Chapter 25: Acting blind to avoid getting dragged in

Su Liya walked briskly, her heart beating rapidly. She just wanted to run into her room and hide, she did not know where all those words that she said or even the courage she had came from.

While she was pissed off by Zhu Fenfang, she still wanted to trend gently and not annoy the female lead of the book she was stuck in. Even if Zhu Fenfang wasn't so powerful in the Zhu family's dynamic, she was still the minister's daughter.

She was classes above her and could find a way to punish her for her unruly behaviour and even Zhu Fengyin may not be able to save her. Su Liya ran to her room behind the house as soon as she got to Zhu Fengyin's courtyard. A maid she was close to Tian Tian tried to truck up a conversation with her but she waved her off and rushed to her room.

Su Liya leaned on the door, breathing heavily until she felt calmer. She Laid down on the bed, her hands resting on her forehead. Su Liya slept off in that position until later in the evening. She got, washed her face and left for Zhu Fengyin's room.

Zhu Fengyin looked up from her book as she came in. "Glad to see that you have decided to join the land of the living. why did you lock yourself up in your room?", she Shut the book and leaned back on the chaise.

Su Liya recalled her previous run-in with Zhu Fenfang and once again she felt uncertain. While she and Zhu Fengyin had gotten along so far, she still wasn't sure if it was a good idea for her to let Zhu Fengyin in on this. She couldn't tell how Zhu Fengyin would handle this information.

Since she was the one that was approached, Su Liya decided to keep it to herself. it hasn't constituted any problems yet so there was no need to make Zhu Fengyin worry. She cleared her throat and replied, "it has been stressful with the wedding and everything else. I wanted to get some sleep in without getting disturbed".

"it has been a hectic l, hasn't it? Luckily the wedding is in a few days, we can finally get some rest", Zhu Fengyin yawned and dropped the book aside.

"I am looking forward to Leaving here, I would like to put some distance between I and Zhu Faye", Su Liya muttered picking up the book and returning it to the bookshelves opposite the chaise.

Zhu Fengyin's lips twitched, "You ran into him didn't you, that explains your sudden need to shut yourself in. You must be feeling a little uncomfortable dealing with the third brother but you can't let him know that you aren't the real Su Liya. For our plan to work, he has to keep thinking that he has us fooled."

"He might not be the only one we have to worry about Fengyin", Su Liya said squatting by Zhu Fengyin. "Zhu Fenfang is acting strange".

Zhu Fengyin laughed softly, "is she? I think she is acting normal Liya. Zhu Fenfang is very two-faced, like her mother. She put on a kind naive front when she is very rotten inside. She didn't come after me directly so I never paid her any mind but I am well aware of her capabilities".

Su Liya looked back at her shocked, "You know about that, I didn't know that you did?"

"well, I do so don't worry about her. People like her don't deserve your attention. We should be thinking of how to get a foothold in the Lu family. Duke Wu's mother Madam Lu wouldn't make things easy for us"

Su Liya sighed "I heard that Madam Lu was fierce, she is not an easy opponent".

"Which is why we have to be careful there. Liya you have to behave properly, don't give her any reason to hurt us"

Su Liya smirked "Don't worry Fengyin. I will be so well behaved, you will give me an award".

Zhu Fengyin watched her silently for some seconds and shook let head silently.

******

Four days after the memorial ceremony, The wedding ceremony was held.

The fourth day of the month was selected as the auspicious day for weddings. The Minister's manor was decorated with red ornaments from the front gates to Zhu Fengyin's courtyard.

Everyone at Zhu Fengyin's courtyard woken up early to prepare for the wedding Zhu Fengyin was dressed in a beautiful Embroidered Red wedding gown and a red veil. Her make-up was done lightly such that it emphasised all her beautiful features.

Lu Yingjie arrived at the minister's residence before noon to escort the Zhu Fengyin to the Duke's residence. After greeting the girls family and paying their respect Zhu Fengyin was led into the Duke's carriage and they left for the Duke's residence.

Minister Zhu held a small banquet at his manor for a few guests while the Lu family held theirs. When they arrived at the Duke residence Zhu Fengyin and Lu Yingjie performed their bowls after which Zhu Fengyin was escorted to the main courtyard to wait while the groom attended to the guest.

Everyone left for the wedding banquet leaving only Zhu Fengyin and Su Liya in the room. Su Liya looked out of the window, when she didn't see anyone close by she let out a breath and rushed to the table at the centre of the room.

"Fengyin, I am starving! Can I eat a cake?", Su Liya said. Her mouth watered as she looked down at the assortment of snacks spread out on the table.

"No, those are not for eating", Zhu Fengyin replied softly.

"huh! if they are edible aren't they? why can we eat some... or is it like an unspoken rule or something?" Su Liya looked back at Zhu Fengyin.

"Yes, there is an unspoken rule. Those are only for show, I will be made fun of by my in-laws for being a glutton. if any of those are eaten. I had Tian Tian pack up some snacks, you can eat that while we wait", Zhu Fengyin brought out a small paper bag from her sleeves and held it out "Here".

Su Liya looked longingly at the snack one more and sighed, "Aiyo it isn't easy leaving in the past, everything is a tool even food". She collected the paper bag and unwrapped the bag and like Zhu Fengyin said there were a few pieces of snacks inside.

She took out a piece, placed it on her handkerchief and passed it to Zhu Fengyin "You didn't eat much this morning, here have a cake". Zhu Fengyin took the cake from her and took a bite. Su Liya sat on the tool next to Zhu Fengyin, she gave her a few pieces of cake and ate a few.

They were done eaten by the time Lu Yingjie returned, Su Liya put away the evidence and stood next to Zhu Fengyin.