Actually, Su Nansheng had the intention of hosting a banquet in the first place. It wasn't because of the so - called social exchanges as Su Hele had mentioned. She just wanted to use this as an excuse to decline the upcoming invitations.
The banquets of those noble people seemed to be for enjoying the scenery and having fun, but in fact, one had to be careful about the various hidden agendas of all parties. It was really tiring.
After returning from Qionghua Garden, Su Nansheng went to the small study to sort out the accounts of the past few days.
No, it should be called the big study now.
Since He Xun had helped her draw up the guest list here last time, He Xun had ordered people to expand the small study and connect it with another room.
Now there was not only a new special writing desk in her study, but also several special bookcases. It wouldn't be filled even if she stored account books for another ten years.
For this reason, He Xun had specially placed some of his books in those bookcases, so that it didn't look so empty.
Su Nansheng looked at the newly - added daggers and bows and arrows in the study and shook her head helplessly.
A nice study was almost turned into an arsenal by He Xun. It was full of a murderous aura. Why didn't he put them in his own study?
Although thinking like this, Su Nansheng ignored those weapons and concentrated on looking at the accounts.
When He Xun returned to the mansion and didn't see Su Nansheng in the bedroom, he came to the study to find her.
As soon as he entered the door, he saw her buried there recording the accounts. She was so focused that she was almost as dedicated as a candidate taking an imperial examination.
He Xun didn't disturb her and just picked up a travelogue to read on his own.
The two of them did their own things like this, not disturbing each other, in a peaceful and reassuring atmosphere.
It wasn't until Su Nansheng closed the account book that He Xun asked:
"Are you going to a banquet at someone's mansion in the next few days?"
"I'm going to a banquet at the mansion of the Assistant Minister Du the day after tomorrow. Why do you ask?"
Su Nansheng looked up and saw He Xun sitting on the arhat bed beside her, looking very leisurely.
The arhat bed had been replaced with a bigger one, but it was still a bit small for He Xun. His long and strong legs were resting on the edge of the bed.
"Assistant Minister Du..."
He Xun rubbed the book in his hand and frowned slightly. "Why didn't he invite me?"
He had specifically checked the invitations he had received, and there was none from Du Xian.
Seeing his serious expression, Su Nansheng couldn't help smiling and said:
"This is a banquet for the ladies. Male guests weren't invited, so of course you weren't invited."
Hearing this, He Xun glanced at her, then put the book on the low table and patted the couch beside him.
Su Nansheng automatically sat down beside him.
"Do you want to attend the banquet now?"
He Xun propped his head with one hand and kneaded Su Nansheng's fingers with the other.
"The last incident was still a bit dangerous. You should bring a guard next time just in case."
Su Nansheng naturally understood what he was talking about. After returning to the mansion last time, she had told He Xun about what had happened in the Prince Qing's Mansion as soon as possible.
Now hearing him say this, she naturally understood his worry.
"The last incident was just an accident. It won't happen every time."
There had been so many banquets in her previous life, and she had only heard of such a disgraceful thing once. It would be a bit inconvenient to bring a guard.
Hearing her say this, He Xun didn't dwell on this matter anymore. Instead, he asked:
"How did you find out that Miss Cui was in danger?"
Su Nansheng's eyebrows sank.
"It was all because the maid she brought bumped into me and caused trouble everywhere. She seemed to be afraid that others didn't know how arrogant and domineering Miss Cui was. But I also knew the wife of the Duke of An. With her temper and personality, how could she raise such a rude daughter.
Later, I heard Miss Cui say that the maid was her younger sister's. So, of course, I would suspect the maid's behavior. But if she just wanted to make enemies for Miss Cui, she didn't have to be so obvious. So I guessed she had other motives, so I paid a little more attention."
Su Nansheng said a lot in one breath, for fear that He Xun wouldn't believe her.
But in doing so, it made her seem a bit guilty instead.
He Xun stared at her steadily. "Miss Cui wasn't in the capital before. It's possible that her character has gone astray. Just like this..."
"You seem to know Miss Cui well, husband."
Su Nansheng leaned into He Xun's arms and put her hand on his chest, successfully making him shut up.
After a while, He Xun said, "I only found out after sending Feiyu to inquire."
"Did you specifically send someone to inquire about Miss Cui, husband?"
He Xun: "???"
...
Concubine Li brought Su Hele back to Yurong Courtyard. As soon as they entered the courtyard gate, she pointed at Su Hele's nose and said:
"I was there fighting for opportunities for you, and you were making a long face there. Since you're so unwilling, then don't bother me to stand up for you."
She had taken the initiative to find Chen Wanrong, all because Su Hele had said that she had been under house arrest before. She was worried that she couldn't invite people and also worried that her taste was too elegant for those noble people to appreciate.
She thought that Su Hele finally knew how to use her mind on something serious, so she wanted to ride on Su Nansheng's coattails.
After seeing Su Nansheng's way of hosting a banquet, it would be more skillful and worry - free for Su Hele to handle it by herself.
But unexpectedly, when Su Hele was in front of people, she still had that annoying look of being supercilious and aloof, leaving her alone there to humble herself and beg others.
Su Hele glanced at the maids serving in the courtyard and silently took a step back.
"It's better for you to talk inside the house if you have something to say, aunt."
She never asked Concubine Li to stand up for her. It was Concubine Li who was willing to do so. Now that she had lost face, she blamed her.
"Humph, now you know it's embarrassing. Then surpass Su Nansheng. What's the use of just shouting that you're better than her every day?"
Concubine Li naturally didn't want to miss the opportunity to humiliate Su Hele and kept scolding.
"Why are you in such a hurry, aunt? I will surely let you see my abilities!"
Su Hele suddenly looked up, her face full of hatred.
"Then go and practice your abilities obediently!"
Concubine Li was too lazy to look at her dead - like face and simply drove her away.
It was self - inflicted. She shouldn't have had any expectations for Su Hele and wasted her energy here for nothing.
...
The next day, Su Nansheng looked at the several servants standing in front of her with a playful look on her face.
She had just finished dressing up when Bi Tao said that someone from Bitao Courtyard had come. She was still wondering who it was.
It turned out that Su Hele was sick and had sent someone to learn the rules of hosting a banquet on her behalf.
Sick?
She probably pretended to be sick because she didn't want to listen to her teachings.
"Although we servants are of humble status and are not worthy of being taught by Aunt Su personally, we will surely do our best to learn the rules. Please give us your instructions, Aunt Su."
Seeing that Su Nansheng didn't say a word, Su Mo had to stammer and speak up.
"It's just a small matter. There's no such thing as worthy or unworthy. I'm just worried that if the Second Young Mistress doesn't come and there are any omissions in the upcoming banquet, you won't be able to take the responsibility."
Su Nansheng swept a glance at the several people and spoke bluntly.
Hearing this, the several servants looked at each other, their faces full of helplessness.
They naturally understood what Su Nansheng meant, but they really had no other choice. After all, Su Hele was still their mistress.
"However, since the Second Young Mistress is sick, there's nothing we can do. You just listen carefully."
Su Nansheng changed the subject and began to prepare for the banquet.
She was just reminding these maids. If Su Hele didn't come, she would be more at ease.