Bitter summer? It’s already the end of July, almost autumn with a chill in the air, so why is it still bitter summer? An Xiaogu tactfully didn’t pursue further and instead pulled Mingzhu, saying, “I have a surprise for you, come with me.”
Mingzhu couldn’t refuse An Xiaogu’s kindness and perked up to follow her to a secluded courtyard. In the courtyard, a woman was sitting under the shade of a tree embroidering. She was thin and frail, her expression focused, but her sewing movements seemed clumsy, often pricking the wrong place, then sighing and undoing the stitches.
It was Su Lan. Upon hearing footsteps, she looked up, staring at Mingzhu in a daze, forgetting to speak or bow, or even put down the needlework in her hands.
The corner of Mingzhu’s lips lifted, while An Xiaogu hid her smile behind a fan, “What’s going on with you two? Shouldn’t you be celebrating at a time like this? Why are you staring at each other like dumb geese?”
Only then did Su Lan stand up, somewhat awkwardly tucking her hands into her skirt folds, “The servant has seen Wangfei, and the Madam.”
“No need for formalities.” Mingzhu walked up to her and took Su Lan’s hand, noticing the scars on it. She intended to ask about the origin of these scars but thought better of it and refrained from asking anything. Instead, she opened her arms and gave Su Lan a big hug, “Welcome back.”
Su Lan buried her face in Mingzhu’s shoulder, sobbing uncontrollably, “This servant thought she would never see Wangfei again in this lifetime.” She didn’t cry when she was interrogated in prison or tortured during the trial because she had faith and hatred to sustain her. But seeing Mingzhu, she couldn’t hold back anymore.
Mingzhu remembered those who had passed away and those who were about to, her heart ached, and she cried freely. The two of them hugged each other, crying in each other’s arms.
An Xiaogu was dumbfounded. She never expected things to develop like this. Yuwen Chu had secretly sent Su Lan here to recuperate, saying it was to surprise Mingzhu after Su Lan recovered. She had planned to wait a little longer, but seeing Mingzhu’s despondent appearance today, she brought Su Lan out. She wanted Mingzhu to be happy, not to cry.
She wanted to intervene, but Su Mei stopped her, “Madam, it’s too sunny here. Let me help you to the shade of that tree.”
Feeling sad, everyone could see it, even though they didn’t know the specific reasons. But crying out loud was better than keeping it in.
An Xiaogu felt there must be something wrong between Mingzhu and Yuwen Chu. She didn’t realize it before, but now thinking about it, Yuwen Chu had sent Su Lan here to recuperate clearly to please Mingzhu—had he expected this day to come so soon? Otherwise, why not wait and let Mingzhu take Su Lan back herself?
It’s probably because something happened to her Second Brother! An Xiaogu felt aggrieved and fanned herself vigorously, feeling very angry. She didn’t understand what those high-ranking people like the Great Empress Dowager were thinking, she only knew that she had to protect her relatives and friends. Harming loved ones for the sake of profit was despicable.
After Mingzhu and Su Lan cried enough, they felt a bit embarrassed, so they needed to exchange a few words to bridge the gap that had formed after a long separation.
Su Lan spoke first, “Wangfei has lost weight, probably from overwork during this period.”
Mingzhu indeed felt she had lost weight, but not from stress, but due to diligent exercise and a balanced diet. She let Su Lan pinch her arm, “I haven’t lost weight, I’m toned. My body is in good shape.”
Su Lan pinched as instructed and agreed, “Yes, that’s good.”
Then it was Mingzhu’s turn. She noticed Su Lan’s hairstyle had changed from a maiden’s to a married woman’s style and asked, “What’s this…”
Su Lan touched her temple lightly and casually said, “On the day I found out I could live, I swore to never marry again in this lifetime, just to serve Wangfei wholeheartedly.”
Mingzhu frowned, “What nonsense oath did you make? Did you get my consent? I disagree.”
Su Lan smiled but didn’t speak, appearing resolute, as if no one could change her mind.
An Xiaogu couldn’t wait any longer, she walked over, fanning herself and holding her waist, “Don’t bother persuading her, it won’t work. Since she came here, I’ve talked to her almost every day, and people have been advising her every day, but she hasn’t shown any signs of relenting. People have their own aspirations, you’re not her, so just leave it alone.”
Mingzhu glanced at An Xiaogu. If she didn’t know that An Xiaogu didn’t know about her Second Brother’s situation, she would have thought that An Xiaogu was trying to persuade her. She wanted to tell An Xiaogu about what happened and ask for her opinion, but she knew she couldn’t. An Xiaogu didn’t know the details from the beginning, so it would be better for her not to know anything at all.
However, Su Lan’s return did improve her mood a lot. She solemnly made a promise to Su Lan, “If you want to marry, then marry. If you don’t want to marry, I’ll take care of you for the rest of your life. You are free.”
You are free. Su Lan understood Mingzhu’s words, and from then on, she was no longer a servant but a free person. She had once fantasized about getting married and experiencing her own happiness. But the dream was shattered, and the person she loved and hated was gone. She had originally resolved to die, but because of Mingzhu’s favor, she had survived. She cried and laughed, “Thanks Wangfei for not giving up on me, I’m afraid I’ll be relying on you for the rest of my life.”
When Su Mei came over, she and Su Lan shed tears again. When Zhuang Zhuang saw Su Lan, he was different, happy as if he had seen something he loved dearly, holding onto the hem of her skirt and not letting go. Seeing the scars on Su Lan’s hand, he held her hand, puffed up his little mouth, and blew on it, asking if it still hurt.
Su Lan’s eyes filled with tears, and she smiled as she shook her head, saying, “Originally, it hurt, but as soon as Zhuang Zhuang blew on it, the pain disappeared.”
Zhuang Zhuang was extremely proud and blew even harder.
An Xiaogu said, “Since you rarely come out to relax, don’t go back for dinner today. Stay here and prepare a table of dishes properly. Invite Huayang Wangfei and your fourth sister-in-law over. The four of us will eat, drink, play leaf cards, and dice together.”
With one just out of confinement round, plus two pregnant women with big bellies, sitting around playing cards and gambling, is that really a good idea? Mingzhu looked at An Xiaogu’s big belly and laughed, “Aren’t you afraid of spoiling the child?”
An Xiaogu glared, “Am I spoiling the child just by playing a little? Don’t dampen the mood.” Without further ado, she ordered someone to arrange it, and soon everything was set up. Huayang Wangfei and Li Shumei, upon hearing the news, brought their children along and joined in the fun, eagerly enjoying eating, drinking, and playing while sharing the latest gossip from the capital.
Huayang Wangfei, despite her frail health, reclined gracefully, unaffected by the revelry. Perhaps due to her martial arts practice, Li Shumei was in high spirits, her limbs still slender as usual, becoming the envy of the other two.
After a while of revelry, while An Xiaogu and Huayang Wangfei were joking and laughing, Li Shumei said to Mingzhu, “I saw some osmanthus flowers blooming outside just now. Come help me pick some to make a flower bouquet.”
Mingzhu put away her smile and followed Li Shumei outside.
