Thirteenth Lady's Comback: Her Everyday Life as a Bystander-Chapter 262 - 14: Confession (Third Update)

At this moment, Susu was unaware of the impending crisis. After the warm room banquet ended, she only rested for a day, spoke a word to Hong Sheng, and then had the invitation card, which was prepared long ago, sent to the Commander’s Mansion of the Hami Guard.

Hong Sheng was curious why Susu was in such a hurry. Logically, although she should visit Lady Shangguan, wouldn’t it be easier if an "elder" introduced her?

Although Susu wasn’t someone driven by power, Hong Sheng thought her befriending Old Mrs. Yang might have been partly due to this reason!

Now, being in such a rush, she appeared to disregard propriety. In theory, Susu wouldn’t give anyone a chance to damage her reputation!

However, Susu felt she should reveal a part of the "truth" to Hong Sheng to prevent him from overthinking, which would require further explanations from her and potentially create more flaws later on.

"When I was in the Capital, I had a close personal relationship with the Second Young Madam of Annan Earl Mansion. You might not know her by name, but you’re likely familiar with the third master of Duke Zhen’s Mansion—the Northwest Governor’s Qin Capital Commander. This Second Young Madam is his legitimate niece; her mother is now Mrs. Qin, the second wife of the Six Guards Commander of Hami Guard."

After Susu finished speaking, she saw Hong Sheng’s bewildered and perplexed expression and said helplessly, "As for the secrets involved, I can’t disclose them. I can only give you a hint: this Second Young Madam’s surname is Ruan, and she hails from Duke Li’s Mansion, one of the Four Great Dukes’ Mansions founded during the country’s inception."

Having heard this, Susu instantly understood. He is Prince Ke’s confidant, and though he was only twelve when the current emperor ascended to the throne, he had heard plenty of secrets from that time as he traveled as a bodyguard, so naturally he knew about the Duke Li’s Mansion, which the emperor purged at the start of his reign.

He also knew that Commander Liu and the Qin Capital Commander were brothers-in-law. However, he only found out today that Mrs. Qin was the former Duchess Li.

Their social circle is so tangled!

Susu ignored Hong Sheng’s confused expression. "Sister Ruan knew I was coming to the Northwest, so she wrote letters to her mother and aunt to entrust to me. Firstly, because I’m coming to the Northwest, which is more reliable than the station couriers, and secondly, to give me a chance to pay my respects. With this favor, it will be of some help to us."

Hong Sheng naturally realized all the intricate connections. No wonder Nanny Wei privately told him that marrying Susu was a blessing he had prayed for over three lifetimes. The invisible benefits are countless.

Now, upon consideration, it’s clear that the connections alone are beyond his imagination. He jokingly said, "My good wife, if there’s anything else that would shock your husband, just lay it all out at once. Otherwise, one day I might find out that my wife is related to the Royal Family!"

Of course, this was a joke. Hong Sheng chuckled after saying it, but when he saw Susu looking at him with a complex expression, he was instantly startled, "No way, could it be...?"

Susu quickly interrupted him, "What are you thinking? How dare you say such treasonous words! You’re scaring me to death!" Although she spoke like this, she was wiping cold sweat from her forehead inwardly. Damn it, are you Sherlock Holmes? Her true identity is indeed connected to the Royal Family!

Hong Sheng quickly patted his mouth, "I deserve a slap, see, I’ve scared my wife." He then pulled Susu into his arms and soothingly said, "Don’t be afraid, don’t be afraid!"

Susu chuckled twice, held his big hand with a roll of her eyes, silently thinking how brazen he was under broad daylight—where do you think you’re touching!

Hong Sheng chuckled sheepishly, showing no embarrassment at being caught, and gently held Susu’s slender fingers in his large hands, moving with such caution as if afraid his rough hands might hurt her.

Seeing this, Susu’s heart softened, and she leaned into his embrace and said, "There’s one more thing—I originally planned to tell you after finding the person, but since we’re on this topic, it would be better to tell you in advance. You might be able to help me find him!"

After speaking, Susu, fearing she might regret it, quickly told Hong Sheng the story she and Sister Qi had fabricated.

Because after meeting Ruan Qiniang, who found Susu somewhat familiar, it later occurred to her that Susu looked like an aunt from her birth father’s side, Duke Xian, and that aunt coincidentally had the surname Su. It just so happened that Susu knew she had a distant aunt who became a concubine in a wealthy family but had lost contact for over ten years.

Adding some verification, it turned out that that Aunt Su was indeed Susu’s aunt. She had passed away, leaving a son. Thus, Susu unexpectedly gained a cousin, who had already been exiled to the Northwest to serve in the army.

"Ever since I knew I was coming to the Northwest, I’ve wanted to find this cousin I’ve never met. Sister Ruan also entrusted me to take good care of this illegitimate younger brother. But since my cousin’s identity has many complications, even if we find him, we can only recognize each other in secret. I’m rushing to visit Mrs. Qin, also to entrust her to help find this person."

Hong Sheng felt the unfolding events were as dramatic as a play’s plot. However, seeing Susu’s serious and slightly sorrowful expression, his thoughts vanished, and he quickly said, "What’s our cousin’s name? Since his identity is sensitive, we can search quietly without troubling Mrs. Qin."

At this point, Hong Sheng’s intellect finally kicked in.

Second Young Madam of Annan Earl Mansion = Mrs. Qin’s actual daughter = Former Duke’s legitimate daughter.

Second Young Madam’s half-brother = Former Duke’s illegitimate son = Mrs. Qin’s former illegitimate son.

Mrs. Qin = Former Duchess Li = Current wife of Commander Liu.

Heh, asking someone to help find the son of her late husband’s legitimate wife, how would Mrs. Qin feel? How would Commander Liu feel? Susu, how could you be so adorably naive?

Susu thought it made sense for Hong Sheng to think this way since he didn’t know about her relationship with Mrs. Qin. But it wasn’t about whether it was troublesome for her!

However, with Hong Sheng offering to help now, Susu wouldn’t refuse.

"Sister Ruan told me my cousin was sixth in the family, named Yu with the ’钅玉’ character, and about your age. According to Sister Ruan, this cousin of mine, whom I’ve never met, even resembles me somewhat."

Hearing this name, Hong Sheng felt he had heard it somewhere before, but couldn’t recall where at the moment.

"But I’ve waited all these years. I don’t mind waiting a few more days. Just remember to search quietly, and if anything seems off, prioritize your own safety."

Susu sighed inwardly, bitterly. No one knew if there were spies around her brother. If Hong Sheng got entangled because of helping her find her brother, her conscience would never be at ease.

Hong Sheng patted Susu’s hand, "Rest assured, for your sake, I’ll take care of myself too."

Susu was already accustomed to Hong Sheng, who, though reticent outside, liked to lighten things up with playful banter when alone with her.

Having given the instructions, she thought of organizing the items for the visit to Mrs. Qin. She prepared some items herself, while Ruan Qiniang also entrusted her with some specialties from the Capital.

Seeing this, Hong Sheng finally remembered something he had forgotten to tell his wife. Slapping his head, he said, "Look at my pig brain, forgetting such an important thing. Wife, come with me." Saying this, he pulled Susu into their bedroom.