Chapter Forty-Six: Making Amends

Su Baihan and Su Lilu once again encountered Su Baizhi and her companions. The sisters, seeing that it was getting late, decided to find their mother first. Laughing and chatting, they made their way together to where the noble ladies were gathered.

A young maid led the ladies of the Prime Minister’s residence to the flower hall where the Princess of Annan was present. Yao Ruoshui was keeping the princess company, while several other ladies sat nearby. Upon hearing a maid report from outside, the Princess of Annan was delighted to learn the Prime Minister’s daughters had arrived. “Madam Su, I have yet to meet your daughters. Today you must let me enjoy their beauty,” she exclaimed.

“Your Highness, you jest. The girls were meant to pay their respects to you, but they are rather late. I hope you won’t mind,” Yao Ruoshui answered respectfully. The Princess of Annan smiled broadly and waved her hand, “No need to be so formal, Madam Su. Taohong, please invite the young ladies in.”

The girls stood outside the door. Soon, a maid dressed in grass-green emerged, saying, “The Princess invites you in.”

The sisters exchanged glances. Su Shan’er was nervous, her hands twisting her handkerchief incessantly. Su Dongxuan, always timid, bowed her head even lower. Su Baizhi and Su Baihan raised their chins with practiced poise, displaying their usual elegance. Su Lilu watched them, amused by their efforts to catch the princess’s eye, yet she merely shook her head lightly and followed, neither seeking extra attention nor asking questions.

Passing through a screen, they heard laughter and conversation from the ladies within. Each held themselves rigid, anxious not to betray nervousness and become the subject of ridicule.

Yao Ruoshui spotted her daughters as they entered, her face blossoming with pride. “Your Highness, these are my girls. They seldom venture out to meet people, so if they behave improperly, please do not take offense.”

The Princess of Annan nodded, taking Yao Ruoshui’s hand. “Girls should be cherished, sheltered within the family to cultivate proper manners. These children seem quite lovely; bring them out more often so I may see them.”

Yao Ruoshui was delighted by the princess’s praise, smiling as she clutched her handkerchief. “Since Your Highness desires it, I shall gladly oblige. Baizhi, Baihan, all of you, pay your respects to the Princess of Annan.”

“Greetings, Your Highness.” The five sisters bowed gracefully, each with her own charm. The Princess of Annan nodded repeatedly in approval. Just then, a maid announced that the heir of Annan requested an audience. The Princess quickly allowed her son to enter, feeling proud as she watched his elegant demeanor.

The heir of Annan entered the flower hall, smiling as he saw the assembled ladies and noblewomen. Bowing to the princess, he greeted her respectfully, “Your son pays his respects, Mother.”

The ladies observed the heir with admiration, whispering among themselves and watching him as if he were their prospective son-in-law.

“Rise. What brings you to your mother at this hour?” The Princess of Annan was curious—while the residence was lively, her son’s presence at her side felt unusual, prompting her to ask.

“Mother, it is only right for your son to greet you. If you say otherwise, it wounds my heart,” he replied with mock sorrow, though his face was full of smiles. The princess feigned annoyance, “You rascal, you’re teasing your mother now.”

The heir glanced around and noticed Su Lilu standing quietly nearby. Sitting beside the princess, he lowered his voice and whispered, “Mother, did you notice the young lady in purple?”

“Oh? What do you think of her?” The princess’s gaze fell upon Su Lilu, who stood calmly, appearing composed and serene.

“Mother, I believe the eldest daughter of the Su family possesses considerable talent.” The heir recounted the painting Su Lilu had created during the game earlier. The Princess of Annan appraised Su Lilu, pointing at her, “Madam Su, is this your eldest daughter?”

Su Lilu looked up in surprise, while Yao Ruoshui was also puzzled but managed a stiff smile and nodded. “Your Highness is correct. This is our eldest, Lilu.”

“Good child, come closer so I may have a proper look.” The princess beckoned. Su Lilu glanced around, stepped forward, and the princess took her hand, studying her face. Removing her favorite jade bracelet, she said joyfully, “I feel a certain kinship with Lilu. I have no proper gift prepared, so I offer you this jade bracelet, which is dear to me. I hope you do not disdain it.”

Though confused, Su Lilu replied humbly, “Your Highness’s gift is so precious, I dare not accept.”

“You are truly honest. Take it—unless you dislike me and refuse my gift?” The princess spoke sternly. Su Lilu, uneasy, glanced at her and knelt in thanks, “Thank you, Your Highness. I will treasure it well.”

“That’s a good child.”

The Princess of Annan praised Su Lilu a few more times before releasing her. Su Baihan eyed the jade bracelet on Su Lilu’s wrist with envy; seeing the heir’s graceful manner, jealousy threatened to overwhelm her composure.

Yao Ruoshui saw Su Lilu gain favor in front of the others while her own daughters faded into the background. Suppressing her anger, she rose and said, “Your Highness, it grows late. I shall take the girls and bid farewell.”

As the banquet drew to its close, the Princess of Annan, feeling weary, did not protest their departure. She instructed her attendants to escort them to the gates. Yao Ruoshui’s party followed the trusted matron of the princess out to the carriage.

Half an hour later, the carriage stopped in front of the Prime Minister’s residence. Su Lilu accompanied Yao Ruoshui into the inner courtyard. Fatigued from the day’s festivities, Yao Ruoshui instructed the girls to return to their quarters and departed with the help of her nurse.

Su Baihan blocked Su Lilu, glaring at the bracelet in anger and said arrogantly, “Su Lilu, don’t think that just because you’ve caught the Princess of Annan’s eye you can disregard me.”

“Oh dear, after such a busy day, even I am tired. If you still have energy, perhaps you should play a little longer. Forgive me for not keeping you company,” Su Lilu replied as she bypassed Su Baihan and headed to her own courtyard.

Upon entering her room, she saw several yellow paper packets arranged on the table. She called Jadeheart over and asked, “When were these medicinal herbs delivered?”

“Miss, the person who brought them is still waiting outside. Would you like to send a message to the prince?” Jadeheart replied.

Su Lilu recalled offending Yun Yan Yi earlier and knew she must offer compensation. She walked to her writing desk and instructed, “Jadeheart, I’ll write an extra prescription. Have it delivered to the prince and express my apologies on my behalf.”