After seeing the Song family off, the Qin family finally arrived late.
Like the older generation of the family, Madam Qin was draped in jewels and radiated haughtiness.
Qin Yiheng, too, looked listless and thoroughly unimpressed.
Half of East City Street belonged to the Qin family—they had long been accustomed to holding their heads high in this city.
Truth be told, if Qin Yiheng’s reputation weren’t so tarnished, this marriage alliance would never have fallen to their household.
Su Qingwan’s eyes were wide with barely concealed envy. Before Su Hanhai could bid her to greet the guests, she spoke up in a warm, eager tone.
“Hello, Auntie Qin, Young Master Qin.”
Such well-behaved demeanor was rare coming from Su Qingwan. Everyone in the city who knew her was aware of her wilful, pampered nature. In that sense, she and Qin Yiheng were rather well-matched.
Su Fuying gave a slight nod by way of greeting.
Qin Yiheng seemed only just to notice Su Fuying. His gaze drifted back and forth between her and Su Qingwan. She had no idea what he was looking for, yet every bit of him struck her as utterly repulsive—so she made an excuse to leave.
“Father, examinations are coming up soon. I shall head upstairs to study now.”
Su Hanhai granted his permission at once. In any case, Su Fuying’s marriage prospects were essentially settled; there was no need for her to remain here.
She was about to take her leave when Madam Qin suddenly called out to her.
“And this is Fuying, isn’t it? She looks every bit as cultivated and sensible as they say.”
At these words, Su Qingwan’s expression darkened instantly. The Qin family already knew full well that *she* was the intended bride—why bring up Su Fuying now?
Setting aside all else, Su Qingwan stepped forward and gently took Madam Qin’s arm.
“My elder sister spends all her time buried in books and rarely attends such gatherings. That is why she appears so scholarly and refined.”
Su Hanhai spoke in a measured tone. “My eldest daughter devotes all her efforts to her studies. I wonder what sort of results she will bring back.”
A seasoned veteran of official circles, Su Hanhai could tell that the Qin family secretly preferred his elder daughter. He therefore turned to Su Fuying and said, “Go on upstairs and study. Strive to achieve excellent results.”
“Yes, Father.”
Back in her room, Su Fuying’s mind drifted back to the days immediately after her ill-fated marriage to Qin Yiheng in her past life. Back then, she too had been enrolled in school. Yet the Qin family had kept her confined within their home, forcibly depriving her of the chance to pursue her education.
In this second life, she would ensure her academic journey reached its proper end.
Downstairs, the atmosphere had grown tense in Su Fuying’s absence. Madam Qin regarded Su Qingwan with undisguised disdain. She had made inquiries—she knew Su Qingwan was wilful and headstrong, and far less pliable than Su Fuying. Yet Su Qingwan would still serve her purpose. Wilful women were often empty-headed; once she held something over Su Qingwan, the girl would be completely obedient. She would never dare spread tales of whatever her son chose to do.
A few days later, while Su Fuying was at home immersed in her studies, Madam Song paid a visit. As Su Hanhai was out, Madam Song proceeded directly to Su Fuying’s chamber.
When she heard the knock, Su Fuying assumed it was a maid bringing tea and refreshments. She looked up, surprised to see the amiable Madam Song standing before her.
Ever since learning that Su Fuying had become the intended bride, Madam Song’s spirits had soared. Seeing her future daughter-in-law sitting quietly by the window, reading, Madam Song felt her affection grow all the more. Her son Song Bo deserved exactly such a gentle, graceful companion.
“Greetings, Auntie Song. What brings you here?”
Madam Song smiled warmly. “May I come in?”
Su Fuying stepped away from her writing desk by the window and welcomed her. “Of course. Please, do come in.”
Madam Song entered and cast a glance about the room. As the maid brought tea, Su Fuying poured it while wondering what had prompted the visit.
“Please, have some tea, Auntie.”
Madam Song accepted the cup and sat down. “Originally, Bo was meant to call upon you today. However, he has been detained by official duties and could not make it. So I have come in his stead.”
“I have arranged an appointment at the jeweller’s. A fine new selection has just arrived. I should like to take you there so you may choose whatever catches your fancy. If we delay, all the loveliest pieces will surely be gone.”
“I had hoped Bo might come and surprise you, which is why I said nothing beforehand. Since he is occupied, I have come instead. I trust I am not imposing?”
“Not at all. Your visit is a wonderful surprise, Auntie.”
Madam Song’s smile deepened. “Bo appears stern and unyielding in matters of state, yet he is most gentle in private. You shall come to know that well as you grow closer.”
It was only natural a mother should praise her son. Su Fuying paid the remarks no particular mind, readied herself, and set off with Madam Song.
It was the first time she had ventured out since her rebirth. The city was bustling and alive. Outside the dance halls, crowds drifted endlessly; elegantly dressed women in silk cheongsams stood along the street. Though the times were changing, women still held a lesser place in society.
They had intended to travel directly to the jeweller’s, but Madam Song had noticed Su Fuying’s modest wardrobe. On an impulse, she had the carriage stop at the entrance to East City Street, so they might browse clothing and accessory shops along the way.
No sooner had they entered one establishment than they came face to face with Su Qingwan and Ye Tong. Su Qingwan had been admiring her reflection in a new dress, radiant with pleasure—until she caught sight of Su Fuying walking arm-in-arm with Madam Song. Her smile froze.
In her past life, she had only met Madam Song alongside her family to discuss betrothal and wedding arrangements. Never had she been seen strolling together with her like this. A shiver of unease washed over Su Qingwan—the realization that even with her second chance, not everything could be controlled.
Madam Song had seen the pair as well. Su Qingwan and Ye Tong stepped forward to offer their greetings.
“Greetings, Auntie Song. Greetings, Elder Sister.”
Madam Song cared little for either of them. She offered only a faint nod in reply. She looked about the shop and spoke gently to Su Fuying, “Do you care for the style here? If not, we shall go elsewhere.”
Su Fuying noticed the flicker of hurt and envy cross Su Qingwan’s face. It was almost satisfying to witness. Even if she cared little for the lavish garments on display, she decided to remain.
“It will do.”
Madam Song nodded with delight and guided Su Fuying toward the display racks. “A young lady ought to wear colours and variety. It does one good to change things from time to time.”
Su Qingwan seemed to recover herself quickly. “Does Elder Sister like these clothes?” Her tone shifted, carrying a hint of quiet hurt. “I bought some pieces like these for you before, yet I never once saw you wear them. I thought perhaps you did not care for them.”
Ye Tong quickly chimed in. “Indeed. I remember Qingwan spent so long selecting them.”
Madam Song pressed her lips together, thoroughly unimpressed by such petty scheming. She was about to speak up when Su Fuying replied calmly.
“I did not dislike them. The sizing was simply not right, so I put them away. I had no idea you would take it so personally.”
The two were sisters who had grown up side by side—and yet Su Qingwan had not even known her own elder sister’s measurements.
The shop assistants exchanged glances. So it was true—affection between wealthy sisters ran thin. They had seen such scenes before, yet rarely had they witnessed such open friction between siblings.
Madam Song looked at Su Fuying—composed, soft-spoken, yet completely in command of the situation. She felt a strange sense of pride. The wife of a renowned commander would need exactly such wisdom.