Chapter 61: The Crown Prince’s Wedding

Chapter 61 - The Crown Prince's Wedding Note: Don't Forget to join my Patreon.com/flokixy to get access to +40 Advance Chapters I have to stop if there is no support It was already the third quarter of the hour of Hai when Su Fu returned to the residence. After settling Madam Su, he prepared to leave again. Madam Su asked, "You're not resting? Where are you going at this hour?" Su Fu replied gently, "You rest first. I still have some matters to attend to." Madam Su said, "Come back early." Su Fu simply responded, "Rest well." As Su Fu reached the doorway, Xu Jin helped him put on his outer robe, and together they headed toward the study. On the way, they encountered the estate's steward. Su Fu paused in his steps. "Lao Xu, send that troublemaker to kneel in the rear hall!" The steward looked at Su Fu with confusion, then glanced at the young man behind him. Xu Jin whispered softly, "It's about the second young miss." Though the steward didn't know the specifics, he understood that something must have gone wrong since the second young miss had been sent back early an hour ago. "Master, it's late, and the night air is heavy with dew. The second young miss has a frail constitution..." Su Fu angrily retorted, "Let her kneel for the entire night—it's a lenient punishment for her!" The steward still wanted to persuade him, but Xu Jin subtly shook his head. Seeing this, the steward realized the second young miss must have committed a grave mistake. "Yes, Master. I'll send someone to relay your message to the second young miss's quarters." With that, he turned to leave. After a moment of thought, Su Fu added, "If she insists on seeing me, tell her I don't wish to see her. Let her reflect deeply on her actions! If she disobeys, from now on, I'll consider myself childless. Whether she lives or dies will no longer concern me!" "Yes, Master!" It was clear that the master was truly furious this time. Su Fu and Xu Jin arrived at the study. "Speak. What have you uncovered?" Xu Jin bowed respectfully. "Master, the incident regarding the eldest young miss's disfigurement occurred quite some time ago, so it will take more time to investigate thoroughly. However, over the past two years, rumors about the eldest young miss have circulated widely, and all trails lead back to the old matron by Lady Xia's side." Su Fu frowned deeply. "They've truly grown bold! Increase your efforts and continue the investigation. I want to know exactly what she has been doing behind my back these past few years!" "Yes, Master!" Su Fu massaged his temples. "Tomorrow is the Crown Prince's wedding. Has the congratulatory gift for the palace been prepared?" Xu Jin replied, "My father has already arranged everything, and Madam Su has reviewed it." Su Fu nodded, gave Xu Jin a few more instructions, then dismissed him. He sat down to handle some official documents. Unaware of the passage of time, the night grew deeper. Wrapping his robe tightly around himself, he finally rose and returned to his chambers. --- Early the next morning, Su Li heard that Su Er had spent the entire night kneeling. Lady Xia wanted to plead on her behalf but was stopped by Xu Jin. Si Qin seemed unusually cheerful; even her voice carried a lighter tone. "Miss, Master has completely lost hope in the second young miss. Yesterday, she made quite the spectacle of herself, bringing shame not only to our family but beyond the borders of Tianqi." Mo Hua entered, holding fragrant clothes. She smiled and teased, "Si Qin, why do you seem happier than Miss about the second young miss's misfortune?" Si Qin thought for a moment. "I'm not sure. Perhaps we were enemies in a past life." Su Li smirked faintly. Weren't they enemies? After their playful banter, the maids helped Su Li get dressed. Su Li stood up. "Let's go see if Mother is ready." When they arrived at the main courtyard, Madam Su and Su Fu were engaged in a heated discussion. "I'm uneasy about letting Li'er go alone. I'll be careful." Su Fu frowned. "Madam, I'll keep an eye on Li'er. Besides, Li'er is now a County Princess—how could anyone dare bully her?" Madam Su wanted to argue further, but Su Fu continued, "Think about yesterday. If Li'er hadn't reacted quickly, something terrible might have happened to you. Even now, the thought sends chills down my spine." Su Li listened quietly from the doorway and finally understood the situation. She entered