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Before long, the fragrant aroma of tea wafted through the air as she poured two cups and handed one to Su Yuntang.
Su Yuntang accepted it with both hands and took a delicate sip, savoring the green tea's refreshing taste and sweet aftertaste. "This truly is excellent tea," he remarked.
"I heard you were ill a few days ago. Are you feeling better now?" the Third Concubine asked with concern.
"I'm much better, thank you for your care, Aunt," Su Yuntang replied, setting down his cup. "These past few days in the manor, I've felt quite unsettled. I thought it best to come and talk to you."
The Third Concubine paused slightly, her hand holding the teacup faltering as her brow furrowed. "What do you mean by unsettled?"
Su Yuntang bit his lip, appearing hesitant. "Qing Xi is new here and doesn't fully understand the rules of the manor. I feel like I have to be cautious everywhere, afraid that a single misstep might lead to trouble."
"You're right about that," the Third Concubine nodded, her voice dropping unconsciously. "The waters in this manor run deep indeed."
Su Yuntang's heart skipped a beat, but he feigned confusion. "What do you mean by that, Third Concubine?"
Setting down her teacup, the Third Concubine glanced outside before lowering her voice further. "Qing Xi, let me speak frankly with you. The Long Family is not as simple as it appears on the surface."
"I'm eager to hear more," Su Yuntang leaned forward slightly, lowering his voice as well.
The Third Concubine picked up her teacup but did not drink from it; instead, she toyed with its rim. "The Long Family's business spans across Jiangnan. They not only control Cao Bang but also have significant connections in court. Privately...," she paused, "they engage in some unsavory dealings. If you want to establish yourself in this manor, you must be vigilant and tread carefully."
Su Yuntang pretended to be frightened, his voice trembling slightly. "It seems the Madam does not... particularly like me, and Fourth Miss..."
"Long Wanwan has been led astray by her mother," the Third Concubine sighed lightly and shook her head. "The Madam is overly suspicious and views everyone in the manor as an enemy. You need to be wary of that mother-daughter pair, especially the Madam; she will resort to any means necessary to protect her position."
Su Yuntang felt a chill run down his spine. "Are you suggesting...?"
"Have you heard anyone mention the Former Young Lady?" The Third Concubine's voice was barely audible.
Su Yuntang shook his head. "Qing Xi has only just entered the manor and hasn’t dared to inquire about past events."
The Third Concubine remained silent for a long moment, pain evident in her eyes. "Su Yunyan... she was an exceptionally good person—truly kind-hearted and treated everyone in the manor with warmth. Madam Tai favored her greatly and often summoned her for long conversations."
"What happened afterward...?"
"Then she fell ill." The Third Concubine's voice trembled slightly, her teacup shaking gently in her hand. "Her illness was strange; she grew weaker day by day, and despite consulting many renowned doctors, no one could determine the cause. In the end..."
She did not finish her sentence but raised a hand to wipe away tears from the corners of her eyes.
Seeing her distress caused a pang of sorrow in Su Yuntang's heart; it was clear that the Third Concubine genuinely mourned her sister's passing.
"It seems you had a close relationship with the Former Young Lady...?"
"On the surface, I was her elder, but I was only a few years older than her. Su Yunyan loved reading and writing and enjoyed appreciating tea and flowers, so we connected well." The Third Concubine looked up with tears in her eyes. "In this vast Long Manor, she was the only one who treated me sincerely..."
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