Chapter 71: Indifference

After much pondering, Su Lilu finally hit upon an excellent idea. Overjoyed, she exclaimed, “Magic tricks—this will surely get me what I want.”

With a plan in mind, everything else became much simpler. Su Lilu instructed her attendants to prepare the necessary tools, and then waited for the day of the palace banquet.

On that morning, Su Lilu asked Liu Zhu and Liu Ying to do her hair and makeup. The day before, Old Madam Su had sent word that Su Lilu should dress carefully for the occasion. At the first light of dawn, Liu Zhu and Liu Ying woke her, and she sat before her dressing table with her eyes closed, letting Liu Ying work her magic.

When Liu Ying finished, she gently called, “Miss, it’s time to wake up. We still need to get you dressed.”

Su Lilu opened her eyes just a sliver and peered into the bronze mirror. Blinking, she pinched her own cheek in surprise. “Liu Ying, is this really me?”

“Of course it’s you, miss. Your beauty rivals the moon and flowers; it was merely hidden beneath a layer of dust before.” Su Lilu laughed at the girl’s bold flattery and said with mock sternness, “Liu Ying, your courage grows by the day; you even dare lie to my face.”

Liu Ying immediately dropped to her knees, replying anxiously, “I wouldn’t dare, miss. Every word I speak is true.”

Su Lilu hadn’t expected her joke to frighten the girl so much. She quickly helped Liu Ying to her feet. “Get up. I was only teasing. I know it’s your skill that makes me look so well. Now, it’s getting late; Grandmother will send someone to hurry us again soon. Help me change.”

Liu Zhu and Liu Ying brought out the clothes they had prepared: a pale lavender jacket trimmed with silver, cinched at the waist and chest to accentuate Su Lilu’s figure. Since the wind outside was chilly, Liu Ying added a white fox-fur cloak. Once they were ready, mistress and maids left the room.

As they reached the entrance to Old Madam Su’s courtyard, they saw another group approaching. Drawing closer, Su Lilu recognized Su Baizhi. She offered a polite nod and said, “Sister, you look beautiful today.”

Su Baizhi wore a light blue jacket with white trim and a silver cloak. The cold wind had brought a healthy flush to her cheeks, and her every movement radiated gentle grace.

Su Baizhi smiled softly. “You’re teasing me, sister. You’re the truly beautiful one. I haven’t seen you in days, and I’ve missed you.”

Su Lilu laughed but did not reply, keeping her guard up. She wondered what Su Baizhi was really after.

Su Baizhi took a few steps closer, her tone warm. “Sister, why so quiet? Did I say something wrong?”

Su Lilu stepped aside before answering, “Of course not. I was simply stunned by your beauty and forgot to answer.”

Su Baizhi blushed and lowered her head shyly. “Sister, you embarrass me—I hardly dare look up now.”

Su Lilu had no interest in this mutual flattery. Her expression tightened as she said, “Sister, it’s getting late. We should pay our respects to Grandmother.” Eager to escape, Su Lilu strode toward Old Madam Su’s rooms, determined to keep her guard up against Su Baizhi’s schemes.

The family gathered in Old Madam Su’s courtyard before boarding carriages for the palace. The entire Su household turned out for the event. Old Madam Su rode with Su Hong and Yao Ruoshui, while Su Lilu, Su Baizhi, and Su Baihan shared another carriage; the concubine-born daughters did not accompany them this time.

At the palace gates, they disembarked and walked to the banquet hall. Old Madam Su led the family to the entrance, where they encountered the ladies of the Prince of Annan’s household. Old Madam Su greeted them graciously: “Greetings, Princess of Annan, Lady Anping.”

The rest of the group followed suit. The Princess of Annan glanced up coolly and replied, “No need for such formalities.”

Old Madam Su’s breath caught. The princess’s face was cold and distant—no sign of any intention to form a marriage alliance. Puzzled, Old Madam Su looked at her more closely.

The princess’s gaze fell on Su Lilu, who stood quietly behind her grandmother. Remembering a certain matter, the princess’s mood soured.

Meanwhile, Su Baihan felt a secret thrill, clutching Su Baizhi’s hand in excitement. Su Baizhi looked at her in surprise. “Sister, what’s wrong?”

Su Baihan quickly let go and grabbed her cloak instead, shaking her head. “It’s nothing.” But inwardly, she was certain: their plan had succeeded, and the Princess of Annan’s coldness meant she’d grown weary of Su Lilu and abandoned the idea of a betrothal.

Su Baizhi shot Su Lilu a triumphant glance. As everyone entered the hall, she sidled up to the Princess of Annan, bowed deeply, and greeted her with respect. “Han greets Your Highness, Princess of Annan.”

The princess didn’t even look her way, merely replying, “Mm.” Lady Anping, standing by her mother’s side, frowned at Su Baihan’s shameless display, her lips pursed in displeasure.

Receiving no special attention from the princess, Su Baihan felt as if a bucket of cold water had been dumped over her, her enthusiasm instantly doused.

Seeing her lingering awkwardly, the Princess of Annan asked frostily, “Miss Su, is there something else?”

Su Baihan had hoped to strike up a conversation and make a good impression, but this abrupt rebuke left her flustered. She hurriedly waved her hands. “No, nothing at all. I’ll take my leave.”

Head down, Su Baihan returned to the Su family’s seats. Afraid Su Lilu would mock her, she lifted her chin and squared her shoulders, biting back tears.

The two families sat in their assigned places. The Princess of Annan watched Su Lilu, who sat composed and dignified—unlike Su Baihan, who kept glancing around restlessly. Turning to Lady Anping, she asked in a low voice, “Daughter, do you think Su Lilu is really the sort to sneak out of the house and behave improperly?”

Lady Anping shook her head. “Mother, I don’t think so. I’ve dealt with Sister Lilu before—she’s forthright and honest, not at all the type to slip out in secret.”

The princess nodded. “I feel the same. Besides, I have another question: if she truly did sneak out, how did the news reach our household? Could someone be stirring up trouble behind the scenes?”

Lady Anping hesitated, glancing at Su Lilu’s table. Seeing her mother’s uncertainty, she volunteered, “Mother, let me go ask and see what’s really going on.”

Lady Anping was not one to keep things bottled up. She favored Su Lilu and knew that if there truly was a problem, her brother’s marriage would need to be reconsidered.

The princess nodded. “Go—but do not let others notice.”

“I understand.” Lady Anping rose and slipped into a nearby side hall, calling over a young palace maid and whispering a few instructions. The maid nodded and hurried away.

Su Lilu sat calmly at her place. Suddenly, a palace maid appeared with a tray of pastries. As she set it down, her body swayed. Su Lilu quickly reached out to steady her and asked softly, “Are you all right?”

Clutching Su Lilu’s hand, the maid whispered her thanks. Su Lilu felt a slip of paper pressed into her palm, which she clenched tightly as the maid withdrew.

Seizing a moment when no one was watching, Su Lilu unfolded the note. It bore only a few words: “Meet in the side hall—Anping.”