Chapter 54: Completing the Toast
Due to Bai Li Xuan Ye's decision to let the General's residence handle the affairs of Tao Hong and Zhu Da, both of them were taken back to the General's residence.
Su Yu Xin ordered twenty lashes for Zhu Da. Although it resulted in severe injuries, his life was ultimately spared.
Tao Hong's situation was more tragic. Su Yu Xin sent her back to the Su residence without a chance to meet anyone, and directly ordered her execution by beating.
Cui Liu was already injured and had pleaded for a long time. Eventually, Lu Shi Yan allowed her to be buried after relenting a little. With Tao Hong being her only kin, her passing was almost unbearable.
Had she known, she might not have pleaded with the madam to redeem Tao Hong from the yamen. Even if she were to remain as a low-ranking servant, she would have fared better than the current fate.
Being bedridden due to her injuries, Cui Liu was completely unaware of these events. Had Tao Hong even hinted at something, she would have vehemently opposed it. This was simply a foolish idea.
However, Tao Hong held a deep grudge against Su Yu Xin and was eager for revenge. Thus, she readily collaborated with Su Yu Xiang, being particularly proactive. Consequently, her death was especially tragic.
Cui Liu wept bitterly and then arranged for a simple coffin for Tao Hong, burying her in a relatively secluded place outside the city. Then, she followed Su Yu Xiang to the Water Moon Hermitage.
The Su residence lost face completely, becoming the talk of the capital overnight. Su's elderly lady almost collapsed from anger.
Following the imperial decree, Su Ming Zhe returned Lu Shi Ying's dowry. Despite Lu Shi Yan's frustration, he was helpless.
The atmosphere in the Su residence became oppressively subdued. The household servants were cautious, afraid to make any mistakes during these difficult times.
However, Jin Mama, beside Lu Shi Yan, offered some comforting words: "We haven't completely lost yet. The old servant already took care of what the madam had previously instructed."
"Really?" Lu Shi Yan sat up abruptly and asked.
"Yes, everything was done according to the madam's orders," Jin Mama nodded.
"You did well." Lu Shi Yan's expression lightened, dispelling the gloom. "When that wretched girl goes to hell, today's matter involving Xiang'er will be considered null and void."
She had initially thought that due to Su Yu Xiang's interference, her plan had failed. Unexpectedly, it had worked out.
What she wanted was not Su Yu Xin's "innocence" but her "life."
"What about the second miss? Does she really have to spend the full three months at the Water Moon Hermitage? The Dragon Boat Festival is about to start," Jin Mama reminded.
"There is still half a month left. I will think of a solution." Lu Shi Yan narrowed her eyes, quickly brainstorming ideas. Not only did she need to return, but she also had to make a grand return.
Despite Su Yu Xin's apparent calmness in the palace, she was undoubtedly sweating in her palms. After returning to the General's residence and dealing with Zhu Da and Tao Hong, Su Yu Xin finally relaxed.
The matter had been settled. Su Yu Xin rubbed her belly; she hadn't eaten much in the Su residence at noon, just a piece of puff pastry brought by Qing Que, and she was now hungry.
However, it was not yet time for dinner. Why not ask Xia Mama to cook a bowl of plain noodles? Thinking about the noodles reminded her that she had been learning to cook but had not yet made anything for the General.
Considering the recent turmoil, the General might be hungry too. So, she decided to cook something for them both. Excited, Su Yu Xin headed towards the kitchen.
Even before reaching the kitchen, she could smell a tempting fragrance. Su Yu Xin sniffed; it was the spicy and fresh scent of boiled fish.
Her stomach growled. This Mama Xia was indeed an excellent cook.
Upon reaching the kitchen, she discovered that it wasn't Mama Xia but Feng Yao who was cooking.
"You've got a sharp nose; you came as soon as you smelled it," Feng Yao said while skillfully handling the knife.
"Why is the General here?" Su Yu Xin asked in astonishment. After handling Zhu Da and Tao Hong's matters, he had mentioned some military affairs to attend to and went to his study.
"Of course, the most important thing is to feed my little greedy cat first." Feng Yao freed a hand and gently teased Su Yu Xin's small nose with his finger, smiling.
"General is really something." Su Yu Xin's eyes curved into a smile, feeling warm, touched, and happy all at once.
"Sit obediently, there's one last dish, it'll be ready soon." Feng Yao threw the marinated fish into the pan with a sizzle.
Su Yu Xin glanced at the countertop. Boiled fish slices, fish meatballs, braised fish, steamed fish, fish tofu soup, fish head with chopped peppers, grilled fish fillet, and dry pot fish... The dish Feng Yao was preparing was squirrel-shaped mandarin fish. Altogether, it was eight fish dishes and one fish soup.
A feast of fish. Su Yu Xin had always loved fish, and Feng Yao's dishes were full of color, aroma, and flavor. She could hardly take her eyes off them.
By the time the dishes were served, Su Yu Xin had completely forgotten about the plain noodles.
"Hungry? Try it quickly," Feng Yao served Su Yu Xin a piece of boiled fish.
"Um-hmm." Su Yu Xin swallowed, the fresh and tender fish, along with the spicy and fragrant taste, burst in her mouth. She almost bit her tongue in surprise.
She had believed Mama Xia's cooking was already excellent, but she never expected the General to be this skilled.
Observing Su Yu Xin with her satisfied expression, Feng Yao's lips curved upwards involuntarily.
"Is there any wine?" Su Yu Xin suddenly asked.
"Want to drink?" Feng Yao picked a boneless fish piece for Su Yu Xin, lifting his gaze with a smile.
"Um-hmm." Su Yu Xin nodded vigorously.
Because she suddenly remembered, she and the General's toast had not been completed yet, and she wanted to do it today.
Feng Yao instructed someone to bring a jar of fruit wine and a jar of bamboo leaf liquor.
Su Yu Xin looked at her wine and then at Feng Yao's. "Why are ours different? The toast must be with the same wine."
"Yours is sour and sweet plum wine, not intoxicating and suitable for you," Feng Yao smiled, explaining.
"No, I want yours." Su Yu Xin shook her head.
"This wine is strong; you'll feel uncomfortable if you get drunk," Feng Yao explained.
"I'm not afraid; I can drink a thousand cups without getting drunk," Su Yu Xin thumped her chest confidently.
"A thousand cups without getting drunk?" Feng Yao raised an eyebrow, not quite believing.
"Of course." Su Yu Xin grabbed Feng Yao's wine glass and drank it all in one go.
Instantly, she choked and coughed from the strong liquor. The drink was unexpectedly spicy.
Feng Yao quickly served her some squirrel-shaped mandarin fish to complement the liquor.
Su Yu Xin took several mouthfuls
in succession before finally managing to suppress the spicy taste of the liquor.
She wasn't much of a drinker in the past, at most indulging in some fruit wine. Drinking this much at once made her face flush and her head feel dizzy, making the surroundings appear somewhat blurry.