Thirteenth Lady's Comback: Her Everyday Life as a Bystander-Chapter 46 - 25: Hong Sheng Pays a Visit

In the outer courtyard, the Third Lord had a brief conversation with Hong Sheng and then arranged for someone to take him to Sui’an Hall.

Meanwhile, word reached Sui’an Hall. Since the guest was an outsider and a man, the Third Madam took the young ladies and returned first. Old Madam said to the maids, "A year older, a year wiser. In the blink of an eye, you’ve all grown up. Even though you all know Brother Sheng, he is still an outsider. It’s fine for Susu, as Brother Sheng once saved her life. You, Yang Liu, and the others should withdraw." From such small details, one could see that Old Madam genuinely cared for the maids, not wanting them to become subjects of gossip.

Hong Sheng walked without looking around, with his back straight as a rod. Though he wasn’t dressed in brocade and silk, his demeanor was enough that no one underestimated him.

Upon entering Sui’an Hall, he was led by a young maid into the flower hall, where he saw an elderly lady with a kind face sitting at the head. It was Old Madam Song. Beside her stood a young girl, but Hong Sheng didn’t look closely. He respectfully paid his greetings to the Old Madam, who quickly said, "No need for such formalities. You are too polite, child. Please, have a seat. Susu, serve the tea!"

After Hong Sheng took a seat, Old Madam said, "Brother Sheng, you’ve changed a lot. You used to be so thin and weak, but in just two years you’ve grown tall and strong, and much darker. I always said you would be successful, and it seems I was right."

Hong Sheng was somewhat shy, replying, "I wouldn’t dare claim success. I’m just trying to make a living and support myself." Hearing this, Old Madam smiled without much concern, knowing well who the master of the Yangwei Escort Agency was.

Susu brought the tea, and Old Madam smiled, "I got carried away with talking. Brother Sheng, have some tea! Susu, come and greet your Brother Hong too."

Having spent two years out in the world, Hong Sheng knew a little about the customs of big families. Hearing the name, he expected it to be that of a young lady and wondered how it would be appropriate for her to meet him.

While pondering this, he caught a whiff of a fragrant breeze and quickly looked down to avoid any offense. He saw the hem of a purple skirt with pink shoes peeking out, embroidered with small daisies. Hong Sheng had good eyesight and could clearly see the tiny rice pearls sewn onto the daisy centers, admiring the Song family’s undeniable wealth. A pair of shoes like these would cost ten taels of silver.

The name "Susu" sounded familiar to Hong Sheng, making him want to reach for the letter in his pocket. Realizing this, he suddenly looked up. Sure enough, Susu was that little girl from years ago, the one who had been sending him thoughts and gifts all these years.

As Hong Sheng raised his head, he saw the delicate features of the young girl looking back at him. Their eyes met, and he seemed startled, like a frightened little rabbit. The young girl then gave him a gentle smile, and in that moment, it was as if the seeds in Hong Sheng’s heart found sunlight and bloomed, leaving him flustered and dizzy. He was immensely grateful for his usually stoic and dark demeanor, which at least saved him from much embarrassment.

Meanwhile, Susu looked at her savior, who despite his calm exterior had flushed ears and neck, straddling the line between a boy and a young man, and sincerely bowed to him, leaving Hong Sheng unsure whether to stop her or not.

Old Madam, noticing that Hong Sheng was not swayed by Susu’s beauty, though surprised, was pleased with his sincerity, and said contentedly, "Back then, Susu insisted on thanking you in person, but you refused. Let her bow to you today!"

Hong Sheng stood to the side, partially bowing to receive Susu’s courtesy, and said, "Anyone else would have done the same and not left someone to die. It was merely a chance encounter, and yet I burden you and Miss Susu to think of it so often, it’s truly humbling. I came today, firstly, to pay my respects and thank you for your care these past years; secondly, to bid you farewell, as I will soon be enlisting in the Northwest and don’t know when we will meet again."

Of course, Hong Sheng also had unsaid thoughts, such as wanting to see the little girl who had once bravely stood in front of people, who was the first to write him a letter.

Old Madam Song was shocked to hear that Hong Sheng was going to enlist in the Northwest. Knowing that Prince Ke was Hong Sheng’s superior, she intuitively felt that his involvement with the Northwest Army wasn’t merely for a career. Was Hong Sheng’s visit to the Song family also at Prince Ke’s behest?

A torrent of thoughts surged through Old Madam’s mind, yet she outwardly expressed concern, "Why think of enlisting when things are going well at the Escort Agency? Even someone like me, who doesn’t venture out, knows that the Northwest has always been unstable!"

Hong Sheng replied earnestly, "Though I’m not talented, I hope to forge a future. My master has entrusted me with the responsibilities at the Escort Agency." Other details were not appropriate to divulge, and Old Madam understood discretion, so she quickly shifted the topic, asking Hong Sheng to talk about the sights and customs he had seen over the past two years.

Though Hong Sheng wasn’t particularly eloquent, he had seen much and managed to describe the scenery and customs, evoking longing among the women confined to the inner chambers.

Being in the inner quarters, Hong Sheng did not stay long. He declined the Third Lord’s invitation to a meal and bid farewell to Old Madam, returning to the outer courtyard.

Inside, the maids hiding in the inner room came out and crowded around Old Madam, chattering about what they had just heard from Hong Sheng. Old Madam sighed, "The world is vast, with so many beautiful sights. If there’s a chance, you should go see them!"

While amusing the maids, Old Madam reflected on how Hong Sheng’s journey to the Northwest likely wasn’t just about seeking a future. Prince Ke probably had his eyes on the military authority in the Northwest! Though the Song family had secretly aligned with Prince Ke, openly forging relations was not yet feasible. Yet, with Hong Sheng clearly a trusted aide of Prince Ke and also having saved her life, there were ample reasons to befriend him. With a glance at Susu, who was chatting with Yang Liu, graceful in every movement, Old Madam thought about how stunning Susu would be in a few more years — even surpassing the ladies in the palace.

After much contemplation, Old Madam ultimately dismissed the idea of using beauty as a strategy. To her, Susu wasn’t just a maid; they’d shared five years together, closer than with any granddaughter. Old Madam couldn’t bear to use her like that. It’s better to leave it all to fate!

Unaware of Old Madam’s thoughts, Susu was saddened to hear about Hong Sheng’s departure to the Northwest, reminding her of her brother far away. Nonetheless, she concealed her emotions, though a faint sadness lingered in her eyes.