Of course, since that princess had escaped on her wedding night, she still had hope of becoming the consort of the Eastern Palace. However, from my years of keen observation, I feared she more desired to become an honorable wife.
Su Hui was neither as naive as Song Sitian nor as volatile as the Seventh Princess. She was well-read, with a broad knowledge of books, and her small-script calligraphy was particularly elegant, highly praised by Yanfeng’s literati. Moreover, she maintained an image of gentle refinement, understanding social boundaries perfectly, easily winning people’s favor. Many young gentlemen in Yanfeng were infatuated with her, and even the young master from the Minister of War’s household considered her a confidante, though she remained tantalizingly distant, inspiring unrequited longing.
Having such a beloved figure harboring feelings for my husband made me feel immense pressure. Although she hadn’t done anything overtly, she seemed like a hidden crisis, ready to erupt at any moment.
“You’re right,” Xue Miaoyin mused. “Su Hui is quite sophisticated. I’ve witnessed her skills several times.” She looked at me sympathetically. “With such a husband, you must have a hard time?”
I smiled and tossed a fennel seed into my mouth. “Competing with others is endlessly entertaining.”
I naturally had no objections. However, with his slow and obtuse nature, he truly needed someone to enlighten him.
On my way home, I stopped by my father-in-law’s study. The cold weather had slowed business, and several of his old friends were gathered around a charcoal brazier, brewing plum blossom wine. As I entered, I greeted each uncle and joined them, getting a cup of wine and placing a plate of packaged fennel seeds and salted peanuts for them to enjoy with their drink. The elderly gentlemen moved from the current turbulent political landscape to the recent marriage alliance between the Seventh Princess and Xiliang.
I immediately perked up my ears to listen carefully. Among these uncles were retired court officials, scholarly intellectuals, and wise men living quietly in the city, each with a unique perspective on the situation.
