Chapter Forty-Seven: The Matron

Su Liluo finished writing the prescription, and Yuxin took it, carefully folding it and tucking it into her clothes. With her head lowered, she said, "Miss, I'll go deliver the items first and return later to attend to you."

"No need," Su Liluo replied, setting down her brush. "Once you've delivered them, you may rest. I have Liu Zhu and Liu Ying here." Yuxin nodded in agreement and withdrew after a moment.

With a major concern settled, Su Liluo sat quietly on the couch, wondering if Yun Yanyi would understand the apology she wished to convey. Her mind wandered ceaselessly, unable to find peace.

"Miss, what are you thinking about? I've called you several times," Liu Zhu said, bringing in a cup of tea. Seeing Su Liluo lost in thought, she called out a few times before the young lady returned to herself.

"It's nothing, just tired from going out today." Su Liluo shook her head, unwilling to dwell on troubling matters. At worst, she would face problems as they arose; comforting herself thus, a smile finally appeared on her face.

Meanwhile, Yun Yanyi received two prescriptions handed to him by a subordinate and heard the message Su Liluo had sent. He merely sneered coldly, "She thinks well of herself. Su Liluo, this isn't over between us."

Leng Feng, unsure what the eldest daughter of the Su family had done to offend the prince, shivered at the sight of his smile. Hearing the prince’s angry tone, he looked up and asked, "Your Highness, how will you deal with Miss Su?"

"Too many words. There's no rush for now. When I have the time, I’ll make sure she pays." Yun Yanyi remembered the lingering pain in his lower body, the wounds on his hand now bandaged, looking rather frightening.

Leng Feng dared not say more, serving cautiously, afraid that Yun Yanyi's wrath might be turned upon him.

When Su Liluo awoke the next day, she did not see anyone from Yun Yanyi seeking her out. Her heart finally settled, and she focused on learning etiquette from the two matrons.

The young ladies of the Su family had been studying etiquette for some time. The matriarch had long announced her intention to personally assess their progress. That day, Yao Ruoshui brought Su Liluo and several others to Pine Crane Court to pay their respects. The old lady observed her granddaughters, blooming like flower buds, and noticed a change in their conduct and speech. She asked, "Grandmother knows you have mastered the rules. Today, I shall examine you. Do any of you object?"

The girls shook their heads in unison, replying, "Granddaughter has no objection."

The matriarch nodded with a smile. "Good. I will have the two matrons invited as well, so we may see how well our girls have learned proper conduct."

A maid brought the two teaching matrons into the room, and the matriarch graciously invited them to sit. After some polite refusals, they finally took their seats on brocade stools brought by the maids.

"Who will go first?" The matriarch looked at the girls, who glanced at each other but none stepped forward. She quietly observed, accepting tea from Madam Hua and sipping it lightly.

Su Liluo, hands clasped, rose and smiled gently. "If Grandmother does not mind, may I demonstrate first?"

"Very well, Liluo, let Grandmother see if you have improved." The matriarch smiled as someone volunteered, glancing at the others with a hint of regret for not stepping forward themselves, then focused solely on Su Liluo to see the results of her learning.

Standing before the matriarch, Su Liluo performed a grand courtesy as instructed by the matrons. "Liluo pays respects to Grandmother. Wishing Grandmother all blessings."

"Good, very nice." The matriarch and Madam Hua nodded repeatedly, both pleased with Su Liluo’s every movement, which displayed the grace of a true lady.

After the ceremony, Su Liluo walked with elegance, her skirt unmoving, and when she sat upright at the chair, the jade pendant at her waist remained silent.

Madam Chang praised, "The eldest miss truly lives up to her status as the legitimate daughter; her bearing is extraordinary. She has made remarkable progress."

"It is only Madam’s praise. Liluo still has much to learn from you," Su Liluo replied humbly, further pleasing the matriarch.

The others also demonstrated their etiquette, and the matriarch complimented each in turn, though without the joy she showed when Su Liluo had stepped forward.

The matriarch glanced at Su Baizhi, who sat dignified beside Yao Ruoshui, and pondered. Zhier would marry into the Crown Prince’s household next year and lacked a capable matron. Turning to the poised Su Liluo, she felt torn.

She gently asked the two matrons, "You have worked hard these days. My second granddaughter will marry into the Crown Prince’s household next year. Would either of you be willing to accompany her? And my eldest granddaughter, though improved, still needs a matron’s guidance. It depends on your wishes."

The matrons exchanged glances, and Madam Zhao stood up. "I am willing to serve at Second Miss’s side."

Madam Chang quickly followed, "I am fond of the eldest miss. If she is willing, I would be honored to serve her."

Seeing each had made their choice, the matriarch asked Su Baizhi and Su Liluo for their opinions. "Zhier, do you have any objections? And Liluo, are you willing to have Madam Chang at your side?"

"Zhier has no objection." Su Baizhi shook her head with a gentle smile, though her heart was gloomy; how could Su Liluo compare to her, soon to be the Crown Prince's consort?

Su Liluo, eyes reddened, looked at the matriarch and choked out, "Liluo thanks Grandmother for her kindness. It is my good fortune to have Madam Chang with me. Thank you, Grandmother."

"There now, child, why are you crying over such a small matter? It’s settled then. The two matrons will find time today to move to the young ladies’ courtyards."

"We obey," Madam Zhao and Madam Chang replied, standing behind Su Baizhi and Su Liluo respectively. Yao Ruoshui looked at Madam Chang with great reluctance; she had worked hard to invite these two matrons, and now Su Liluo benefited, receiving both a matron and the matriarch's praise. Yao Ruoshui could not help but resent not acting sooner.

"Mother, what about Han’er and the others?" Yao Ruoshui quietly asked the matriarch, unwilling to give up the matrons to Su Liluo.

The matriarch understood Yao Ruoshui’s thoughts and looked at her coldly. "Han’er is still young. We can find a matron for her in a few years. But Zhier and Liluo cannot wait. Do you have any other opinions?"

Seeing the matriarch's displeasure, Yao Ruoshui dared not protest further and waved her hand. "I dare not, Mother. Your arrangement is very proper."

Yao Ruoshui secretly glared at Su Liluo. Had she not stood out today, Madam Chang would have stayed with Han’er. Now, Su Liluo gained a matron and the matriarch’s favor for nothing, and Yao Ruoshui could only regret not acting first.