Thirteenth Lady's Comback: Her Everyday Life as a Bystander-Chapter 164 - 7: Visiting the Huang Family (Part 3)

Susu greeted Granny Yang Liu again, taking a closer look. This Mrs. Huang must have been a beauty in her youth, though now it’s hidden under the worries and wrinkles on her face. She spoke in a gentle and soft voice, "Consider this as your own home, make yourself comfortable." After speaking, she removed a red gold bracelet from her slender wrist and handed it to Susu. The bracelet was intricately crafted with a dragon and phoenix motif, with a Flame Pearl the size of a Dragon Eye at their intersection, truly of great value.

The so-called Flame Pearl is what we now know as a Conch Pearl. It goes without saying that in ancient times, collecting pearls was entirely reliant on manpower. Even in modern times, Conch Pearls are unique and expensive organic gemstones, impossible to cultivate artificially. Out of approximately fifty thousand conchs, only after removing the flesh can one possibly obtain a useable pearl. As such, only about two to three thousand Conch Pearls can be discovered each year.

Not to mention those nearly round and large Conch Pearls, which are rare treasures. Back in ancient times, when their value wasn’t fully recognized, they were already viewed as treasures.

If it were in modern times, Susu wouldn’t even dare to dream of having such things. But in this lifetime, Susu had seen many in the Old Madam’s private collection, and she had a few herself, secretly given by the Old Madam.

"Aunt, this is too precious!" Susu hurriedly tried to decline, but Mrs. Huang smiled faintly. Having experienced the world, she feared this was someone who couldn’t recognize such a valuable item. "It’s just a lifeless object, not worth much! You calling me Aunt is worth much more, and I think this small meeting gift is too light."

Mrs. Huang’s smile, though faint, appeared more genuine than before. Susu thought to herself that the gift she brought was also quite decent; refusing to accept would make it seem like she was showing off. After hearing these words, she finally accepted it.

After greeting the elders, before Yang Liu could say anything, the girl sitting nearby stood up on her own, speaking softly, "I’ve often heard Cousin speak of Susu, and today I finally get to see her. I thought that someone like Cousin was already unmatched in looks, but seeing Susu, I realized I was naive."

At first glance, these words seemed fine, but who was Susu? A seasoned maid who had navigated the corridors of grand households, the young girl’s words were indeed immature. To her, these words seemed hardly subtle at all, an attempt to sow discord right in front of everyone?

Susu then gave her a proper look. Though the girl was somewhat pretty, she was less so compared to even the second-tier maids at Sui’an Hall. However, she carried an air of vulnerable charm. Seeing her, Susu felt a chill in her heart. Another "Bai Lianhua"? Was this type popular in ancient times, or was she just naturally drawn into drama with these types? First Fifth Miss wasn’t enough, and now even as a guest she met such a drama queen! This was enough.

Susu complained wildly in her heart, but her face was filled with confusion. "And this is?" Yang Liu knew Susu quite well and, seeing Susu’s slightly raised eyebrow, understood that Susu could see through the essence of this "little white lotus." It was amusing to watch, and she secretly curled a smile, only to be caught by Susu. Yang Liu made no effort to hide her schadenfreude but managed to hold back a little in front of people.

Old Mrs. Huang chimed in, "This is my niece from my maternal family, called Wen Jun. You’re about the same age, and in the future, you can play together often. Her manner and style are impressive, so perhaps you can teach this inexperienced girl a thing or two."

Susu greeted this "Cousin" and listened to what Old Mrs. Huang said, then laughed, "Not to mention that Wen Jun has an extraordinary temperament, but for teaching, you’ve come to the wrong person, Old Madam. If you want to talk about who is best in etiquette and manners, it has to be Sister Yang Liu. Our Old Madam always took her everywhere she went, not just to the Prince Mansion, but even to the Imperial Palace, where even Lady Xi commended her."

Everyone present was first surprised at Susu’s lack of avoidance about her and Yang Liu’s background, and then, after listening further, realized that she wasn’t someone who feared what others would say. She openly declared that even though they were maids, the places they’ve visited and the people they’ve met were beyond anyone’s imagination. What does this imply? It implies connections. Not to mention that behind them stands the well-known Shun’an Earl Mansion’s Old Madam, famous for favoring her maids.

Old Mrs. Huang paused for a moment, then quickly laughed and said, "Isn’t that so? I’ve been blind all along." Mrs. Huang held her teacup, slowly blowing on the floating tea leaves as if she hadn’t heard anything, while Wen Jun kept her head down with a pitiful demeanor.

Yang Liu sighed secretly, thinking that it’s not foolishness that’s dreadful, but the lack of awareness and self-knowledge. With Susu here, she had no desire to continue the charade with them. She gently touched her belly, then heard Granny say, "I know you’re thrilled to see Miss Susu, but don’t forget about Yang Liu here. She’s such a big contributor to our family, and she’s carrying your great-grandson after all."

Old Mrs. Huang finally said, "Isn’t that right? It’s clear I’ve grown senile. Wife of Bo, your condition is delicate; quickly escort Miss Susu back to rest in the courtyard. Join us for dinner later, where we, the ladies, can have a good gathering. Daughter-in-law, with your poor health, you should go back and rest as well. Come back this evening."

Mrs. Huang, Yang Liu, Susu, and Old Mrs. Huang bid farewell, and the group finally left Baishou Hall.