Chapter Eighteen: Half in Doubt

Su Lilu and Liu Zhu retraced their steps to the garden of the estate. Together, they heaved the water jar back into place, blocking the entrance to the hidden passage before they finally breathed a sigh of relief. Su Lilu gazed at the medicinal pouch in her hand, unable to suppress the smile that tugged at her lips.

Fearing someone might appear, Liu Zhu tugged at Su Lilu’s sleeve and said anxiously, “Miss, let’s hurry back to our courtyard.”

“All right, as you wish, you little coward,” Su Lilu replied, her heart light with satisfaction now that one pressing matter had been settled. She could not help but understand Liu Zhu’s unease.

In her frustration, Su Shan’er had set out to the garden with her maid to clear her mind, only to see Su Lilu and her servant coming down a small path, seemingly hiding something in their arms.

As soon as Su Shan’er considered this, malice flashed in her eyes. Su Lilu was always thwarting her; this time she must be up to no good, and now she had the chance to catch her in the act.

She hurried to overtake Su Lilu, immediately barking, “Su Lilu, what are you sneaking around for? Hand over what you’re hiding!”

Su Lilu froze at the sound of her name being called. Liu Zhu was even more terrified, hardly daring to breathe. Su Lilu’s lips twitched with regret—she’d barely managed to slip out, only to be discovered.

She stood motionless for a long moment. Impatient by nature, Su Shan’er strode up to face her, pressing, “Well? Are you going to explain yourself? If not, I’ll tell Mother and let her deal with you in the woodshed. We’ll see how stubborn you are then.”

Seeing Su Shan’er raise her foot, as if truly intent on carrying out her threat, Su Lilu’s eyes darted with anxiety before she quickly regained her composure. Glancing around, she noted there were only the four of them in the garden, with just one maid beside Su Shan’er. An idea took shape in her mind.

Feigning a cowering timidity, Su Lilu played her part well, which delighted Su Shan’er. “So you’re afraid now, are you? Good. Then confess quickly, or I’ll have you locked in the woodshed.”

“Sister, lower your head and I’ll tell you…” Su Shan’er, convinced by Su Lilu’s pitiful demeanor, obediently leaned in, only for her vision to go black as consciousness abandoned her.

Her maid, caught off guard, was swiftly dealt with as well. “Liu Zhu, quickly, fetch someone to help carry them back to the courtyard.”

Liu Zhu’s hands trembled as she stammered, “Miss… is this really all right?”

Su Lilu rapped her lightly on the head. “Go on, why are you so timid?” Emboldened by the reprimand, Liu Zhu hurried off toward the courtyard.

Soon she returned with two matrons. Su Lilu composed herself, saying, “Sorry to trouble you, but my sister Shan’er suddenly fainted in the garden. My maid and I haven’t the strength to carry them back on our own.”

Not wanting too many to know of the incident, Su Lilu intended to keep things quiet. The matrons assured her it was no trouble, each hoisting one unconscious girl. The group hurried back, closing the courtyard gate behind them. Su Lilu ordered, “Lay them both on the couch in my room.”

Su Shan’er was gently placed upon the beauty couch, but her maid was given much rougher treatment, left slumped over a table.

“Liu Zhu, tidy up the room—make sure nothing looks amiss,” Su Lilu commanded, inspecting the chamber herself for any signs of disorder.

After a thorough check, she hid the medicinal herbs, set a chessboard on the table near the window, and instructed, “Liu Zhu, you may go rest now. Send Liu Ying to attend me.”

“Yes, Miss,” Liu Zhu replied with a curtsy, her lips drooping, eyes reflecting her disappointment. Had she displeased her mistress?

Noticing her maid’s downcast mood, Su Lilu offered no comfort, merely waving her off and turning her focus to arranging the chess pieces.

Her thoughts remained with Su Shan’er, waiting for her to awaken as she quietly played chess.

Time slipped by unnoticed until a low moan broke the silence. Su Shan’er sat up, wincing and clutching her neck. Su Lilu exclaimed, “Shan’er, lie down! You’re not well—you should rest. You gave me quite a scare just now.”

Surveying her surroundings, Su Shan’er recognized the familiar decor and glared at Su Lilu. “How dare you strike me! I’ll tell Mother!”

Su Lilu hid her exasperation, lowering her head lest Su Shan’er detect her scorn. Did she truly believe herself the Prime Minister’s wife’s own daughter, always wielding that authority over her?

Fuming, Su Shan’er began to cough after her outburst. Su Lilu had Liu Ying bring her a cup of water. “Drink, Sister—you must have some misunderstanding. I will explain everything.”

Su Shan’er’s head ached, her lips pale. After a few sips, she regained herself and returned to her accusation. “Su Lilu, who gave you the nerve to lay hands on me?”

With innocent confusion in her eyes, Su Lilu reached out to feel Su Shan’er’s forehead, murmuring, “Could Sister be feverish? Perhaps she’s not thinking clearly?”

“Are you cursing me now?” Su Shan’er slapped Su Lilu’s hand away, unable to conceal her contempt.

“You’re overthinking,” Su Lilu replied anxiously. “I haven’t left the courtyard all day. How could I have hit you? Did you go sleepwalking, perhaps?”

“I did not! Who sleepwalks in broad daylight? If it wasn’t you, how did I end up here?” Uncertainty clouded Su Shan’er’s mind, and the pain in her head forced her to pause, clutching her brow.

“You were found fainted near my courtyard by my servants. They brought you inside, and you only just woke up,” Su Lilu explained softly, though she wasn’t sure Su Shan’er was listening.

Su Shan’er sat in a daze, unable to fathom why she’d fainted, only half-convinced by Su Lilu’s words. She raised her eyes, brows knit. “Are you sure it wasn’t you?”

Su Lilu recognized the lingering doubt in her tone, but grew more confident. “Of course not. Why would I deceive you, Sister? Perhaps you encountered an evil spirit?”

Su Shan’er’s eyes darted with fear. The more she considered it, the more plausible it seemed. She murmured, “Could it be I really saw a ghost?”

“What are you saying? Did you remember something?” Su Lilu inched closer, causing Su Shan’er to shrink away, her wariness instantly returning. “Keep away from me!”

Though she was now mostly convinced by Su Lilu’s story, Su Shan’er’s expression remained haughty, her gaze averted. “Fine. I’ll be magnanimous and won’t hold this against you.”