Chapter Seven: Breaking Off the Engagement

The next morning, as soon as Su Lilu rose from bed, she noticed Liu Zhu standing nearby, hesitant to speak. “Go on,” she said, “what’s happened now?”

Liu Ying was attending to Su Lilu, while Liu Zhu’s clear voice broke the silence. “Miss, rumors are circulating outside that your health is in a critical state, beyond the reach of any medicine.”

Su Lilu picked up a piece of stir-fried mushroom, her brows slightly furrowed. “Where did this rumor start?”

“I don't know, Miss. When I arrived, the maids in the back courtyard were already discussing it.” Liu Zhu, worried that Su Lilu might be troubled by the gossip, was about to advise her not to dwell on it, only to find Su Lilu already laughing.

“These people truly have nothing better to do! Ignore them; in time, the rumors will fade away on their own.”

Su Lilu paid no mind to the matter, nor did her maids. But just before noon, Crown Prince Yun Fengxiao arrived with the imperial physician.

“Greetings, Your Highness!” Liu Zhu and Liu Ying barely had time to alert Su Lilu before Yun Fengxiao pushed open the door and entered. Su Lilu was reclining on a soft couch, reading. Startled by the sudden intrusion, she looked in surprise at the imperial physician who followed him in.

“What is the meaning of this, Your Highness?” Su Lilu sat up, causing her outer robe to slip slightly, revealing a hint of her fragrant shoulder. Yun Fengxiao felt a surge of disdain and embarrassment, his face flushing as he snapped, “Su Lilu, have you no sense of shame?”

“Your Highness barges into my chambers with attendants, and before I utter a single word, you accuse me. Truly, Your Highness’s manners are exemplary!” Su Lilu pulled her collar up and walked over to the table.

“Insolence!” Yun Fengxiao’s breath quickened. Su Lilu had grown even more unruly, daring to mock him outright!

Su Lilu appeared not to hear his rebuke and carried on as usual. Her two maids trembled, fearing their mistress might anger the Crown Prince.

Yun Fengxiao realized that quarreling with Su Lilu was beneath his dignity. Turning to his entourage, he called, “Imperial Physician Li, examine Miss Su and see if she is truly unwell!”

The physician stepped forward, placed his medicine box down, and took out a silk handkerchief. “Miss Su, please extend your hand.”

Su Lilu was unsure what Yun Fengxiao intended, but she did not resist. Wasn’t the rumor outside that her health was failing? The royal family would never accept a sickly daughter-in-law.

The physician draped the silk cloth over Su Lilu’s wrist and began his examination. After a short while, he packed away his instruments and knelt before Yun Fengxiao. “Your Highness, Miss Su is afflicted with a stubborn ailment, incurable by any means.”

“Is it truly so, not a shred of falsehood?” Yun Fengxiao’s face reddened, his tone tinged with excitement.

Imperial Physician Li nodded. Yun Fengxiao waved him away and fixed his gaze on Su Lilu, making her uneasy.

“Lilu, though I am regretful, you must understand that, as a prince, my life is subject to the will of the royal family. With your condition as it is, I fear…” Yun Fengxiao’s face was full of difficulty and hesitation.

Su Lilu immediately understood his meaning, but she was no fool. She would not be the one to request the annulment and bring disgrace upon the royal family. So she simply looked at Yun Fengxiao with innocent confusion.

A flicker of annoyance passed through Yun Fengxiao’s eyes. How could he have forgotten that Su Lilu was considered simple-minded? Hoping she would grasp his intention and ask for the annulment herself was futile.

Yun Fengxiao cleared his throat and spoke directly: “Royal succession is paramount. Now that Su Lilu is afflicted with an incurable illness, she cannot be wed into the royal family as a consort. It seems this engagement must be annulled.”

As soon as Yun Fengxiao finished speaking, the eunuch beside him hurriedly proclaimed the imperial decree.

Su Lilu was secretly delighted, though her expression was one of shock and confusion, the distaste in her eyes growing more pronounced.

Apparently unable to bear another glance at Su Lilu, Yun Fengxiao turned and strode out of the room.

No sooner had Yun Fengxiao left than Su Bai Zhi arrived, glancing around the chamber as she entered.

“What are you looking for, sister?”

“Where is His Highness?” Su Bai Zhi had rushed over as quickly as she could, only to miss Yun Fengxiao. She was somewhat disappointed.

“The prince has just departed. You must remember your place, sister.” Having resolved a major concern, Su Lilu was in high spirits.

“Sister is right. I was only worried for you. I heard the Crown Prince brought the imperial physician, and rumors say you have a hidden ailment and were rejected by the prince. I just came to comfort you.” Su Bai Zhi was followed by Su Bai Han and Su Shan’er, who, upon hearing this, immediately cast mocking glances at Su Lilu.

“Well, you certainly are thoughtful,” Su Lilu said coldly, eyeing the three with their smug expressions.

“There’s no need for such formalities between sisters,” Su Bai Zhi’s smile grew even more triumphant.

“Hmph, she still dreams of becoming the Crown Princess without considering what she truly is. A toad coveting swan meat—only someone blessed with good fortune could ever hold the position of Crown Princess. Isn’t that right, Second Sister?” Su Shan’er boasted, glancing at Su Bai Zhi, making it clear who she believed was destined for the role.

“Fourth Miss, you ought to speak with a clear conscience. Our Miss…” Liu Zhu, who had just finished brewing tea, returned to hear this and immediately protested.

With a sharp crack, Su Shan’er spun and slapped Liu Zhu across the face. The tea Liu Zhu held spilled onto her own face, and she cried out in pain.

The warmth in Su Lilu’s eyes vanished. She strode forward and kicked Su Shan’er directly.

A mere concubine’s daughter dared to bully her maid in her presence? Clearly, she had shown them too much leniency before!

Su Shan’er was struck, and Su Bai Han’s eyes filled with rage. Unable to restrain herself, she raised her hand to slap Su Lilu, but Su Lilu seized her wrist firmly. “Su Bai Han, is this how you show respect to your legitimate elder sister?”

No sooner had the words left her mouth than a sharp sound echoed in the room, and a red mark appeared on Su Bai Han’s face. She covered her right cheek, looking at Su Lilu in disbelief—she had actually dared to strike her!