Page 21

Su Li returned to the courtyard with her maidservants, lost in thought.

In her previous life, she hadn't interacted much with Xia Wencai, though she had heard of his reputation for being lustful and addicted to gambling.

Mo Hua noticed that her lady's expression wasn't great and quietly whispered to Si Qin, "What's wrong with Miss?"

Si Qin was about to reply when Su Li suddenly said, "Si Qin."

Si Qin quickly replied, "Miss, don't worry. You already warned me last time, and I've been vigilant ever since!"

Su Li thought back. In her previous life, Xia Wencai hadn't appeared because everything in her life had been under the control of that mother-daughter duo. By the time she came of age, they had arranged her marriage to a poor scholar.

That unforgettable "hero saving the beauty" moment had most likely been orchestrated by them as well.

Thinking of Zhao Huaian, Su Li clenched her fists so tightly that her nails dug into her palms, but she didn't feel the pain.

Scenes from her previous life flashed before Su Li's eyes, filling her with hatred toward those people.

Doing the math, Zhao Huaian should currently be heading to the capital in October for the imperial examinations, which was still over two months away.

On the surface, Zhao Huaian appeared upright and unyielding, but in reality, he was a master of opportunism.

After arriving in the capital, it took him only a few months to seduce Su Yue and align himself with Jun Hui's faction.

In her previous life, after marrying him, Su Li had devoted herself to supporting him, eventually elevating him from a poor scholar to a powerful court official.

Jun Hui's faction had Zhao Huaian's intellect, the Duke of Wei's military power, and Xu Mubai's wealth.

Xu Mubai was Jun Hui's financial backer.

She only knew that Xu Mubai was of humble origins and had been rescued by Jun Hui by chance, after which he became completely loyal to him.

Xu Mubai was a genius in business. In just a few years, he had become the wealthiest man in Tianqi, providing Jun Hui with a steady stream of financial resources in his struggle for the throne.

Now, Su Li was merely the daughter of a Minister, far from being able to contend with a prince as scheming as Jun Hui.

But she would slowly lay the groundwork, dismantling Jun Hui's power bit by bit, pulling out his teeth and severing his limbs until he was rendered powerless!

In this life, with no Zhao Huaian to act as his strategist and no military support, Su Li's next step was to rescue Xu Mubai before Jun Hui could recruit him.

After all, who wouldn't want a "money bag"?

However, as the daughter of a low-ranked official, Su Li knew she needed to raise her status. Only then could she have the confidence to contend with Jun Hui, who was praised far and wide for his virtue.

This year's snow disaster and famine might be a calamity for others, but for her, it was an opportunity!

Su Li shook her head. "Nothing. By the way, has Yu Qi been acting strangely these past few days?"

Su Li curled her lips into a faint smile but didn't say anything.

When Minister Su returned home from work, he was on his way to the main courtyard when a maid from the western courtyard blocked his path.

At these words, Minister Su's expression darkened.

It was always the same tricks. She might not grow tired of them, but he certainly had.

Women complicated matters. If it weren't for Ah Shu injuring herself during childbirth and struggling to conceive again, and his mother arranging for her to enter the household, he never would have allowed Xia to join the family. Spending his life with his beloved wife alone would've been ideal.

At first, since her family background was humble and she seemed obedient, he had turned a blind eye, thinking she wouldn't cause any problems for Ah Shu.

But recently, he had begun to notice that this seemingly harmless woman had her own schemes—and they even extended to Ah Shu.

With a cold expression, Minister Su said, "Then let her starve."

Ignoring the kneeling maid, he walked briskly toward the main courtyard.

The maid froze for a moment before calling out, "Master, Master..."

Minister Su entered the main courtyard and was immediately greeted by the sound of his wife and daughter's laughter.

The servants had already lit the lanterns, and the warm, golden glow illuminated the courtyard, making the cheerful atmosphere even more heartwarming.

Minister Su stepped inside with a smile. "What's making you two laugh so much?"

Lady Su rose with a smile. "You're back."She walked over to help him take off his official robe and put on a loose outer garment.

Minister Su, holding his wife, chuckled. "What an amusing dream."

He said no more, fearing his wife might overthink it.

Yet Lady Su found herself delighted. Her daughter's dreams had always come true.

She had dreamed that Xia Jiang was the brother of the western courtyard woman, which turned out to be accurate.

She had also dreamed of the Crown Princess selection, and that too had been fulfilled.

Now, hearing that she might conceive, how could she not be overjoyed?

Though she loved her daughter, she regretted not giving her husband a son.

After cleansing their hands, the family sat down for an intimate dinner.

Midway through the meal, Wang Xia entered and reported, "Master, Madam, there's been an incident in the western courtyard!"

Su Li helped her mother to the western courtyard, where lanterns lit up the area.

As they stepped inside, they were greeted by the sound of frantic cries.

Su Yue had also arrived, assisted by her maid. She began crying the moment she stepped inside, wailing loudly. The scene was chaotic and pitiful.

Supporting her mother, Su Li entered the room and immediately noticed the white silk hanging from the beam.

Su Li raised an eyebrow. "A staged hanging?"

Minister Su roared, "Quiet! Let the physician examine her!"

The physician worked quickly. After some time, Concubine Xia took a shaky breath and regained consciousness.

Pale and leaning weakly against the bed, she shed silent tears, her appearance delicate and pitiable.

Minister Su frowned. "What's this nonsense about?"

Concubine Xia sobbed, "Rather than continue to endure your disdain, I'd rather hang myself and serve the Old Madam in the afterlife."

Minister Su's tone deepened. "Enough of this! Stop your nonsense. You're confined to your quarters, and now you pull this stunt? What exactly are you trying to accomplish?"

Concubine Xia replied tearfully, "Master, the household has been so unlucky lately, and you've grown tired of me. I humbly request to retire to Shuiyue Temple to pray for the Su family's protection."

Su Yue cried out, "Mother! You can't leave me! Mother..."

Lady Su's tone turned icy. "You want to become a nun? Is that a threat?"

If the news spread that Lady Su had forced a concubine into becoming a nun, her reputation would be ruined.

Concubine Xia faltered before murmuring, "I wouldn't dare. I simply thought the family's recent misfortunes warranted some prayers to the Buddha."

Minister Su interjected, "Enough. If you wish to pray for blessings, once you've recovered, you can visit Bailong Temple and offer incense."

Concubine Xia said softly, "But... as a concubine, Bailong Temple won't allow me to enter."

Turning to his wife, Minister Su said, "Madam, given the household's troubles, why not make the effort to bring Li'er and Yue'er as well?"

Lady Su, though displeased, nodded. She had already planned to visit the temple—not because of misfortunes, but to give thanks for their recent good fortune.

Su Li glanced at Concubine Xia.

This dramatic display was clearly meant to achieve something.

Though she didn't yet know what, Su Li was certain that it was directed either at her or her mother.