In the following period, with her elder sister by her side, Su Zirong had adapted much better to life at the Yi Jing Pavilion.
Duan Xifeng, Cai Xia, and others were busy discussing matters concerning the Nan Yi Kingdom. The only ones with free time were the rescued Su sisters.
Since the two of them could not offer any assistance in rescuing Gu Qianying, they could only manage the daily affairs of the Yi Jing Pavilion.
“Elder Sister, although I have only been here a few days, I feel as though I have observed some things.”
Normally, the sisters were always together. On this day, with everyone else out, Su Zirong finally had the chance to confide in her sister.
Not knowing what her second sister was referring to, Su Yuxi was somewhat puzzled.
“What things?”
Without much speculation, she continued her work, thinking that her sister likely had nothing significant to say.
Su Zirong glanced towards the door. Duan Xifeng and Du Chun were discussing something, their faces flushed, while Meng Qinghua was trying to mediate.
Turning back to Su Yuxi, her eyes seemed to be drawn outside, fixed on someone.
Certain of her suspicions, Su Zirong pulled her to sit down.
“Elder Sister, do you have feelings for that young master Meng?”
As sisters, there was no need for pretense.
Su Yuxi’s face immediately flushed, and she lowered her head.
“Is it truly that obvious?”
She did indeed like Meng Qinghua. It was perhaps from the day he rescued her that Su Yuxi’s feelings towards that man began to change.
Seeing her sister so open, Su Zirong did not mock her. Instead, she propped her chin on her hand and sighed.
“Alas, I never expected that we sisters would fall for men from outside.”
Su Yuxi understood the implication of her words.
“You have someone you like too?”
Although they were sisters, they were only a year apart and both of marriageable age.
Back in the Nan Yi Kingdom, their parents had arranged several blind dates for them, but neither of them had taken a liking to anyone.
However, it was understandable. At that time, they still viewed men as mere tools for procreation, never investing emotional attachment in them.
But they never expected that when their perspectives changed, they would actually experience love.
Su Zirong recalled the past and then thought of her present self, inevitably pouting.
“Yes, I also have someone I like, but I don’t know how he feels about me.”
Seeing her sister’s troubled expression, Su Yuxi looked towards the door.
In fact, during the few days she had been back, Su Yuxi had noticed her sister’s unusual behavior.
Although she was sometimes impetuous, whenever she encountered that person, she would unconsciously become shy and lower her head.
Seeing her demeanor now, Su Yuxi smiled.
“You like Gu girl’s elder brother, Duan Xifeng, don’t you?”
Her thoughts exposed, Su Zirong was unusually shy.
“I don’t know if this counts as liking him. When we were imprisoned together before, although we couldn’t move freely, he still took care of me in that courtyard. It’s strange; Su Jie and the others also took care of me before, but the feeling in my heart was always different.”
Seeing her uncertain feelings, Su Yuxi patted her hand.
“If I fell in love at first sight, then yours is probably a case of love growing over time. Su Jie and the others are, after all, our brothers. At that time, due to our status, we considered their care as a matter of course, so the difference lies here; your feelings are naturally different.”
Her sister’s roundabout explanation was difficult for Su Zirong to fully grasp, but she did understand her own heart.
“Perhaps. Maybe it’s because we were confined and lived together for a long time that feelings developed. But what about him towards me?”
This was the first time Su Zirong had felt so insecure. Duan Xifeng seemed to treat her well, but his words suggested he didn’t quite like her.
Looking at her sister’s worry, Su Yuxi was also concerned. She knew very well that she liked Meng Qinghua, but what were his feelings towards her?
The two sisters looked out the door at the men they admired.
They were not sentimental or indecisive people. Since their hearts were set, why not try to understand the feelings of their beloved?
With this thought, they decided to test Duan Xifeng and Meng Qinghua to see what their true feelings were.
The plan was set, and both were looking for an opportunity.
The Yi Jing Pavilion was becoming increasingly crowded. Except for Meng Xiangxiang and Du Chun’s family dining separately, everyone else sat together.
Su Zirong looked at Meng Qinghua, who was sitting upright nearby. She stood up and deliberately moved closer to him.
The two sensitive individuals at the Yi Jing Pavilion moved together and left. The remaining Duan Xifeng, Bai Yulan, and Nangong Li were all rather oblivious. Su Zirong’s unusual behavior went unnoticed by any of them.
Since they hadn’t noticed anything amiss, the plan could proceed smoothly.
The dishes were all served. Su Zirong quickly picked up a dish from beside her and placed it in Meng Qinghua’s bowl.
“Young Master Meng, you have been so generous to us sisters, allowing my elder sister to stay and allowing me to be here. Your noble character is truly admirable.”
She had never spoken such words before. Su Yuxi beside her lightly touched her forehead, thinking her sister’s act was a bit too much.
“Pfft, to hear you say that, my heavens. Were you locked up in the palace for so long that your brain went bad?” Duan Xifeng, lacking in tact, not only failed to understand but even made a sarcastic remark.
Su Zirong clenched the chopsticks in her hand. This man was truly asking for a beating. She was trying to help her sister test Meng Qinghua, and he had to butt in.
Seeing her sister’s displeased expression, Su Yuxi quickly tried to smooth things over.
“I told my sister that she should express her gratitude to Young Master Meng properly. You all saved us sisters, and it is only right that we show such courtesy.”
Su Yuxi had already thanked them countless times during this period. Bai Yulan smiled at the two sisters and responded generously.
“Oh, you two are too kind. We are all friends, so there’s no need for thanks. If you mention it again, we’ll be upset!”
Her words finally broke the awkwardness. Su Yuxi smiled and nudged Su Zirong under the table, reminding her not to be too obvious.
Su Zirong glared angrily at Duan Xifeng. If it weren’t for this man ruining the atmosphere, she wouldn’t have been so embarrassed.
Lunch was eaten ordinarily. It seemed the opportune moment would have to wait.
Just as she was thinking this, Meng Qinghua beside her suddenly began to cough.
“Cough, cough, cough, cough.”
Seeing him in discomfort, as if he had been too spicy from the food he just ate, Su Yuxi wanted to get him some water, but Su Zirong stopped her.
This was also a good opportunity for a test. She held back her sister’s hand and offered him the cup of warm water she had just poured.