the room and said, "Mother, if you don't feel like attending, there's no need. I can manage on my own. Si Qin and Zhishu will accompany me, and Auntie and Cousin will also be there. Nothing will happen." Thinking back to yesterday's incident, Madam Su shuddered. Seeing both her husband and daughter insist, she relented with a few reminders. "Then today, stay close to your aunt. Her Majesty the Empress seems fond of you. If anyone dares slight you, don't endure it. Seek justice from your father or the Empress." "You've just received your title, so there may be envious eyes targeting you. Don't let them upset you." "Si Qin, Zhishu, the two of you must watch over Miss carefully. Understood?" Despite Madam Su's incessant chatter, Su Li felt no irritation. "Mother, please don't worry about me. Instead, be cautious while staying in the residence. Stay away from the Western Courtyard." The mutual care between mother and daughter made Su Fu seem like an outsider. An incense stick's time later, Su Li boarded her carriage with her maids, setting off grandly toward the palace. On the carriage, Su Li spoke. "Si Qin, did you give the prescription I gave you last night to Mo Hua?" Si Qin replied, "Yes, Miss. Since you said it was Young Master Xu's prescription, I handed it over to her. She left early this morning for the manor and should have taken the medicine along." Su Li asked again, "Is Xu Mubai feeling better?" "Yes," Si Qin answered. "Mo Hua said he's much improved and can already walk around. He expressed his desire to personally thank you for saving his life." Su Li closed her eyes and said nothing more. Perhaps she would visit the manor tomorrow to meet this remarkable businessman. After nearly half an hour of swaying, the carriage stopped at the palace gates. Everyone entering the palace had to undergo inspection, but as a County Princess, Su Li didn't need to disembark. She simply lifted the curtain slightly to show her face before being allowed entry. Su Li sighed inwardly. Power truly was a wonderful thing. "Miss, one of the Empress's ladies-in-waiting has arrived." Su Li lifted the curtain to see Xiang He bowing respectfully. "Miss Su, Her Majesty the Empress has sent me to escort you to her palace." Su Li stepped out of the carriage and returned the courtesy. "Thank you, Sister Xiang He." "Please follow me, Miss Su." Su Li nodded and climbed onto the sedan chair. Upon arriving at the Empress's palace, Xiang He guided Su Li and her attendants inside. Inside, the Empress sat regally above, with Virtuous Consort and Princess Chaoyang present as well. Su Li paid her respects. The Empress immediately smiled warmly and beckoned her closer. "Li'er, come here." Su Li hesitated momentarily. Seeing her pause, the Empress chuckled. "Our fates seem intertwined. May I call you Li'er?" Su Li quickly responded, "It is an honor, Your Majesty." She stepped forward. The Empress took her hand affectionately. "I've always longed for daughters, but alas, I only bore the Crown Prince. Your mother is blessed to have such a thoughtful daughter." This remark made Virtuous Consort and Princess Chaoyang visibly uncomfortable. All princesses in the palace referred to the Empress as "Mother," yet the Empress chose to dote on the daughter of a subject rather than acknowledge them. This left a bitter taste in their mouths. But Virtuous Consort knew she was in the wrong. Yesterday, she feigned illness to take Chaoyang away and prevent her from competing with Wanyan Xue. Though the Empress said nothing, she surely harbored displeasure. Seemingly oblivious to the tense atmosphere, the Empress continued chatting warmly with Su Li. Virtuous Consort, who had maintained good relations with the Empress for years despite giving birth to the Third Prince Jun Ce and Princess Chaoyang (Jun Wan), was adept at navigating social intricacies. "Your Majesty speaks wisely. This Miss Su is truly endearing. Even this humble sister finds her delightful. If only my Wan'er could possess half of Miss Su's sensibility—I'd burn incense in gratitude." The exchange between the Empress and the Virtuous Consort showered excessive praise upon Su Li, leaving her somewhat exasperated. Fortunately, a palace maid entered at that moment. "Your Majesty, it's nearly time. We should proceed to the Eastern Palace." The Empress nodded. Su Li once again boarded the sedan chair and accompanied the three noblewomen to the Eastern Palace.