Chapter 6, Overwhelming the Lamb

Lin Mei found it difficult to leave after Madam Su had given such instructions, so she had no choice but to sit back down in her chair

Without expressing Madam Su's various thoughts, it is evident that Su Zhongxing felt quite unsettled after returning to his room. That night, as he settled down to rest, he experienced a spring dream in which a little lamb was pinned beneath him, bleating in an incredibly enchanting manner. Just as he was indulging in the pleasure of the moment, the little lamb transformed into a beautiful woman, smiling softly at him. ... Upon closer inspection, he realized that the one he had pinned beneath him was, astonishingly, was ... . As he was indulging in the pleasure of the moment, the little lamb transformed into a beautiful woman, smiling softly at him. ... Upon closer inspection, he realized that the one he had pinned beneath him was, astonishingly, was ... .

"What do you want?" Lin Mei struggled to straighten her back, but she just couldn't do it. In a delicate and charming tone, she exclaimed, "Don't come over!"

As Su Zhongxing left, Lin Mei straightened her back, sitting up straight, only wiping her sweat, feeling both shy and ashamed. Deep down, she secretly thought that she had embarrassed herself in front of Su Zhongxing, her soft and weak demeanor fully seen by him. However, she truly could not withdraw from the engagement; she must marry him to preserve her dignity.

"Are you afraid I will eat you?" Su Zhongxing, seeing Lin Mei's weak and innocent demeanor like a little lamb, felt a surge of inexplicable irritation in his anger. He stepped forward, stood in front of Lin Mei, and looked down at her, asking, "What exactly are you planning?"

The breath of Su Zhongxing approached, and Lin Mei's upright posture became somewhat difficult to maintain. Reluctantly, she had no choice but to lean her back against the chair, her hands weakly supporting herself on the edge of the seat, silently reminding herself: Be dignified, be dignified

Madam Su thought for a moment, "The screen is placed in the small attic; I fear it may be difficult for you to find, and I am even more concerned about it getting damaged. I will go find it myself!" Saying this, she instructed Su Zhongxing, "You sit here and keep your little sister Mei company; I will fetch the screen and return. Do not run off again, as this matter is quite urgent!"

What Madam Su did not voice was that she had only one son, Su Zhongxing, who had been raised in the lap of the old Madam Su since childhood, resulting in a lack of closeness between mother and son. Over the years, the old Madam Su had taken matters into her own hands, allowing Luo Mingxiu to grow close to Su Zhongxing, treating Luo Mingxiu as Su Zhongxing's fiancée in both words and actions, completely neglecting the marriage with Lin Mei. If she allowed the old Madam Su to arrange for Luo Mingxiu to enter the family, her son would no longer be her son, and the daughter-in-law would no longer be her daughter-in-law. Although Lin Mei had no relatives to rely on, she was the one whom the old Master Su had originally betrothed, and allowing Lin Mei to enter the family would leave the old Madam Su with no legitimate reason to object. Furthermore, it would allow the outside world to say that the Su family kept their promises, which would be beneficial for the family's reputation. Additionally, since the daughter-in-law was chosen by her, once she entered the family, she would naturally align with her. Once the daughter-in-law bore a son and a daughter, it would win back her son's heart, and she would not have to worry about her son not siding with her in the future.

It was early spring, and although the weather was neither cold nor hot, Lin Mei felt that the air had become warmer. She tilted her head slightly, and the breath of Su Zhongxing came rushing towards her, making it impossible to avoid. She could only press herself firmly against the back of the chair, fearing that she might collapse onto the floor. She said, "Young Master Su, do not be too overbearing!"

Thank you, madam! Lin Mei noticed that there were no maids accompanying her, and she had to handle everything herself, which felt somewhat impolite. She then glanced at Gui Xiang, who was well-proportioned and appeared to be very composed, yet she was extremely fond of her.

