Su Qing felt a warmth in her heart upon hearing those words.
Although this girl always harbored some rather inappropriate ideas, she was undeniably and fiercely loyal to her. For that alone, Su Qing was quite happy. After all, who wouldn't be pleased to have someone so steadfastly on their side?
Su Qing reached out and ruffled the hair of both girls. "Alright, you two don't need to worry too much about this. I’ll handle it. My things—even if they are just mundane possessions I care little for—are not so easily taken."
While Su Qing didn't place much value on worldly goods, she was still somewhat displeased that her property had been touched. This manor held her memories, after all—memories of living here with Chaoyan and Su Yu. Naturally, she felt a bit of unpleasantness, but she wasn't truly enraged. She certainly wouldn't let her emotions show on her face. She had always preferred to speak and act with a calm and composed mind.
"Madam?" The maid looked at Su Qing and said, "Madam... those people have all managed to establish quite a bit of power for themselves now. I fear that Madam might..."
The maid didn't finish her sentence, but her meaning was clear.
Su Qing narrowed her eyes and gave a charming, graceful smile. "Hehe, you needn't worry about that. Just sit back and watch the show. Oh, by the way, I’m thirsty. Go and brew a cup of tea for me."
The maid fell silent for a moment, staring into Su Qing’s eyes. Finally, she lowered her head respectfully. "I understand, Madam. However, the fine tea you left behind is gone. There is only some ordinary coarse tea left. Madam... would you..."
"It’s fine. Coarse tea will do. Just go and brew it," Su Qing said with a wave of her hand, acting as if it were of no consequence.
"Yes, Madam."
With that, the maid turned to prepare the tea.
Once she had left, Chaoyan leaned in and asked, "So, Godmother, what do you plan to do? Knowing your temperament, you probably won't go as far as killing them, right?"
Chaoyan understood Su Qing’s nature well. Unless absolutely necessary, Su Qing rarely chose to kill. Unless a person was heinous or had committed many atrocities and deserved death, she would never take a life lightly. She preferred to give people a chance to turn over a new leaf—usually from inside a prison cell.
What? You thought she’d just release them and let them reflect on their own? Don't be ridiculous. Letting them go would only make them more emboldened. Very few people truly learn a lesson easily, especially if they haven't paid a heavy price. Therefore, those who belonged in prison would certainly be sent there. After all, how could someone commit a wrong and pay no price at all?
Facing Chaoyan’s inquiry, Su Qing narrowed her eyes. "They took my things to trade for splendor and wealth, so I shall take that splendor and wealth back! As for other punishments... I haven't decided yet. But you're right; I won't resort to killing."
Su Qing had her own principles. She had her own standards for who deserved death and who didn't. These people were detestable, but they hadn't reached the point where they absolutely had to die. Giving them a lesson and reclaiming what they stole was enough.
However, Su Qing’s words left the hot-tempered Red Boy dissatisfied.
"Sister Xiao Qing, really... shouldn't people like that be killed? Why give them the chance to keep harming others? You're just too kind-hearted, Sister Xiao Qing. How about this: if you can't bring yourself to do it, let me! I’m a Demon King anyway; I’m not afraid of killing a person or two!"
Although Red Boy had been disciplined by Su Qing since she was young and wasn't as wicked as in the original legends, she was no naive little girl who feared blood. As a Demon King, she naturally had her methods. It was only in front of Su Qing that she appeared exceptionally innocent and a bit silly.
Su Qing gave a helpless smile. "Alright, the matter is settled! I’ll be the one to decide. You two little girls stay out of it. As for how to punish them, I have my own plans. In short, I definitely won't let them do any more bad things."
For Su Qing, killing them would be easier, but that would violate her own rules. Besides, for humans, death isn't always the most terrifying thing. Living a life worse than death is far more frightening.
If a person has grown accustomed to a life of luxury, only to wake up one day penniless and destitute... how terrifying would that be? Such a horror might be unimaginable to Chaoyan and Red Boy, but Su Qing had spent many years in the mortal world. She understood the despair and terror of such a fall better than anyone. Especially in her previous life, she had seen far too many people who had lost everything overnight.
Su Qing’s words silenced them both. After a long pause, they finally nodded. "Fine, I understand... I won't interfere."
Seeing their obedient response, Su Qing nodded in satisfaction. "Good."
A moment after Su Qing finished speaking, the maid returned with the tea.
"Madam... your tea."
The steaming tea was placed before them. Such hot tea couldn't be drunk immediately, and Su Qing was in no rush. She simply wore her usual gentle smile and said, "Speaking of which... after so many years, the fact that you were still willing to stay here and wait for me truly touches me."
"Madam..." The maid seemed to realize Su Qing was about to say something significant. Her hand paused, and she looked at Su Qing, unsure of what to say.
Su Qing smiled and said softly, "I won't be staying long now that I'm back. I’ll be leaving in a few days."
"Madam? You don't intend to stay for good?"
"No... we’re just back for a few days. We’ll be leaving soon... so, I plan to give this house to you." Su Qing chuckled and added, "This is the property deed... take it."
"This... Madam... I cannot accept this!"
"Why not?"
"I am but a servant... how could I receive such a thing?"
"No, you earned it. Your loyalty and your refusal to leave made me very happy, which is why I’m giving this place to you." Su Qing narrowed her eyes and smiled. "Chaoyan and I won't stay here long, and we likely won't return often in the future. This place doesn't hold much meaning for me anymore. Instead of just leaving it here, I’d rather give it to you and Old Lady Yu... so you have a place to shelter from the wind and rain. Of course, if you don't like it here, you can always sell it and move somewhere better."
