Su Zhe shot a glance at Madam Zhou. “He did come to see me twice, but it was only to discuss court affairs. You don’t need to worry about that. Just manage the inner household properly.”
“I’ll be staying in Concubine Bai’s room tonight.” With that, Su Zhe turned and left.
Madam Zhou was so furious her chest ached. “What nonsense about not rushing things! He’s only realized now that Su Fu has some value and is thinking about how to use her to gain more benefits for himself!”
Her eyes darkened as she let out a cold snort. “No one is allowed to stand in my daughter’s way!”
She decided that in the next few days, she would find time to return to her maiden home and speak with her father.
..
Su Fu waited several days. The residence remained calm and quiet—there was no news regarding her marriage, nor had any imperial decree of betrothal arrived.
She felt puzzled. This isn’t right…
Feeling somewhat vexed, she recalled the letter He Minzhu had sent earlier that day, inviting her to dine at a newly opened restaurant. Taking it as a chance to get out of the residence, she agreed.
The restaurant was located in a bustling marketplace. The first floor hall was packed to capacity—every seat taken. If He Minzhu hadn’t reserved in advance, they would likely have had to wait a long time.
A waiter led Su Fu and her maid upstairs to a private room, where He Minzhu and her maid Hongye had already arrived.
Seeing Su Fu enter, He Minzhu called out excitedly, “Waiter, you can serve the dishes now!”
“Right away! Please wait a moment, young ladies!” the waiter called as he hurried downstairs to prepare the meal.
Hongye let out a long sigh of relief. “Miss Su, you’ve finally arrived! If you hadn’t come soon, my young lady would have sent me running to the Su residence again to fetch you.”
He Minzhu made a playful motion to swat her. “You little rascal, how dare you tease me!”
“I’m only telling the truth!” Hongye protested.
Watching the lively pair, Su Fu shook her head helplessly.
Before long, the waiter returned with all the dishes. “Young ladies, your dishes have all been served. Please enjoy. If you need anything, just call for me.”
He Minzhu pointed to the spread and introduced them to Su Fu: “Crispy ribs, fragrant whole chicken, braised assorted vegetables with pork, osmanthus cake, milk-white date cake, and red date fish head tofu soup.”
“Try them quickly! These are all the restaurant’s signature dishes.”
The room filled with the delicious aroma of food, instantly whetting the appetite. Su Fu picked up her chopsticks and tried a piece of rib. The exterior was crispy while the meat inside was tender and juicy.
“It’s delicious,” she praised.
After they had eaten their fill, Hongye couldn’t help reminding her mistress, “Miss, we should return to the residence. You snuck out today. If the master and madam find out we came back late, we’re doomed!”
He Minzhu was still reluctant to leave, but she knew if her father discovered her escapade, he would surely punish her.
Su Fu comforted her, “You go back first. Next time, I’ll invite you out.”
He Minzhu’s eyes lit up. “Really?”
Ever since seeing the painting Su Fu created at the palace banquet, He Minzhu had regarded her in a new light.
Su Fu smiled and nodded. “Really.”
“Then are we friends now?” He Minzhu asked.
“Of course. Miss He, you even treated me to a meal.”
Su Fu had a good impression of He Minzhu—noble in status yet unlike the other aristocratic ladies. In her previous life, she had had few friends. In this life, having a uniquely spirited friend like He Minzhu felt rather nice.
“I’ll head back then! Don’t forget to invite me next time!” He Minzhu said.
“Don’t worry.”
Seeing that it was still early, and since she rarely had the chance to leave the residence, Su Fu wasn’t ready to return just yet.
She found a teahouse, requested a private room, and sat inside enjoying some tea.
..
At the same time, in the teahouse across the street, Xiao Junhe and Si Beichen were also having tea.
Xiao Junhe took a sip and asked, “Your Highness, how have you been these past few years?”
Si Beichen leaned lazily against his chair and replied in a languid tone, “About the same as always.”
“You’ve returned this time—will you go back to the northern desert?” Si Beichen asked.
Xiao Junhe did not answer immediately. He lowered his gaze to the teacup in his hand, his deep eyes reflecting the golden tea within.
After a moment, he said slowly, “The northern border is now stable. In the next two years, Xiling should not dare to invade again.”
He paused, then added, “And the General’s Manor is currently too prominent…”
He left the rest unsaid, but both men understood the implication.
Si Beichen’s lips curved upward slightly. He lifted his right hand and casually flicked his spotless sleeve.
“It’s good if you don’t leave,” he said with a half-smile. “You’re nearly twenty now—perfect marriageable age. Why not stay in the capital, find a suitable bride, marry, and have children? Wouldn’t that be wonderful? I daresay every young lady in the capital wishes to marry into the General’s Manor.”
Marriage and children?
Unbidden, the image of Su Fu smiling at him appeared in Xiao Junhe’s mind.
Just as he was thinking of her, he turned his head—and there she was, seated in the teahouse opposite.
As he wondered why she was there, a man entered her private room and began speaking with her.
The man looked familiar. Upon closer inspection, wasn’t that Wu Yuan, the son of Duke Wu?
Xiao Junhe’s deep eyes dimmed slightly. He turned his gaze away and stopped looking.
..
Su Fu herself was bewildered.
She had merely been drinking tea in peace—who would have thought she would run into Wu Yuan here?
Wu Yuan had seen her at the palace banquet. The painting she created there had left a strong impression on many, including him.
Dressed in a red robe with intricate gold embroidery at the cuffs, a carved jade pendant at his waist, and a folding fan in hand, Wu Yuan entered the room gracefully. His peach-blossom eyes narrowed slightly as he fanned himself, every movement elegant and composed—truly resembling a refined noble son.
“Miss Su, what a coincidence! To meet here—our fate must be extraordinary.”
Su Fu frowned. She recalled how in her previous life he had later conspired with the Crown Prince in rebellion. This man was far from as simple as he appeared.
Feigning surprise, she asked, “May I ask who you are, sir?”
Wu Yuan clasped his hands. “I am Wu Yuan. My father is Duke Wu.”
Recently, he had learned that his father intended for him to marry the eldest daughter of the Su family.
Gently waving his fan, Wu Yuan’s gaze swept over Su Fu without restraint. She was gentle and composed, unlike the passionate courtesans he had frequented before.
Su Fu disliked the way he looked at her—as if she were prey being appraised at leisure.
Her phoenix eyes darkened slightly. “So it is Young Master Wu.”
She then bowed politely. “I shall not disturb Young Master Wu’s tea any longer. I take my leave.”
Watching her departing figure, Wu Yuan’s narrow eyes narrowed further. A playful smile curled at his lips.
“Interesting.”
..
After leaving the teahouse, Qiu Xue fumed, “Miss, that Young Master Wu was terribly rude. I’ve heard he frequently visits brothels and even brings courtesans back into his residence!”
Su Fu replied calmly, “We’ll simply keep our distance from him in the future.”
Meanwhile, across the street, Xiao Junhe could not resist glancing over once more—only to find that Su Fu was already gone from the room.