Chapter Sixteen Beloved

“Elder Sister, you’re truly in the spotlight today. Barely separated from the Crown Prince and now His Highness Prince Yi arrives—your luck with men is never-ending.” Su Shan’er flicked her handkerchief, her face aglow with laughter. Her malicious eyes were fixed on Su Liluo, eager to catch her in an embarrassing moment. No matter how poised Su Baizhi might be, she couldn’t bear to see Su Liluo entangled with Prince Yi.

Su Baizhi’s face turned pale, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. Her voice was hoarse as she pleaded, “Sister, don’t joke like that. His Highness Prince Yi and I will each have our own fates. If you speak so carelessly, are you not tarnishing his reputation?”

Su Liluo let out a gentle cough, her brows knitting together. She stepped forward to stand before Su Baizhi. This simple movement brought a touch of color back to her cheeks. In a soft voice, she said, “Baizhi, don’t say any more. You, after all, are the apple of the Crown Prince’s eye. We’re all simply waiting for him to take you into his household.”

From the corner of her eye, Su Liluo noticed the fleeting stiffness on Su Shan’er’s face, while Su Bohan’s features were bright with happiness, though the bitterness in her eyes was unmistakable. Su Liluo lowered her gaze, lost in thought. Could it be that both of them also harbored feelings for the Crown Prince?

Despite Su Liluo’s reassurance, unease lingered in Su Baizhi’s heart. She pressed a hand to her chest, her delicate brows furrowed, her white dress making her appear even more fragile. Gasping softly, she said, “Sister, please, enough. Though the imperial edict exists, it hasn’t been made public. People will laugh, saying the Su family is too eager for a marriage alliance.”

Su Bohan stamped her foot in frustration and glared at Su Baizhi. “Sister, why belittle yourself and raise others up? You’ve already given yourself to the Crown Prince—how could he possibly abandon you? Su Liluo has never entered his heart. He would never marry her before you.”

Her small eyes were red with anger as she glared at Su Liluo, as if she would bite her should she take another step forward.

Su Baizhi blanched at Bohan’s outburst and chided softly, “Bohan, mind your manners. The Crown Prince is not for you to criticize.”

Her rebuke brought on another bout of coughing, her face drained of all color, the rouge on her cheeks unable to bring any warmth back.

Su Baizhi bowed her head, twisting her handkerchief tightly in her hands. No one noticed the darkness in her eyes. The Crown Prince would never let her down—she clung to this belief, though her heart ached and tears threatened to fall. No matter how rational she tried to be, Yun Fengxiao had become the final straw.

Su Baizhi drew a shaky breath, her smile once again gracing her lips as if the tension from moments ago had never existed. Her tone was gentle as she said, “Elder Sister, though the Crown Prince and I are engaged, I know well that you haven’t let go of him. But now that I have already given myself to him, I fear I cannot step aside for your sake.”

Su Bohan, fuming at the scene, leapt forward and jabbed a finger at Su Liluo’s nose. “Su Liluo, my sister is willing to sacrifice herself, and yet you stand here coldly watching. Don’t you feel any shame?”

Su Liluo calmly brushed aside Bohan’s rude gesture. Her eyes were tranquil and cold. “Su Bohan, if you wish to play the defender for Su Baizhi, that’s your choice. But as for me—look at my appearance. Who would ever want to marry me?”

Su Bohan stared at Su Liluo in shock, momentarily stunned by her self-deprecating remark. She had never expected Su Liluo to make fun of her own appearance.

But soon she regained her composure, curled her lip, and sneered, “Su Liluo, you’re so ugly, and still hope to marry? You’re dreaming. Any young master in the capital who married you would be cursed with terrible luck.”

With every word of mockery, the calm on Su Liluo’s face faded, leaving behind only disappointment. “You’re right, little sister. How could I dare expect any noble young man to choose me, when there are so many who prefer someone as accomplished as you?” Her sallow complexion stood in stark contrast to Su Baizhi’s fair skin, making her appear even more forlorn.

Su Bohan’s expression brightened with triumph, her brows arching in delight. “Su Liluo, at least you know your place. I’m in a good mood today, so I won’t argue with you.”

Su Liluo accepted the condescension with humility, her meek demeanor only making Su Bohan more pleased with herself. “Sister, just look at her—cowering like a mouse, she’s nothing like the young ladies of the Su house.”

Su Baizhi, seeing Bohan’s antics, let out a derisive laugh and patted her hand affectionately. Her words dripped with indulgence toward her little sister. “Enough, don’t tease your elder sister anymore. Be careful lest she gets upset. You’ve all been out long enough today—go and rest. My health is failing; I need to lie down for a while.”

Hearing that Baizhi was tired, Su Bohan pouted, disappointed. “But Sister, we hadn’t even gotten to the interesting part. Are you exhausted already? Didn’t you rest during the day?”

No longer wishing to argue, Su Baizhi dismissed her with a few words. Once Su Bohan had left, Su Shan’er and Su Liluo, unwilling to linger, followed her out.

Weariness etched deep lines into Su Liluo’s face as she returned to her courtyard. Liu Zhu and Liu Ying hurried to greet her. One relieved her of her cloak and hung it up, while the other supported her and poured a cup of tea. “Miss, have some tea to soothe your throat. You’ve been out all day—are you tired?”

Liu Ying, ever steady, noticed her fatigue and quietly began to massage her shoulders and temples. Su Liluo leaned back, enjoying her maidservants’ attentive care.

“Liu Ying, you’ve worked hard watching over the courtyard. Did anything happen today?” Su Liluo sipped her tea, its fragrance soothing her heart. She took a deep breath, recalling the events at the Princess Royal’s residence. The tranquility in her eyes was tinged with a trace of gloom.

“Nothing of note, miss. Did all go well at the Princess Royal’s today? Word has it many young men and ladies from the capital were present. Miss should start preparing for her own important matters.” Liu Ying spoke gently as she continued to press her mistress’s forehead.

Su Liluo nodded slightly. The massage had eased much of her tension. She waved her hand, signaling that she no longer needed to be served, and took another sip of tea before replying, “My future is for Mother and Father to decide, not for me to interfere.”

Suddenly, a flash of cold resolve lit her eyes. If Su Baizhi wished to see her ruined, she wouldn’t let her succeed so easily. And Yun Fengxiao—his intimacy with the Princess Royal was far from ordinary.

“Liu Zhu, Liu Ying, you may go. If I need anything, I’ll call for you.” Su Liluo, thinking of something urgent, hastened to send the maids away. The pressing tone in her voice made Liu Ying glance at her with concern before bowing her head and quietly withdrawing.