Chapter Fifty-Six The Post

Su Lilu felt a sudden jolt in her heart. She climbed into the carriage and urged anxiously, “Hurry.” The coachman cracked his whip, and the horse galloped forward. Her impatience made the journey seem endless, though in truth, it lasted no longer than the burning of an incense stick. When they reached the side gate of the Prime Minister’s residence, the coachman halted the carriage. Without waiting for assistance, Su Lilu braced herself and leapt down.

She slipped back through the hole she had used earlier, carefully covering it again, then made her way stealthily to the courtyard. At the door stood a maid. Wishing not to alarm anyone, Su Lilu crouched and crept to the window, gently pushing it open and climbing inside.

As her feet touched the ground, Liu Zhu, who had been listening for any sound, turned and nearly cried out in surprise. In a hushed and joyful voice, she said, “Miss, you’re finally back.” The turmoil in her heart at last settled.

Su Lilu scratched her head and smiled apologetically. “Liu Zhu, I’m sorry to have worried you. Is everything alright in the courtyard?” She was full of regret; she had promised to return quickly, yet so much time had passed. No wonder Liu Zhu was on the verge of tears with relief.

Liu Zhu wiped away her tears and shook her head. “Everything is fine, Miss. You must be hungry—I’ll prepare supper at once.”

Su Lilu nodded, intending to rest on the couch for a moment. But Liu Zhu, barely out the door, turned back immediately, her face stricken with alarm. “Miss, Madam and Fourth Miss are coming.”

Su Lilu’s casual demeanor vanished. Shouts could be heard from outside. By Yao Ruoshui’s side, Nanny Ping berated, “You little maid, do you have no respect for Madam? Step aside at once! Madam is kindly coming to see the eldest young lady. If you delay her, you’ll be punished!”

Liu Ying did not flinch at the nanny’s threats. Bowing calmly, she replied, “Forgive me, Madam, but the young lady has been unwell since this afternoon and has not yet awakened. I beg for Madam’s understanding.”

Yao Ruoshui arched her brow and peered suspiciously into the dark room. “Is your young lady truly inside? I’ll take a quiet look myself. If you keep blocking me, I’ll suspect she’s left the residence without permission.”

Liu Ying’s face showed hesitation, though inwardly she was anxious. She knew that if she betrayed any fear, both she and her mistress would suffer.

“Madam, it’s not that I won’t allow it, but—” Before Liu Ying could finish, Su Lilu’s hoarse voice sounded from within. “Mother, what brings you here? Liu Ying, step aside at once.”

Liu Ying lowered her head and withdrew, her eyes shining with hidden delight.

Yao Ruoshui saw Su Lilu leaning against the doorframe, dressed in a moon-white undergarment with a blue cloak draped over her shoulders. Her cheeks were flushed, her eyes weary, as though her dreams had been disturbed.

Only then did Yao Ruoshui’s suspicions ease. With concern, she asked, “Your health is poor, why come out? Go back inside before you catch cold, or your mother will be so worried.”

Su Lilu blushed shyly. Glancing up, she saw Su Baihan glaring at her. Unbothered, she said, “Mother, Fourth Sister, please come in too. It’s quite chilly outside.”

The three entered together. The room was filled with a choking smell. Both Yao Ruoshui and Su Baihan covered their noses, looking at Su Lilu in surprise, unable to fathom why she seemed unaffected.

Yao Ruoshui grew vexed, thinking Su Lilu was trying to show her up. In a low voice, she asked, “Lilu, why is it so smoky here? It must be your maids slacking off. Should I replace them for you?” She coughed several times before she could finish.

Su Lilu replied hastily, “Sorry to worry you, Mother. It’s not the maids’ fault. The stewardess brought some charcoal today, but something’s wrong with it—it gives off terrible smoke. If the smell is too much, let the maids take the brazier outside.”

Yao Ruoshui was momentarily lost for words and quickly changed the subject. “I’m quite alright. It’s just that I wasn’t used to it at first.”

Su Baihan’s expression was full of impatience, but her mother had warned her beforehand: if she spoke out of turn again, she would be punished upon returning.

Yao Ruoshui was unwilling to linger in the room. She declared her purpose: “Lilu, here is an invitation from the Princess of Anping, asking you to attend a plum-blossom viewing at the Southern Prince’s residence in three days.”

Su Lilu accepted the invitation, turning it over in surprise. As Yao Ruoshui had said, it was indeed addressed to her. For a long moment, she was stunned, pointing to herself in disbelief. “The Princess specifically invited me?”

“Of course, Lilu. This is a great honor. You must cherish it,” Yao Ruoshui said, patting her daughter’s hand.

Su Lilu was puzzled. She had barely interacted with the Princess of Anping—why would she be invited? This thought lingered in her mind.

“I will cherish it, Mother. Rest assured, I will attend in three days.” She did not dwell on the deeper meaning behind the invitation. Its timing was fortuitous; she was eager to make a name for herself, and being seen in the company of the Princess could only enhance her reputation among the noble young ladies. Perhaps then her stepmother would not so easily arrange her marriage. With this, Su Lilu’s smile became as radiant as a peach blossom.

Seeing the pride on Su Lilu’s face, Su Baihan was deeply displeased. She tugged at Yao Ruoshui’s sleeve, her lips pursed high. “Mother, didn’t you have something else to tell her?”

Yao Ruoshui shot her daughter a glare, frustrated by her impatience, but Su Baihan was unmoved and tugged her sleeve again, urging her to speak.

Yao Ruoshui’s expression stiffened before she forced a gentle smile. “Lilu, there’s one more thing. Your fourth sister is grown now. Since the Princess invited you, why not take her along to the viewing?”

Su Lilu turned to look at Su Baihan, who raised her chin and smirked with contempt, as if accompanying Su Lilu was a great favor.

“Mother, I’m not sure that’s appropriate. The invitation is for me alone—it would be disrespectful to bring my sister unbidden.” Su Lilu had been willing to take her, but Su Baihan’s arrogant attitude irked her, so she was no longer inclined to be agreeable.

Yao Ruoshui had not expected Su Lilu to refuse so bluntly. Taking a deep breath, she pulled Su Baihan forward and chided, “Han’er, you were rude to your sister just now. Apologize to her and ask her forgiveness.”

At her mother’s signal, Su Baihan gritted her teeth and said, “Sister, I was wrong earlier. Are you refusing to take me to the prince’s residence because you hold a grudge?”

Her head bowed, her face full of resentment and malice. Su Lilu’s slight had embarrassed her, and she vowed to repay it in time.

Seeing her sister apologize, Su Lilu smiled gently, took Su Baihan’s hands, and said, “Sister, what are you doing? If you wish to go, then come with me. Don’t be upset anymore.”