Chapter Seventy-Three: The Gift Shop

Su Baizhi, upon hearing these words, felt a flush of pride on her face, secretly delighting in her heart: “These riddles are child’s play—just watch me claim the prize.”

“A character riddle: ‘No sign of autumn remains.’ What is the character?” the empress’s attendant announced in a clear voice.

The legitimate daughter of the Huo family pondered for a moment, rising to speak, but before she could utter a word, a gentle voice from behind had already given the answer, “It is the character for ‘drill.’”

Su Baizhi cast a triumphant glance at the Huo girl, her eyes brimming with self-satisfaction, which the empress found rather irksome. The attendant continued, “Congratulations, Miss Su. Next question: ‘Painted white, yet turns black—what character is this?’”

Hardly had the words left the attendant’s lips when Su Baizhi called out the answer, “It is the character for ‘seven.’”

A stir rippled through the crowd. Su Baizhi pinched her handkerchief, biting her lip to suppress the joy threatening to spill out, though the delight in her eyes was plain for all to see.

The attendant noticed the empress’s darkening expression, but in front of the gathered guests, she could only announce loudly, “Miss Su is correct once again.”

Thereafter, the riddles posed by the attendants were all answered first by Su Baizhi, with only a few occasionally solved by the Huo girl. As the contest continued, the empress’s face grew increasingly impassive, though Su Baizhi remained blissfully unaware of the coldness directed at her.

Su Lilu watched as Su Baizhi grew ever more smug, while the Huo girl stood with dignified composure, her gentle smile unfaltering. Su Lilu could not help but admire her.

After Su Baizhi answered correctly once more, the empress finally spoke: “Miss Su is indeed clever.”

Su Baizhi, hearing the empress’s praise, smiled so sweetly that her happiness was obvious in her voice. “Thank you, Your Majesty. I am unworthy of your praise,” she replied modestly, though her pride was unmistakable.

The empress had not expected the girl before her to take her words as genuine praise. She was about to admonish her when the Huo girl stepped forward, curtsied, and said, “Your Majesty, my sister Su’s learning is truly outstanding. I am sincerely impressed.”

Yao Ruoshui watched as Su Baizhi received the empress’s praise, her face radiant, her delicate beauty visible to all. The empress smiled warmly, “Miss Su is indeed exceptional. Bring forth the reward prepared for her.”

Soon, a palace maid presented a tray of various fine ornaments before Su Baizhi. She accepted them with a graceful bow. “Thank you, Your Majesty.”

With her eyes lowered, Su Lilu concealed the trace of coldness within them. “Su Baizhi is truly intoxicated by the empress’s indulgence. Does she not fear hastening her own downfall?”

The empress glanced down at the assembled ladies and asked, “Is there any young lady willing to display her talents, so we in the palace may enjoy a rare spectacle?”

Su Lilu stood at once, stepped forward, and looked to the ground as she replied in a clear voice, “I am willing to entertain Your Majesty.”

“Very well. Since you have volunteered, I grant you leave. What will you perform?” The empress, seeing that it was not Su Baizhi, found Su Lilu increasingly pleasing.

“Today, I wish to perform a magic trick,” Su Lilu answered respectfully.

The empress paused, perplexed. “A magic trick? I have never heard of such a thing. How is it performed?”

“Your Majesty need not worry. Allow me to demonstrate, and you shall see.” With the empress’s permission, Su Lilu went to prepare. Soon, she returned, placing a table at the center, covered with a red cloth, and arranged with several items she would use.

Facing the audience, Su Lilu folded a piece of paper several times, shaping it into a flower. She handed it around for inspection. “Please, have a look. This truly is made of paper. Now, I shall turn it into a real flower.”

With that, she produced a tinder and touched it to the paper flower. The paper burned, and in the blink of an eye, a fresh, dewy rose appeared in her hand.

The empress exclaimed, “How truly marvelous!”

Others echoed her amazement. “Indeed! Who would have thought Miss Su possessed such skill?”

“How did she manage to create that flower?” someone asked in wonder.

Su Baizhi, seeing that Su Lilu had gained the empress’s favor, bit her lip in jealousy. “What’s so special about that? Who knows what trickery she’s using.”

Su Lilu conjured several more roses, further piquing the empress’s curiosity. “Miss Su, can you explain this mystery to me?”

“It is my duty, Your Majesty. In truth, there is nothing magical about it; one must simply be quick of hand—such is the secret.” Su Lilu explained the principle behind her illusion, and the empress nodded repeatedly, “Your ingenuity is impressive. I grant you a wish—ask for whatever you desire.”

Su Lilu knelt, her delight evident. “Thank you, Your Majesty. I ask for nothing else but to be granted a shop of my own.”

“Oh? That is a most unusual request. Tell me, why do you wish to open a shop? As a young lady, how would you have time to manage it?” The empress’s curiosity was piqued, her gaze fixed on the kneeling Su Lilu.

Su Lilu immediately revealed her plan: “Your Majesty, I accidentally discovered that blending various herbs and fresh flowers can make the skin fairer. I tried it myself with excellent results, and I wish to share this benefit with others by opening a shop, so that many more may enjoy it.”

The empress regarded Su Lilu closely. Indeed, her complexion was noticeably fairer than before, and the empress was now largely convinced. She nodded. “I grant your request. Since you wish to open a shop, you will need funds. I reward you with ten thousand taels of silver, enough to open your shop, along with ten bolts of fine silk and two sets of ornaments.”

Su Lilu had not expected her wish to be granted so easily. She spoke loudly, “Thank you, Your Majesty. I shall not fail to live up to your trust. Once I have produced my goods, I will present them to you first. I hope Your Majesty will accept them.”

“Of course. Your thoughtfulness is clear to me,” the empress replied, secretly impressed by Su Lilu’s demeanor.

Many of the ladies present could not help but glance at Su Lilu. Seeing how much fairer and more beautiful she had become, they believed her words all the more, and began eagerly anticipating the opening of her shop so they might visit it.

After accepting her reward, Su Lilu returned to her seat, her heart filled with joy—her business would surely flourish now.

Su Baizhi’s eyes flashed with venom. “Sister, you are truly cunning—using the empress as your stepping stone to make your shop famous before it even opens.”

Su Lilu raised an eyebrow at her. “You jest, sister. It is only because the empress favors me. Or is it that you are jealous?”