Under supervise of Old Steward Cheng, the farewell and the burial of Su Qing er all went well.
The palace of Lian is divided into five wing : the central ( the northern side ), west, southwest, east and southeast. The west is home for all while the east is for the children that is an orphan- they like to pickup stray child like cat, or the teenagers who want to be an independent. For southwest and southeast, is the place where all of them socializing together without care the different. At southwest there's a class, a laboratory - as merchant they like to experiments, a library, and medical hall. For the southeast, there's dining hall, a playground and also the training hall.
To the most south of county and nearer to the gate, there'll be less and less people other than the guards. Under supervise of the Head of Guards, Su Zhen; the security perimeter of Lian County was very tight. Almost none of the spies can break through.
As per routine of a guard, Su Zhen patrolled near the memorials park; that's in west suburb of the county. There, he met an old friend; Su Cheng or the now Head Steward. The pain of parting always leave a scar especially from the loved one.
" How long you've been here, Ah Cheng? ", Su Zhen starting the conversation.
" Oh, it's you Ah Zhen! Ahh, you almost make my heart flying outside! Can't you make sound when walking?! ", Lament the Head Steward
" This is my style of walking for decades, even Her Grace compliments me about it! So, how you've been doing? "
" Just fine. This old body still can stand the hurdles! But the that you should be worried of is not me. "
At his friend statement, Su Zhen knows who is his talking about. " I know. Her Grace didn't come out and eat yet? Whenever there's a death or sickness she would always push others first "
Sighing, Su Cheng replied, " Yes, it's already three days. I'm really worried. I'm wondering what my mom will do at this time so, I come here thinking an idea "
" Does the young mistress still crying pitifully? I heard that Her Grace pampered the her, maybe it's happen because young mistress is too sensitive......"
" Yes! That's it Ah Zhen! Hohoho I thought you just a muscle! Who would've known you also have muscle in your brain! ", Grabbing Su Zhen shoulders, Su Chen hollered in excitement.
" ... ", Is that a compliment? Why does it soo unpleasant?
" Ohhhh! Now it's not time for this! Ho ho ho, bye Ah Zhen!", Who knows what idea he got? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Su Zhen : It's not a compliment! ಠಗಠ
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As it's has been a long time since the last big gathering. All the Sus and others began chatting and update about what they've experience from outside the gate. Some are sad, funny and even madness.
People of county Lián are actually very carefree and love bustling. But they learned from experience that they can't showed their spirit willy under lotus insignia outside. Otherwise, it's easier for taken advantage of. That's why they always showed a straight face without an emotion. Of course they're not while act as merchant, all the business outside is under disguise of Liú xīng Commerce.
It was a custom that only man being a leader and working for the business outside while woman take care of the palace and children. Until Su Qing er came and declare to the elders that she want to right hand for the Duchess. It really was a shock to the whole family. Despite that, Her Grace just smile and said, " Sure, why not? ". Since then on, all the woman began to go out of gate and many of them find their love like Nanny Liu, Su Rou.
All the chartering and laugh spread until one can hear at the central palace. In bedroom of the Duchess, Xue Lian sitting lonely on the sofa in darkness.
" Chuckle, what an oddball she was. That Su Qing er, "
Knock, knock. knock.
" What is it? Sigh. Just let me rest for a few days" , while massaging her temple, Xue Lian open the door.
" My Lady, please excuse this old one this time. It's about the young mistress, she keeps crying until her eyes turning red. Nanny Liu worried that she hurt her throat as she keep crying in this few days. So, this old one asking My Lady for a guidance".
Su Cheng, bowed so weakly. One can see how worried he is about Bai Li from his face.
" What?! How could that happens? No, babies are very sensitive with their kins.... Ah Cheng, call the maids right now. I want to refresh and take a look at her"
No, it's my fault. I broke the promise I make with Qing Qing. I should've be a composed guardian for Li er. Although I've watched so many people die on me, it still hard.
" Yes, My Lady", although Su Cheng 's face is serious. His inside is jumping! Success! I knew this can be working out! Hurray to myself! ┌(・.・)┘♪