Chapter 57: why do I keep meeting scumbags (1/2)
Minister Zhu's mansion, an hour earlier, during the family dinner.
The servants informed Madam Zhu when dinner was set, after ensuring that everything was set the whole family moved to the outdoor dining room for dinner. The outdoor dining room was set in the middle of the garden, in a roofed wooden pavilion.
A long line of white beautiful paper candle lamps lined the pathway leading to the dining room, which lighted up the garden. The candlelight, the flowers and small ponds made the view magical. Su Liya felt like she had stepped into fairyland, madam Zhu really outdid herself.
Beautiful flora scents rose as the wind blew which gave a calming effect. Five smartly dressed maids stood in a straight line by the side. They stood a few steps away from the long rectangular table. A large family dinner was spread out on the table.
They all sat by order of seniority, Minister Zhu sat at the head of the table, with Madam Zhu seated by his left. Next to Madam Zhu was Zhu Feifei and Zhongshan Cheng opposite them was Zhu Fengyin and Lu Yingjie. Zhu Faye and Zhu Fenfang sat opposite each other at the end of the table.
The dinner went smoothly as expected, Minister Zhu and madam Zhu conversed with the younger generation. They gave some insights on married life and discourse a view of happenings. Everyone made sure not to touch on any political topics and just talked about plays and art.
While everyone was comfortable with the dinner, Su Liya couldn't help but feel uncomfortable. All through the dinner Zhongshan Cheng and Zhu Faye kept stealing glances at her. It was like she was a circuit animal on full display standing behind Zhu Fengyin.
It didn't help that both scumbags were seated opposite Zhu Fengyin and as such could watch her comfortable. Su Liya swore silently as Zhu Faye had a maid slip her a note while smirking. Su Liya didn't bother reading the note, she just rolled her eyes.
”What the hell is wrong with my fortune these days, why do I keep meeting scumbags,” she thought frowning and looking away from both men.
To prove just how much of a shitty husband he was, Zhongshan Cheng gave Zhu Feifei a jade hairpin, the idiot said all the nicest things that if she didn't notice him watching her or knew all about his extracurricular activities, she would have believed he was actually a caring husband.
Zhu Feifei must either be really stupid or just a good actress because She looked like she completely bought the whole thing. Zhu Feifei blushed and acted shy, Su Liya really felt like rolling her eyes but controlled herself.
Finally, the charade of a family dinner ended, Su Liya was glad to get out of this little stage. All these fake concerns were giving her a headache. Su Liya followed Zhu Fengyin and Lu Yingjie to her old Courtyard.
When they arrived, Su Liya arranged a bath for her mistress. After helping Zhu Fengyin get dressed onto a sleeping ware, Su Liya withdraw from the room and went back to the servant quarters.
******”*
They all returned to their previous courtyard, Zhongshan Cheng and Zhu Feifei had just settled in when he asked ”the young maid standing behind the duchess is very pretty don't you think.... Is she married?”.