On this day, after seeing off the guests, Lin Mei, accompanied by a maid, arrived at Madam Su's room

Su Jiasheng is a man of rigid principles, solely devoted to adhering to filial piety and wholeheartedly focused on the old lady Su. Over the years, Madam Su has endured countless grievances, both overtly and covertly, from the old lady Su. However, both Su Jiasheng and Su Zhongxing lean towards the old lady Su, while Luo Mingxiu, residing in the household, only has eyes for the old lady Su, forgetting her own aunt. By allowing Luo Mingxiu to enter the household, what position will she have left in the residence?

For two consecutive days, guests came and went at the Su residence. Madam Su, accompanied by Lin Mei, greeted each type of guest one by one. Lin Mei was not at all shy; her every gesture and movement reflected the grace of her mother in her prime. Madam Su observed this and nodded in satisfaction.

Lin Mei took the tea from the maid's hands and sipped it slowly, the rosy hue on her face gradually fading away. After she finished drinking, Madam Su returned and, upon entering, was taken aback, saying: "Where is Zhongxing? Has he run away again?" Without waiting for the maid to respond, she called another maid to come in and pointed to Lin Mei, saying: "This girl is called Guixiang, and she is also from Yizhou. She lost her parents when she was five and was sold here. She has been by my side for many years and is quite honest and obedient. Let her accompany you from now on!"

Due to Mrs. Su's continuous arrangement for Lin Mei to meet the relatives of the Su family over the past two days, Su Zhongxing, who had been observing this with concern, found himself unable to intervene. Upon hearing Lin Mei's words, despite his usual composure, he stood up in anger and stepped forward, pressing her, "So, you are unwilling to break off the engagement?"

Although Su Zhongxing was already sixteen years old, there were no concubines in his room. Because of Luo Mingxiu, he did not indulge like other young masters in the capital by visiting brothels and drinking, but instead remained chaste, planning to become a pair of immortal lovers with Luo Mingxiu in the future. Therefore, when he saw Lin Mei at this moment, her eyes charming and her body languidly leaning against the chair, he felt not only anger but also a sense of helplessness. He let out a heavy snort and shot Lin Mei a fierce glare before turning to leave.

Su Zhongxing was about to say more when he saw Lin Mei leaning on the chair, her cheeks flushed, her lips slightly parted, her chest rising and falling beneath her thin spring garment, her eyes glistening as she looked at him, hesitating to speak. Remembering what had happened last time in the pavilion, she couldn't help but exclaim, "What do you intend to do this time?"

Madam! Lin Mei's voice was somewhat choked with emotion. Since entering the Su residence, Madam Su's care for her had truly mirrored how her mother had treated her in her childhood. Such feelings, however, cannot be feigned.

Madam Su asked Su Zhongxing to sit in the chair opposite her and smiled, "It is indeed about the matter of celebrating the birthday of the Duke of Yongping the day after tomorrow, and I wanted to discuss it with you." As she spoke, she noticed Lin Mei lowering her head, gently moving as if to take her leave. Madam Su waved her hand, inviting Lin Mei to sit beside her, and slowly said, "I have been close friends with your mother since childhood, sharing everything with each other. Even after we both got married, we continued to keep in touch. Your mother did not have any news for two years after her marriage, and it was not until the third year that she gave birth to you, naturally cherishing you. You were quite adorable as a child; during your 'zhuazhou' ceremony, you grabbed a book and a piece of embroidery. Zhongxing was only three years old at that time, yet he fought with you for that book, rolling around with you and frightening the wet nurse. A few days later, Zhongxing's grandfather and your grandfather arranged a marriage contract for you both. Later, when we returned to the capital, we also sent letters back, but there was no further news from you. Fortunately, you have come; otherwise, we would have had to send someone back to Yizhou to bring you to the capital.

"Why don't you bring this up with your father and mother?" Lin Mei was also angered. This person had pressured her to break off the engagement multiple times, but had he considered that she was a weak woman who had come to the capital from her hometown, and had no way back? Moreover, it was not that she was unwilling to break off the engagement, but rather that Lord Su and Lady Su had no intention of doing so. Lady Su had introduced her to Lady Luo, clearly stating her identity in front of Lady Luo and others. Yesterday, she had also met several relatives of the Su family, and now who did not know that she was Su Zhongxing's fiancée? If she were to break off the engagement now, she would ruin her reputation and would indeed find it difficult to secure a good marriage in the future.

