Chapter 4, Bai Xiaoxiao

That day, Su Sa returned from duty at the Eastern Palace, and Su Ying hurried over to inform him about Bai Xiao Xiao acting as a matchmaker.

It was just after she had expressed her feelings that her smile appeared softer than usual: "How did Aying end up here? Could it be that she came to attend Mr. Cui's lecture today?"

Su Ying quietly committed this name to memory upon hearing it. However, she then heard Su Sa say, "I will go and speak to Father, asking him not to think about this matter."

Su Ying's expression also changed as she said, "Why have I never heard of this?"

Xuan Ye was indignant about this: "It is the master who does not agree, what does it have to do with our young lady?"

Su Ying took a deep breath and, holding Xuan Ye's hand, said: "When we arrive at a place with people, you must remind me not to act like a resentful woman"

Why? Su Ying does not understand

"Alright, if you don't speak, no one will consider you mute," Bai Xiaoxiao scolded, placing the spring pancakes into the box, and then said to the embarrassed Xuan Ye with a gentle expression: "She can't do anything, she is just jealous of you. Xuan Ye, just let Ting Mei hold the food box. I will take my time eating when I get back"

It depends on how to communicate with him. Su Sa's expression was confident and profound, even Su Ying could not see through it

Su Sa furrowed her brows and spoke in a stern tone: "It's not a festival, so don't casually make that thing to give to others—Mother died from eating spring pancakes, and everyone in the residence is superstitious about this matter."

The marriage proposal did not materialize, and Seventh Aunt Bai Xiaoxiao was quite disappointed, causing her gaze towards Su Ying to inevitably lose a bit of warmth.

I know. Xuan Ye looked at Su Ying, his tone filled with pity: "Miss, sometimes I feel that you are living quite a struggle."

Mr. Cui did not persist in the matter, and nodded, saying: "Madam has gone to the backyard to look at the flowers. You can see it by going through the side door"

Su Sa fell silent for a moment and said indifferently: "The doctor did not say it that way at the time. He said that mother was weak and suffered from a sudden bout of dysentery, and she couldn't pull through. But I don't understand: she only ate one spring pancake, is that really enough? Others also have such doubts in their hearts, but they wouldn't say it out loud."

Su Ying sometimes admires the courage of this aunt, but when it comes to liking her, she simply cannot bring herself to do so

At this age, Su Ying was already fourteen years old. Since she did not have to enter the palace, she was not bound by the principle of "a girl marries at fourteen" that the imperial family adhered to. However, in the eyes of the Su family, it was perfectly normal for a daughter to marry at the age of fourteen.

The person who came was Tingju, the maid beside Bai Xiaoxiao. She brought a token of gratitude for the spring pancakes sent by Bai Xiaoxiao and casually mentioned: "Our lady has a nephew who is quite capable! He holds a position in the Eastern Palace, just like the Third Young Master, and he is nineteen years old, yet to be married"

A few days later, Su Ying learned that this marriage proposal had indeed fallen through. Master Su called Su Ying over and, with a blank expression, said: "Your seventh aunt wants to discuss a marriage proposal with you, and I hear you are also willing. However, I think there is no need to rush. If the other party shares the same intention, it would be better to wait a little longer. After all, you are still young."

At this moment, Bai Xiaoxiao sat dazed in the backyard, adorned in resplendent jewels and makeup, looking stunningly beautiful from any angle. However, Su Ying faintly felt that what was enveloped by those jewels was not a beauty, but rather a deep sense of sorrow, coldly repelling others from a thousand miles away

Su Sa was eating a snack and said leisurely, "She is too overly concerned! It seems that if you do not pursue this marriage, you cannot wholeheartedly treat her well!"

Xuan Ye noticed Su Ying giving a signal and hurriedly placed the spring pancake in front of Bai Xiao Xiao. Bai Xiao Xiao reached out, picked one up, broke it open to take a look, and immediately smiled, saying: "This filling is fresh and interesting! What is it made of?"

Leaving the Yonghua Hall, Xuan Ye's expression grew increasingly unpleasant. "Miss, such a person is simply ungrateful! It's a shame you still think of her! Look at her, as if she fears we would poison the pastries."

Su Ying pulled Xuan Ye into the backyard, while Mr. Cui, having finished his class, also carried his books and walked out.

If the young lady is sincere, our lady will bring this matter up with the master

As for why we should wait and see, Su Laoye did not elaborate

Xuan Ye immediately replied: "There are peas, fresh bamboo shoots, fresh mushrooms, dried tofu, chopped green onions, and garlic whites"

The maid Tingmei, who was beside Bai Xiaoxiao, laughed and said: "This is the Sixth Miss's heartfelt filial piety. If it were someone else sending such things, our lady would not think much of it"

I understand. Bai Xiaoxiao smiled stiffly and said, "Aying, you should head back early, be careful not to catch a chill"

Cui Luohua praised from the side: "The Sixth Miss is naturally intelligent and possesses a filial heart, which is truly rare"

Bai Xiaoxiao smiled and said: "There is no need for you to praise her so much, sir. Children are often spoiled by flattery. I have a nephew who, at the age of four or five, was exceptionally bright and clever. Everyone said he would surely achieve great success in the future and bring glory to his family. Who would have thought that when he grew up, he turned out to be a person capable of committing crimes, ultimately becoming a palace servant and bringing shame to his father's name—what a lesson that early brilliance does not guarantee later excellence."

