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Su Yuntang smiled gently, "Thank you for your concern, my lord. I am doing well."
"That's good to hear." Long Xi nodded, "If you feel unwell, do not push yourself."
A warmth spread through Su Yuntang's heart as she responded. But soon she regained her composure; they both wore masks, and how much calculation lay hidden behind this warmth?
As night deepened, Long Xi took his leave and returned to his study. Su Yuntang lay in bed, repeatedly reflecting on the events of the day. Long Xiao's attentiveness might not be without opportunity. If she could cleverly utilize it, perhaps she could extract the true cause of her sister's death from him. Yet, was this approach too risky?
Since Su Yuntang married into the Long Family, Fourth Miss Long Wanwan had been a frequent visitor to her courtyard. One afternoon, while Su Yuntang was sewing in her room, she heard Long Wanwan's voice coming from the courtyard: "Sister-in-law, I've come to see you again!"
Lu Ao lifted the curtain and smiled as he reported, "Madam, Fourth Miss has arrived."
"Please invite her in." Su Yuntang set down her embroidery frame and rose to greet her.
Long Wanwan entered wearing a pink silk dress with a pearl hairpin adorning her head, looking charming and delightful. As soon as she stepped inside, she took Su Yuntang's hand and said, "Sister-in-law, you look a bit unwell. Did you not sleep well last night?"
"It's nothing; perhaps it's just the heat." Su Yuntang allowed her to hold her hand. "What brings you here today?"
"I was just thinking about you." Long Wanwan playfully shook her arm, "I heard from the kitchen that you hardly ate dinner last night; it made me quite worried."
Su Yuntang thought to herself how well-informed this girl was; she knew all about her dining habits.
"I haven't had much appetite because of the heat," she explained with a smile.
"That's exactly why I came to find you!" Long Wanwan said with a mysterious smile as she took a delicate food box from her maid. "I had the kitchen specially prepare some sweetened white fungus and lotus seed soup to cool down and relieve heat—perfect for this season. You must try it!"
Lu Ao took the food box and opened it; inside were several blue-and-white porcelain bowls filled with soup that still emitted a hint of coolness, making one's mouth water.
"You are so thoughtful, Long Wanwan." Su Yuntang took a bowl and scooped out a spoonful to taste; it was sweet and fragrant, indeed refreshing.
"Is it good?" Long Wanwan looked at her eagerly. "I personally told the kitchen to add rock sugar and osmanthus flowers, along with a few red dates."
"It tastes wonderful." Su Yuntang took a few more sips. "Thank you so much, Long Wanwan."
"Sister-in-law will be pleased, that's what matters." Long Wanwan clapped her hands. "By the way, I have prepared some other delightful treats for tomorrow. You must come to my courtyard. I've had various ice bowls made, including almond tofu, sour plum soup, and green bean paste chilled with well water. I guarantee they will help you cool off."
Su Yuntang nodded in agreement. "Then I shall gladly accept your invitation."
The two chatted for a while longer before Long Wanwan took her leave. As she departed, she reminded Su Yuntang, "Don't forget to finish the silver ear soup; it's good for your health."
The next afternoon, Su Yuntang arrived at Long Wanwan's courtyard as promised.
This courtyard, named Ting Yu Pavilion, was much more exquisite than her own residence, exuding the delicate charm of a wealthy young lady.
A shaded pavilion had been set up in the courtyard, with a round table made of wicker and embroidered stools arranged beneath it. On the table were various ice bowls: the chilled green bean paste was a pale green, the almond tofu was as white as jade, and the sour plum soup was enticingly sweet and sour.
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