What was she thinking? Maybe he didn’t bring anything back at all, and simply bought something at the roadside to falsely claim it was from Zhuma Town? Only a fool like Su Qiuyu would truly believe his words.
The other young ladies’ minds spun with thoughts, reveling in Schadenfreude, surely this is a case of sour grapes, isn’t it?
Su Qiuyu rolled her eyes; how could this sister of Yao Hanai be so foolish? No wonder they were not born from the same mother, the daughter of a concubine just can’t hold a candle to the legitimate ones!
Yao Hanai’s lips twitched slightly as she softly said to her sister, "Young Master Zheng comes from a noble lineage, how could he behave like those frivolous men? Zhilan, don’t talk nonsense."
Yao Zhilan bit her lip and fell silent, not speaking further. Although she and her sister didn’t share the same mother, they had always had a great relationship. In her eyes, her sister’s words were always right.
"Exactly," Su Qiuyu, although somewhat irritated by Yao Zhilan also calling Xia Zheng "Brother Zheng," saw Yao Hanai tactfully correcting her younger sister and thus held her peace.
Yan Ruchun silently glared at them. It’s one thing for Su Qiuyu, her aunt was the Empress, but what about Yao Hanai? Her father was just The Grand Scholar; what was there to be proud of? Acting every day like she was above the mundane world, did she really think herself a fairy?
"Oh, Miss Yao, long time no see! I’ve heard that you’ve topped the female academy’s examinations again this year!"
People often envy or even become jealous of things they can’t have or heights they can’t reach. None of the young ladies present dared to challenge Yao Hanai, who was skilled in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. Fortunately, Yao Hanai always kept a low profile, so the hostility towards her was quite minimal.
Yao Zhilan, however, was not the type to keep a low profile, her younger age making her a bit more unrestrained: "Of course, my sister has been personally declared the top talented woman of the Capital city by His Majesty, she is certainly amazing!"
The crowd pursed their lips and paid her no further attention.
The little girl was about to continue speaking but was stopped by a look from Yao Hanai. Yao Zhilan shivered; although her elder sister always looked at her indifferently, why did she always feel so uncomfortable around her? It was just like the saying, oh yes, like having a thorn in one’s side.
Su Qiuyu was the center of attention at this gathering, but as people’s attention wavered and was taken by Yao Hanai, she couldn’t help feeling displeased. While she may not match Yao Hanai in talent, she was certainly the beauty of the company.
Su Qiuyu used a handkerchief to cover her lips, gently cleared her throat, and said, "My sisters may not know this, but Zhuma Town has a pastry shop that makes extremely good pastries, called Rice Flower Fragrance. All the pastries in Brother Zheng’s restaurant come from this shop. Actually, if it weren’t for Brother Zheng’s patronage, Rice Flower Fragrance wouldn’t be as famous as it is."
Suddenly thinking of that annoying little wench, Su Qiuyu couldn’t help but denigrate her: "Moreover, the owner of that shop is just a village girl. What good can come from a village girl’s work? It’s only because Brother Zheng pitied her and secretly gave her a recipe for making pastries that Rice Flower Fragrance gained its reputation. Brother Zheng is truly kind-hearted!"
"Yes, indeed, Young Master Zheng is really kind-hearted!" Everyone nodded along, swayed by Su Qiuyu’s words.
Yan Ruchun pouted, feeling that something about what Su Qiuyu said was off, but couldn’t quite put her finger on it.
Yao Hanai, who had been sitting quietly, suddenly curved her lips into a smile, her gaze towards Su Qiuyu changing.
Of course, there were always some ladies ready to flatter Su Qiuyu: "I’ve heard that Young Master Zheng has opened several restaurants, and even Old Mr. Zhen, who used to be the pickiest eater in the palace, refused to leave after falling in love with their offerings. Miss Su, you are so fortunate; with the backing of the General’s Mansion and countless amounts of Silver!"
Su Qiuyu’s lips curled up, feeling that the woman’s words were very pleasing to hear.
"Miss Cheng must have recently accompanied your father to the Capital city, right? I have only two brothers in my house and have always envied those with sisters. If you have time, Miss Cheng, you should visit often and keep me company."
Cheng Yuexiu was startled, rising to her feet and hastily bowing in gratitude: "Yuexiu also feels a special closeness to Miss Su, as if you were my own elder sister."