Su Ying remained silent for a while before asking, "Brother, do you know the relative of Seventh Aunt?"

Su Ying did not express her opinion; she was merely curious about what her brother had said that led their father to keep her at home. She went to ask Su Sa, but Su Sa said nothing, only smiling and saying, "There is no need to rush; you will find out in a few days."

Su Ying had no expression on her face and said in a neutral tone, "Caution is warranted."

The spring breeze has yet to urge the flowers in the courtyard to bloom, and as far as the eye can see, it remains a scene of desolation. Su Ying immediately spotted Aunt Qi, Bai Xiaoxiao, sitting on a stone bench in a daze, and hurried over to greet her

Su Ying's face turned pale for a moment, and she murmured softly, "That is true. Then please ask my aunt to mention it to father."

Bai Xiaoxiao is not yet thirty years old, and her beauty can be described as captivating and stunning. Her expression is always sharp and piercing, often carrying an air of ferocity between her brows. The servants who can read faces secretly say: Lady Seven does not seem capable of accumulating good fortune.

Bai Xiaoxiao sighed as she held Su Ying's hand: "Back when your father was joking here, and conferred the title of 'Flower' upon the twelve of us, you were only two years old. Your mother was still around then! When your father bestowed her the name 'Shuixian Jun', I remarked, 'The roots of the daffodil are shallow, and the flowers are weak; it is too unfortunate! The master should give Ninth Sister a good name.' But your mother said nothing and smiled in agreement—indeed, her fate turned out to be frail. At that time, your father wanted to give me the name 'Bajiao Ji', saying that my 'Xiaoxiao' was just like the elegance of the banana plant. But I did not agree—I detest the desolate and pitiful appearance of the banana plant. I prefer the poppy, whose leaves resemble the exquisite banana plant, but at least it has a lively flower. Unfortunately..." She smiled gently, a subtle wrinkle appearing at the corner of her lips, "Unfortunately, I still cannot escape a solitary fate. A poorly chosen name truly misleads! A Ying's name is quite good; it is always complete—your mother is indeed wise and knows how to name."

Su Ying knew that Mr. Cui was praising her, but she did not dare to respond and hurriedly said: "Ah, I forgot the important matter— the maids said that Madam Qi came this way, but why haven't I seen her?"

She let out a hum and slowly said, "I really want to leave here as soon as possible"

Indeed, it is quite windy here, and eating something may cause discomfort. Please take it back and heat it up before eating.

I certainly trust my aunt's judgment. Su Ying's voice was very soft, and her tone was not very certain

Su Ying replied softly: "Xuan Ye made some spring pancakes and brought them for the concubine to taste."

Su Sa's eyes sparkled as she gently placed her hand on Su Ying's shoulder and said, "You deserve better"

Bai Xiaoxiao was also aware that her fate was not favorable, but she never took it to heart. Su Ying had heard the maids gossiping, mentioning that the Seventh Madam had once boldly proclaimed: "Since I do not have the fortune for a good ending, I should enjoy myself while I am alive."

Su Ying shook her head and smiled: "Father would not think this way"

As she spoke, she also realized that she was being overly talkative, "Oh dear, why do I sound like an old woman!"

Xuan Ye laughed at her: "In a few days, the Third Young Master will help you choose a good family; you won't even have the option to stay!"

Su Sa pondered, "There are several people with the surname Bai, and I have no close relations with them. I don't know which one is her nephew. If it is Bai Xinmo, then he is indeed a good person"

Su Ying glanced at her, the desolation in her eyes causing Xuan Ye's heart to leap suddenly

I am angry that she treats me like a fool. Does she think I am an idiot who would so openly harm others?" Su Ying said coldly, "I am also angry that she compares herself to my deceased mother. My mother has been dead for so long, yet she still brings her up for criticism—ha, does she think that the living in the mansion cannot compete with her? Does she find living so dull that she has to compare herself with the dead?

I do not know what she is thinking either. Su Ying felt a bit wronged, "The day before yesterday, you went to the palace, and I even made spring pancakes for her."

When it comes to the last four words, Su Ying certainly knows what they mean. Her cheeks flushed, and she responded with a few words.

Not long after the joke about getting married was made, someone came to propose a match.

At least I am still alive, aren't I? Su Ying said softly, "When everyone bullies me, they think I have no chance of rising. But when they are not bullying me, they are afraid that I might take revenge on them if I ever turn my fortunes around, so they wish I didn't exist in this world... Such things are the same everywhere, and it doesn't matter whether it is hard or not."

Why is that young lady also angry

The courtyard chrysanthemum spoke quickly, not giving her a moment to ponder, and said: "Then it's settled—Miss Seven and Miss Eight will enter the palace next year. Are you, as their elder sister, going to fall behind them?"