Chapter 84: Rumors

“Miss, what are you saying? Let us help you wash up,” Firefly said, reaching for the basin, but Su Lilu stopped her.

“Wait, don’t rush. Firefly, go tell Mother I am ill and ask her to invite a physician to the manor,” Su Lilu touched her slightly feverish forehead, determined to make this matter known far and wide—ideally, to let the whole world know her health was frail.

“Miss, are you feeling unwell?” Firefly asked, trying to help Su Lilu lie down, but Su Lilu waved her off. “Enough, go quickly. If you delay and ruin my plans, I won’t forgive you.”

Su Lilu settled herself in bed; Firefly understood the gravity of the matter and hurried out, while Pearl remained nearby, awaiting instructions.

When Yao Ruoshui heard Firefly’s report, she nodded, “If your Miss is ill, naturally a physician must be called. Go back now; the doctor will arrive soon.”

Firefly kowtowed in gratitude, “Thank you, Madam. Please send for the physician quickly; Miss is terribly uncomfortable.”

A flicker of impatience crossed Yao Ruoshui’s eyes, noticed by Granny Ping, who immediately stepped forward and scolded, “How can you be so ignorant? Madam has agreed already, yet you persist with unnecessary words. Go back and care for your Miss; the physician will be here shortly.”

Firefly did not retort; she kowtowed and ran back to Su Lilu’s quarters. As Granny Ping had said, the physician soon arrived. After taking her pulse, he instructed, “Miss has a slight fever. A few doses of medicine will suffice, but she must rest these days. Take good care of her.” The last words were directed at the maids, and Pearl and Firefly nodded eagerly.

“Pearl, quickly see the physician out,” Su Lilu said, lying in bed, her lively eyes darting about until a plan formed.

“Summon Jade Heart; I have something for her to do,” Su Lilu ordered after the physician departed.

Firefly quickly brought Jade Heart, then she and Pearl withdrew, leaving Su Lilu to beckon Jade Heart close and whisper into her ear, “I need you to go outside and help me with something…”

“Miss, I understand. I will not fail your trust,” Jade Heart replied, accepting the silver Su Lilu handed her. She curtsied and left, exchanging a brief greeting with Pearl and Firefly before departing the manor.

Su Lilu lay peacefully in bed, her stomach rumbling. She called out, “Pearl, I’m hungry. Bring me something to eat.”

Pearl hurried to the kitchen and returned with a bowl of plain porridge. Seeing Su Lilu’s dissatisfaction, she gently advised, “Miss, you’re unwell now. You can only have something light.”

Smelling the aroma, Su Lilu felt even hungrier. She didn’t care whether the porridge was bland; her small hand wielded the spoon and soon emptied the bowl.

“Miss, would you like some more?” Pearl asked, delighted by Su Lilu’s appetite.

“No need, I want to sleep a while.” Pearl helped her lie down and lowered the curtain.

After leaving the manor, Jade Heart found a nondescript man in an alley, handed him a bag of silver, and relayed Su Lilu’s instructions, “…Did you remember what I just said? Spread this news as widely as possible.”

“Understood, understood. I’ll do exactly as you instructed,” the man replied. To avoid suspicion, Jade Heart had disguised herself in male attire and smeared her face with soot, making her unrecognizable without close inspection. After the man left, she glanced around to ensure no one had noticed, then hurried out of the alley.

That afternoon, rumors swirled throughout the capital. Su Lilu munched on fruit, listening to Pearl’s lively chatter, her smile never fading.

“Miss, you have no idea what people are saying outside now—that your health is failing, the physician has come several times, and it seems you’re gravely ill.” Pearl’s cheeks were flushed with indignation.

Su Lilu chuckled, tapping Pearl’s forehead with her finger. “Why get angry? Are they calling me by name?”

“Ouch!” Pearl cried, rubbing her forehead, then paused and shook her head, “Of course not. They only mention the Prime Minister’s daughter, without specifying which one. But recently, only you have summoned the physician. If not you, then who?”

“Since they haven’t named me, just listen and let it be,” Su Lilu’s lips curved with a fox-like cunning.

Seeing Su Lilu’s indifference, Pearl grew anxious. “Miss, there’s another matter. Everyone is also gossiping about Second Miss breaking off her engagement with Prince Yi, saying she spurned him and schemed to marry into the Crown Prince’s palace. They claim Second Miss is a calculating woman.”

“Hmm, that’s not wrong. The truth is clear to everyone, isn’t that good?” Su Lilu nodded, showing no sign of being affected by the rumors.

“But Miss, your reputation is being dragged down by Second Miss. Now people say none of the Prime Minister’s daughters are decent. How can they say that? You’re obviously the best…” Pearl argued, unwilling to accept it.

Su Lilu stroked Pearl’s head and smiled reassuringly, “Silly girl, as long as you know what kind of person I am, it doesn’t matter how ugly their words are. Just pretend you don’t hear them.”

“Miss, why aren’t you angry at all?” Pearl asked in confusion.

“Because I don’t care. Pearl, remember: a person’s heart is small; it cannot contain everything,” Su Lilu said, seeing Pearl’s puzzled look, she shook her head, “You’ll understand one day.” Su Lilu inwardly gave Jade Heart a thumbs up; now let’s see how they handle this.

Su Hong heard the news and smashed his teacup in anger, gritting his teeth, “How did the Prime Minister’s manor’s reputation suddenly turn so rotten? How am I supposed to secure marriage alliances through these daughters? Not only with the royal family, but even with noble houses, it’s difficult now.”

The more Su Hong thought about it, the more dissatisfied he became. He strode into Yao Ruoshui’s chamber. Yao Ruoshui was delighted to see him, only to be met with a scolding, “How are you managing the household? News from the manor is spreading outside, and as the mistress, you know nothing?”

“Husband… I…” Yao Ruoshui was bewildered, hastily grabbing Su Hong’s sleeve to explain, but he shook her off.

“Yao, if managing the household is too much for you, I don’t mind finding someone to help,” Su Hong threatened.

Yao Ruoshui’s heart chilled; she quickly objected, “I’m not struggling, Husband. This matter happened too suddenly—it’s my fault. It won’t happen again.” Though she didn’t know what had happened, she admitted fault first to calm Su Hong.

When Su Hong heard her soften, his anger subsided halfway. Yao Ruoshui immediately had tea brought and personally offered it to Su Hong, “Husband, have some tea to calm your temper. Don’t let it harm your health.”

Su Hong was in no mood for tea, leaving only with, “Manage the household properly. If this happens again, I won’t be so lenient,” before striding out of the manor.

Once Su Hong was gone, Yao Ruoshui called Granny Ping and asked in a low voice, “Find out why Husband was so angry.”