General Xiu, who was reading on the couch, also looked up.
While rummaging through the cabinets, Xiu Shengli nodded, "Xibao is such fun, chubby and playful. He just treated us to some cream cakes, but he didn’t even have a bite. I gave him some Steamed Marmalade Rolls instead."
"Cream cakes? That’s generous, isn’t it? Why did you guys eat, and he didn’t?" Grandma Xiu was curious.
General Xiu replied: "Little Fatty is always generous, very popular with the seniors."
Xiu Shengli animatedly recounted the day’s happenings to his grandparents, gesticulating and chattering away. His memory was impressive, reproducing events with great detail. Finally, he added, "Su Ping is just too mean, and so is Su An. I’m not going to play with him anymore, always seizing things from us kids and resorting to hits!"
General Xiu and his wife exchanged glances, communicating a shared understanding.
After Xiu Shengli got the Steamed Marmalade Rolls and ran out, General Xiu instructed the security officer to follow. He then spoke to his wife, "Culture in Su Family seems to be problematic. I think we should let go of the idea between Jiaojiao and Su Chang. Next time when the matchmaker comes, refuse to set up a formal meeting between the kids."
"About this, I wanted to discuss with you a long time ago!" Grandma Xiu took the opportunity to sit next to her husband, "When you were tipsy, you agreed to their proposal because of Su Shuai and Liu Hongxiu’s promise. Afterwards, we couldn’t decline without losing face. But this has been bothering me. You know the saying ’do as I do, not as I say.’ The actions of the elders can easily influence the younger generation, and they will take whatever the elders do to be right. We won’t discuss Su Shuai’s character now, but look at their family. It’s a mess. Did you hear what Su Ping called Bai Xue? Regardless of the situation, Bai Xue is his stepmother, right? As for Jiaojiao, the most important thing for her is her lifelong happiness. If she marries the wrong person, her life will be ruined."
General Xiu asked, "So, you don’t think it will work out? I thought Su Chang seemed alright when I met him."
Grandma Xiu gave him a stare, "Alright, my foot! Of course, he would behave himself in front of you. Have you heard, from anyone in the troupe, that he once pursued Bai Xue? That tells you what kind of family culture they foster! Not a single good seed in the lot of young men in their clan. As people say, ’birds of a feather flock together.’ I reckon, Bai Xue marrying Su Junlin has Liu Hongxiu’s fingerprints all over it! Without Bai Xue, there will be Black Xue, Red Xue, Grey Xue, none of which will be as devoted to me as you."
"Why wasn’t I aware of this?" General Xiu was astounded.
"Who would come to you and gossip about this? Afraid of offending the Su Family? As an old woman, I’m used to hearing bits and pieces here and there, and I glean information that you guys would never hear." Grandma Xiu gave it some thought, tapping her forehead,"What was I trying to say just now? I can’t remember."
General Xiu replied, "No rush, take your time to remember, we need to sort out the matter with Jiaojiao first."
Even though he had previously agreed to Su Junshu’s proposal, when it came to his daughter’s wedding, he had no choice but to go back on his word. He would rather apologize in person than make his daughter suffer because of his own inability to handle potential embarrassment.
"Since you’ve said so, I’ll go see Liu Hongxiu tomorrow. Anyhow, I have her son’s weaknesses on the tips of my fingers!"
... Chapter Thirteen, Votes Please!