Chapter 97
In the small study, Su Nansheng gently tapped the table with her index finger. Her eyes swept across the guest list on the table again as she carefully checked it.
"Is it finalized?"
Seeing her stop writing, He Xun, who had been watching beside her, asked.
Su Nansheng wanted to discuss the seating arrangement of the guests with him. However, for some reason, she was reluctant to talk in the main study.
He Xun had no choice but to follow her to this small study.
Although it was called a study, there wasn't even a dedicated writing desk.
There was only a small arhat bed with a long narrow table on it, serving as a makeshift writing desk. The arhat bed was so small that He Xun could hardly stretch his legs.
Hearing He Xun's question, Su Nansheng immediately handed the list over.
Although the list was made according to her wishes, she still needed He Xun to confirm it.
She was more familiar with the female guests, which was relatively easier. But there were many intricacies among the officials.
One official had a political disagreement with another, and another official had snatched a concubine from someone else. There were all kinds of things, no less complicated than dealing with the female guests.
He Xun was looking at the list while casually saying,
"That Shao Tan seems to be okay for now. Why are you so on guard against him?"
"People say he doesn't look like a good person. What if he really is? I'm worried he might implicate my uncle."
Wasn't this hint obvious enough?
He Xun pushed the list back to Su Nansheng and tapped on two names on it, saying,
"Swap the positions of these two."
He might not be sure about others, but he knew these two well.
They had just quarreled in the court the other day. He had to admit that the tongues of these literati were really venomous.
Su Nansheng quickly lowered her head to confirm and make a mark.
He Xun lowered his eyes and looked at her long eyelashes. "Why are you worried?"
Su Nansheng's mind was all on the list, so she replied casually, "Of course, I'm afraid Mingzhu will suffer."
Her Mingzhu should grow up bright, dazzling, unrestrained, and willful. She shouldn't have to suffer in a far - off place.
Hearing this, He Xun gave a soft snort and leaned back against the bedrail to read a history book.
Su Nansheng looked up and saw He Xun shaking his head while reading. "A block of rotten wood is beyond carving."
Su Nansheng: "???"
...
In Yurong Courtyard, Concubine Li was looking at a roster.
Although it was already early autumn, she still ordered someone to fan her beside her.
There was always a strange fire burning in her heart. She was extremely anxious. She had drunk countless tonics to dispel dryness and reduce internal heat, but they had no effect.
Looking at the young women of marriageable age on the roster, her anger flared up even more.
Either their status was too low or their personalities were not good. There wasn't a single suitable one.
Previously, she never considered personality. But now, she attached great importance to it. She didn't want to take in another Su Hele.
After searching and searching, she couldn't find a suitable one. Concubine Li slammed the roster shut with a snap, looking resentful. It was all Su Hele's fault.
There had been several young ladies with good family backgrounds and moral characters who were a good match for A Jin. But he had to marry that crazy woman, Su Hele.
Now, those young ladies had either already gotten engaged or disdained to be a concubine. The second young master of the Marquis Mansion couldn't even take in a concubine.
"Auntie, there's no need to be in such a hurry. There are so many families in the capital. There are news of girls getting married every day. We've waited for so long. A few more days won't matter."
Seeing Concubine Li getting angry again, Nanny Wang immediately comforted her gently.
It was understandable for Concubine Li to be angry. After all, the mansion had been in turmoil these days, all because of Su Hele.
Hearing this, Concubine Li's expression softened a little. She asked, "How about Bitao Courtyard?"
After returning from the mansion of Princess Huaqing a few days ago, Concubine Li had ordered Su Hele to copy Buddhist scriptures and stay in seclusion for self - reflection.
She was so strange that she had to be suppressed by the Buddha so that she wouldn't cause any more trouble.
After that, she had arranged for someone to teach Su Hele the rules. If she couldn't remember them, she had to keep learning all day long without a moment's rest.
Nanny Wang said gently,
"Maybe the Buddhist scriptures really work. The second young mistress has been very quiet these days. However, Concubine Su has been quite busy, going out for social events every day."
Concubine Li gave a cold snort but didn't say anything.
Since the last banquet, for some reason, Su Nansheng's reputation had risen greatly. She was either invited by the Crown Prince's consort or received invitations from the wife of the Minister of Rites. She was so busy every day.
Concubine Li's face became more and more gloomy. Su Hele was indeed hateful, but that was no reason for Su Nansheng to be so arrogant.
If this continued, their branch of the family would really be trampled under the feet of the eldest branch.
Concubine Li suddenly stood up.
"Let's go to Bitao Courtyard and take a look."
...
"Second young mistress, you need to bend your legs a little lower."
Nanny Liu pressed on Su Hele's calf, her voice stern.
She was also puzzled. Whenever she explained the rules, Su Hele seemed to understand. But she just didn't follow what she understood. She didn't know if Su Hele was doing it on purpose or just not paying attention.
Su Hele raised her head and knelt to salute, feeling disdainful in her heart.
Did she need to be taught these simple rules? She could do better than these nannies with her eyes closed. It just depended on whether those people were worthy of her salute.
"Lower your head! After learning for so long, you still can't do it well!"
Concubine Li's scolding suddenly sounded, startling Su Hele.
She subconsciously turned her head and saw Concubine Li sitting on a round stool beside her, looking displeased.
Su Hele silently turned her head back.
Now, Concubine Li could only use such underhanded means to torment her.
Waving her hand to signal Nanny Liu to step back, Concubine Li didn't let Su Hele get up either. She just looked at her like this and said,
"Su Nansheng is really in the limelight these days. She goes to the mansions of noble people for banquets every day, and everyone likes her very much."
That day, she had also noticed that Su Hele was extremely jealous of her younger sister and had no sisterly affection at all.
Combined with their previous behaviors, Concubine Li was sure that the two sisters not only didn't get along well but also had some grudges between them.
Since Su Hele didn't listen to her, she might as well try using Su Nansheng.
Sure enough, a look of resentment flashed across Su Hele's previously calm face.
"She's just currying favor with the powerful. It's nothing but a petty act."
A faint smile appeared on Concubine Li's lips.
"When petty people gain power, the way of the gentleman fades away. But unfortunately, the world has always only looked at success and failure, not the reasons. Now, when people mention the Marquis Mansion of Anshun, the only one they remember is Su Nansheng."
Su Hele gritted her teeth but didn't respond.
Concubine Li sneered but didn't say anything else.
After kneeling for so long to salute, Su Hele's legs were sore and couldn't support her anymore. Finally, she knelt on the ground.
She propped herself up with her hands, trying to stand up, but she didn't have the strength. She looked up, wanting to call Sumo in, but saw Concubine Li looking down at her haughtily, with a contemptuous look in her eyes and an arrogant expression.
Su Hele immediately narrowed her eyes. She might be a bit embarrassed now, but she wasn't so pathetic that she would be looked down upon by a concubine.
"Get up. You don't need to practice today. Sumo!"
Hearing Concubine Li's call, Sumo quickly came in from the outer room and helped Su Nansheng up.
Concubine Li stared at her.
"Behave yourself. I'll take you to a banquet at the mansion of the Chief Clerk in a few days."
In the past, she would never have looked down on the banquets held by these petty officials. But now, she had to go.
Those petty officials didn't dare to pick on their faults. It was most suitable for Su Hele to build her reputation.
If they let Su Hele continue to ruin the reputation of their second branch of the family, it would be even more difficult for A Jin to take in a concubine.