The unexpected incident just now dampened everyone's spirits. After chatting casually for a while, the Duchess of An Guo got up to take her leave.
With her leading the way, the other ladies also said their goodbyes one after another and left.
Su Nansheng originally wanted to say goodbye to Chen Wanrong and try to get a feel for her attitude.
However, there were too many distinguished guests that Chen Wanrong had to see off personally, so Su Nansheng didn't want to disturb her rashly.
Thinking that her mother, Mrs. Deng, had sat next to Chen Wanrong during the banquet and might have said something to her, Su Nansheng left on her own.
Su Nansheng searched for her mother in the crowd and saw her walking ahead with Su Hele. Then they got into the carriage together.
Su Nansheng couldn't help but smile. Finally, she didn't have to listen to Su Hele's lectures anymore.
...
In the carriage, Su Hele looked mournful and said in a trembling voice:
"Mother, I know I misunderstood A Sheng, but she shouldn't take revenge like this.
She clearly could have proven that she didn't push Xie Yao but kept silent, making me look so ridiculous. She obviously wanted to laugh at me."
Mrs. Deng's face darkened:
"A Sheng was really out of line today. She even questioned me. I'll definitely teach her a good lesson when we get back."
Su Hele's face returned to calm, and she sighed:
"I know A Sheng has been anxious because her marriage hasn't been settled yet, and she wanted to impress the Marquis's wife.
But if they're not willing, there's no use. And holding a matchmaking banquet makes us look obsequious and loses the dignity of our Su family."
After calming down, she was less willing to believe what Concubine Li had said.
Concubine Li must have said that on purpose to sow discord between her and He Jin.
Hearing her say this, Mrs. Deng's expression softened a bit:
"Fortunately, the Marquis's wife seems to like A Sheng quite a lot. Now it depends on what Young Master He the First thinks. This flower - viewing banquet was for Young Master He the Second."
In Mrs. Deng's opinion, the marriage was as good as done.
Although she said it depended on Young Master He the First's opinion, marriage matters had always been decided by parents.
Mrs. Deng was immersed in the joy of the marriage being settled and didn't notice that Su Hele's face was paler than when she fell into the water.
...
When Su Nansheng got off the carriage, Mrs. Deng and Su Hele had already entered the mansion gate without any intention of waiting for her.
Su Nansheng didn't mind. She was going straight back to her own courtyard when she saw the two of them being stopped by the gatekeeper.
"Madam, a matchmaker came to propose marriage again today. After learning that you had gone out for the banquet, she left a message saying she would come back tomorrow."
Su Hele's resentful heart "exploded" with a thud:
"I don't want it! I won't agree! If any matchmaker comes again, beat them out for me!"
The gatekeeper's smile froze on his face, his eyes full of surprise.
"A Le was frightened today. She's just talking nonsense. You don't need to take it to heart. If someone comes tomorrow, receive them well."
After Mrs. Deng said this, she quickly caught up with Su Hele, looking worried.
Su Nansheng felt quite pleased. So that's where the real effect was.
When she returned to her courtyard, Bi Tao immediately stepped forward:
"Second Miss, was it lively at the Marquis's mansion?"
She had originally gone out with Su Nansheng, but Mrs. Deng was afraid that she would be out of line and offend the distinguished guests, so she sent her back.
Su Nansheng smiled indulgently:
"I'll take you next time. How about the thing I asked you to find out?"
"I've found out, Miss. The Eldest Miss sends someone to the Cloud - top Tea House to order tea every once in a while and says she'll come to taste the tea in a few days. I think this is the secret signal for the Eldest Miss to meet Young Master He."
Su Nansheng nodded in satisfaction.
In her previous life, Su Hele was able to keep things so secret because no one suspected her.
Now that she knew about it, she was sure to find out something.
"What if He Jin wants to see Sister?"
Bi Tao smiled proudly:
"Of course I've found out about this too, Miss. The waiter at the Cloud - top Tea House will send a message to the gatekeeper, saying that the tea house will have new tea varieties in a few days and welcomes the Eldest Miss to sample them."
Su Nansheng raised her eyebrows. Su Hele was quite confident to pass the secret signal so openly.
Bi Tao observed her expression:
"Miss, what do you want me to do next?"
She really liked doing things like snooping on other people's private affairs.
Su Nansheng lowered her eyes:
"Bi Tao, don't you want to ask me why I'm snooping on Sister's private affairs? After all, she's the Eldest Miss of the mansion and your master in a way."
In her previous life, since she was going to be a dowry maid, it wasn't appropriate for her to bring another maid. So Bi Tao went to Fangzhou with her parents.
After her parents passed away, she wanted to ask Bi Tao to come to the Marquis's mansion, but considering the complicated situation in the mansion, she returned Bi Tao's indenture and set her free.
Now that she wouldn't be a dowry maid anymore, Bi Tao was sure to follow her all the time, and some things naturally couldn't bypass her.
She didn't doubt Bi Tao's loyalty, but since it involved Su Hele and what she was going to do wasn't exactly above - board, she naturally had to consider Bi Tao's determination.
Hesitation would only lead to trouble.
Bi Tao understood what Su Nansheng meant and said firmly:
"I only recognize you as my master. I'll do as you say and won't ask anything else."
Su Nansheng nodded: "Then keep an eye on Su Hele. If there's any movement from her, tell me immediately."
After saying that, she took a silver ingot from the jewelry box and put it in Bi Tao's hand. Bi Tao quickly withdrew her hand:
"Second Miss, this is just..."
Before she could finish her sentence, Su Nansheng interrupted her:
"You can't always rely on favors when asking others to do things. Promising without delivering will bring trouble to yourself. Be more generous, and others will naturally be more willing to help you."
Bi Tao, who had spent a long time in the marketplace, knew this very well, so she silently took the silver.
Only later did Bi Tao realize that the Second Miss seemed different from before.
At this time, the maid who was sweeping outside reported:
"Second Miss, the gatekeeper said someone has something for you and wants to deliver it to you personally."
...
In the side courtyard, Su Hele sat rigidly in front of the mirror, like a withered branch.
She had wanted to make Concubine Li convinced of her today but something unexpected happened.
Just thinking about the looks people gave her when she came back after changing clothes, she couldn't help but feel resentful.
It was all Su Nansheng's fault. If she had taken responsibility in time, she wouldn't have been suspected.
Su Nansheng had caught Chen Wanrong's eye, while she had been disliked by Concubine Li and made a laughingstock in front of everyone. Why!
And He Jin, he actually went to see other women behind her back.
Su Hele wanted to make an appointment with He Jin to get a clear answer, but she was afraid that being so eager would make her lose her dignity.
But if she didn't see him, she would feel really uneasy.
There must have been some women who were trying to curry favor with the powerful at this banquet. What if they pestered He Jin...
Su Hele clenched and unclenched the silk handkerchief in her hand repeatedly. Soon, it got snagged.
After a long time, Su Hele finally calmed down.
It wouldn't hurt to wait a few more days. It would give He Jin a chance to explain to her on his own initiative.
He must have his difficulties. He must.
Although she comforted herself like this, just thinking about He Jin's high - spirited appearance, Su Hele's just - calmed heart became restless again.
She threw the silk handkerchief on the ground angrily and stepped on it a few times. Still not satisfied, Su Hele looked around...
That night, Su Hele changed to a new quilt.