Chapter Fifty-Nine: Heartache

Su Baizhi turned to her maid and instructed, "Jinling, hurry and fetch the fine tea Father gave me. Brew a cup for my sister to taste."

"Wonderful, I have yet to try the imperial tea. Thanks to you, little sister," Su Liluo replied warmly, now comfortable enough to exchange pleasantries with Su Baizhi.

Su Liluo noticed there was no smoke rising from the stove in Su Baizhi’s room, confirming her suspicions: the charcoal used here was of far superior quality, and she firmly decided she must remain.

Jinling soon appeared, carrying two cups of tea. She handed one to Su Liluo, murmuring respectfully, "Please enjoy, Eldest Miss."

The other cup was given to Su Baizhi by Yinling. Su Baizhi gently brushed the lid aside, closed her eyes to savor the fragrance, then pressed her lips to the rim and took a delicate sip. Su Liluo watched, entranced.

She exclaimed, "Sister, you truly know how to appreciate tea. When it comes to the art of tea, I am no match for you."

Su Baizhi sneered inwardly at her lack of refinement but responded bashfully, "You flatter me, Sister. I am merely making a poor show of it; compared to true masters, I am far lacking."

Su Liluo nodded in agreement, "Indeed, you're right. How could you compare to a master?"

Caught off guard, Su Baizhi forced a stiff smile, her eyes filled with irritation. Fearing Su Liluo would notice, she feigned interest in her tea, using the cup to hide her resentment.

Su Liluo took a sip, nodding approvingly, "Sister, this tea is indeed excellent."

"If you enjoy it, please have more. Though Father only gifted me one jar, I can certainly provide as much as you like," Su Baizhi said proudly.

Reassured, Su Liluo replied, "I will take you at your word, Sister. Don't blame me if I drink too much."

Su Baizhi had only meant to be polite, but Su Liluo failed to grasp her intent. Now that the words were spoken, Su Baizhi could only swallow her frustration, maintaining a strained smile, "Please enjoy yourself, Sister."

Unfamiliar with the concept of restraint, Su Liluo grinned and drank her tea swiftly. Within moments, her cup was empty, and she called out to Jinling, "Jinling, your lady's tea is truly superb. Please bring me another."

Jinling glanced at Su Baizhi, who nodded reluctantly. Jinling then took the cup and left, soon returning with a freshly brewed cup for Su Liluo. Su Baizhi watched helplessly as Su Liluo finished another exquisite tea in just a few gulps.

Sweat beaded on her forehead as she fretted, "Sister, you've had so much tea—will you still have room for lunch?"

Su Liluo looked at Su Baizhi with gratitude, "You always care for me, Sister. It's no trouble; I was thirsty today, and once I tasted your fine tea, I couldn't stop. Jinling, please brew me another cup."

Jinling hesitated, unable to reach for the cup, intimidated by Su Liluo's lack of decorum. She looked to Su Baizhi for guidance, hoping for a decision.

Though unwilling, Su Baizhi had no choice but to nod, making sure her hospitality was impeccable. She couldn't let it be said that the second daughter of the Chancellor's household begrudged her elder sister a cup of tea. Thus, tea tasting continued until lunchtime, with Su Liluo slowing down only by her third cup. Even at midday, she showed no intention of leaving. Su Baizhi finally asked, "Why not stay for lunch, Sister? It's rare we dine together."

"You are ever so thoughtful. Then I shall accept your kindness," Su Liluo replied. Su Baizhi heard this and her gentle smile faded, suspicion growing in her heart. Was Su Liluo waiting for this all along?

Because both young ladies dined together, the kitchen prepared Su Baizhi’s meal with extra care. Su Liluo quickly discerned the differences between the sisters’ treatment in the household but said nothing, only eating with increased vigor, though never breaking etiquette.

After lunch, Su Baizhi wished to rest, but since Su Liluo showed no sign of leaving, she dutifully played hostess. Both lay on the heated kang, each with a book—Su Baizhi with a volume of poetry, Su Liluo with a storybook. On the small table between them were two plates of pastries and two cups of tea.

At dinner, Su Baizhi did not invite Su Liluo to stay, but Su Liluo shamelessly remained, so they dined together once more.

Afterward, Su Liluo rose to take her leave, saying, "You were so attentive today, Sister. I have enjoyed myself immensely."

Su Baizhi only smiled, wary of uttering another polite phrase lest Su Liluo take it seriously. "Sister, you should hurry home. It’s cold outside—don’t catch a chill."

Standing at the door, Su Baizhi felt the icy wind at her neck and longed to return to her warm chamber. Su Liluo also shivered, smiling, "Thank you for your concern, Sister. I’ll be on my way—do hurry inside."

With a turn, she and her maid vanished quickly from Su Baizhi’s courtyard. Once she was out of sight, Su Baizhi immediately closed the door with her maid and, holding the hot tea cup, felt utterly disheartened.

"Miss, the Eldest Miss drank a third of the tea leaves today," Jinling reported, cradling the jar that the Chancellor had gifted Su Baizhi. Her heart bled at the loss, but she waved it off: "Enough, just put it away. Never bring it out before her again."

Su Baizhi’s pride had turned into regret—her treasured tea now mostly gone thanks to Su Liluo, and she grew angrier each time she remembered.

Su Liluo returned to her courtyard, content. Today, both Liuzhu and Liuying enjoyed the luxury of good charcoal. Puzzled by their mistress’s actions, they asked, "Miss, why did you visit Second Miss’s rooms today?"

"Not just today—I shall go tomorrow as well. If they refuse to give us good charcoal, we’ll simply go where it is. It bothers my dear sister, and I enjoy fine food and warmth—why not?"

Liuzhu and Liuying nodded in admiration, "Miss, you truly are the cleverest."

After helping Su Liluo retire for the night and closing her door, Su Liluo smiled, thinking of tomorrow’s warmth, and drifted into sweet dreams.

The next morning, just after Su Baizhi finished breakfast, her maid reported the Eldest Miss had come to visit.

Su Baizhi felt uneasy, unsure what Su Liluo intended, but saw her already entering, calling out, "Sister, I didn’t fully savor the tea yesterday, so I’ve come again today. You don’t mind, do you?"

"Of course... not," Su Baizhi replied through gritted teeth, forced to be polite.

"Good. Then please have your maid bring a pot of fine tea. Today I shall truly appreciate it," Su Liluo said, removing her cloak and settling at the table, waiting for her tea.

There was no way Su Baizhi would let Su Liluo drink her imperial tea leaves again. She patted her head in feigned surprise and said, "I nearly forgot—Mother sent for me on urgent business today. Please sit here, Sister; I must go to Mother’s chambers first."