Thirteenth Lady's Comback: Her Everyday Life as a Bystander-Chapter 269 - 21: Subsidy (2nd Update)

By evening, both Commander Liu and Hong Sheng had returned early from the military camp.

By that time, Susu and Qin Shi had already composed themselves, redoing their makeup and changing clothes. When they arrived, Qin Shi, along with Susu and the two young ladies, were chatting enthusiastically about the current fashionable clothing and jewelry, as well as food, drink, and entertainment in the Capital.

Commander Liu did not expect that Hong Sheng’s wife would be so friendly with his stepdaughter, whom he had never met, and who happened to be the niece of his wife’s close friend. Naturally, out of affection, he generously offered a meeting gift, giving his wife much face.

This also left Hong Sheng, who had been somewhat puzzled earlier, secretly clicking his tongue. If he could see the future, he might learn a term—hanging up!

For now, he could only silently encourage himself, as it was rare for someone at the age of twenty-two to hold a Fourth Rank official position. He believed he could still be deserving of his wife... right?

After dinner, Susu and Hong Sheng took their leave and returned to their own home.

Not to mention that after Susu got on the carriage, her mood immediately turned low, and she bowed her head, lost in thought!

Meanwhile, at the Liu Mansion.

Commander Liu and Qin Shi returned to their room to talk, just as Mrs. Sun brought in the gift list that Susu had sent. There were two, one of which was brought by Susu on behalf of Ruan Qiniang.

Besides the local specialties of the Capital and some dried seafood that Qin Shi loved, the rest were some fabrics and jewelry, all in the popular colors and styles of the Capital, and everyone in the five-member Liu Family was considered.

And as for Susu’s gifts, there were many more. In addition to the local specialties from the Capital, there were fresh items purchased along the way.

Moreover, there were new-style pastries from Lin Sheng’s shop, Yangzhou snacks; two Kesi embroidered screens and a few headband and pocket embroidered by Susu herself; and also a box of gemstones and a box of pearls.

When Qin Shi saw those two boxes of jewelry at the end, she knew they were added later. Thinking that even Susu, whom she treated as a daughter, knew about her husband’s greed for wealth, she couldn’t help but blush.

Qin Shi pinched Commander Liu hard on the soft flesh of his lower back, "Look at your reputation, how could I face Susu? Not to mention the things she sent, the meeting gifts she gave to your son and daughter today are quite valuable. Making the younger generation spend so much, what does that make me?" 𝗳𝐫𝚎𝗲𝚠𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝘃𝚎𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝗺

Commander Liu didn’t think there was anything wrong with his love for money, but he dared not say so at this moment. He hurriedly replied, "You can pick out something nice and give it back as a return gift. They’ve just arrived, and I’m sure there are many things they haven’t prepared yet. Help think about it and send them over."

He did notice the bracelet that Susu gave to Sister Zhen. Not to mention, its carving was no less than that of a master craftsman. On close examination, the materials were also precious.

For those he cared for, Commander Liu was never stingy with his generosity. Although he loved money, he wasn’t a complete miser. Even if it pained him to the core, he had to be generous in front of his wife!

Moreover, it involved that child in the Capital. Even if his wife didn’t say it, he knew that was the child she felt most guilty about. If being kind to Susu could make his wife feel a bit better, then even if it costs him everything... well, that’s a bit too much! But giving a little something, he was willing.

Having been married for six or seven years, Qin Shi understood her husband’s nature well. Pushing him out to dissipate the smell of alcohol, she set about personally preparing a return gift for Susu with Mrs. Sun.

"Although maids from families like ours can save quite a bit when they leave, and Susu was favored by Old Lady Shun’an, she was still just a servant in that household. Even if her masters gifted her with a dowry and silver, how much could it be? Besides, others might not know, but you and I do; she was once a person of noble birth, a match for a grand wedding. Now, because Prince Gong took a liking to her, she had to marry in haste; just thinking about it upsets me."

Qin Shi looked at her dowry list, marked a few items, and instructed Mrs. Sun, "She looks well-dressed, so Hong Sheng must treat her well, but without a dowry, a woman can’t truly stand tall. These dowries are meant for the sisters in the future. Giving her some now is not a subsidy, just a gift from me, to ensure no one looks down on her."

In the end, it’s because Susu’s current status isn’t enough, and her marriage is too favorable. There are always some ignorant people who see her differently. Otherwise, why would there be such nasty rumors outside about the Rouge Tiger? With Susu’s gentle nature, even calling her a Rouge Cat would be an overstatement.

In Qin Shi’s mind, Susu remained as she was eight years ago. When it came to cutthroat and banter skills, Susu could be a Rouge Dinosaur.

It’s just that Qin Shi didn’t know. Even though she, a noblewoman from Duke Zhen’s Mansion, married into the Liu Family a second time, aren’t there many people speaking idle words outside? Let alone Susu.

Mrs. Sun knew that at this moment, Madam was emotionally charged. If she were to speak out against her, Madam, being as stubborn as she was currently, would certainly be displeased.

But Nanny Wang was on leave these days, going to her goddaughter’s home to play the matriarch, leaving Mrs. Sun as the only trusted person by Madam’s side who had to speak up for certain matters.

After all, Madam had already married into the Liu Family and was now a woman of the Liu Family.

They themselves were aware that Madam Su was Miss Thirteen, but others did not know.

Currently, Madam’s closeness to Madam Su was outwardly justified by her good relations with Miss Seven.

Could it be that just because Madam Su and Miss Seven were close, she would value her so much, even generously sharing her dowry?

What would Second Miss think? What would the eldest son think? What about those not born from her?

Of course, what the children thought wasn’t of utmost importance, but what would the Master think? There was no need for this matter to sow discord between the couple.

"Even if Madam feels for Madam Su, even hearing of those things made this maid feel bad. However, in the eyes of others, we have only just gotten to know Madam Su, and even if it’s because of Miss Seven, we shouldn’t go overboard, lest it arouses suspicion from those with vested interests. Over time, when you have interacted longer, you can gradually make up for it."

Seeing the expression on Qin Shi’s face dim, Mrs. Sun empathetically said, "Moreover, judging from Madam Su’s attire and demeanor, if she said that Old Madam Song treated her like her own granddaughter and that she didn’t suffer much, it might be true. And Madam, have you forgotten? Before you left, didn’t you leave those things from the Ruan Family with Miss Seven? If Miss Seven acknowledged Madam Su at her wedding, Miss Seven must have given her what she deserved, and that wasn’t a small amount."

Upon hearing this from Mrs. Sun, Qin Shi remembered that Duke Li, during the intense succession struggle, had secretly sold some of his private possessions, handing over silver, property deeds, and valuable jewels to her, saying that if any unforeseen changes occurred, these would be the Ruan Family’s fallback.

Remembering this, Qin Shi felt a mix of emotions. She and Duke Li had no feelings to speak of, yet when looking for someone to entrust, Duke Li thought of her first, whether it was because of the backing of Duke Zhen’s Mansion or her character, it was all quite ironic.

A husband and wife who were estranged yet kept each other’s deepest secrets.