Chapter Fifty-Eight Warmth

Beside Su Hong, Yao Ruoshui wore a look of dissatisfaction, but knowing Su Hong’s mind was already made up, she could only turn her efforts to Su Liluo, smoothing things over as she said, “The Prime Minister seems happily set on this, but I wonder if Liluo herself is willing. Eldest Miss, what do you think?”

Su Liluo saw the threat in Yao Ruoshui’s eyes but pretended not to notice, looking only at Su Hong as she replied, “Father is right. Since Third Sister wants to go, let’s all go together—it will be good for us sisters to have each other’s company.”

Her words struck a chord with Su Hong, who stroked his beard and laughed heartily, “Good, Liluo is ever so thoughtful. Since my daughter has agreed, Madam, you mustn’t object further.” The last sentence was spoken with a warning edge directed at Yao Ruoshui.

With a stiff face, Yao Ruoshui replied, “What you say is right, Master. Since Liluo has agreed, naturally I have nothing more to say.”

After Su Hong left, Yao Ruoshui did not trouble Su Liluo further. Su Liluo knew full well she held the upper hand this time—yesterday Yao Ruoshui had forced her to comply, but today she had been made to swallow her own medicine. Pleased with the turn of events, Su Liluo returned to her courtyard with a satisfied smile.

An hour later, Liu Zhu came to report, “Miss, Second Madam wishes to see you.”

“Oh? Second Madam is here? Is anyone with her?”

“No, but the maid behind her seems to be carrying something.” Su Liluo smiled knowingly.

“Please invite her in.” Su Liluo rose and walked to the door, just as Madam Shu entered with a smile. On seeing Su Liluo, she grasped her hand and exclaimed, “Eldest Miss truly is not as she once was. I came today especially to thank you for speaking up for Shan’er.”

Unused to such warmth from the Second Madam, Su Liluo withdrew her hand calmly and replied, “You flatter me, Madam. It was no merit of mine—Father’s orders are not mine to defy.”

Madam Shu accepted this politely, motioning for her maid to present the gifts. Pointing to the items, she said, “I understand, but these are just tokens of my appreciation. Eldest Miss, please do not refuse them.”

Glancing at the health supplements on the table, then at Madam Shu’s youthful appearance—hardly revealing her thirty years—Su Liluo thought the stories of the Second Madam being most favored in the household were no exaggeration.

“Since Madam has shown such kindness, I shall accept.” It was rare for anyone to visit her courtyard. Since she had somewhat helped Madam Shu this time, accepting these gifts seemed only fair.

Madam Shu, seeing her accept, smiled and said, “Eldest Miss truly cherishes her sisters. In this household, only you possess the grace of a legitimate daughter.” She harbored no fondness for Yao Ruoshui’s daughters, and if not for propriety, Su Baizhi and Su Baihan would hardly outshine her own child. These words, though complimentary, held a measure of sincerity.

Su Liluo answered only with a faint smile, not taking such flattery to heart. Polite words were not to be taken seriously. Considering Su Shan’er’s impulsive temperament, Su Liluo reminded her, “Madam, you should speak to Shan’er. The plum-blossom banquet in two days will host the most distinguished young ladies, especially Lady Anping herself. If Sister acts on impulse and causes a scene, it is our father’s reputation that will suffer. Better to caution her in advance, don’t you agree?”

“Naturally. Thank you for your thoughtfulness, Eldest Miss. I understand.” Madam Shu’s heart tightened, knowing her own daughter’s nature all too well. She quickly exchanged a few more words of praise and took her leave.

No sooner had Madam Shu returned to her rooms than her maid announced, “Madam, Third Miss is here.” Su Shan’er burst in, immediately demanding, “Mother, did you just visit Su Liluo? Are you out of your mind? She and I have never gotten along, and you bring her gifts!”

Seeing her daughter’s inability to grasp her intentions, Madam Shu wished she could knock on her daughter’s head to see if it was filled with glue or something else.

“You silly girl. I did it for you. If not for your elder sister today, how could you possibly attend the Prince of Annan’s banquet in two days? You had better behave yourself. If you cause trouble, don’t expect me to plead with your father!” Her tone grew stern to warn her daughter not to act out.

Su Shan’er, filled with resentment toward Su Liluo and not the least bit grateful, shouted at her mother, “Now you’re just like Su Liluo’s real mother! Whatever she says is right, and whatever I do is wrong!”

Clutching her chest, Madam Shu looked at her daughter in disappointment. “Fine, you’re so capable now. If you don’t wish to go, go tell your father yourself. I fought for this opportunity for you, but if you don’t care, don’t blame me in the future.”

Hearing herself repeatedly called “Madam” by her own daughter chilled Madam Shu to the core. All she had done was so easily dismissed with a few unkind words.

When Su Shan’er heard her mother suggest she refuse the chance to visit the Prince’s manor, her resentment faded considerably. She opened her mouth, but in the end lowered her head, unable to speak.

Seeing her daughter finally subdued, Madam Shu explained her actions. Su Shan’er understood her mother’s good intentions, and her anger lessened.

“Mother, I was wrong.”

“As long as you understand,” Madam Shu replied, offering a few more words of advice, which Su Shan’er now listened to earnestly.

Outside, the wind howled. Inside Su Liluo’s room, the chill was barely less than outside. Liu Zhu entered and, feeling the cold, said worriedly, “Miss, why not light the brazier? At least don’t freeze.”

Wrapped in a quilt, Su Liluo shook her head vigorously, “Liu Zhu, I’ve had enough of that choking smoke. I’d rather be cold than endure it.”

Seeing persuasion was useless, Liu Zhu refreshed the cooled tea, poured a cup of hot tea, and placed it in Su Liluo’s hands. “Have some tea to warm up, Miss.”

At last, warmth returned to Su Liluo’s hands as she cradled the cup and sipped slowly. Remembering Yun Yanyi’s cold indifference—unwilling even to spare a few coins—she seethed with anger.

Liu Zhu stood by, as Su Liluo gazed around the icy room. Suddenly she shrugged off her blanket and declared loudly, “Liu Zhu, fetch me a cloak. We’re going to pay Second Miss a visit.”

“Wait, Miss—slow down and put on more clothes before you go out.” Liu Zhu hurriedly fetched a pale blue cloak and fastened it around her. Thus prepared, Su Liluo led her retinue straight to Su Baizhi’s quarters.

Hearing of Su Liluo’s arrival, Su Baizhi was stunned for a moment, but soon composed herself and invited her in with a smile.

As soon as Su Liluo and her maid entered, they were embraced by a wave of warmth so intense the cloak became stifling. Su Liluo allowed Liu Zhu to remove it, then glanced enviously at the brazier, remarking, “Sister, it’s so cozy here! My own rooms are freezing.”

Su Baizhi laughed, “Mother has sent charcoal to every courtyard, Sister. Surely you jest. Since you’re here, Father gave me a tin of tea leaves a few days ago—an imperial gift, they say. You must try some while you’re here.”