Thirteenth Lady's Comback: Her Everyday Life as a Bystander-Chapter 79 - 8: Letter from Hong Sheng (Part 2)

The box of jade is all his family savings, prepared for five years later. If Susu marries him, it will be her betrothal gift; if Susu marries another, it will be her dowry. He only asks the Old Madam to give him a chance.

The letter also mentioned some miscellaneous things, and the Old Madam could sense some of Hong Sheng’s thoughts. Susu has been making clothes for him for years, and gradually some complex feelings developed. Later, they met again, and to say he’s not fond of her would be a lie. But what truly made Hong Sheng determined was the thoughtful gifts Susu prepared for him on behalf of the Old Madam before he left, considering every aspect for him.

The reason for his rapid promotion is undoubtedly partly due to those gifts. Though Prince Ke arranged for him to join the Northwest Army, the prince’s name isn’t particularly useful in the military!

The saying goes, "A virtuous wife brings less trouble to her husband." Susu is talented and beautiful, and Hong Sheng fears the Old Madam might find another match for Susu, so he reported in advance, reminding her not to forget about him. After all, Hong Sheng is only eighteen, already a fifth-rank officer and a student of Prince Ke, and he doesn’t mind Susu’s maid background, which gives him a good chance.

Although the Old Madam had once considered this, she couldn’t bear parting with Susu. Unexpectedly, now someone is eagerly seeking this, which makes the Old Madam quite conflicted.

Hong Sheng has been under her watchful eye for years, and his character and appearance are both excellent. Now that he’s promoted to fifth rank, he’s capable of marrying a noble young lady. Susu, on the other hand, is perfect except for her humble origins, but since Hong Sheng doesn’t mind, it could be considered a match made in heaven.

However, Susu is still young and seems oblivious to matters of the heart. It’s unclear whether she’s satisfied with Hong Sheng. If the Old Madam brings it up, with Susu’s intelligence and the affection she holds for the Old Madam, she would agree. But the thought of Susu marrying far away to the Northwest, exposed to the elements, truly makes the Old Madam reluctant.

After pondering for long, the Old Madam decided not to think about it anymore. Susu is still young, and Hong Sheng is willing to wait five years. Who knows what changes might happen within these five years? Fretting now is pointless.

The Old Madam isn’t entirely opposed to letting Susu marry early, but if she truly marries Hong Sheng, as he rises further in rank, will he remain unprejudiced against Susu?

Even she once struggled with the Old Master, yet prosperity brought a change in demeanor, leading to two additional wives for their son.

If hardships can change people quickly, how much more so with others?

Besides, Hong Sheng is still young and inexperienced, and having suddenly achieved high rank, who knows if this is a momentary zeal, leading to future regret!

Understanding all this, the Old Madam said, "Store that box of jade safely in the warehouse. The set of jewelry from your eldest young master is an early gift from Brother Sheng. The box of jewelry from Hong Sheng is for you all, to thank you for making clothes for him all these years. You’re benefiting from your uncle’s kindness, but don’t forget to save a few pieces for Bisi, and let Yun Duo pick a few too."

The other three maids happily thanked Susu, and Susu exaggeratedly pretended to be heartbroken, making the Old Madam laugh and scold, "Leave the bulk for Susu! Otherwise, she might not pick the best things for you next time!"

Ning Cui and Yang Liu each picked a few items, leaving some for Bisi. Yun Duo, feeling embarrassed, didn’t want to take any, but Susu picked a pair of earrings and a bracelet for her, "All the sisters have some, you mustn’t be left out, take them, this is my only generous act." Only then did Yun Duo accept them, very pleased, and the bracelet alone was worth four or five hundred taels of silver.

There were still quite a few items left, and Susu coquettishly said to the Old Madam, "Since you’ve given them to me, I’ll manage them myself!"

The Old Madam, who has seen all sorts of fine things, naturally didn’t mind these and said with a smile, "Suit yourself!" Susu then picked out a pair of Hetian black jade bracelets and fitted them onto Nanny Qin, which were just the right size. "I know Nanny doesn’t lack such things, but this is Susu’s token of affection!"

Nanny Qin, hearing this, couldn’t decline and smiled, "I knew you were generous! If I don’t take them now, I might not get the chance later on!"

Susu then picked out the best pair of mutton fat jade gourd earrings, with a matching vine made of the same piece of jade, a seamless, rare piece.

"These fine things were gifts from the Old Madam. Normally, I don’t know how to show my filial piety, but today I’m borrowing flowers to offer Buddha and hope the Old Madam will let me honor you this once!"

The Old Madam said, "You child, how am I lacking these things? If this little offering is your filial respect, then it’s considered filial. I just called you stingy, and now you’re suddenly so generous." Despite her words, she still let Susu replace her earrings, smiling with satisfaction. The Old Madam felt very gratified; such a good child deserved more planning and thought from her.

Then the Old Madam added, "That box of local specialties, keep some in our courtyard, and distribute the rest among the young ladies and gentlemen. Send some to the courtyards of the first and second wives. To think Brother Sheng went to Hami, this promising future is brought about by risking his life!"

Upon hearing the word "Hami," Susu’s heart skipped a beat, but she maintained her composure and asked, "Hami? Is that the place known for its precious Hami melons?"

The Old Madam laughed, "Indeed, it’s the place for Hami melons. The effort and resources to transport them to the south and the Capital are unimaginable, but they are indeed delicious. Though Brother Sheng didn’t say where he is, judging by the box of specialties, it is evident. Hami dates, white apricots, raisins, and grape wine are all famous Xinjiang products, and Hami is where the military action is most frequent, so to make a name, it has to be in Hami."

Thinking for a moment, the Old Madam also said, "Next spring, our merchant caravan will go to the Northwest. During this time, Susu, prepare more essentials and clothing, pack two boxes, and send them to Brother Sheng then. Normally, if he’s too busy to care, so be it, but since he wants to be close with us, we shouldn’t remain distant."

Susu naturally agreed, thinking how fated it was for Hami!