Chapter Sixty-Four: Forming Alliances

When they finally reached Su Lilu’s side, Lady Anping’s face lit up with a warm smile once more. She greeted Su Lilu affectionately, “Sister Lilu, you must truly enjoy the plum blossoms today. The ones in our palace are renowned throughout the capital. In a moment, I’ll show you the best spots so you can fully appreciate them.”

“Thank you, Your Ladyship.” Seeing Lady Anping’s straightforward and generous manner, Su Lilu felt a weight lift from her heart. This was a relief—she could never have handled someone who pressed every advantage and wouldn’t let things go.

Behind her, Su Baihan and Su Shan’er watched as Lady Anping and Su Lilu chatted animatedly. Several times they tried to approach and join the conversation, but a sharp glance from Lady Anping quickly checked their steps. Su Baihan pouted in frustration, feeling wronged, while Su Shan’er’s expression was equally disgruntled. Yet neither dared defy Lady Anping’s authority.

Lady Anping led the three of them into the plum orchard. Many noble young ladies were already waiting there in orderly rows. When they saw Lady Anping arrive, they all bowed and greeted her, “Greetings, Your Ladyship.”

“Please, everyone, there’s no need for ceremony,” Lady Anping replied cheerfully. “Sorry to have kept you waiting. I was so excited to greet Sister Lilu when she arrived, I just had to go meet her myself. Today’s gathering is for us to enjoy the plum blossoms together, so don’t let the lovely scenery go to waste.” As she swept her gaze over the group, it was clear she had only invited a dozen or so young ladies, all carefully chosen by her mother. Of them all, Su Lilu most pleased her eye, and her enthusiasm for Su Lilu was unmistakable.

“Thank you for your gracious invitation, Your Ladyship,” the group echoed, led by several of the most distinguished ladies. Noticing Su Lilu standing beside Lady Anping, jealousy surged in their hearts. They had already heard rumors: today’s gathering was not only for admiring the blossoms, but also for an important matter concerning the heir to the Annan estate’s marriage. Lady Anping’s obvious favor toward Su Lilu made them wonder—could it be that the Princess of Annan also had her eye on Su Lilu?

As these leading ladies exchanged glances, their determination grew. They could not simply sit by and be outdone; they must act first to put Su Lilu in her place. Their sidelong glances at Su Lilu held a glint of malice.

Looking out over the seemingly endless orchard, where red plum blossoms mingled with the white snow, Su Lilu remarked with admiration, “Your Ladyship spoke true—these plum blossoms against the snow are a sight one cannot look away from. I could gaze at this beauty forever.”

Lady Anping laughed, delighted. “As long as Sister Lilu enjoys them! But it’s quite cold outside. Why not come inside? We can admire the blossoms from the warmth, sipping tea—a most refined pleasure.” Her suggestion was met with enthusiastic agreement from those around her, and her smile grew even brighter.

Led by Lady Anping, the group made their way to a set of small houses specially built within the orchard. Though the exterior was unassuming, the interior held many surprises.

The windows were draped with gauze, allowing a clear view of the garden without letting in the biting wind. As soon as they stepped inside, a wave of warmth greeted them. The young ladies hurriedly removed their cloaks, which the maids took away, revealing their elegant jackets beneath. Lady Anping took the seat by the window first, and naturally, those of high status tried to sit as close to her as possible.

Su Lilu, guided by Lady Anping’s hand, took the seat to her left. The others, unable to hide their envy, begrudgingly greeted her with false warmth, “Sister Lilu is truly fortunate, to have won such favor from Her Ladyship.”

“Not at all—Her Ladyship values each and every one of you as well,” Su Lilu replied with a smile. Their eyes, however, betrayed their scorn. Forced to praise her while clearly despising her was an exhausting charade.

“I have heard the young lady of the Su family is a masterful dancer,” one of the ladies remarked. “I have heard so much, but never had the pleasure of witnessing it myself. Might we be fortunate enough to see your famous dance today?”

Though her words were polite, the contempt in her eyes was unmistakable. Su Lilu had no intention of playing the fool. Her eyes flashed as she demurred, “You flatter me. It’s only a simple dance that my sisters praise out of kindness. It hardly deserves such compliments.”

“I’ve only heard rumors, never seen proof. If you dance for us today, we’ll know whether the tales are exaggerated or true,” the lady pressed on, determined to force Su Lilu to perform before everyone.

Su Lilu’s expression darkened as she retorted, “Aren’t you being rather unreasonable? We are here today at Lady Anping’s invitation to admire the plum blossoms, yet you insist on a dance. Are you the hostess today, or are you simply trying to embarrass me? If you truly want to see a dance, let Her Ladyship invite a professional dancer.”

The young lady had not expected Su Lilu to expose her intentions so bluntly. As all eyes turned to her, she blushed, tears welling in her eyes. She stammered, “I didn’t mean it that way, please forgive me.”

“If you truly wish to compare dancing skills, we can find a fine day for it, put on new dresses, and all dance together. But your request today puts me in a difficult spot, which is why I spoke so sharply. I hope you won’t take it to heart,” Su Lilu said gently, her words giving the girl a way out. The girl could only shake her head and retreat, not daring to say more.

Lady Anping squeezed Su Lilu’s hand in praise. “Sister Lilu is right. If anyone wishes to compete in dancing, we can all do so together on another day.”

“Your Ladyship jests. I only spoke out for fairness,” Su Lilu replied, squeezing her hand in return. The two exchanged a smile. After a while, Su Lilu took a sip of tea to soothe her throat.

Just as she set down her cup, a fiery-tempered young woman suddenly stood up, pointing at Su Lilu and sneering, “Does the daughter of the Prime Minister’s household know her place? Her Ladyship invited only noble young ladies—what is this lowly, illegitimate girl doing in the orchard? Does the eldest Miss Su think so little of us all?”

Su Lilu recognized her at once: the general’s daughter, known for her brashness, dressed today in green and brimming with dissatisfaction toward Su Lilu, with others in the room murmuring their agreement.

Su Shan’er, called out for her status, flushed with embarrassment, looking around in shame and discomfort.

Su Baihan silently cursed Su Lilu for causing trouble. Seeing Su Shan’er’s awkwardness, she grew more irritated, fearing she too would be ridiculed. At once, she stepped forward, “I’d like to perform a little piece for everyone—would the sisters care to watch?”

“Oh? It seems the younger Miss Su has some talent. If you wish to perform, please go ahead,” someone replied, their voice eager though their eyes mocked her.

Privately pleased at the opportunity, Su Baihan thought, “Now let them see what the Prime Minister’s daughters are truly like.”

She moved toward the open space in the room, passing a young girl in pink who was carrying a cup of tea. As Su Baihan brushed past, the girl was jostled, and the cup slipped to the floor, splashing tea over Su Baihan’s carefully chosen outfit. Seeing her effort at elegance ruined by a mere official’s daughter, she lost her temper and shoved the girl, who cried out in pain and fell to the floor, calling out in distress.