Thirteenth Lady's Comback: Her Everyday Life as a Bystander-Chapter 124 - 12: Blessing and Misfortune Go Hand in Hand

Chapter 124: Chapter 12: Blessing and Misfortune Go Hand in Hand

By the time dinner came, two tables were set up in the Sui’an Hall of the Shun’an Earl Mansion. One table for the Old Madam, Heir’s wife, and several young misses, and another for the young masters, excluding the still young Seventh and Eighth Young Masters.

Such lively scenes were rarely seen on regular days, neither during holidays nor festivals.

The occasion was to celebrate the Sixth Young Master taking the top spot in the monthly exams. The Sixth Young Master was pleased, even though his own brother had him write five large characters in the afternoon, he did so obediently.

As the event was about to end, the Earl, who had a banquet outside, returned early to join in the festivities.

Today, the few young misses who visited the Prince Gong Mansion saw the Old Madam and Susu acting as if nothing had happened, each with their own thoughts, but they relaxed at last.

Only the Fifth Miss looked at Susu with jealousy and deep-seated hatred.

She prayed to Buddha daily, transcribing Buddhist Scriptures, thinking to herself why she is not the legitimate daughter? Why does Grandmother treat a maid better than her? And pondering why, among the same Song Family daughters, even a concubine-born daughter from a brothel has such good prospects?

The Fifth Miss felt a brain full of resentment.

Luckily, she was just a deep residence concubine-born daughter, with no authority, no influence, and being young, and now severed ties with the Gao Family, or else who knows what storm she could stir up!

After dinner, the Old Madam instructed the maids to leave, leaving only the Earl and the Princely Heir to inform them of the day’s matters.

The Earl and his son both frowned upon hearing that Prince Gong’s reputation was indeed poor. If Susu enters the Prince Gong Mansion, people would not say Prince Gong snatched civilian girls but rather that the Song Family, to curry favor with Prince Gong, sent even the smallest maid to serve as a concubine.

Many noblewomen remembered Susu as a talented and loyal servant. The Song Family already had the reputation of nouveau riche, and if they resort to selling servants for fame, it would be impossible to wash clean even by jumping into the Yellow River.

Moreover, the Song Family secretly pledged allegiance to Prince Ke; those in power are most fond of suspicion, and sacrificing a well-trained daughter for someone without real power like Prince Gong is truly unworthy!

The Earl decisively shook his head, seeing his mother smile faintly, feeling a bit sore inside, that she treated Susu better than her own son.

The Princely Heir, his mind also racing with thoughts, responded solemnly, "Susu entering the Prince Gong Mansion benefits neither our family nor Susu. I believe Prince Gong wouldn’t improperly request the maid beside Grandmother. Furthermore, Susu is a commoner now, so let’s not let Susu leave the mansion for the time being."

The Princely Heir thought further and added, "Grandmother should quickly find a good family for Susu!"

With Susu’s appearance, Prince Gong wouldn’t be the only one, and the Prince Gong Mansion could still tolerate Song Family’s power for now; next time, it might be someone Song Family can’t afford to offend!

The Old Madam, seeing her son’s and grandson’s firm refusal, felt gratified that, as future leaders of the Song Family, they weren’t blinded by power.

The Old Madam handed a prepared letter to the Earl, "Take a look at this."

Upon seeing the letter, the Earl raised his eyebrows and laughed, "Let the Lady decide this. If it truly happens, it would be a fated match made in heaven, resulting in a beautiful story."

He then handed the letter to his curious son, "Hong Sheng joined Prince Ke’s ranks earlier than our family. Having Prince Ke arrange for him to advance in the Northwest, it seems he’s set for a great future! If Susu marries him, it’s quite an advantageous match for her."

Sheng also looked at the letter, which had arrived at the Old Madam in September from Hong Sheng.

"Although unconventional, the sincerity is genuine. Nonetheless, send a letter explaining the details. If Brother Hong still agrees, first exchange birthday cards and marriage certificates, and plan the marriage once Susu comes of age. Does Susu know about this affair?"

The Old Madam paused, embarrassed, "In the rush, I forgot to mention it to her." This was indeed a case of anxiety affecting judgment.

