Chapter Sixty-Nine: The Silver Reward

Su Dongxuan nodded in reply, gazing at Su Liluo a few more times with reluctant concern before stepping out of the ancestral hall.

Su Liluo felt a warmth in her heart and waved at her, saying, “Go on back, I’m fine.”

She knelt until it was nearly time for the evening meal. Once the messenger had left, Su Liluo collapsed onto the ground, pounding her legs and slowly stretching them out. “Ah, they’re numb,” she muttered.

After resting awhile, she managed to stand. Looking up at the bright moon, she smiled helplessly and said, “I must keep going; there are still many waiting for me.”

Having vented her frustration, the first thing Su Liluo did upon returning was to visit the servants who had been injured today on her behalf. As she entered the room, she saw a crowd lying there, and for a moment, she was choked with emotion, unable to speak.

“The young lady is here…” The servants struggled to rise. Su Liluo hurried to say, “Lie down, lie down.”

Seeing their wounds, she clutched the warm silver notes at her chest and declared loudly, “Don’t worry, I will not let you suffer in vain. Every injured servant today will receive five taels of silver, which you’ll get tomorrow. Rest well—I still need you back in the courtyard soon.”

There were at least a dozen people in the courtyard. Watching their delighted thanks, Su Liluo felt somewhat relieved and thought to herself, “Anyway, I’ll deduct it from the silver given by Prince Yi. No reason not to spend it.”

“Miss… you…” The servants hadn’t expected Su Liluo to willingly spend silver; their faces were filled with gratitude as they thanked her, “Thank you, miss, for your generosity.”

Not daring to stay longer for fear her conscience would trouble her, Su Liluo wiped away the tears at the corners of her eyes. Just as she was about to step into her room, she saw Old Madam Chang waiting at the door.

“Madam, why are you here?” Su Liluo asked in surprise, unsure of her purpose.

Old Madam Chang had not been punished today. She supported Su Liluo into the room, lit the candles, and poured tea. Su Liluo, who hadn’t drunk a drop all day, was parched; after two large cups she finally felt better and stopped pouring water down her throat.

Seeing her improved condition, Old Madam Chang explained her reason for coming: “I heard you just rewarded the servants?”

“Yes. Madam, you’ve worked hard today as well. Tomorrow, I’ll give you ten taels of silver as an apology,” Su Liluo said, feeling guilty. Old Madam Chang was always strict with rules yet had been implicated by her.

“Miss, you speak too seriously. I’ve come only to tell you this: the servants in the courtyard are tied to your honor and disgrace. If you’re in trouble, they are punished. If you behave recklessly again as you did today, next time it won’t be as simple as a beating.”

Her frank words made Su Liluo feel increasingly ashamed. She lowered her head, tears welling in her eyes. Feeling deeply troubled, she could only offer silver to soothe her uneasy heart.

“Madam, I know I was wrong. I won’t do this again,” Su Liluo said sincerely. She realized, perhaps for the first time, that her every action affected the servants in the courtyard. If she was punished, it was always the servants who suffered, and though she felt helpless, there was no way to prevent it.

“As long as you understand, miss. No matter what you do wrong, the household will not blame you first; instead, they’ll take it out on those around you. Today you rewarded the servants and calmed their hearts—that was wise. After this, they will remain loyal as ever,” Old Madam Chang said with relief, noticing Su Liluo’s furrowed brow. She asked with concern, “Are you troubled by something else?”

“No, now that this has happened, I won’t be able to leave the manor so easily anymore.” Su Liluo was worried about the shop, but realized it was still too early to fret; she would deal with the current predicament first.

Hearing that Su Liluo still wanted to leave the manor, Old Madam Chang quickly warned her, “Miss, you must not sneak out again. Can you bear to see the servants punished like today?”

Su Liluo’s face was indeed conflicted. Seeing Old Madam Chang’s worried gaze, she raised her hand and swore, “Madam, I promise you—I will not leave the manor without permission.”

Old Madam Chang pressed down her raised hand with a gentle smile. “No need for so many words, miss. I’ll see in time whether you keep your word. Look at me, so forgetful—isn’t the young lady hungry? I’ll go find something for you to eat right away.”

Patting her own head, she finally remembered that Su Liluo had been kneeling all day and must be famished, yet she’d kept her talking for so long. Su Liluo saw her hurry out, wanted to call after her, but as she opened her mouth, Old Madam Chang had already vanished outside. She could only let it go.

Su Liluo had eaten the steamed bun Su Dongxuan brought, so she felt somewhat full, but kneeling all day left her exhausted. Leaning on the table, her eyes fluttered shut, and before long she was fast asleep.

Su Baihan paced in her room. When her maid returned, she asked urgently, “Did you find out?” Her eyes gleamed with delight; she’d finally caught Su Liluo’s weakness and would teach her a lesson.

“The eldest miss left the manor without permission and was punished by the master to kneel in the ancestral hall,” the maid replied quickly. Su Baihan smiled with a hint of malice, “Well, it’s about time. Let’s go see how my dear sister fares now.”

Just as Su Baihan was about to step outside, she saw a group approaching and halted. Upon closer look, she realized it was Su Baizhi. “Second sister, why are you here?” she asked, puzzled.

“Where are you headed?” Su Baizhi saw her in a white fox-fur cloak, angry and vengeful, as if rushing to confront someone.

“I want to see Su Liluo. I heard Father punished her to kneel in the ancestral hall today. I must see what state she’s in now,” Su Baihan said resentfully. She still held a grudge over the apology incident and was waiting for a chance to belittle Su Liluo.

Su Baizhi spread her arms, forcing Su Baihan to stop. “Second sister, what are you doing? I’m in a hurry—why are you blocking me?” Su Baihan complained, her lips pursed impatiently.

“I won’t let you go. Stay in your room and don’t stir up trouble,” Su Baizhi commanded. Su Baihan refused to accept this, her face full of confusion. “Sister, what’s this about? Even Mother doesn’t stop you—what gives you the right?”

“Han’er, do you never think about your future? I’ve learned something important—about your marriage. Aren’t you interested?” Su Baizhi’s words piqued Su Baihan’s curiosity. She frowned, hesitated, then finally turned back. “I’m giving you face as my sister, not because I fear Su Liluo.”

“Fine, whatever you say,” Su Baizhi replied with amusement at Su Baihan’s childish temper.

Dismissing the maids, Su Baizhi took Su Baihan’s hand and whispered, “The Princess of Southern Peace wants Su Liluo as her daughter-in-law.”