Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
She was only a sixteen-year-old girl, but she possessed the composure of someone who had experienced the vicissitudes of life.
What was most frightening was that she seemed to know everything.
However, when it came to her and Su Yurou, they knew very little about her.
Su Dingheng hastily went to the Ministry of Rites to submit the documents for Liu Shulan.
When he went in, he looked excited, but when he came out, he appeared defeated.
Inside the Marquisâs Manor, Su Yingxue had already prepared tea and was waiting in the front hall for Su Dingheng to return.
She had brought the green tea that Consort Xiang had gifted her. The tea had a bright green color, resembling a fine piece of floating jade in the cup.
Su Yingxue picked up her teacup and smiled at Liu Shulan. âDonât be in a hurry. Once Father returns with the documents, Iâll promptly serve you tea.â
Liu Shulan wore a gentle and unthreatening smile. âEldest Young Miss, you are too kind. I am not worthy of being called Aunt by you. Your respectful address is already an honor for me.â
Su Yingxue exchanged a glance with Zhilan as if to say, âSee! Itâs interesting to engage with someone intelligent!â
Zhilan suppressed a smile and looked towards Su Yurou.
Su Yurou was murmuring to Liu Shulan, âWhy is Mother being so polite to her? After becoming an aunt and gaining control over the Marquisâs Manorâs management, she will have to consider your face!â
Liu Shulan quietly reminded her, âItâs too early to say that. Keep calm and donât speak recklessly!â
âHumph!â Su Yurou couldnât help but snort.
She had been subjected to such humiliation by Su Yingxue yesterday. Even her younger brother couldnât stay in the residence and had to guard against Su Hao in the military camp. But now, as long as her mother was recorded in the family records and the documents were processed at the Ministry of Rites, she would have the status of a legitimate concubine in the Marquisâs Manor. Even as a daughter of a concubine, she would have a proper position and wouldnât be ridiculed by others anymore.
She would not let Su Yingxue off the hook!
âMarquis has returned!â
The steward announced at the entrance of the front hall.
Su Yingxue slowly placed her teacup down, while Liu Shulan and her daughter had already warmly welcomed him.
Liu Shulan gently and considerately held Su Dinghengâs arm. âMarquis, youâve worked hard. Please sit down and rest.â
âFather! The paperwork is done. Hurry and open the ancestral hall to record Mother in the family records! Mother has been waiting for so many years!â Su Yurou jumped up excitedly.
Su Dingheng hadnât even had a chance to sit down, and she had already urged him twice.
Su Dingheng was already in a bad mood. He scolded her sharply, âYour mother isnât in a hurry, so why are you so impatient?! Get lost!â
Su Yurou was taken aback by the scolding and almost burst into tears.
She had never been scolded like this by Su Dingheng before.
âFather, Rouâer is just concerned about Mother. She has always felt wronged, sob, sobâ¦â
âRouâer, shut up! Your father has been busy all this time and hasnât even sipped tea. Youâre bothering him like this, which is thoughtless!â Although Liu Shuianâs tone was gentle, she didnât hold back when lecturing Su Yurou, especially in front of Su Dingheng.
Su Dinghengâs expression softened a little when he saw Su Yurouâs sensible behavior.
Usually, it was Su Yingxue who provoked him. But now, she was sitting in the hall with an elegant posture, remaining calm and composed. She exuded a sense of calmness and composure that even he, as a father, admired.
Su Dinghengâs thoughts suddenly became more complex.
âFather, did everything go smoothly today? This green tea was given to me by Consort Xiang. If youâve completed your task, I will serve tea to Aunt Liu.â Su Yingxue smiled and called out to Aunt Liu.
However, Su Dinghengâs mood, which had momentarily eased, darkened again. âForget it, just give me the tea..â