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In the early morning, Su Wan'er sat gracefully in the pavilion, with her maid Qing Xing standing beside her.
Today, she wore a light purple gown that swept the ground, her hair styled high as usual, with delicate hairpins gently jingling at her temples.
She heard voices coming from the western corridor and, before she even looked up, saw Li Lingfeng and Mei Ruolan approaching side by side.
Li Lingfeng was dressed in green, his expression stern and hurried. The woman beside him whispered softly, resembling a pair of lovers.
To onlookers, it appeared as if he allowed Mei Ruolan to stay close to him, occasionally leaning down to share light words with her, his eyes betraying a hint of softness.
Su Wan'er felt a tightness in her heart, her fingertips trembling slightly, yet she forced herself to remain calm.
Mei Ruolan was dressed simply today—her Hanfu was as white as clouds, a fragrance pouch swaying gently at her waist. The hairpins adorning her hair were set with tiny pearls that sparkled as she tilted her head slightly.
Walking beside Li Lingfeng, her eyes and brows exuded gentleness. Occasionally, she would meet his gaze, her smile neither too deep nor too shallow—perfectly measured.
The servants of the Li Residence had already begun to exchange knowing glances and suppressed laughter.
A few older matrons whispered among themselves in the corridor. One remarked, “Lord Li has been spending a lot of time in the flower hall lately, chatting and laughing with Mei Gu Niang. The main courtyard feels rather deserted.” Another added, “Well, who can blame him? The Main Wife has been childless for years; a man’s heart is bound to wander.”
These words pierced Su Wan'er’s ears like needles.
She did not respond but lowered her head to smooth the hem of her garment, the smile at the corners of her lips feeling somewhat forced.
“Madam.” Li Lingfeng finally stepped closer to her, his tone as flat as if he were addressing a long-unseen neighbor rather than his legitimate wife.
Su Wan'er rose slightly and bent her knees respectfully, her voice gentle: “Does my husband have any matters today?”
Li Lingfeng's gaze swept past her and landed on the books and teacups on the table. He replied casually, “Nothing much. It’s just that Ruo Lan has not been feeling well lately; please instruct the kitchen to prepare lighter meals.”
Mei Ruolan lowered her head and softly said, “I apologize for troubling you, Madam. Ruo Lan feels fine.”
Li Lingfeng turned to look at her, his tone unexpectedly laced with concern. "You are weak and should take more time to rest. Su Wan'er is always considerate; you can discuss matters in the kitchen with her."
As Su Wan'er listened to her husband's caring tone—once reserved solely for her—it now seemed so easily given to another.
A chill ran through her heart, yet her face remained a mask of calmness. "The kitchen has its arrangements. If Miss Ruo Lan feels unwell, perhaps Qing Xing can accompany you to the backyard to rest."
Mei Ruolan lifted her gaze, tears glistening in her eyes. "Thank you for your concern, Madam. I only felt a bit dizzy this morning, and the young master noticed my pale complexion, which is why he accompanied me here to pay his respects."
Upon hearing this, Li Lingfeng furrowed his brows, his tone softening. "Your health is important; if you feel unwell again, have a doctor come to the residence to take a look."
These words struck Su Wan'er like a needle piercing her heart.
The servants around them couldn't help but whisper among themselves. "Lord Li is quite considerate towards Mei Gu Niang." — "Indeed, the main wife seems a bit too cold."
Su Wan'er felt the world around her spin, her fingers tightly gripping the embroidered handkerchief as she struggled to suppress all her emotions.
She spoke slowly and softly, "My husband has always cared for the affairs of the household; I will naturally obey."
Li Lingfeng failed to detect the chill in her words and instead felt an increasing distance between them.
He glanced at her and said lightly, "Ruo Lan has just entered Li Residence and may face many inconveniences. Su Wan'er, you should take care of her; we wouldn't want outsiders to say that Li Residence treats people poorly."
Though this was meant kindly, it felt like an invisible humiliation to Su Wan'er.