Two people were conversing when a maid outside called out, and then the curtain was lifted. Su Zhongxing entered, smiling, and said: "Mother, you summoned me, but for what purpose?" As soon as he finished speaking, he noticed Lin Mei was present and couldn't help but frown.

Madam Su was speaking here when another maid peeked in. She was soon invited in to ask a few questions. It was said that Old Madam Su had sent a screen from the room to Mo Shuangqi and wanted to find another screen to place in the hall, thus inquiring Madam Su for the key.

Su Zhongxing waited until Madam Su had walked away, and with the maid gone to fetch tea, he looked directly at Lin Mei and said: "Miss Lin, if you ask again, what would it take for you to agree to break off the engagement?"

Madam Su nodded, "Xiao Mei lost her mother at a young age and was raised without her, so I was worried that she would not be presentable. However, after observing her these days, she has proven to be quite good. The set of headpieces I gave her tonight, if seen by an ordinary girl, would surely dazzle her. Yet, she only feels grateful for my kindness and did not even glance at the headpieces. This aspect is just like her mother. Moreover, considering that her mother had helped me with a few matters back in the day, no matter what, I cannot regret this marriage." She only feels grateful for my kindness and did not even glance at the headpieces. This aspect is just like her mother. Moreover, considering that her mother had helped me with a few matters back in the day, no matter what, I cannot regret this marriage.

Madam Su had someone bring out a set of headwear, along with two newly made outfits, and said with a smile: "The day after tomorrow, we will be going to the Yongping Marquis's residence, so we must dress up nicely."

Lin Mei understood that her marriage with Su Zhongxing had always been on the minds of Lord Su and Lady Su, and they had never intended to call off the engagement. Upon hearing the words spoken together, she felt her face flush and lowered her head in contemplation: the wet nurse was right, a good mother-in-law can sometimes be more important than a good husband. How many young women, proud of marrying a good husband, wither early under the pressure of their mothers-in-law. With Lady Su as a great tree providing shade, it would no longer matter whether Su Zhongxing had her in his heart when they eventually had a son or daughter. How many young women, proud of marrying a good husband, wither early under the pressure of their mothers-in-law. With Lady Su as a great tree providing shade, it would no longer matter whether Su Zhongxing had her in his heart when they eventually had a son or daughter. In the past, her mother had died from being too concerned about her father.

What? I used to roll around with her when I was a child? Upon seeing Lin Mei present, Su Zhongxing initially intended to exchange a few pleasantries and leave. However, when Madam Su began reminiscing about childhood memories, he felt it inappropriate to leave immediately, fearing that Madam Su might resent him for not holding his mother in his thoughts. Thus, he patiently settled down. At this moment, he glanced up at Lin Mei, just as she looked over, and upon their eyes meeting, both quickly turned their heads away.

Lin Mei, not wanting to be rude in front of Madam Su, quickly stood up to pay her respects and called out "Elder Brother Zhongxing" before sitting down again

Madam has matters to attend to, so I shall return to my room first! However, Lin Mei did not wish to stay any longer and hurriedly stood up to take her leave

Madam Su flicked her hand and smiled, saying, "Don't be in such a hurry to leave; I haven't finished my words yet. There is another maid I want to introduce to you, and I will explain it to you in detail later." As she spoke, she called for another maid to pour tea and instructed her to serve well. Following this, she led a few maids and matrons beside her and left.

The maid brought in the tea and saw that Su Zhongxing had already left. Lin Mei sat motionless in the chair, her face slightly flushed, and couldn't help but chuckle to herself: The lady instructed that the young couple should be left alone for a while, could it be that...

After Lin Mei left, an old maid beside Madam Su leaned in and said, "Madam, although Miss Lin and the young master have a marriage contract, there is actually no solid foundation. Should the young master really uphold this engagement?"