Chapter 57: Going Together

Yao Ruoshui’s expression was far from pleasant. Her daughter was simply too foolish. If word of today’s incident were to spread, who knew what people might say? She took Su Liluo’s hand, smiling as she said, “It’s always you who loves your sister best. Han’er, in three days you’ll accompany your elder sister. Be sure to behave well.”

“I know, Mother. I’m not a child anymore,” Su Baihan protested, sulking coquettishly.

Watching Yao Ruoshui and Su Baihan put on a display of motherly affection before her, Su Liluo recalled Yao Ruoshui’s earlier words and grew wary. The old are truly the shrewdest—Yao Ruoshui had so easily turned the conversation around. Su Liluo eyed the pair coldly as they enacted their touching scene, giving only a hollow laugh or two in response. Seeing her lack of enthusiasm, Yao Ruoshui, satisfied that her objective was met, made no further effort. “Prepare yourself well, Liluo. I’ll take Han’er and leave you to it.”

“Take care, Mother.” Only when the two had left the courtyard did Su Liluo collapse onto her couch. Liuzhu and Liuying entered quietly, carrying food. “Miss, are you alright?” they asked in hushed tones.

“I’m fine. Just move the brazier out—this smoke is suffocating.” Su Liluo coughed a few times, only feeling better once Liuzhu and Liuying had someone remove the poor-quality charcoal. Yao Ruoshui certainly had endurance, she thought bitterly, gazing at the smoldering pile.

Yao Ruoshui led Su Baihan back to the main house. Seeing her daughter’s displeasure, she patted her head with a smile. “Silly child, do you know why I insisted Su Liluo take you with her today?”

“I don’t, Mother. All I know is I lost face in front of Su Liluo. Who knows how she’s laughing at me in her heart?” Su Baihan pouted, eyes full of resentment.

Yao Ruoshui merely shook her head, her tone gentle as she explained, “I’ve heard news that the Lady of Anping is inviting many noble young ladies—supposedly for a plum blossom banquet, but in truth, it’s so the heir of Annan can select a wife. Do you still feel embarrassed about before?”

Su Baihan’s eyes lit up as she clutched her handkerchief, hardly daring to believe it. “Mother, is this true? Thank you!”

She smiled dreamily. The heir of Annan was handsome and noble—if she became his wife, dealing with that wretched Su Liluo would be child’s play.

Seeing her daughter lost in fantasy, Yao Ruoshui didn’t try to stop her but reminded her, “Han’er, rest well these next few days and keep your composure. You must present yourself properly when the time comes.”

Su Baihan nodded absent-mindedly. “I know, Mother. I’ll go back to my room.” She darted off, leaving Yao Ruoshui to sigh.

That night, news reached the second concubine. Clutching her handkerchief in anger, she muttered, “So, Yao dares leave my daughter behind? I’ll make her pay for that.”

After drawing her brows and painting her lips, she admired her fair reflection in the mirror. Twisting her waist, she ordered her maid to bring the prepared soup to the prime minister’s study.

Su Hong was busy at his desk. Looking up, he saw the second concubine and a maid enter. His posture relaxed as he smiled at the beauty before him. “What brings you here, Meiniang?”

The concubine, pleased by his use of her pet name, tittered softly. She took the soup from the box, set it on the table, and waved the maid away before nestling close to Su Hong. “I made this soup just for you, my lord.”

She glanced at the desk, feigning shyness. “Am I disturbing your work? If so, I’ll leave and come back when you’re free.” She made as if to rise, but Su Hong caught her, drawing her closer.

The scent of her perfume drifting to him, Su Hong cupped her chin, his tone playful. “So you come to distract me, making me think of you day and night?”

She smiled, her eyes filled with satisfaction, and whispered against his chest, “How heartless you are. If I didn’t care for you, would I come here now? If the lady finds out, I’ll lose face for days.”

Her hand toyed with the buttons on his robe, her touch gentle on his chest, making his heart itch. Remembering Yao’s domineering ways, Su Hong quickly reassured her, “Don’t worry, I’ll speak to the lady. I promise you won’t be wronged. Since you’re here, why not stay the night?”

Without waiting for her reply, he swept her into the sleeping alcove behind his study—a place prepared for his rest, rarely attended by others.

Tangled together, their clothes soon fell away. As Su Hong thrust forward, the concubine’s soft moans spurred him on with even greater passion.

Afterward, she lay in his arms, savoring the pleasure. Remembering her purpose, she traced his chest and ventured, “I heard the Lady of Anping sent an invitation today, asking our eldest miss to the plum blossom banquet.”

“Mmm, that’s a good thing.” Su Hong’s eyes narrowed—he hadn’t expected Su Liluo to draw the Lady of Anping’s attention and earn such honor.

She giggled sweetly. “Of course it’s good. But I heard the madam intends to let the fourth miss go as well, and the eldest miss has agreed.”

Su Hong’s hand paused on her back, seeing through her little schemes. Women, he thought, always make much of these trifles. His tone grew impatient. “If she’s agreed, then let them both go. Meiniang, you must be tired. I’ll finish my work and come back to rest.”

He made to rise, but the concubine clung to him, her voice plaintive. “How heartless, my lord! Shan’er is your daughter too. Why can the fourth miss go but not my Shan’er? She’s of an age to marry—don’t you care for her prospects?”

She pressed herself against his back, her soft curves yielding to him. Su Hong, desire rekindled, saw there was little harm in her request. He soothed her, “Shan’er is indeed grown. Let Liluo take her along. It will be good for the sisters to have company.”

Having secured his promise, she redoubled her efforts to please him. Their amorous play soon drifted to the ears of the servants outside, who could only blush and lower their heads.

The next morning, Su Liluo went to pay her respects to Yao Ruoshui. As she entered, she saw Su Hong was present and immediately curtsied. “Liluo greets Father and Mother.”

“Rise, come sit. Your sisters aren’t here yet,” Su Hong said, his mood evidently pleasant as he smiled. Glancing at Yao Ruoshui’s face, Su Liluo saw it clouded with resentment and quickly lowered her head, not wishing to draw her ire.

“Liluo,” Su Hong said quietly, “I’ve spoken with your mother. In two days, at the plum blossom banquet, you’ll take Shan’er with you as well.” His tone brooked no refusal; this was a decision, not a request.