Her status as the legitimate wife now required her to be cautious and accommodating toward an outsider, even being publicly reprimanded by her husband for not being attentive enough.
Qing Xing lowered her head, quietly shielding her mistress from those prying eyes.
Yet Su Wan'er distinctly heard a maid whispering nearby, "The madam is pitiful; all her good intentions go unnoticed."
The hall suddenly fell silent.
Li Lingfeng, however, did not notice his wife's unusual demeanor and turned to Mei Ruolan to discuss trivial matters.
The two stood quite close, and Mei Ruolan's voice was soft, as if afraid of disturbing someone: "Young Master, I saw that the plum blossoms bloomed in the garden this morning. I would like to pick a branch for a sachet, if that is alright?"
Li Lingfeng smiled slightly: "Plum blossoms fall easily. If you like them, have someone gather a few branches. Don't catch a chill."
The servants around them chuckled, and even a bold maid whispered teasingly, "This Mei Gu Niang is truly fortunate; Lord Li is willing to personally gather flowers for her."
Su Wan'er felt a wave of dizziness and forced herself to look up: "If Ruo Lan likes them, she may go ahead. All the flowers and trees in the residence are my husband's efforts."
Mei Ruolan turned to her and said softly, "Thank you, Madam," though her gaze held a hint of barely perceptible pride.
Suddenly, Li Lingfeng remembered something and instructed, "Today is the Double Ninth Festival. A few colleagues are coming over for a small gathering. Su Wan'er, you need not worry about the household affairs; Ruo Lan will accompany me to the front hall to entertain our guests."
Su Wan'er was taken aback for a moment before lowering her eyes: "I understand."
In previous years during the Double Ninth Festival, she had always stood by Li Lingfeng's side to welcome guests, but today she had to relinquish that honor to another.
Li Lingfeng turned around, and Mei Ruolan took the opportunity to link her arm with his, smiling softly: "Young Master, Ruo Lan is not good at socializing; please take care of her."
Li Lingfeng returned her smile, his gaze gentle as if he had forgotten that his Main Wife was behind him.
The two walked in sync and soon disappeared around the corner of the flower hall.
The maid Qing Xing hurried forward and whispered, "Madam, don't feel upset. Lord Li is just momentarily confused; he still cares for you..."
Su Wan'er gently shook her head, her voice hoarse: "Cares for me? If he truly cared, how could he treat me so coldly in front of everyone? Qing Xing, tell me—have I made a mistake?"
Silently, Qing Xing could only hold her hand tightly.
In the front hall, Li Lingfeng stood side by side with Mei Ruolan.
The hall was filled with guests, and several colleagues exchanged knowing smiles upon seeing the scene. Someone teased, "Brother Li looks particularly well these days; it seems he has a beautiful companion!"
Another person half-jokingly remarked, "I’ve heard that the Li Residence has welcomed a new beauty. Seeing her today, she truly is exceptional. Madam Su is indeed a rare sight!"
Li Lingfeng was about to decline the comments, but Mei Ruolan cleverly interjected with a light laugh, "You gentlemen are jesting. Ruo Lan is merely residing at the Li Residence and is grateful for the kindness shown by the lady and young master. I cannot accept such praise."
She skillfully positioned herself as someone being cherished, and everyone understood the implication.
Seeing that the conversation was veering off course, Li Lingfeng felt an unexpected surge of anger but instead took Mei Ruolan's wrist gently and said in a soft tone, "Ruo Lan has a gentle disposition; please refrain from sharing any jokes in her presence."
The guests erupted in laughter. Someone raised a glass and said, "Lord Li cherishes his lady; it truly makes one envious."
Another asked, "Then... where is Madam Su today? We haven't seen her."
Upon hearing this, Li Lingfeng's expression darkened slightly as he replied coldly, "She is occupied with household matters and is unwell today; I told her to rest."
Mei Ruolan lowered her head with a smile, her demeanor submissive, yet her tone carried an almost imperceptible hint of pride. "Madam is usually gentle; she even specially instructed the kitchen this morning to prepare light meals for me..."
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