I'm just having a backache!
Song Qianhang roared in his heart: I only visit the brothel to listen to the music, I never do those things, don't slander me!
Princess Jing should have been angry about her younger son's visit to the brothel, but at this moment, there was a complicated look in her eyes when she looked at him, with some unspeakable sympathy.
The older son doesn't work out, and now the younger one doesn't either?
She turned sideways and instructed the new housekeeper, "Tell the kitchen to prepare some nourishment soup and medicine for the second young master as well."
Song Qianhang was immediately anxious, "Mother, I haven't...."
Princess Jing gave him a 'it's okay, Mother understands' look, stifling Qianhang's words in his throat.
[He does need more supplements...]
"Su Juan!" Song Qianhang was so angry that his face turned red, and he shouted.
"Huh?" Su Juan was startled, turned around to look at Song Qianhang, completely puzzled, [What's going on here?]
Song Qianhang gritted his teeth; with the Emperor's consent, he couldn't expose the matter, he could only swallow the frustration bitterly.
Watching Song Qianhang leave as if in anger, Su Juan looked innocently at Princess Jing, "Mother-in-law, did I do something wrong, why did everyone leave?"
Princess Jing smiled sweetly, comforting her daughter-in-law, "My child couldn't have done anything wrong."
Looking at Su Juan in front of her, Princess Jing became increasingly satisfied. What a good daughter-in-law, so pure, no hidden agendas.
She patted Su Juan's hand, "Marrying Fan'er must have been a grievance for you."
For a lifetime of happiness, Princess Jing felt somewhat guilty towards this daughter-in-law.
Su Juan shook her head, "It's not a grievance, being able to marry my husband is a blessing for me."
[Well, it's okay, we are all pitiful people, I understand.]
Sooner or later, we'll all end up in a deep jail.
Seeing such an understanding daughter-in-law, Princess Jing felt even more remorseful towards her.
...
When General Wei Yuan arrived at Black Dog Mountain, it happened to be when bandits were robbing supplies. The large group successfully protected the disaster relief grains and escorted the bandits to the capital overnight.
The news reached the palace, and the Emperor was relieved; had it not been for the early warning from the Heir Consort, countless people would have suffered from hunger and died in droves.
Su Juan's deeds this time were immeasurable.
The Emperor had utterly dismissed the thought of killing her; just from observing the Black Dog Mountain incident, one could see her talents were vastly beneficial to Da Jin.
This girl is kind, her mind is not bad, just somewhat naive, if she had any ill intentions, she couldn't hide them either.
"Prince Jing, take good care of your daughter-in-law." The implication was that if something happened, report immediately.
"I understand, Your Majesty."
With the Emperor's consent, no one dared expose Su Juan's ability to hear one's inner voice, yet more people developed a keen interest in gossip.
...
On the day of the return visit, Su Juan and Song Qianfan got down from the Prince Mansion's carriage.
Seeing Song Qianfan also coming, Old Master Su hurriedly led the whole family forward to greet...
He didn't think much of his daughter, raised in the rural areas, if it weren't for a stroke of luck, recognized by the Divine Artifact, and thus conferred marriage by the Emperor, how could she marry into such a family?
But now, her status was different, and he couldn't afford to offend her.
Just as he plastered on a smile, a schadenfreude voice rang out...
[Look at this proud father of mine, looking well-fed, most likely because he accepted a new young concubine yesterday, old cow eating tender grass, he must be feeling quite refreshing inside.]
Old Master Su's smile suddenly froze.
The relatives and friends who could hear the words around them all looked towards him, unexpectedly, this Old Master Su, already in his fifties, still had it in him.
Su Juan browsed her system panel filled with previous idle writings she penned, [On this day, Old Master Su strolled into Chunxiang Building, had two drinks, and slightly tipsy, he caught sight of a young girl behind the pearl curtain. He then staggered over with his wine, but accidentally bumped into the beauty.]
[The beauty's light powdered gauze soaked in wine, revealing her slender figure like a delicate willow, making Old Master Su's eyes heat up. That night, he redeemed the beauty and brought her back home.]
The Su daughters listening blushed with embarrassment, Su Juan was too shameless!
Old Master Su coughed twice, feeling it wasn't shameful, after all, who didn't have those kinds of romantic anecdotes?
Male and female affection is the most normal thing.
[Even if there's a romantic encounter, it can't overshadow the fact that he only stayed in the girl's room for less than half a tea's time...]
Scandalous!
People around immediately cast glances at Old Master Su, only half a tea's time? How pitiful.
Old Master Su turned green with the idea that last night was a bad day; otherwise, it would be one or two hours.
This disobedient daughter really has no manners, daring to insult her own father!?
The breath was stuck in his chest, neither going up nor down.
People around perked up their ears, knowing this was rare scoop.
Song Qianfan's gaze landed on Old Master Su, Su Juan sure was daring, crafting tales about her own father, not the least bit shy saying these as a maiden.
[Came out of the girl's room in the middle of the night and then ran to Third Concubine's chamber, yet because it took less than half a tea's time, he was driven out by Third Concubine.]
[Tsk tsk tsk, lacking skills yet so eager.]
"Pfft..." Someone couldn't hold it in and laughed out loud.
At this, Old Master Su's face turned completely dark, ready to lash out, but was reminded by his wife's gaze.
Previously, the Emperor had secretly ordered, now everyone could only act dumb in front of Su Juan, should anything leak out, it could be a crime punishable by extermination of the family, and the Su family wouldn't be able to bear that.
With Old Master Su's face looking very unpleasant, Su Juan smiled, with sweet, obedient demeanor, "Daughter greets Father and Mother."
Old Master Su's expression was ugly, unable to even squeeze out a smile, he gave a cold snort.
However, Madam Su smiled warmly, stepping forward to take Su Juan's hand, "Such a long and tiring journey, my child, you must be exhausted?"
Her gentle mother-in-law image made others around her sigh; this new wife of Old Master Su was pretty good, showing even a previous wife's daughter such maternal love.
Madam Su's face was loving, but she too had her own plans, although Su Juan wasn't her daughter, she was the main family's legitimate daughter and now tied with the Royal Family. It's fortunate she wasn't malicious; with so many people watching, she needed to play her role well.
Su Juan lightly shook her head, "Daughter is not tired, only feels guilty for letting Mother and Father wait so long at the door."
Madam Su laughed, "You silly child, it's only been three days since your wedding, why do you seem distant from your parents?"
Su Juan gazed down, smiling without speaking.
Everyone reckoned, mentioning the wedding, the young lady got shy.
In the next moment, Su Juan's inner voice rang out: [Madam Su truly deserves the title of previous house struggle winner, only met twice, yet with such acting skills, impressive to the point it nearly moved even me.]
The entire Su family: "..."
Your acting skills are what's impressive!
The whole family, you're the best at pretending!