, “What do you mean by this, Master? She has committed such a grave mistake, yet there is no punishment at all. Was all the suffering and humiliation Mother endured for nothing?”

Su Baizhi also asked innocently, “Father, I don’t understand your meaning. Has eldest sister done nothing wrong? Or is grandmother not to be compared with eldest sister?”

Su Baihan nodded vigorously by her side, fearing that Su Hong might let Su Lilu off lightly. Su Hong frowned deeply at their incessant questions and said, “I’ve said it already—this matter is closed. If you keep asking, do you want to kneel at the ancestral hall?”

Yao Ruoshui and the others immediately fell silent, no longer daring to question. Su Hong, relieved by the quiet, then instructed the nearby servants, “Today’s events are to be considered unseen. If I find out anyone is gossiping inside or outside the mansion, there will be no mercy. Understand?”

“Yes, Master!” Several trusted servants stepped forward, eager to make an impression. Yao Ruoshui’s heart sank upon hearing Su Hong’s order to keep everyone silent; her face darkened with annoyance.

Seeing Su Hong’s resolute expression, Yao Ruoshui knew she could not change his mind. She sighed and turned her attention back to the old lady.

Su Baizhi felt regretful as well. Such a rare chance had slipped away because Su Lilu had escaped again. How could that woman’s luck be so good?

The doctor soon arrived, examined her, and prescribed medicine. “The matriarch suffered from a sudden shock to her heart. She will awaken shortly but must be carefully tended to. At her age, she should avoid angering herself easily in the future.”

“Thank you, doctor. Someone, escort the doctor out,” Su Hong bowed respectfully. The doctor left the prescription and medicine box before departing.

Su Hong ordered the servants to carry the matriarch back to the main hall and stayed close, waiting attentively for her to regain consciousness.

Yao Ruoshui clenched her fists silently after hearing the doctor’s words. Even after such a severe shock, there would be no punishment? What would it be like next time then? Su Lilu was becoming increasingly difficult to deal with.

Before long, the old lady slowly awakened, taking a while to realize she was inside the room.

“Mother, do you feel any discomfort anywhere?” Su Hong anxiously came close. Though the doctor had said there was no serious harm, hearing his mother’s own admission brought greater reassurance.

The old lady stretched out her hand and struggled to sit up. Su Hong immediately supported her. “Mother, you are not yet well. Lie down first. I will help you sit up.”

Behind Su Hong, he placed a large cushion, then brought a cup of warm water for her to moisten her throat. “Is everything settled?” she croaked hoarsely.

“Yes, son has already taken care of everything. Rest assured and recuperate,” Su Hong whispered.

Yao Ruoshui entered with a bowl of warm porridge and was delighted to see the old lady sitting up. “Mother, you’re awake! I had someone prepare porridge for you. Would you like some?”

Su Hong coldly ordered, “Put down the porridge. I have some things to discuss with Mother. You may leave first.”

Yao Ruoshui’s face fell as she opened her mouth several times but stopped herself. Quietly, she said, “As Master commands, I shall take my leave. Remember to drink the porridge, Mother.”

At the doorway, she glanced back. Su Hong’s brow was furrowed deeply, speaking quietly with the old lady. Both wore solemn expressions. Clutching her handkerchief tightly, Yao Ruoshui left to consider her next steps.

The following day, Su Lilu went to pay respects to the old lady and met Yao Ruoshui and her group at the door. Su Baihan, displeased with Su Lilu, snorted lightly and turned away. Su Lilu’s expression remained unchanged; she yielded to Yao Ruoshui’s party to enter first, then followed alone.

Inside, the old lady was already up and greeted them calmly, “You’re here.”

“Hán and Zhǐ pay respects to grandmother,” Su Baizhi and Su Baihan said with sweet smiles.

The old lady chuckled, “You two little rascals, stand up quickly.”

The girls rose and stood behind Yao Ruoshui, who bent forward to greet, “Mother, did you sleep well last night?”

“Hmm, quite well,” she replied.

Yao Ruoshui’s face brightened. “I was worried about you all night, fearing that the fright during the day might cause trouble at night...”

“Yao, did Master not say that yesterday’s events are not to be mentioned again?” The old lady’s tone turned cold. Yao Ruoshui flushed and quietly stepped back two paces.

Su Lilu bowed gracefully, “Lilu pays respects to grandmother.”

“Rise,” the old lady said gently, no longer combative as the previous day. Yao Ruoshui recalled seeing Su Hong speaking with the old lady the day before. Had they discussed something? Perhaps related to Su Lilu? Her gaze sharpened as she studied Su Lilu.

Su Lilu’s every movement was exactly as the governess had taught—polished and pleasing to behold.

Su Baihan, watching her calm demeanor, was filled with jealousy and could not help but sneer, “Su Lilu, have you lost your memory? You clearly made grandmother sick with anger yesterday, yet today you offer no apology. Are you mute?”

Su Lilu remained silent. Su Baihan smirked triumphantly, raising an eyebrow. “Scared? Better admit it early. We won’t mock you. Your pretenses only hide how nervous you really are.”

Su Baihan’s face twisted in scorn, showing none of the dignity expected of a young lady. Yao Ruoshui, hearing her daughter’s insults, felt a secret satisfaction. But noticing the old lady’s growing stern expression, she tugged Su Baihan’s sleeve, drawing a surprised glance. “Mother, why are you pulling me?”

Su Baihan’s question shifted everyone’s attention to Yao Ruoshui. She blushed faintly and half-jokingly scolded, “You child, the matriarch is here. You have no right to speak. Stop it at once. Your eldest sister’s matter will be settled by your father and grandmother.”

Only then did Su Baihan notice the old lady and dared not speak further. She looked at Su Lilu, who remained unbothered, amusing herself alone, creating a slightly awkward atmosphere.

“Did you not hear your father’s words yesterday? I’ll say it again: nothing happened, so there’s no need for apologies,” the old lady said firmly, clearly displeased with Su Baihan and Yao Ruoshui for repeatedly bringing up the past. If Su Lilu had been truly ashamed, that would be one thing, but seeing her composed demeanor made them look foolish instead.

Yao Ruoshui’s expression changed several times before she forced a smile and nudged her daughters, replying, “The matriarch speaks wisely. I have learned my lesson.”

The room remained somewhat cold due to Su Lilu’s presence. Su Baizhi and Su Baihan occasionally made the old lady laugh, helping to mask the tension.

After a while, Su Lilu, seeing there was nothing more to attend to and noting the old lady’s fatigued look as she supported her head, respectfully said, “Grandmother, you seem tired. Your granddaughter will take her leave now.”

No sooner had she spoken than her blue skirt swirled in the eyes of the onlookers as she headed toward the door. The old lady watched silently, saying nothing.

Yao Ruoshui frowned. “Mother, she’s growing more unruly. She leaves before the elders speak?”

“That’s enough. She’s right—I am tired. You all should go back now.” The old lady allowed the housekeeper Hua to assist her into the inner chamber.