After resting for a while and regaining some energy, Su Wenyuan took advantage of Su Yuan's attendance at court and led a large group of people to the new Su residence.
That remote and cramped mansion was quite lively early in the morning.
Before Su Wenyuan even went inside, she could hear the argument going on. The servants were arguing about hot water and breakfast.
These things are now considered scarce items in the mansion.
It's not that there aren't enough, it's that there's no way to supply so many people at the same time.
The concubines ordered different dishes, but the household didn't have as many cooks or stoves as before, so they couldn't handle all the orders at the same time.
Once there's a distinction between first and last, arguments will arise.
“When Wang was alive, they couldn’t stand up and were always suppressed by her. Now that Wang is gone, no one can suppress them, and they all want to stand up. I wonder if Su Lin’er has joined in the commotion.” Su Wenyuan said with a mocking expression.
Su Lin'er did participate at first, trying to use her status as a young lady to suppress them.
But her authority had dwindled, and she could no longer control them.
Su Lin'er sought help from Su Yuan, but he refused to assist, causing her to fall behind repeatedly. In the end, she had no choice but to stay out of the fray and quietly watch their struggle.
Su Lin'er didn't intend to participate today, but she was already annoyed because she couldn't wait for Su Wenyuan the day before. And now these people were arguing over trivial matters early in the morning. Su Lin'er just couldn't bear it anymore.
"Shut up, all of you! What's all the noise about so early in the morning? Whatever your master wants to eat, go to the kitchen and make it yourselves!" Su Lin'er smashed the bowls and chopsticks in front of her.
Breakfast was ready, but these people hadn't arrived yet, making Su Lin'er wait in the front hall for quite a while.
They became increasingly brazen, as if testing her limits.
After Su Lin'er finished venting, everything outside suddenly became quiet.
Su Lin'er was surprised, wondering if her words were that effective.
Just then, Su Wenyuan pushed open the door and came in, followed by many guards.
Su Wenyuan felt the room was very cold. Upon closer inspection, she saw that the only stove in the front hall was behind Su Lin'er.
In such a spacious room, with people coming and going, what can you do with just one stove?
Presumably, the Su family is out of money, and they have to use charcoal sparingly. Thinking of this, Su Wenyuan burst out laughing.
Back when they lived in large mansions, they wished they could fill the rooms with fireplaces. How different it is now!
Su Lin'er was taken aback when she saw her, but then she realized that the maids in the courtyard had stopped arguing because they had seen Su Wenyuan.
In their eyes, Su Wenyuan is now like a living Yama.
They dared not provoke them, dared not approach them, and dared not speak to them.
Before Su Lin'er could ask any questions, she saw the mockery and disdain in Su Wenyuan's eyes.
“I remember one winter, you insisted that I come to your place for a meal. I couldn’t refuse. At that time, your room was heated by an underfloor heating system, and it was as warm as summer. But my little room didn’t even have a brazier.”
When Su Wenyuan brought up the past, she felt that Su Lin'er was still able to use a stove, which was too extravagant. How could this be allowed?
As soon as she finished speaking, Meng Qi, that simpleton, immediately ordered two guards to carry the only stove for heating in the front hall behind Su Wenyuan.
Su Lin'er glared at her resentfully, while Meng Qi looked smug.
He didn't even need Su Wenyuan to remind him; he already knew that when he went back and told the prince, he would definitely be praised!
Su Wenyuan was also surprised; Meng Qi was indeed perceptive at times.
Su Lin'er felt a chill run down her spine and frowned, asking, "You came all this way so early in the morning just to steal the stove from me?"
“It wasn’t like that before, but it can be now. You’ve owed me a lot of charcoal over the years, and I plan to get it all back today!” Su Wenyuan waved her hand with a smile, indicating that they could take action.
She came to cause trouble, so she naturally brought a lot of people with her. Some servants went to the mansion to scavenge charcoal and transport it to Prince Chen's mansion.
Su Lin'er did not stop her; in fact, she was looking forward to Su Wenyuan's next move.
The bigger the commotion Su Wenyuan makes, the better. Only in this way will Su Yuan come to his senses and realize that Su Wenyuan will never let him go.
Even if he showed weakness, apologized, and pretended to be dead, Su Wenyuan would still not let him go.
The fact that he forced Yu Qingzhu to his death back then was enough for Su Wenyuan to hate him to the bone.
Not to mention there are other things too.
Su Lin'er didn't react, but the concubines in the mansion couldn't sit still any longer.
In the past, Wang would also cut back on their charcoal, but since Su Yuan might not sleep in anyone's room, Wang wouldn't dare to go too far and would always give them some. It wasn't extravagant, but it was enough to keep them warm.
Wang died this year, and they thought they would have a prosperous winter and no longer have to worry about charcoal.
Unexpectedly, the household is out of money; this year is even worse than in previous years.
Butler Su Yuan wished he could count out every single piece of charcoal for them.
It's not that there's a shortage outside, it's that the household is short of money, so everyone is cutting back on food and clothing.
Now that Su Wenyuan has come to plunder again, they are about to lose even what little they have left.
As the group arrived together, someone greeted them warmly as soon as they entered, saying, "Princess Consort Chen has arrived so early. Have you not had breakfast yet? Why don't you stay at the manor for breakfast?"
Su Wenyuan joked, "I'm afraid there won't be enough for you guys."
Su Yuan can't even guarantee the most basic food, drink and clothing now, and he cuts back on expenses everywhere, including breakfast.
"It's not that there won't be enough to go around, but Your Highness can see the current situation in the manor; it's certainly different from before, so this charcoal..."
Su Wenyuan smiled slightly and said, "This charcoal is owed to me by Su Yuan. I have lived in the Su residence for so many years, and every winter, a large portion of my charcoal is deducted from my allowance. I won't take more than enough."
Another concubine said with a forced smile, "It's been so long, and now that you're a princess, you still remember such trivial things?"
Su Wenyuan nodded, her tone sincere, "Of course I'll remember. I've been frozen for so many years, it's time for some people to experience it too."
After saying this, Su Wenyuan turned to look at Su Lin'er.
This "someone" refers to her, but not only her.
Su Lin'er was putting on her cloak when suddenly several pairs of eyes turned to look at her, making her feel very embarrassed.
One of the concubines said sarcastically, "I'm afraid the princess won't get what she wants. Some people have extra money and won't suffer themselves. In the end, it's only us who will be wronged."
"Exactly, it's unfair that we have to bear the consequences of our own actions."
“This injustice has a source and a debtor. Your Highness should look for the person who withheld your charcoal.”
The individuals had different personalities and their attitudes and expressions when speaking varied, but the results were roughly the same.
They wanted Su Wenyuan not to make things difficult for herself, and to just find Su Lin'er.
Su Wenyuan asked calmly, "Back then, were only Wang Shi and Su Lin'er the ones who took my charcoal? Weren't there others who took advantage of the chaos?"
Su Wenyuan didn't target them intentionally, but none of them were innocent.
It's fine not to help, but it's wrong of them to join in bullying others.
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