The palace banquet fiasco ended with Su Yaoyao “magnanimously” breaking off her engagement.
The news spread like wildfire, and by the next day, every street and alley in the capital knew.
In teahouses and taverns, storytellers pounded their clappers, bringing the scandal of the Marquis of Yongning’s household to life:
“The eldest Miss Su truly has the heart of a Bodhisattva! Seeing her fiancé and half-sister commit such deeds, she neither cried nor caused a scene, instead kneeling and presenting the imperial token to the Empress, asking her to bless the lovers!”
“I heard she fainted from crying right there, and when she awoke, she only said she would go to the monastery to pray for the royal family…”
“Alas, how pitiful! A perfectly good legitimate daughter treated so unjustly…”
Public opinion overwhelmingly sided with Su Yaoyao.
Along with her reputation, the Marquis of Yongning’s household and Lady Liu’s standing were tarnished.
Yet within Su Yaoyao’s courtyard, serenity reigned.
Granny Lin counted the gifts the Empress had bestowed—silks, jewelry, and rare herbs—piling them high on the table.
“Miss, the Empress truly cares for you,” Granny Lin said, holding a golden phoenix hairpin inlaid with rubies, her eyes moist.
“She’s never been this generous to any junior before.”
Su Yaoyao leaned on the couch, playing with the string of prayer beads tangled in her hair ornament, and smiled:
“Granny, her care is real, but her intentions… are not simple.”
She brought the beads to her nose. The sharp scent of sandalwood had faded, yet it seemed to still carry someone’s warmth.
Granny Lin understood, lowering her voice: “You mean… the Crown Prince?”
“Mm.” Su Yaoyao set down the beads, her eyes glinting.
“What you told me yesterday, Granny, I heard it all. She wants me to capture the Crown Prince’s heart, ideally bear his child, and solidify the Eastern Palace.”
She paused, a trace of sarcasm in her gaze:
“But the Crown Prince… is not so easily manipulated.”
Granny Lin nodded: “His Highness is deep and wary, not easy to approach. But…”
She glanced at Su Yaoyao, hesitating.
“But what?”
“The old servant asked around the palace yesterday,” Granny Lin whispered. “Though he generally avoids women, His Highness seems… different with you.”
Su Yaoyao raised an eyebrow. “How different?”
“That night at the banquet, he sent palace maids to escort you to a side hall and specifically instructed that a full set of clothes be prepared. That in itself is nothing, but the key…”
Granny Lin paused. “He also had the hall sealed, saying there were unclean things that needed thorough cleaning.”
Su Yaoyao’s eyes flickered.
Sealed the hall?
Was it to hide something… or merely to despise the incense?
Just then, Chun Tao returned, beaming:
“It’s all out?” Su Yaoyao looked at her gloating expression, realizing that the palace scandal had already spread far and wide.
Chun Tao chuckled, “Everyone seems to know! And best of all, those who tried to meddle ended up tripping over their own stones—so satisfying!”
“This is just the beginning. What about the tasks I ordered?” Su Yaoyao smiled knowingly. Spreading the news was natural; she had merely given a nudge.
Chun Tao’s expression turned serious. “Actions have already begun as you instructed. That brother in Lady Liu’s household… he’s been ridiculously lucky these past two days, practically red-eyed from winning.”
Su Yaoyao’s lips curved. “How much did he win?”
“The capital he lost a few days ago tripled, and now he’s shouting to play even bigger.”
Chun Tao paused. “Also, the pawnshop yesterday received a ‘piece of ancient jade from the previous dynasty,’ priced at five thousand taels. Funds have already been sent to the bank.”
“Five thousand taels?” Su Yaoyao raised an eyebrow. “She dares to accept it.”
“Granny Lin said the jade is made exquisitely; even palace craftsmen might not easily tell.”
Chun Tao lowered her voice: “In a few days, when the ‘original owner’ comes to redeem it, they won’t have the funds… the loss will be huge.”
Su Yaoyao nodded, satisfied.
Not enough yet.
Over the years, Lady Liu had pocketed much from her mother’s dowry; Su Yaoyao intended to reclaim it, principal plus interest.
As for Su Yun’er…
Her thoughts were interrupted by a figure suddenly lunging out from behind a corridor pillar straight at her.
“Wretch! It’s all your fault!”
It was Su Yun’er.
Her hair was disheveled, eyes red and swollen, her face still bearing fresh palm prints—likely from a beating after returning home yesterday.
Su Yaoyao stepped aside calmly, and Jing Zhe and Gu Yu moved immediately, flanking Su Yun’er to restrain her.
“What are you doing, little sister?”
Su Yaoyao looked at her, her tone serene:
“Yesterday in the palace, you walked into that side hall yourself. In front of everyone, with the Second Prince… why blame me now?”
“You! You schemed against me!” Su Yun’er struggled, eyes full of venom.
“The incense… that man… Su Yaoyao, you’re so cruel!”
“Incense? Man?” Su Yaoyao feigned confusion.
“What are you talking about? I don’t understand.”
She stepped closer to Su Yun’er, whispering a voice only they could hear:
“Little sister, have you forgotten… you lit that incense yourself. That man… you personally arranged.”
Su Yun’er froze.
“You plotted to harm me, I merely turned the tables.” Su Yaoyao stepped back, voice returning to normal.
“Now you taste the consequences; why act aggrieved?”
“You… you admit it!” Su Yun’er shrieked. “I’ll tell Father! Tell everyone!”
“Go ahead,” Su Yaoyao smiled, eyes cold.
“Let’s see if they believe you, a dishonored illegitimate daughter, or me, the ‘magnanimous’ legitimate daughter.”
She raised her hand, gently caressing Su Yun’er’s swollen cheek:
“Little sister, don’t forget. You are alive and standing here because I ‘allowed’ it. If I truly wanted you dead…”
Her fingers pressed slightly under Su Yun’er’s chin:
“Yesterday in the palace, you should have already ‘shamed yourself to death.’”
Su Yun’er’s pupils constricted.
She finally realized that this was no longer the naive girl she could manipulate.
This was a… venomous snake, ready to bite.
“Escort the Second Miss back to her room.”
Su Yaoyao released her, taking the handkerchief Chun Tao offered to wipe her fingertips.
“Take good care of her. Don’t let her run wild again.”
“Yes!” Jing Zhe and Gu Yu responded, carrying the collapsing Su Yun’er away.
Su Yaoyao turned and saw Lady Liu standing in the corridor, silently.
She wore a simple dress today, no makeup, eyes red and swollen, looking haggard and pitiful.
Seeing Su Yaoyao, she fell to her knees with a thud.