Chapter Twenty-Four: Flattery

For the past few days, Su Lilu had secluded herself in her room, absorbed in the study of medical texts she had brought from the ancestral hall. Meanwhile, the restrictions placed on Su Baizhi and Su Sanner had been lifted; though the matron had been adamant at first, the punishment lasted only a handful of days. The Prime Minister, influenced by pillow talk, pleaded on Su Sanner’s behalf, and the old matron relented to save face for him, releasing them from confinement.

Outside, Liu Zhu and Liu Ying cast worried glances at the closed door. “Liu Ying, how many days has it been since Miss came out? What is she doing in there?”

“I’m not sure either,” Liu Ying replied. “Miss has her plans. We only need to mind our own tasks.” Soothed by her words, Liu Zhu nodded and ceased her fretting.

Inside, Su Lilu stretched and massaged her neck; she had worked day and night recently, foregoing sleep and meals, but at last her efforts bore fruit. Now all that remained was to find someone to test the medicine she had concocted.

“Liu Zhu, bring me something to eat. I’m a little hungry.” Fatigue etched blue shadows beneath Su Lilu’s eyes. Previously, she had been too preoccupied to notice, but now, as she relaxed, exhaustion washed over her.

Liu Zhu moved quickly. Pressed for time, she prepared only a few pastries and a pot of tea. Su Lilu did not wait for her to serve, helping herself to a cup of tea. It was still hot, so she sipped it carefully in small mouthfuls.

As the tea moistened her lips, Su Lilu asked Liu Zhu to pour a few cups to cool. She took a piece of pastry—not hurried, despite her hunger—and ate with small, measured bites. Years of strict upbringing had left their mark on her every movement.

Once her hunger was sated, Su Lilu placed the medicinal powder she had made on the table, transferring it into a white porcelain vial. “Liu Zhu, I’m going to sleep for a while. Wake me in two hours.”

“Yes, Miss. Should I put this vial away?” Liu Zhu reached toward the porcelain bottle on the table, but Su Lilu called out sharply, “Don’t touch it! If red spots appear on your hand, you’ll only have yourself to blame for the discomfort.”

Liu Zhu immediately withdrew her hand, eyeing the little vial with concern. “Miss, was this the medicine we sneaked out of the manor to obtain last time?”

“You guessed right. Only you and I know of this. Not a word to anyone else. I’m going to rest.” Liu Zhu dared not approach the vial again. She helped Su Lilu out of her outer garments, leaving her in her underclothes, and Su Lilu lay down, facing inward. Liu Zhu tucked her in, drew the jade-green silk curtains, and gently closed the door.

After a restful sleep, Su Lilu changed into a dress of lake-green silk, pinned her hair with a white jade hairpin, and styled it into a simple chignon. Rest had revived her complexion. After freshening up, she and Liu Zhu made their way to the kitchen.

Granny Lai, the matron in charge of the kitchen, barely acknowledged the arrival of the unfavored eldest young lady. Liu Zhu, indignant, wanted to rebuke her, but Su Lilu stopped her.

“Granny, I’d like to borrow the kitchen for a little while. Would you allow it?” As she spoke, Su Lilu discreetly pressed a green silk pouch into Granny Lai’s hand. Granny Lai’s fingers brushed the pouch, and her face lit up with a broad smile. “Of course, Eldest Miss. Please, come in. The kitchen isn’t busy right now—choose any stove you like.”

“Thank you, Granny. I’ll go in first,” Su Lilu replied politely, leading Liu Zhu to the stove. Having pocketed her reward, Granny Lai instructed a maid to light the fire and set out the ingredients Su Lilu required, then sat by the door to watch.

Su Lilu decided to make some pastries. It was the height of summer, and mint cakes would be cooling and whet the appetite perfectly.

Half an hour later, the mint cakes were done. She also prepared a few other small dishes. Noticing Granny Lai watching, Su Lilu set aside a portion for her and packed the rest in a food box.

“Is the Eldest Miss finished already? I’ve never seen snacks like these before,” Granny Lai remarked. Su Lilu did not protest when Liu Zhu brought over the specially prepared portion. “This is for you, Granny. I hope you won’t mind.”

“Not at all, not at all. If you ever want to make anything, just come to me,” Granny Lai replied, her tone now much warmer.

“Thank you, Granny. I have other matters to attend to, so I’ll take my leave.” Granny Lai walked Su Lilu to the door, then returned, delighted, to sample her treat.

Su Lilu headed to Su Baizhi’s courtyard. The maids sweeping outside greeted her with bows, and Su Lilu walked directly toward Su Baizhi’s chambers. Before she entered, she heard Su Sanner’s voice from within.

“Sister, you are truly a beauty. How could Su Lilu ever compare? No wonder you’re betrothed as the Crown Prince’s consort,” Su Sanner fawned.

Liu Zhu, standing beside Su Lilu, bristled with anger. “That third young lady dares belittle you, Miss.”

“Liu Zhu, hush. It wouldn’t do for others to overhear,” Su Lilu chided quietly, then entered the room. “Second Sister, I’ve brought some snacks. I hope you won’t mind my coming uninvited?”

Su Baizhi rose to greet her, taking her hand with a smile. “Of course not. I only fear you still blame me for my rudeness the other day.”

Today, Su Baizhi wore a bright red brocade gown, her hair adorned with several southern pearls, each lustrous and of varying size—a rare treasure. Su Lilu admired her, “No wonder I heard Third Sister praising you outside. You truly are as lovely as a blossoming peach tree.”

Su Baizhi feigned modesty, blushing prettily. “Sister, you flatter me. Third Sister just talks nonsense. There are countless young ladies in the capital more beautiful than I; I don’t dare accept such praise.” Though her words were humble, the pride in her eyes could not be concealed. Su Lilu’s compliment pleased her.

Despite her delight, Su Baizhi remained cautious. She wondered why Su Lilu was suddenly so complimentary—could she be plotting something? With a gracious smile, she gently released Su Lilu’s hand.

Su Lilu instructed Liu Zhu to lay out the food from the box. “Please, both of you, try these. I made them myself—see if they suit your taste.”

Su Sanner eyed the offerings with a sneer. “Su Lilu, when did you become so generous? Did you put something in these? Baizhi, you shouldn’t trust her.”

Su Baizhi’s expression soured, but she quickly forced a smile. “Third Sister, mind your manners.” Yet she, too, was wary; not knowing Su Lilu’s intentions, she refrained from tasting the pastries.

Su Sanner clung to Su Baizhi’s hand, swaying it gently. “Second Sister, have pity on me. My future depends on you.”

Su Baizhi looked at her helplessly. “Third Sister, I’m not yet the Crown Prince’s consort. I can’t help you. It’s better to ask Aunt. If Father agrees, he’ll surely find you a good match.”

Unwilling to deal with Su Sanner, Su Baizhi tried to withdraw her hand, but Su Sanner held on tightly. Baizhi’s smile faded; though her face remained calm, irritation simmered beneath the surface.