Chapter 79: The Yao Residence

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When Su Bai Zhi heard her mother mention visiting her maternal family for New Year’s greetings, she immediately thought of Su Li Luo. Her eyes flashed with an idea, and she pleaded with Yao Ruoshui, “Mother, why not bring our eldest sister with us?”

Yao Ruoshui’s expression soured at the mention of Su Li Luo. Though she was reluctant, she nodded and said, “Su Li Luo is, in name, my daughter and the legitimate daughter of this house. Naturally, she should come along.”

Only upon hearing that Su Li Luo would be joining did Su Bai Zhi’s face break into a smile. Leaning coquettishly against Yao Ruoshui, she giggled, “Mother, you’re always so good to me. I’ll send someone to invite her at once.”

Lowering her head to conceal the sharp glint in her eyes, Su Bai Zhi harbored resentment—Su Li Luo had embarrassed her at the palace banquet, and she was determined to teach her a lesson in return.

Yao Ruoshui made no move to stop her. Su Bai Zhi sent her chief maid to fetch Su Li Luo. Not long after, Jinling brought Su Li Luo into the room. Seeing that everyone had arrived, Yao Ruoshui gave a few instructions. “Today, as you visit your maternal grandmother’s house for New Year’s greetings, you must conduct yourselves with care. Do not bring shame upon the Su family.”

Su Li Luo led the others in answering obediently. Only then did Yao Ruoshui board the carriage with her daughters.

The party took two carriages—Yao Ruoshui rode with Su Bai Zhi and Su Bai Han in one, while the other three girls took the second. Su Li Luo had no idea how long they’d been traveling when the carriage suddenly halted and the maid’s voices called from outside, “Miss, you may get down now. We’ve arrived at the Yao residence.”

With the assistance of her maid, Su Li Luo was the first to alight. Looking up, she saw the large black signboard inscribed with the words “Yao Residence”—this was the family home of the Prime Minister’s wife.

Yao Ruoshui led her daughters through the second gate, where a stewardess had been waiting. On seeing Yao Ruoshui, she exclaimed with delight, “At last, our honored young madam has returned! The lady awaits you inside, please come in at once.” With a throng of maids and old servants, Yao Ruoshui was ushered in. Looking up at the dignified woman seated above, Yao Ruoshui’s eyes filled with tears as she said, “Mother, your daughter has come to pay her respects.”

The old madam of the Yao family nodded repeatedly at the sight of her daughter. “Good, good. Your return is all the happiness I need. And Bai Zhi and Han are here as well.”

Su Bai Zhi and Su Bai Han immediately bowed, “Greetings, grandmother.”

The three girls, including Su Li Luo, also performed their bows. The old madam kept a warm smile on her face and inquired after Su Bai Zhi and Su Bai Han’s daily life at home. Just then, several young ladies of the Yao family arrived to pay their respects, and the old lady told the younger generation to go play together, keeping Yao Ruoshui with her for conversation.

The Yao family’s eldest young lady led Su Bai Zhi and her sisters into a nearby receiving room. The girls gathered around the table in a circle. Having met her cousins before, Su Bai Zhi now took her eldest cousin’s hand and said, “Cousin, this is my eldest sister. At the recent palace banquet, she was favored by both His Majesty and Her Majesty.”

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The eldest Miss Yao scrutinized Su Li Luo for a moment, then remarked blandly, “Bai Zhi, your sister doesn’t look like someone particularly capable.”

“Yes, do tell us—what exactly did you do that made the emperor and empress take notice?” The envy in her tone was unmistakable.

Seeing jealousy stir in the others, a cold light flickered in Su Bai Zhi’s eyes, but she responded sweetly, “My sister says it was a magic trick. I’ve never seen it myself, but her performance astonished even me—no wonder Their Majesties were impressed.”

The young ladies of the Yao family all eyed Su Li Luo with jealousy, their words laced with barbs. “What’s so remarkable about that? Who knows what clever tricks she used to fool the palace nobles. Miss Su, you’d better be careful—one day someone may see right through you.”

Another chimed in, “Indeed, Miss Su appears delicate, but who knew she had so many schemes in mind! Bai Zhi, you’d best watch out for your sister—don’t let her trip you up behind your back.”

One after another, they crowded Su Li Luo out, belittling her at every turn. Su Li Luo only smiled lightly, her indifference so calm that Su Bai Zhi couldn’t help but glance at her a few more times.

Feigning shyness, Su Bai Zhi protested, “Cousin, my sister is not that sort of person…”

“Bai Zhi, you know a face but not a heart. We have a few plum trees in bloom—why don’t you all come with us to admire them? As for Miss Su, I’m sure she has her own amusements and won’t stoop to join us ordinary folk in viewing flowers.”

Seeing that Su Li Luo offered no rebuttal, the eldest Miss Yao coaxed, “Bai Zhi, you should come along. It’s rare for you to visit, and I have so much to say to you.”

Su Bai Han, who never warmed to Su Li Luo, was delighted to see her discredited by the cousins, and quickly agreed, “Since our cousins have invited us, how could we refuse? Eldest sister, you’d best stay in and rest—don’t tire yourself out.”

She then took Su Bai Zhi’s hand and urged, “Sister, our cousins are waiting—what are you hesitating for? Hurry up, or they won’t wait!”

Though Su Bai Zhi put on a troubled face, her heart brimmed with glee. Still, she cast a few guilty glances at Su Li Luo. “Eldest sister, our cousins…”

“Enough, go on. I’ll just sit here by myself. No need to worry about me.” Su Li Luo saw through Su Bai Zhi’s scheming, yet she continued playing the gracious one—it was truly exasperating.

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With Su Bai Han pulling her along, Su Bai Zhi left the room. In an instant, only Su Dong Xuan and Su Li Luo remained.

Su Li Luo glanced at Su Dong Xuan in surprise and asked, “Xuan, why didn’t you go with them?”

“I… I’d rather stay here and keep you company,” Su Dong Xuan replied softly. Seeing her resolve, Su Li Luo did not press further.

The two sat quietly for a while. After exchanging a few glances, they both broke into laughter. Su Li Luo pushed a cup of tea toward her. “Xuan, have some tea to warm yourself. I suppose they won’t be back any time soon.”

“Eldest sister, aren’t you angry?” Su Dong Xuan recalled how the others had belittled her—she herself had been so angry that her fists clenched. Yet her eldest sister appeared entirely unbothered.

Su Li Luo smiled gently. “Remember, not everyone in this world is worth your anger.”

No sooner had she spoken than a maid in blue entered, bowed, and said, “Miss Su, the young ladies invite you to join them.”

“Oh? What do they want? I’m quite comfortable here,” Su Li Luo answered with a faint smile, sipping her tea nonchalantly. Earlier, they’d been eager to upset her; now they sent someone to fetch her—there was certainly something behind it.

Seeing Su Li Luo unmoved, the maid lowered her head. “Second Miss Su said she wished to speak with you. The young ladies were just talking about you, and they ask if you would perform for them.”

Su Li Luo laughed coldly. “Go back and tell your mistress I’m not going.”

No matter how the maid tried to persuade her with flowery words, Su Li Luo remained unmoved, quietly sitting and occasionally chatting with Su Dong Xuan. At last, the maid had no choice but to return and report.