Chapter Twenty-Three: The Wedding Day

After Su Li Luo and the others had left, she sat on the heated brick bed in her room and beckoned Liu Zhu over. “Are your injuries serious?” she asked. “Later, let Liu Ying bring you some medicine to apply. Liu Zhu, I want to ask you, what’s the secret behind those family rules?”

Su Li Luo thought over the matter. There was nothing remarkable about being confined for reflection, but what pleased Su San’er must be something to do with those family rules. Her brows furrowed tightly; she still couldn’t figure it out and could only shake her head, leaving Liu Zhu to explain.

Liu Zhu pondered carefully, then exclaimed in surprise, “Miss, I understand now. Our manor’s family rules contain only a few dozen words. No wonder Third Miss is so delighted.”

Su Li Luo nodded lightly and waved Liu Zhu away. “Go and rest properly. There’s no need for you to attend me these next few days. Regain your strength before you return.”

Tears welled in Liu Zhu’s eyes as she nodded vigorously, afraid she might let down Su Li Luo’s kindness. “Then I’ll take my leave.”

Su Li Luo held a black chess piece in her hand, its color contrasting with her pale jade skin, making her complexion seem even fairer. Her gaze flickered as she finally understood what had made Su San’er so happy.

She murmured softly, “It seems the old lady still favors those two.”

Two days later, Su Bai Zhi instructed her chief maid to fetch Yao Ruo Shui. As soon as Yao Ruo Shui entered the room, she waved for the servants to stay outside. Jin Ling made two cups of tea and set some pastries on the table before leaving at Su Bai Zhi’s signal.

That day, Su Bai Zhi wore a pink skirt. After a few days of rest, her cherry lips and lotus-like face glowed. Yao Ruo Shui smiled proudly at her daughter. “My child is truly beautiful. Surely you’ll win the Crown Prince’s favor.”

Su Bai Zhi forced a smile at her mother, not hiding her thoughts. She gripped Yao Ruo Shui’s hand tightly, anxious to confide her unease. After a moment, she spoke, “Mother, could you inquire for me when His Highness the Crown Prince plans to set the date for our wedding?”

As she was currently confined and unable to leave the courtyard, Su Bai Zhi could only rely on Yao Ruo Shui. Her eyes betrayed her urgency. Yao Ruo Shui was momentarily stunned by her words, then comforted her: “There’s no need for you to worry, Bai Zhi. I had planned to ask your father after court today if he’s received any news.”

This was also a matter weighing on Yao Ruo Shui’s heart. Her earlier pride faded somewhat. Mother and daughter exchanged a glance, and in the end, Yao Ruo Shui was the one to soothe Su Bai Zhi’s impatience. “Don’t fret, Bai Zhi. I will make sure you enter the Crown Prince’s residence as you wish.”

Su Bai Zhi nodded, tears slipping down her cheeks. “Mother, I’m only worried about Su Li Luo. Perhaps the Crown Prince hasn’t let go of her, which is why he’s delayed bringing me into his residence?”

Yao Ruo Shui rebuked gently, “I understand your worry, Bai Zhi. With me here, that wretched girl won’t dare steal your marriage. Just wait. I’ll go see if your father has returned home.”

With that, Yao Ruo Shui hurried off to the front courtyard with her maid. Su Bai Zhi instructed Yin Ling to fetch water for her makeup, and the worries that had weighed on her heart eased somewhat.

Meanwhile, Yao Ruo Shui arrived at the front courtyard to find Si Xi, the Prime Minister’s young servant, standing guard at the study door. She said directly, “I need to see the master.”

“Please wait, madam. I’ll report to him first.” Si Xi soon returned. “Madam, please enter.”

Yao Ruo Shui left her maid and nanny outside and entered alone, taking the food box from Granny Ping’s hands. She saw the Prime Minister writing at his desk and quietly approached. “Master, I had someone prepare a bowl of snow fungus soup for you. Please enjoy it.”

“Hmm, leave it there.” The Prime Minister didn’t look up. Only after finishing his writing did he allow Yao Ruo Shui to help him wash his hands, then asked, “What brings you here today?”

The couple sat by the window, where a pot of hot tea was set. Yao Ruo Shui held two jade-white cups, her hand on the teapot handle. She wore a dress of emerald smoke-colored silk, and as she poured tea, her sleeve rose, revealing a pale wrist.

“Master, please have some tea.”

“Hmm.” The Prime Minister calmly enjoyed her service, sipping his tea and waiting for her to speak.

“Master, I’m thinking that although Bai Zhi’s marriage has been settled, the date hasn’t been set. Have you discussed with the Crown Prince when the wedding will be? And what about the eldest daughter? Although His Highness has broken off the engagement with her, she can’t remain unmarried at home forever. We must find her a suitable match. After all, every woman must find a proper home. What do you think?”

Seeing the Prime Minister’s expression darken, Yao Ruo Shui wondered if she had said something wrong. Her hands clenched on her lap. Could it be that Bai Zhi’s wedding date cannot be fixed?

The Prime Minister’s lips drew down as he looked at his dignified wife and mocked her, “Now you’re anxious? Bai Zhi lowered herself and let the Crown Prince take her, leaving me in such a predicament. I did not punish her, and yet you have the nerve to ask about the wedding date?”

Yao Ruo Shui was reduced to tears by his words, sobbing, “Master, I didn’t mean for this to happen, but what’s done is done. Aside from urging His Highness to wed Bai Zhi as soon as possible, do you have any better solution?”

The Prime Minister was momentarily silenced by Yao Ruo Shui’s retort. After thinking for a moment, he could only agree. “Very well. In a few days, I’ll sound out the Crown Prince’s intentions. Make sure Bai Zhi studies proper etiquette. Don’t let her disgrace herself in the Eastern Palace and bring shame to the Su family.”

Yao Ruo Shui got what she wanted and agreed eagerly, “I’ll do as you say, Master. I’ll keep a close eye on Bai Zhi and won’t let her act inappropriately again. And what about the eldest daughter’s marriage?”

At the mention of Su Li Luo, the Prime Minister glared at Yao Ruo Shui, gripping his teacup tightly. If not for this ignorant woman, he would have been the rightful father-in-law of the Crown Prince. Now the Crown Princess had become a concubine, leaving him bitter.

“Li Luo’s matters can wait. Keep your thoughts to yourself. If I find you scheming against her again, don’t blame me for being harsh,” he said sternly, his brows raised, looking rather intimidating.

Yao Ruo Shui said dryly, “But the eldest miss is not young anymore. If we delay her marriage much longer…” Seeing the Prime Minister’s protection of Su Li Luo, Yao Ruo Shui grew ever more determined to see her married off quickly, but her persuasion had little effect.

“That’s not your concern. I have my own plans. Yao, don’t think I don’t know what’s in your heart. If there’s a next time, I will not be merciful.” The Prime Minister spoke coldly. Yao Ruo Shui bit her lip in frustration; however unwilling she was, she could only acquiesce.

“Master, will you dine in the main courtyard tonight?” she asked hopefully. The Prime Minister hadn’t been to the main courtyard for some time. Thinking of that vixen and her daughter, Yao Ruo Shui wished she could strip them bare.

“No. Rest on your own. Don’t wait for me.” Yao Ruo Shui left the study in disappointment.