Chapter Sixty-Six: The One Behind the Scenes

Upon hearing that the matriarch intended to inform Su Hong of the matter, Su Baihan fell to her knees with a thud, begging for mercy, “Grandmother, your granddaughter admits her fault and accepts punishment. Please do not tell Father.”

The matriarch, seeing she had subdued her granddaughter, felt her anger abate somewhat. She thought this girl was foolish, unable to tell when she was being deceived, and only knew to complain, her face still marked with displeasure.

Reflecting on the events of the day, the matriarch grew increasingly suspicious. Her gaze fell upon Su Lilu, who stood below with composure and an air she had not seen before. The matriarch frowned; she could not shake the feeling that Su Lilu’s bearing now resembled someone she once knew, though she could not recall whom.

“Grandmother, my younger sister was merely the victim of someone’s scheming. Please do not be too harsh on her,” Su Lilu said softly. The matriarch then remembered who it was that Su Lilu resembled, and her heart gave a jolt—it was the former great general, her own daughter, whose demeanor Su Lilu was gradually mirroring.

“Grandmother understands. Lilu, you must be tired after today. Go now and rest,” the matriarch said, seeing Su Baihan still kneeling restlessly. She spoke impatiently, “If you do not behave, I will have no choice but to summon your father to teach you properly.”

Su Baihan dared not move further. She lowered her head, hands placed on her knees, silently praying, “Mother, please come. Your daughter’s body aches terribly.”

“Granddaughter takes her leave,” Su Lilu said, leaving behind this troublesome affair and returning directly to her quarters.

Su Baihan, accustomed to indulgence, soon felt a tingling in her knees and struggled to rise, but the matriarch watched her coldly. Su Baihan’s face was clouded with grievance, and before long, Yao Ruoshui entered the chamber in a hurry.

Seeing Su Baihan kneeling, she steadied herself and greeted the matriarch first, “Your daughter-in-law greets Mother. What fault has Baihan committed to cause your anger?”

“Ask your precious daughter what good deeds she has accomplished today,” the matriarch replied, annoyed that Su Baihan had spent so long kneeling without grasping her mistake. She turned away, unwilling to look at her disappointing granddaughter any longer.

“Baihan, apologize to Grandmother at once. I have repeatedly warned you to be careful outside, yet you never listen. Now that trouble has come, who will save you?” Yao Ruoshui, knowing something must have occurred at the Plum Appreciation Banquet, decided to take Su Baihan away first and question her in detail later.

Su Baihan clasped her hands, prostrated herself, and pleaded, “Grandmother, I know my fault. Please forgive me this once.”

“Mother, Baihan did not act intentionally. Please forgive her this time; I shall discipline her thoroughly when we return,” Yao Ruoshui said carefully, seeing no sign of leniency in the matriarch’s expression. She was secretly annoyed, sensing the old lady was deliberately making things difficult for her and her daughter.

The matriarch raised her eyes, saw the two below feigning sympathy, and had no wish to look further. “You may go. I have no energy to deal with this matter.”

“Mother, your daughter-in-law takes her leave,” Yao Ruoshui said, signaling Madam Ping to help Su Baihan up, and together they left the matriarch’s quarters.

The matriarch watched them depart swiftly and sighed, “Too much motherly kindness spoils the child.”

Madam Hua, beside her, offered comfort, “Do not be angry, Madam. The fourth miss is still young—more guidance will help.”

The matriarch knew well that Madam Hua was merely placating her. She shook her head and allowed Madam Hua to assist her into the inner chamber for a moment’s rest.

“Once the prime minister returns, bring him to me,” the matriarch instructed after a pause. Madam Hua promptly agreed.

Su Hong entered his study and soon heard a servant announce that Madam Hua, from his mother’s side, had arrived.

Madam Hua had watched Su Hong grow up, and he greatly respected his mother’s old attendant. Rising to greet her, he asked, “Madam Hua, does Mother have business with me?”

“The prime minister, please follow me to Madam’s quarters. She wishes to discuss something with you.”

Su Hong’s expression grew solemn. He immediately followed Madam Hua to the matriarch’s chamber, where he found his mother reclining, looking fatigued. He bowed deeply, “Your son greets Mother.”

“That’s enough. There’s no need for such formalities between us. Come, sit—Mother has something important to ask your advice on,” the matriarch said, rarely so earnest. Su Hong’s previous gentle smile vanished; he listened calmly to his mother.

“Mother, whatever the matter, speak plainly. Your son is listening.”

The matriarch explained the events concerning Su Baihan. The more Su Hong heard, the angrier he became, slapping the table and exclaiming, “That foolish girl, always acting on impulse!”

Su Hong blamed Yao Ruoshui for teaching their daughter to be so unruly, lacking the bearing of a noblewoman. The matriarch, seeing he was focused only on anger, quickly reminded him, “Prime minister, I do not believe this is merely a quarrel among girls. You must investigate who is behind this.”

“Your son understands. Mother, rest assured—I will have someone look into it immediately,” Su Hong replied, hurrying to the outer courtyard and instructing his confidants to uncover the instigator behind Su Baihan’s troubles.

By the end of the afternoon, Su Hong received the results—indeed, someone had orchestrated matters from behind. He immediately instructed his people to release news from the rival factions’ inner chambers. By the time rumors spread throughout the capital, the trouble Su Baihan had stirred had already faded like a fleeting blossom, no longer garnering attention.

After dinner, the steward came to Su Baihan’s quarters and calmly conveyed the prime minister’s instructions, “Fourth Miss, the master asks that you spend the next few days copying the ‘Admonitions for Women’ and ‘Rules for Women’ in your room, to cultivate yourself properly.”

Once the steward departed, Su Baihan angrily smashed her cup on the floor and wept, “How could Father treat me this way!” Her maid, Green Willow, comforted her, “Miss, do not cry. The master is merely upset for the moment.”

“Father only acts this way because that wretched woman has won the favor of Princess of Anping. I will tell Mother,” Su Baihan declared, rushing to Yao Ruoshui’s chambers. She found no solace, but was scolded instead, her anger simmering, awaiting a day to vent it upon Su Lilu.

On this day, after the morning court, Su Hong walked with several ministers toward the palace gates when a voice called from behind, “Prime minister, I have a few words to discuss with you. Do you have a moment?”

Su Hong turned to see the Prince of Annan. Though puzzled, he smiled and said, “Your Highness, your invitation is most welcome. Please, lead the way.”

The two walked out together, and Su Hong waited for the prince to speak his mind.

The Prince of Annan was direct, “At my daughter’s Plum Appreciation Banquet, several young ladies from the prime minister’s residence attended. My princess is particularly fond of your eldest daughter. You must allow her to visit the palace more often and keep the princess company.”

Su Hong was startled, but replied calmly, “I do not know what it was about Lilu that caught the princess’s attention that day, but I will convey her wishes to my daughter upon my return.”

The Prince of Annan noticed that Su Hong had not once agreed to let Su Lilu visit, and his demeanor was cold, lacking his previous cordiality. “As long as the prime minister understands. I have other matters to attend to; I shall return to my residence.”

“Your Highness, please,” Su Hong replied respectfully, bowing slightly.