It was the height of summer. Frogs croaked and cicadas chirped, while the sweltering heat hung heavy in the air.
However, Tingfeng Courtyard was cool and pleasant. It backed onto a waterside pavilion, and there were rockeries and waterfalls within the courtyard.
Su Nansheng was sitting in the glazed pavilion, tracing flower patterns. Behind her, the mist from the waterfall drifted over, gradually dampening the bluestone floor.
She had dealt with the spy and captured the bandits, but she still owed He Xun a sachet.
At this thought, Su Nansheng stopped what she was doing.
Last night, she had expected to have nightmares, but she didn't.
Not only that, but she had slept soundly. She had almost slept until late morning.
Maybe it was because she had been so exhausted yesterday, or perhaps... she had been too tense?
Just then, Bitao said, "Madam, the second young mistress sent Sumo here to ask for silver."
Su Nansheng didn't even lift her eyelids.
"What does she want this time?"
Bitao tilted her head in thought, her tone uncertain. "She said she wants to build a new house?"
"Refuse. From now on, unless she comes in person, don't agree to anything."
Su Nansheng's voice was cold.
The scene in the torture chamber yesterday had brought back memories of her past life. Those cruel, bloody scenes she didn't want to remember.
Bitao left after receiving the order.
Su Nansheng picked up the pattern and examined it. On the pattern, large double lotus flowers nestled against each other, full of vitality.
She thought the matter was over, but unexpectedly, just an incense stick's time later, Su Hele showed up.
"Let her wait in the front hall."
Su Nansheng roughly embroidered an outline according to the pattern. She was serious and unhurried.
After about two more incense sticks' time, Ruyi, who was guarding the front hall, came and said,
"Auntie, the second young mistress is a bit unhappy. She said she wants you to go there right away."
A sneer appeared on Su Nansheng's lips. She said coldly,
"Tell her that if she can't wait any longer, she can go back first."
...
In the front hall, Su Hele's usually calm face was now filled with anger. You could faintly see the outline of her back molars.
She and Su Nansheng both had the power to manage the household. Why should Su Nansheng make her wait?
Moreover, she had been waiting for almost half an hour, and Su Nansheng still hadn't shown up. She was clearly putting on airs on purpose.
At this thought, Su Hele snorted and sneered.
She would go to Qionghua Courtyard to find Chen Wanrong and let her know about Su Nansheng's despicable character.
Just as Su Hele stood up to leave, she saw Su Nansheng enter from the back hall, her face solemn.
"What do you want, second young mistress?"
After saying that, Su Nansheng sat directly on the rosewood round chair and began to drink tea on her own.
What did she want?
Sumo had clearly already said it, but Su Nansheng still asked. She was clearly making things difficult for her.
Su Hele stared intently at Su Nansheng, but the latter didn't even look at her.
Helplessly, Su Hele took a deep breath and lifted her chin slightly.
"Go and tell Yan Heng that I need to draw three hundred taels of silver to repair the courtyard."
Only then did Su Nansheng look up. Her face was still cold.
"I've already said no."
"Why?"
Su Hele's voice suddenly rose. She could no longer maintain her calm.
Hearing this, a smile finally appeared on Su Nansheng's face, but it was a mocking one.
"Why? Of course, because I don't want to."
Su Hele's eyes widened. She couldn't believe what she was hearing.
Why didn't she want to?
If she didn't want to, why did she make her wait here?
"I originally thought that with the second young mistress's noble character of regarding money as dirt, you wouldn't be so persistent about silver. So I thought that the reason you insisted on waiting for me here must be for something more noble. That's why I took the time to come and see you."
As she said this, Su Nansheng shook her head.
"I just didn't expect that the second young mistress waited so patiently just for money. It really surprises me."
Su Nansheng's surprised expression was just right. It was just enough for Su Hele to see that she was pretending.
"Su Nansheng, you're clearly humiliating me!"
Su Hele finally put away her calm expression. Her face was gloomy, and her voice was shrill.
This time, it was Su Nansheng's turn to show a faint smile. She said softly,
"You're wrong. If I gave you the silver because you waited patiently, that would be an insult to you. Ruyi, see the guest out."
Su Hele stared at the direction where Su Nansheng had disappeared. Her eyes narrowed slightly, and her teeth gritted.
Su Nansheng, you dare to play with me!
"Sumo, come with me to Qionghua Courtyard."
...
In the main hall of Qionghua Courtyard, the fragrance was lingering, and there was laughter.
Several middle - aged beautiful women in gorgeous clothes and jewelry, holding round fans, were chatting and laughing around Chen Wanrong.
"I didn't expect your daughter - in - law to be so brave. She faced the bandits without changing her expression. She's really remarkable."
"That's right. Now everyone is saying that Auntie Su is a heroic woman who is not inferior to men."
"Now all the ladies in the capital are waiting to see Madam Su's charm. In a few days, I'll send an invitation. Madam, you must bring her to my mansion."
Chen Wanrong quietly moved her body towards the ice basin. Goodness, their words made her blood boil.
"Look at what you're saying. Nansheng is just a young calf not afraid of tigers. She just acts on impulse. She can't be compared to a heroic woman."
Chen Wanrong's face was almost stiff from smiling. There was a bit of pride in her modesty.
"Oh, you can't say that. I heard that Madam Su once captured a wanted criminal who had killed more than a dozen people. Oh, he was really fierce."
"I've heard that too. They said that the criminal almost escaped into the mansion of Minister Cao..."
Taking advantage of the gap when the ladies were chatting and laughing, Nanny Du leaned over and whispered something in Chen Wanrong's ear.
Chen Wanrong's smile froze for a moment, then returned. She whispered, "Let her wait."
Wasn't Su Hele sick? What did she want to see her for at this time?
There were so many noble ladies here today. She didn't dare to take the risk of letting Su Hele show up.
...
When she learned that she had to wait again, Su Hele gritted her silver teeth so hard that they almost broke.
Everyone made her wait. Who did they think they were to treat her like this?
Su Hele turned around and wanted to leave, but thinking of the humiliation she had suffered from Su Nansheng just now, she gritted her teeth and endured it again.
This time, she must expose Su Nansheng's true face and let Chen Wanrong see that Su Nansheng was just a petty person who abused her power for personal gain and took revenge!
Thinking of this, Su Hele showed a faint smile and bowed politely.
"Then I'll trouble Nanny Du. I'll just wait here."
Saying this, Su Hele held her head high and sat upright on the pear - wood chair beside her. She looked as if she wouldn't leave until she saw the person.
Seeing this, Nanny Du secretly shook her head but didn't say anything.
...
Aunt Li returned to Yurong Courtyard with a gloomy face. Nanny Wang behind her also didn't look happy.
The two quickly entered the room. Soon, the sound of a teacup hitting the ground could be heard. It was clear and harsh.
The little maids waiting outside looked at each other and became more cautious.
Wasn't Auntie invited to the flower - viewing banquet of the Duchess? She should be happy. Why was she so angry?