While this place held over a decade of memories for Su Qing, so much of it had been destroyed that the meaning of keeping it was gone. Memories were best kept in the mind.
The maid listened to Su Qing’s words and remained silent for a long time. Finally, she nodded. "Madam... Old Lady Yu and I will not fail you! No matter when, if Madam returns, you will always be the master of this courtyard. I will still serve you..."
Su Qing smiled and shook her head. "Lift your head... remember, once you accept this deed, you are no longer anyone’s servant. You are yourself... live well, and live a life of dignity."
Su Qing’s words left the woman stunned. Eventually, she replied, "I understand, Madam."
Su Qing nodded in satisfaction. "Alright, that’s that! Besides, this tea isn't actually that bad..."
The maid nodded silently. After a long while, she seemed to remember something. "I’ll go tidy up the rooms for Madam and the two young misses. Since you’re staying for a few days, we can't have you staying in a mess."
Su Qing nodded. "Go ahead. I was planning to head out for a bit anyway..."
"Madam?"
"Just revisiting old haunts, don't overthink it..." Su Qing shook her head with a smile, knowing the maid was worried.
Relieved, the maid said, "Then I shall go and prepare for you, Madam."
Su Qing watched her leave. Once she was gone, Su Qing performed a calculation with her fingers, identifying all the 'bandits' from back then and pinpointing their current locations.
With that done, a smile played on Su Qing’s lips as she mentally calculated how to proceed tonight.
Beside her, the two girls looked at the smile on Su Qing’s face and suddenly felt a chill. Even though her smile was as gentle as ever, they could feel that she was planning something quite formidable.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" Su Qing turned and asked.
"Nothing... it’s just that sometimes, Godmother, your smile is actually quite scary."
"Huh?" Su Qing was taken aback. "What are you thinking! I’m always very gentle."
"..." Chaoyan nodded with a smile. "Of course, Godmother is indeed always gentle with us."
Su Qing’s lips twitched. How could she not hear the implication? But she couldn't be bothered to argue with the girl.
"Forget it, I’m not going to bicker with you. Let’s go! Didn't you want to visit the nunnery where you used to live? We still have plenty of time; let’s head over now," Su Qing said to Chaoyan.
Seeing Su Qing change the subject, Chaoyan pouted slightly, but she didn't refuse the suggestion. She truly did want to see the place where she grew up.
"Fine, since you put it that way, Godmother, let’s go together," Chaoyan said, crossing her arms and using a tone that suggested she was doing Su Qing a favor.
Su Qing instinctively rolled her eyes. She wanted to retort, but she held back. If they started bickering, it would never end, so she decided to let it go.
Su Qing stood up, lightly brushed her skirt to straighten it, and said, "Let’s go!"
She reached out, took both of their hands, and led them out. As they were leaving, Su Qing saw Old Lady Yu weeding the garden.
After a moment of silence, she walked over to her.
"Granny, I’m back. I brought you something to eat. Why don't you try some?" Su Qing took out a pill, transformed it to look like a pastry, and handed it to Old Lady Yu.
"Is... is that Madam? ...Madam, you really shouldn't. You can just call me Old Lady Yu. Oh, you’re still... the same as before," Old Lady Yu said, her words a bit disjointed. "Your appearance hasn't changed a bit."
Su Qing gave a faint smile but said nothing. She could see that Old Lady Yu’s lifespan was nearly exhausted; she had, at most, half a year left. That was why Su Qing had brought out this pill. It didn't have any other effect and couldn't extend her life; all it could do was clear her vision.
For her final six months, let her see clearly. At the very least, she wouldn't pull up flowers thinking they were weeds.
"Go on, try it."
"Oh dear, I really shouldn't. An old woman like me can't eat such things."
"It’s quite tasty, try it," Su Qing insisted.
Seeing this, Old Lady Yu had no choice but to eat the 'pastry.' Immediately, a subtle sweetness spread through her mouth.
Surprised, Old Lady Yu said, "What is this? It’s truly delicious."
"Just an ordinary pastry," Su Qing said with a light smile. "Alright, I have some business to attend to, so I’ll be heading out. Granny, you carry on!"
Having done this, Su Qing didn't want to waste any more time and took her leave. Old Lady Yu didn't try to stop her, saying quickly, "Understood, Madam. Go on with your business. This old woman will finish clearing these weeds... oh, I’ll go tidy your room in a bit."
"Linmei has already gone to do that. Just rest once you’re done with this!" Su Qing said, shaking her head.
She walked away as she spoke, knowing that if she continued the conversation, it would go on forever. Elderly humans were usually the best at chatting; they could talk for ages even about meaningless things. It was better not to linger too long.
Su Qing led Chaoyan and Red Boy out of her residence and began to walk slowly toward the nunnery outside the city. Along the way, Su Qing didn't ride a horse or fly; she walked on foot. Her purpose was to admire the beauty of Chang'an as they went.
Consequently, both Chaoyan and Red Boy were quite happy during the walk. They looked here and there, thoroughly excited. Su Qing, on the other hand, remained calm, simply happy that the two girls were enjoying themselves so much.
And so, playing and walking, they eventually arrived outside the nunnery after a long journey.
Rate on N.U.
