After Second Concubine Yang withdrew, Su Xuan looked at her mother and asked, “Mother, this method of Yang Concubine is clever… I just wonder if that snake-handler can really perform as she claims.”
Zhu Shi set down her teacup and said with calm authority, “Xuan’er, didn’t I say we simply observe? Let them act; we only watch.”
Su Xuan nodded.
Standing nearby, Nurse Li spoke softly, “Madam, Miss, regarding what Concubine Yang mentioned, I know a little. That person is a notorious poison doctor from the Yinwu Mountains. Skilled in controlling snakes, raising countless venomous serpents. If Concubine Yang really hires this person, it shouldn’t be a problem.”
Zhu Shi’s tone turned cold. “Last time, that little wretch survived drowning by mere chance. If she gets bitten by a lethal snake and still lives, that would truly be unbelievable.”
Su Xuan snapped angrily, “Mother, that was an accident. That little wretch only survived by luck. A worthless life! What kind of Bodhisattva would protect her? Ridiculous!”
..
The next morning, in Lanyue Pavilion:
Yun Shuang helped her mistress rise, wash, dress, and do her hair. Softly, she asked, “Miss, are we really not going to Fuxi Hall to pay respects to the matriarch?”
Su Hua rose and moved to the outer room, sitting at the dining table. Eating her breakfast casually, she said, “I never went before; no need now either.”
Mamu Xia asked, “Miss, early this morning, the staff at Jisheng Herbal Shop sent word that there were some issues. Now that you’ve eaten breakfast, will you go out?”
“Since I have full control, I must go,” Su Hua said, her gaze sharp. “If it were ordinary problems, Master Song could handle them. Most likely, Zhu Shi’s cousin is scheming behind the scenes.”
Yun Shuang’s mind worked quickly. “Miss, you mean… the Yaowang Pavilion?”
Mamu Xia’s face reflected worry. “Miss, if this involves the Yaowang Pavilion, it could be difficult.”
Su Hua spoke calmly, “The Yaowang Pavilion is vast. Zhu Shi’s little cousin can’t dictate it. At most, he has some connection with the steward there. A mere steward cannot rule all.”
Mamu Xia said, “Miss, as they say, ‘The King of Hell is easy to see, but little ghosts are tricky.’”
Su Hua replied lightly, “No matter. If they want to use the Yaowang Pavilion’s influence to suppress me, it depends on whether they truly have the weight to do so.”
After finishing breakfast, Su Hua left the mansion with Yun Shuang. Mamu Xia remained behind in Lanyue Pavilion.
..
Outside Fuxi Hall:
Zhu Shi and her entourage had finished paying respects to the matriarch and were leaving the hall.
Su Xuan, Second Concubine Yang, Third Concubine Han, Third Young Miss Su Die, and Fifth Young Miss Su Han followed behind Zhu Shi.
Only Fourth Concubine Liu lingered nearby, giving a perfunctory bow. “Madam, I attended to the Chancellor last night and am quite fatigued. I will return to my own quarters. I take my leave.”
She had never been close with the others, and now she had no reason to act as Zhu Shi’s lackeys did, flattering and fawning.
Yang Concubine looked at Liu’s departing back and sneered, “The foxy thing… she still thinks she’s just arrived in the mansion.”
Han Concubine agreed, “Indeed, she dares leave before Madam even speaks.”
Zhu Shi’s gaze turned icy as she locked eyes on the now-distant Liu. Even though Yang Concubine had mentioned it, in today’s rear residence, Liu still enjoyed the Chancellor’s greatest favor.
She had considered bringing another newcomer to serve the Chancellor to divide attention and challenge Liu, but if another spoiled concubine came, it might create more trouble. Liu could not bear children, yet she was the mistress of the household, controlling its inner workings and already had two children. As long as her position wasn’t threatened, why invite unnecessary complications?
“Enough. Say no more,” Zhu Shi said.
She then looked at Second Concubine Yang. “Have you started what you planned?”
Yang replied, “Madam, rest assured. I have sent people. Results should appear soon.”
Zhu Shi said, “Su Hua will be leaving the mansion to go to Jisheng Herbal Shop these days. Timing must be seized carefully.”
“Yes,” Yang said. She understood her mistress perfectly: if Su Hua died at Jisheng Herbal Shop instead of in the mansion, it would be far easier to fabricate a story.
Han Concubine, overhearing, didn’t know the details, but the mention of Su Hua revealed the plan. She had wanted to ask about Liu’s relationship with Su Hua, but now she realized it was pointless. Su Hua was still a mere girl, dreaming of stepping out of her mistress’s control.
..
Flower Dance Pavilion, Fourth Concubine Liu’s quarters:
Maid Fang Qi attended closely, offering tea. “Aunt Liu, the item from the Young Mistress worked remarkably. When the Chancellor left your quarters this morning, I felt he seemed even happier than the first time he stayed the night here.”
Liu knew well. “This is only the beginning. Last night confirmed that by following the Young Mistress, what she promises can be achieved. Hmph, Zhu Shi also rose from concubine to main wife. Why should I not?”
Fang Qi said, “Aunt Liu is right. Ever since the Young Mistress nearly drowned and returned from the brink of death, she’s changed. Whatever you seek will surely come true.”
Liu mused, “Fang Qi, you were the one I brought into the mansion, my most trusted. As long as you understand these matters, it is enough.”
Fang Qi: “I will remember, Aunt Liu. But I worry for the Young Mistress. The other concubines will not let her be.”
Liu considered and said slowly, “Yesterday I warned her. She remained calm, full of confidence. She must have a plan and will not be swayed by those people again.”
..
Jisheng Herbal Shop:
The moment Su Hua stepped from her carriage, Master Song personally greeted her and led her into the private meeting room.
Song wasted no words. “Miss, Zhu Gui is scheming behind the scenes. He’s leveraging Steward Zhou Xun of the Yaowang Pavilion to cut off our dealings. Several old debts remain unsettled, and a batch of our herbs was held back, claimed to be defective.”
Su Hua sneered. “Just as I thought. This is all they have.”
Song warned, “Miss, if the trade with Yaowang Pavilion is truly severed, it would be a deadly blow to our shop.”
Su Hua asked calmly, “Master Song, do you know where the Yaowang Pavilion is?”
“Of course,” Song said, stunned, suddenly understanding. “Miss, you intend to go there personally and demand justice?”
Su Hua’s eyes narrowed. “If someone dares provoke me, why should I swallow my pride?”