Chapter 5: The Disabled Young Lady (Part Five)
Chapter 5: The Disabled Young Lady (Part Five)
Su Kui’s eyes casually scanned the scene. The household of the Feng family was rather simple. The primary wife had died in childbirth when Feng Yanran was born, and the other two wives had subsequently passed away from illness.
As for any underlying secrets, that would require further investigation.
Aside from the Fourth Madam, Master Feng also had several concubines, but these women without formal status were not permitted to pay respects to the matriarch.
As for the other two young women, Su Kui twitched her fingers.
The girl in the white dress smiled gracefully, her eyes shining with a clever spark. The other, by comparison, appeared somewhat dull. Although her features were fairly delicate, her expression was wooden and far less endearing than that of the girl in white.
After a few glances, Su Kui understood: the beautiful woman was surely the Fourth Madam, and the girl in white was Feng Qingqing, who indeed possessed some charm.
A smile curved her lips. The senior maid Shuang Luo, standing by the door, saw Su Kui enter and quickly approached with a warm smile. “Young Mistress, you’re here! Come in quickly—it’s chilly this morning; don’t catch cold.”
Who was close to whom was clear at a glance.
The Fourth Madam and her daughter clenched their lips in silent fury as Su Kui deliberately held her chin high, letting Shuang Luo guide her past them with a triumphant smile.
Since she had no intention of fostering any closer ties or improving relations, a little extra hatred or a little less made no difference to Su Kui.
Approaching the main chamber’s door, Su Kui’s lips lifted into a wicked smile. Looking back with a teasing tone, she said lightly, “Oh, by the way, Fourth Madam and the two young ladies, perhaps you should return for now. Staying here in the cold isn’t so bad, but I fear it might disturb Grandmother’s rest.”
Absolutely despicable!
This was the unspoken wish shared simultaneously in the hearts of the Fourth Madam and Feng Qingqing: why hadn’t she drowned when she fell into the pond a few days ago!
Feng Qingqing bit her lip, about to protest, but the Fourth Madam grabbed her arm. Calm as ever, she chuckled softly, “Young Mistress, you flatter us. It is our duty as juniors. We will remain quiet and never disturb the matriarch.”
Su Kui licked her lips and snorted softly through her nose. Age certainly brings wisdom.
Feng Qingqing was still somewhat naïve.
Su Kui flicked her sleeve, “Then Fourth Madam, feel free to ‘wait’ as long as you like!”
Just as Shuang Luo pushed her inside, an elderly maid bent slightly as she passed by.
Inside the main hall, faint voices could be heard. The old maid spoke, “Fourth Madam, the matriarch is unwell today. You may forgo paying respects and return.”
“This… the matriarch is unwell, yet we must enter to visit and offer what little support we can.”
“No need. Fourth Madam, Miss Third, Miss Fourth, please leave.”
After the old maid returned inside, Su Kui leisurely waved Shuang Luo to continue pushing forward, completely unperturbed by having been overheard near the door.
She hummed a little tune, evidently in high spirits from that morning’s events, enough to keep her happy all day.
Dressed in a robe of longevity embroidery, the elderly matriarch, with a jade hairpin in her hair, was assisted inside by a maid. Her beloved eldest granddaughter stood on tiptoe, tapping rhythmically with her small hands, softly singing. The sight of such affection nearly melted her heart.
Her eyes brightened as she smiled. “Oh my, Ran’er, why are you so happy today? Did you hear something amusing? Tell your grandmother so she can share in your joy.”
Hearing the teasing, Su Kui was unashamed and smiled sweetly, her dimples like honey on her cheeks. “Grandmother, don’t you know why your granddaughter is so happy?”
“You, you…” The old lady tapped her forehead. “Haven’t had breakfast yet, have you? Come, eat with your grandmother.”
Su Kui nodded eagerly, words spilling out like a fountain, delighting the old lady so much that she scolded her for being such a little rascal.
Don’t mind my chatter! Next chapter, I’ll try to bring out the male lead for a stroll. Take care! If you like this, remember to bookmark it—or you might not find me next time!
(End of chapter)