No matter how well they planned, if Susu disagrees, it would all be for naught.

However, the Earl was unworried, "That girl is most obedient to her mother, just tell her. Besides, Brother Hong is quite a fine young man; the third brother even said if his nieces weren’t so young, he would have loved for Hong Sheng to be his son-in-law."

The Old Madam was somewhat displeased with her son’s underestimation of Susu.

"Except for her lower status, Susu’s education and demeanor are top-notch. If it weren’t for this issue, I would’ve been reluctant to match her with Hong Sheng! Although Brother Sheng’s character is quite good, the Northwest is still too far away." 𝐟𝐫𝕖𝗲𝘄𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝕧𝐞𝚕.𝕔𝕠𝐦

If not for Susu’s low background, Hong Sheng wouldn’t even be considered? These thoughts the Old Madam kept to herself, ultimately feeling unresolved.

"Susu is also the daughter of a good family, her father being a Scholar. I intend to add more dowry from my private collection if this marriage truly happens."

Unlike the Earl and Princely Heir, who didn’t prioritize monetary matters.

Upon hearing her, the Earl quickly said, "Susu is taught by you, and if this marriage happens, it adds a strong ally to our family! Susu’s dowry doesn’t need your concern; it won’t compare to the legitimate daughters in our family, but as your son, I will personally enhance it, ensuring no one looks down on Susu. Only, not to mention others, Susu is recognized by the Empress Dowager and the Empress; go to the palace to discuss with sister."

After the Earl and Princely Heir left the Sui’an Hall, the Old Madam called Susu to give her the letter.

"I originally intended to keep you a few more years, to tell you about this later, but who would’ve thought this situation arose? Look, if you agree, I’ll have someone send word to Hong Sheng tomorrow. If you disagree, it will be dropped!"

Susu felt a bit bewildered, having not heard the name "Hong Sheng" in a long time. Nevertheless, the Old Madam’s words gave her some psychological preparation.

Upon reading the letter, Susu realized such a thing existed; no wonder the Old Madam looked at her strangely at that time!

Currently, the Song Family can still protect her, but they cannot blatantly offend Prince Gong. They need a reason to refuse. Either she disfigures herself overnight or already has a marriage contract.

Disfigurement was impossible, so the best choice was to marry early. Hong Sheng previously expressed interest, and now, in this urgent situation, it seems the best option!

As for willingness, having lived in this era for so many years, Susu had come to understand the meaning of "parents’ orders, matchmaker’s words" and no longer yearned for "a lifetime with one person."

From Susu’s acceptance of entering Prince Gong Mansion as a concubine, it revealed she was quite realistic. Now, having a better choice, how could she refuse?

Moreover, Hong Sheng being in the Northwest, in Hami, was a place Susu dreamt of visiting.

Talking about marriage, Yang Liu and Ning Cui felt joy, anxiety, and anticipation, blushing, while Susu did not feel such emotions.

Susu knew and understood Hong Sheng well; given the childhood friendship, he was indeed a good choice.

Susu calmly analyzed, finally nodding, "If Brother Hong understands what has transpired and still wishes to marry this servant, then there’s no reason for the servant to refuse. It’s just hard to part with the Old Madam, when I could’ve stayed by your side for a few more years."

Thinking of leaving the Old Madam, Susu’s eyes turned red, making the Old Madam feel bitter as well.

"Silly child, how could I bear to have you marry so far away? But your Earl said, Brother Sheng is capable; he wouldn’t stay in the Northwest forever. It won’t be long before he’s serving in the Capital, so there’ll be plenty of time together."

These matters were unbeknownst to others; three young misses and two cousins were under the Old Madam’s sealing order, leaving Sui’an Hall unchanged as ever.

Only Ning Cui privately cried hugging Susu, Susu thought of telling her about Hong Sheng but ultimately decided against it.

Moreover, the Old Madam, as a precaution, discreetly instructed Ning Cui’s mother to choose several good families while looking into prospects for Ning Cui, ensuring none were worse than the Huang Family selected for Yang Liu. Once Ning Cui learned this, she felt reassured!