Arc 2: Part 18
Xiao Qingwan stared coldly at Tong Su, her mood turbulent and complex.
She had loathed Bai Zhu since childhood.
She was the one born first, so why did their mother only favor Bai Zhu? Why did she only teach Bai Zhu how to cook?
In her past life, Bai Zhu could cook anything simple and Xiao Lingchen would treat her well. She even managed to marry the young emperor and become the Empress, while Xiao Qingwan was driven out of the Xiao mansion and reduced to a courtesan...
Why?!
Xiao Qingwan wallowed in her resentment without really pondering what had caused it all.
When their mother had taught both of them cooking, she disliked the hard work and ran away several times. However, the young Bai Zhu was willing to stay in the stuffy kitchen, diligently learning.
Once they entered the Xiao mansion, she was both inferior and arrogant, treating everyone with sharp sarcasm and ridicule. Bai Zhu, on the other hand, was gentle, courteous, and kind. With this contrast, who would have liked her?
Even when they entered the palace, it was Bai Zhu who wanted to make sacrifices for Xiao Lingchen. As for her, she committed a grave mistake out of greed for wealth and honor and was consequently driven out.
Jealousy and loathing ate at Xiao Qingwan like maggots burrowing into her bones, tangling up her emotions and making her increasingly discontented.
She wanted to ask Tong Su what Xiao Lingchen had told her. But Tong Su was adept at evading her questions, and after asking for quite a while, Xiao Qingwan could only sulkily give up.
She also wanted the recipes and medical knowledge left by their mother from Tong Su. Uncharacteristically, Tong Su firmly refused: "These were left to me by our mother. She said that I can't give them to anyone!"
Xiao Qingwan tried to coax her: "I am not an outsider, sister. Our mother is also my mother. We should split her things equally."
"But originally," said Tong Su, "you said you would take mother's jewelry and money, and I would take the recipes and medical knowledge. That was the agreement."
Enraged, Xiao Qingwan snapped, "Are you disobeying me again?!"
Tong Su remained silent, her face resolute.
Hating her refusal, but without knowing the whereabouts of the belongings, Xiao Qingwan was left no choice but to grit her teeth and bellow, "Haven’t you always wished to move out? I can agree, but you have to give me those things, and you are not to see our brother thereafter!"
Only then did Tong Su reluctantly agree: "...Alright."
Satisfied, Xiao Qingwan left, failing to notice that Tong Su, with her back turned to her, secretly smirked.
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In the days that followed, under Xiao Qingwan's interference, Tong Su didn't see Xiao Lingchen. However, she wasn't in a hurry. She spent most of her time in her new residence, studying medical practices and scrutinizing recipes, leading a contented life.
Xiao Qingwan wanted to improve her cooking. But, it was not something that could be achieved in a day or two. She managed to make some edible dishes, but they were not fit for serving.
Whether it was carrots chopped unevenly, or eggs fried in excess oil to the extent of being boiled in oil, she could even manage to burn a pot while steaming dumplings.
There were repeated complaints from the kitchen. Uncharacteristically, Xiao Qingwan was left embarrassed. She shamelessly claimed that it was all Tong Su's fault.
When Little Thirteen came to ask for the meal, Xiao Qingwan could only summon Tong Su but kept a close eye on her.
Tong Su was well-behaved and avoided creating unnecessary trouble. Over several days, Xiao Qingwan gradually relaxed and let her guard down.
Ten days later, the Prince of Zhenbei entered the capital.
The young emperor held a banquet in the palace. Xiao Lingchen had entered the palace early in the morning. As Little Thirteen was aware of his eating habits, he had asked Xiao Qingwan to prepare a meal in advance and bring it in a lunch box.
At the banquet, there was singing and dancing along with exquisite delicacies. Xiao Lingchen felt a bit suffocated and stepped out for some fresh air. Little Thirteen quickly followed him with the lunch box.
Xiao Lingchen, having no appetite, was about to dismiss him. However, upon seeing the lunch box, an image of a delicately smiling and slender figure flashed across his mind.
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