At this moment, Su Hua had already left, and though everyone remained frustrated and stifled, there was nothing they could do for the time being.
Su Xuan, noticing her mother’s subtle signal, quickly recovered her composure and, with a soft and gentle voice, said to Mo Jingyao, “Your Highness, the affairs here will be handled by Grandmother, Father, and Mother. Let me accompany you to the back garden for a stroll.”
Mo Jingyao’s eyes fell on the tender, delicate Su Xuan beside him. Compared to the renewed impression Su Hua had left him, Su Xuan’s gentle demeanor was far more enchanting.
In the original plan, Su Hua had nearly drowned. He had intended for Mo Qianhan to marry a deceased bride as a form of humiliation. Even though Su Hua had unexpectedly survived, the Prime Minister’s wife would never allow her to live and marry into the Ning Prince’s household. Any hope that Mo Qianhan could marry Su Hua or find a proper partner was utterly wishful thinking.
His gaze swept over Su Hua’s grandmother, father, and stepmother before smiling and agreeing with Su Xuan, “Since Xuan’er says so, I am more than willing.”
Once Mo Jingyao and Su Xuan departed, Su Bingyan’s voice grew cold as he spoke to Zhu Shi, “Send Zhu Gui’s body back to the Zhu family as soon as possible. As for how you handle it, you decide.”
Zhu Shi replied obediently, “Yes, Prime Minister. I understand.” Even though the Guardian Elder of Yaowang Pavilion had verified everything, she still refused to believe that Zhu Gui’s death had nothing to do with that wretched Su Hua. The more she thought about it, the more her anger flared uncontrollably.
The Old Madam immediately discerned Zhu Shi’s intentions and spoke sharply, “If you want no further errors, the source of trouble must be eliminated once and for all.”
Su Bingyan, unmoved by the scheming of his mother and wife, said simply, “Mother, I still have some official duties to attend to. I shall take my leave for now.”
“Very well, go ahead,” the Old Madam replied.
After Zhu Shi had bowed and seen the Prime Minister off, she turned to the Old Madam. “Grandmother, I understand your intent. However, that wretched girl Su Hua has demanded that within a day, all of the people in the shops, estates, and forests that belonged to the Shen family’s dowry be removed.”
The Old Madam said calmly, “Do as she says for now. Once Su Hua dies, will you still have difficulty reclaiming them?”
Zhu Shi nodded, “Indeed, Grandmother.”
The Old Madam’s eyes grew stern. “Last time, you engineered her near-drowning in the lotus pond, yet she survived. This time, make sure there are no mistakes. I heard that Consort Yang offered you a method?”
Zhu Shi explained the plan provided by Yang Niang.
The Old Madam considered it briefly. “It is a clever method, but you must ensure someone is constantly watching. Surviving drowning once doesn’t guarantee she will survive poison.”
Zhu Shi understood. “You mean, someone must be vigilant and ready to deliver a decisive blow if there is any chance she survives.”
“Exactly. Better safe than sorry. Death outside the home can always be explained to others—you know what to do,” the Old Madam instructed.
“Yes. This time, I will not allow Su Hua the luck she had last time,” Zhu Shi said, her eyes glinting with resolve.
The Old Madam nodded. “Do you understand? Eliminating Su Hua benefits you and your children immensely. There is nothing more I need to say.”
Zhu Shi understood perfectly. As long as Su Hua, the legitimate daughter, was alive, she would always be a reminder of her status as a mere consort, even after being raised to the status of wife. Only when Su Hua was truly gone could Zhu Shi truly claim the position of head of the household, unchallenged.
..
Meanwhile, Yun Shuang accompanied her mistress toward Lanyue Pavilion.
Su Hua noticed Yun Shuang’s unease and asked, “What is it?”
Yun Shuang could no longer hold back. “Just now, the way Prince Jing looked at you… Even though you are no longer betrothed to him, he kept staring at you. It’s so irritating. And Second Miss… she seems terrified that someone might steal him away from her. Miss, you shouldn’t care about that at all.”
Su Hua smiled faintly, unconcerned. Right now, her main priority was to reclaim her mother’s dowry entirely and secure it under her own control.
Yun Shuang then asked, “Miss, will Zhu Shi really remove all those people by tomorrow?”
Su Hua replied calmly, “No need to wait for them to leave—just expel them directly. Master Song has already gathered most of our people. By early morning, everyone will return to their posts as before.”
“Exactly as you said, Miss. Zhu Shi’s people are not ours. All of the dowry belongs to you, so naturally, you have full authority. If they don’t leave, just drive them out. Back then, Zhu Shi expelled all of Madam’s old attendants—we need not show them any mercy either.”
..
At Lanyue Pavilion, at the courtyard gate, Su Hua returned to find Liu Yi Niang standing there.
Seeing her, Liu Yi Niang immediately bowed. “I greet Miss.”
Su Hua smiled slightly. “Liu Yi Niang, there is no need for such formality. Why are you standing outside at this hour? Come in.”
“I heard what happened, and I was concerned for your safety. That is why I waited here,” Liu Yi Niang explained.
“I see,” Su Hua said, beckoning her inside.
Inside, Su Hua had Liu Yi Niang sit and poured tea.
“I see that you do not avoid association with me anymore,” Su Hua remarked.
Liu Yi Niang replied respectfully, “Everyone in the mansion has seen. Zhu Shi and the others have long recognized that I stand with you. Besides, choosing you meant I never intended to hide it. And Miss, I understand the benefits you have given me—I will naturally follow you.”
Su Hua regarded her carefully. Liu Yi Niang’s attitude pleased her.
“Rest assured, Liu Yi Niang. As I promised, I will help you achieve this,” Su Hua said.
Liu Yi Niang rose and bowed deeply. “Thank you, Miss. I will obey your commands and have no other intentions.”
She added cautiously, “Miss, I noticed Consort Yang sent her own people out of the mansion, seemingly through the West City Gate. I am unsure of what they are planning. In the near future, whether inside the mansion or outside, Miss, you must be careful.”
Su Hua nodded. “I appreciate your concern. However, your focus must remain on my father. I have given you something, and you should already understand its subtle power.”
“Yes, Miss. Rest assured, with a little more time, I can ensure that the Prime Minister will comply completely with me and help you fully dominate Zhu Shi and the others in the inner mansion.”
Su Hua’s eyes gleamed. “I want more than just domination—I want to take their place entirely.”
Liu Yi Niang’s heart leapt. Exactly what she had hoped for. She responded resolutely, “I will not disappoint you, Miss.”