Thirteenth Lady's Comback: Her Everyday Life as a Bystander-Chapter 231 - 12: Parting Sentiments (Part 3)

Mrs. Zhao asked Susu if she had really made up her mind. This question seemed out of place, and others might find it inexplicable, but Susu understood.

Mrs. Zhao was asking her if she had truly decided that the person she would spend her life with was Hong Sheng? Had she really decided to follow him to the Northwest?

This question had been asked by Old Madam before the wedding. And now, just before leaving, Mrs. Zhao asked again.

Susu’s answer was always, "Yes, I have decided, it’s him. Didn’t people often say, if you marry a chicken, follow the chicken; if you marry a dog, follow the dog. Since he’s going to the Northwest, I’ll naturally accompany him."

Mrs. Zhao couldn’t help but tap Susu’s forehead and say, "What do you mean marry a chicken, follow the chicken; marry a dog, follow the dog. You’re like a celestial being; whoever marries you can only ascend to heaven with chickens and dogs. And ah, you don’t have to hide it from me. Are you really going to the Northwest just because of Hong Sheng?"

Susu smiled and said, "Nothing can be hidden from you, Mama." She decided to go to the Northwest, not just because of Hong Sheng. But because of Hong Sheng, she could go to that long-dreamed place without having to explain anything.

Hearing this, Mrs. Zhao’s smile faded, and her expression turned more serious, "Young lady, you have big plans, and I’m sure you’ve thought of what I have. But I must remind you, young lady. When you reach the Northwest, be cautious in all things, and don’t act recklessly. You know, us old folks have the most reliable news. I’ve also heard a bit about the temperament of a certain noble person."

Susu felt a bit sorry for the current Emperor. A ruler so cautious that even ordinary folk knew about it, perhaps there was no one else like that.

Susu nodded, and after thinking for a moment, she said to Mrs. Zhao, "Mama, I have already reunited with my Seventh Sister and learned a bit about our family affairs. Rest assured, I understand everything! If you have anything, go to Jinyinman Tang to find Miss Zhen, that’s my Seventh Sister’s dowry shop. Once I arrive in the Northwest, I will write to you. If you reply, just send it to Shun’an Earl Mansion, and I will inform Old Madam."

"You’ve thought of everything, I’m just giving a redundant reminder." Knowing Susu’s resolve, Mrs. Zhao said no more.

Susu laughed and said, "It’s just because you care about me, Mama, that you’re so worried."

Then Susu quietly asked, "Mama, do you know where my parents are buried? If I have the chance in the future, I’d like to move their graves and establish a monument for them!"

With an emphasis on "my," Mrs. Zhao knew she was asking about the parents of Su He.

"Your parents are buried in the village. Rest assured, every year I send people to visit and maintain their graves. Since you’re going to the Northwest now, it wouldn’t be suitable to cause a big fuss. Wait until you return from the Northwest."

With Su He deceased, Susu had taken on her identity, and even while in Yangzhou, she would send silver for offerings to the "parents." Mrs. Zhao made sure to entrust it to reliable people. When villagers inquired, they were told Su He was serving as a maid in a prominent family.

Susu nodded, "Thank you, Mama, for your trouble. I’ve also lit an Everlasting Lamp for my parents, aunt, uncle, and cousin at Louchui Temple, and tomorrow I will go there with Hong Sheng to offer incense."

Mrs. Zhao was aware of the Everlasting Lamp, having been the one who introduced Susu to Louchui Temple, a genuine place of Buddhist purity and devotion.

The aunt and uncle Susu mentioned were in fact the biological parents of her current body, and the cousin referred to as "Thirteenth Lady." In addition, Susu had lit another lantern for Su He, whose identity she had assumed.

Susu did so because, given the miraculous event of her own time-traveling, she believed there might really be divine beings and reincarnation, and sincerely wished these deceased souls a beautiful rebirth.

Furthermore, she had mentioned to Old Madam, Yang Liu, and others about a "cousin sent to the Northwest," to maintain his identity, which would facilitate her actions upon reaching the Northwest.

Speaking thus, Susu said to Mrs. Zhao, "Mama, if there’s an opportunity, help reunite the Su Family as a family of three!"

When Su He suddenly died from illness, Mrs. Zhao, though kind-hearted, couldn’t travel with the body, and thus buried her on the spot, keeping a marker with the intention of moving the grave later for her.

Upon hearing this, she said, "I know, she was a good child, I can’t let her be a wandering soul."

Having resolved these concerns, the two women chatted for a long time. When Sister Qiu Yue came over, smiling, she said, "If one didn’t know, outsiders might think Susu is Mama’s daughter, and that I’m the adopted one!"