Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
Su Yingxue didnât have time to deal with Chu Chengye. After the banquet ended, she found a pavilion and sat down, quietly contemplating the reason for the empress favored Su Yurou and her mother.
Zhilan attended to her, softly whispering, âMiss, someone is here.â
Somewhat weary, Su Yingxue opened her eyes and saw a woman in an elegant azure gown, holding a thin veil.
She adorned her head with a jade hairpin, a symbol of her status. Tassels accompanying her soft laughter produced a crisp sound.
âDid I disturb Sisterâs rest?â Su Han smiled faintly, her pure beauty carrying a touch of grace.
Su Yingxue smiled and gestured to the seat in front of her. âSu Han, please have a seat.â
Su Han was her uncleâs daughter, well-educated since childhood. Born into the Marquisâs Manor and with her father serving in the Ministry of Works, she was destined for a good match.
But what was even more fortunate was her marriage to the princeâs mansion in Yongâan County. It had left all the women of the Su family envious.
At the time of her marriage, Su Yingxue was still quite young. But she remembered her cousin before her marriage, radiating a scholarly aura, holding books, resembling a paintingâs fairy.
Now, that fairy-like countenance seemed somewhat fatigued by the world, and the scholarly aura had waned.
Su Han took the initiative to seek Su Yingxue out, speaking with enthusiasm. âItâs been a while, Sister. Youâve become shrewder and more dignified after taking charge of the Marquisâs Manor.â
Su Han was genuinely surprised to see Su Yingxue today. Locked within the princeâs mansion in Yongâan County, she couldnât meet often, but she had heard numerous rumors about Su Yingxue, quite different from the sister in her memories.
Seeing her today was indeed extraordinary.
However, Su Yingxue sensed something different in her cousinâs words. She propped up her cheek. âCousin, do you think Iâve been too forceful in asserting my authority today?â
âIf Sister asks, Iâll be candid. In my view, yes,â Su Han replied, fanning herself, her eyes holding a deep meaning.
Seeing Su Yingxue waiting for her to continue, she added, âAlthough you disciplined Aunt Liu and her daughter today, it left a pitiful impression on them in front of everyone. Firstly, itâs not good for your reputation. Secondly, if Aunt Liu causes trouble in the future, the relationship between Second Uncle and you might be endangered.â
âRelationship?â Su Yingxue sneered. âI donât care about that.â
âBut youâre not married yet. Some things require consideration. However, since Aunt Liu covets the power you hold, Second Uncle will still have the final say in the Marquisâs Manor,â Su Han advised carefully, every word sincere.
Su Yingxue nodded. âI understand, Su Han. I wonât create conflicts in public in the future. But, if youâre here, is there something I can help you with?â
Su Yingxueâs relaxed demeanor eased Su Hanâs tension.
âPeople donât visit without reason.â Su Yingxue thought.
Although Su Han was her cousin, she wouldnât come to talk if it wasnât necessary.
Su Hanâs scholarly aura was shrouded in a sense of helplessness. âIndeed, Iâve come to ask Sister for help today. Iâd like Sister to diagnose me, check my pulse, and examine my body.â
Su Yingxueâs brow furrowed slightly. âIs Cousin unwell? Let me take your pulse.â
Su Yingxue reached out and felt Su Hanâs pulse.
Su Hanâs words were tinged with a deep bitterness. âSister, youâre not married yet, so you donât understand the agony of a woman without children. Itâs been three years since I married, and I still havenât borne a child. Itâs distressing..â