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Su Yuntang thought of Lady Long's cold face, Long Xiao's frivolous gaze, the seemingly innocent Long Wanwan, and the suspicious Long Xi...
Most importantly, Long Xiao said she resembled someone. Could that someone be her sister?
Su Yuntang gently sat up, lifted the curtain, and placed her bare feet on the cold blue brick floor. She walked to the dressing table and examined herself in the dim candlelight.
The reflection in the mirror showed a delicate face with clear features and skin whiter than snow, indeed bearing some resemblance to her sister, Su Yunyan.
She had to be cautious and first establish her footing in the Long Family.
Returning to her bed, Su Yuntang pulled the thin blanket over herself and closed her eyes, forcing herself to rest.
The next morning, Su Yuntang woke up extremely early.
The sky was not yet fully bright; only a sliver of dawn light filtered through the window.
She lay in bed for a while but could not fall back asleep. Quietly, she dressed and decided to step outside for some fresh air.
Pushing open the door, she found the small courtyard outside was silent. The spring morning air was fresh and moist, carrying a faint floral scent.
Su Yuntang took a deep breath and was about to walk into the courtyard when she heard hushed voices nearby.
It was Hong Xiu and Lu Ao.
The two were washing clothes by the well in the corner of the yard, speaking loudly as they assumed no one would be awake at this hour.
"I just can't understand," Lu Ao complained in a low voice while scrubbing a garment, "She used to be just like us, a servant; she's merely a physician! Just because she helped the young lady elope, she suddenly transforms into a mistress? That's so unreasonable! What gives her that right?"
Su Yuntang paused her steps and quietly listened from behind the door.
"What nonsense are you talking about?" Hong Xiu quickly set down her clothes and looked around nervously. "Do you dare say such things?"
Lu Ao shrugged: "What's wrong? There are no outsiders in this courtyard; can’t I just speak my mind?"
"Of course not!" Hong Xiu's tone turned stern. "Lu Ao, listen carefully: we all came to the Long Family together; we’re all in the same boat. Besides, Sister Su Yuntang treats us very well; there’s no distinction between master and servant when we’re back in our courtyard. Speaking like that is ungrateful!"
"I just..." Lu Ao tried to defend herself but was interrupted by Hong Xiu.
"There’s no 'just'! From now on, such talk is not allowed!"
Just as Su Yuntang was about to step forward, she saw Liu Mama striding over from the side courtyard with a frighteningly dark expression.
"Lu Ao!" Liu Mama's voice was low but filled with anger. "What did you just say?"
Seeing Liu Mama approach, Lu Ao became flustered: "Mama, I... I didn’t say anything..."
"Don't you dare lie!" Liu Mama stepped in front of Lu Ao, grabbing her arm tightly. "I heard everything inside! You little brat, how dare you say such things outside? Are you trying to get us all killed?"
Lu Ao winced from the grip, her eyes turning red. "Mama, I was wrong. I won't say it again..."
"Listen carefully," Liu Mama leaned closer to her ear, her voice barely above a whisper. "You must never speak like that again! If anyone hears and finds out that Su Yuntang is just a substitute bride, we're all finished. Everyone will suffer! Do you understand?"
Lu Ao nodded vigorously. "I understand, I understand, Mama. I won't dare to do it again."
"It better be so." Liu Mama released her grip and glanced at Hong Xiu. "Hong Xiu, you need to keep an eye on her too. Don't let her talk nonsense again."
"Yes, Mama." Hong Xiu quickly replied.
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