Chapter 36: On What Basis

Chapter 36: On What Basis

Su Youyue acknowledged and instructed Chunya to welcome the guest in.

She had expected Su Rong to delay for a few more days.

With a face darker than Judge Bao's, Su Rong stormed in and glared at Su Youyue fiercely upon entering.

She had planned on dragging things out until Madam Su's anger subsided and she would be let off the hook. But who knew that early this morning, Mother Zhang, accompanied by a few servants, barged into her room, rousing her from her sleep, forcing her to get up and start packing the items to return to Su Youyue.

Just waking up, Su Rong was nearly driven to fury. However, she dared not scold Madam Su's trusted subordinates, so she reluctantly began packing her belongings.

What infuriated her even more was that Mother Zhang somehow produced a list of sorted items and declared with an air of superiority, "Third Miss had better be sincere and return everything on this list. Otherwise, we servants will have no way of accounting to Madam, and she'll have to come over personally."

Su Rong's vision darkened from rage. In the twelve years she had spent in the Su household, despite being the least noticeable concubine-born daughter, she was still considered a primary mistress in daily life. Servants would never dare to treat her with such disrespect. Today was the first time a servant had openly humiliated her.

But she knew these actions were all under her grandmother's orders. She lacked the courage to openly berate those close to the elderly matriarch, so she could only swallow her anger.

Why did Grandmother favor Su Youyue so much? Wasn't she also her granddaughter?

All those items were given by Su Youyue herself to appear generous. She had already reaped the reputation of generosity; why should she repay them?

Unfortunately, the head of the family, Master Su, was even more partial to Su Youyue than Grandma Su. He wouldn't stand up for Su Rong, leaving her filled with anger, sorrow, and hatred. With gritted teeth, she started packing.

Despite her efforts, she could only gather half the list. Mama Zhang's expression remained indifferent as she asked Su Rong to pay for the rest.

Su Rong almost fainted, but she had no choice but to empty her room to make up the difference. It was a struggle for her to even maintain a civil demeanor towards Su Youyue, let alone refrain from physically attacking her.

"I'm giving it all back. I have nothing left, Su Youyue. Are you satisfied now?!"

Seeing the jewelry and precious items sent by Mama Zhang, Su Youyue knew that Su Rong was truly drained.

She nodded slightly, instructing Chunya and Xia Hua to collect the items before turning to Su Rong. "Seems like these sacrifices haven't taught you to respect your elder sister."

"Y-You!" Su Rong seethed with rage, ready to lash out. But Mama Zhang's glance silenced her, and after a long moment, she spat through gritted teeth, "Just because I call you 'Elder Sister,' you think it's your right? When have you ever truly acted like one in all these years? I refuse to call you 'Elder Sister' anymore!"

Listening to the girl's accusations, Su Youyue remained calm, though her gaze cooled slightly. "I, Su Youyue, can't fulfill the role of an elder sister? Was it when I didn't care for you during festivals or send you valuable gifts? Or perhaps when I refused to lend you money?"

Su Rong faltered, but still refused to admit defeat. "But you're taking everything back! You're only pretending to be generous!"

"Putting on an act of generosity? Then go ask your Second Sister Su Qian if she's willing to do that in front of you!" Su Youyue scoffed coldly. "Su Rong, one mustn't be so ungrateful. I'll treat you the way you treat me. Don't just think about benefiting from being my elder sister while refusing to show even the most basic respect due to a junior!"

The other ladies nearby also looked at Su Rong disapprovingly. With such a generous legitimate elder sister as Miss First, Third Miss should at least show some superficial respect, if not genuine affection.

There were plenty outside who looked down on legitimate children born of concubines. Forget about jewelry and trinkets, they wouldn't even spare a single coin for their half-siblings.

Setting aside the distinction between legitimate and illegitimate, Second Miss was still Third Miss's elder sister, but what had she ever given Third Miss? Not even a single coin!

Yet, First Miss had selflessly taken care of Third Miss all these years. Third Miss refused to call her 'elder sister', yet she was willing to call Second Miss by that title. This could only mean that she lacked morals, unable to distinguish right from wrong or differentiate between kinship and outsiders!

How could Su Rong not sense the disdainful gazes around her? She trembled with anger but was unable to refute Su Youyue's words. She felt so wronged that tears couldn't be held back, falling down right then.

"You have no right to demand respect from me! Back then, whenever you went out, all you cared about was chasing after Lu Song. Others dared not mock Second Sister, so they all made fun of me instead. They said you were shameless and disgraceful, implying that I, as your younger sister, couldn't be any better... If I didn't join in their mocking, who would want to play with me?"

"You're a legitimate daughter. Grandma and Father favor you, and your mother left you a huge dowry. Second Sister is a lucky star, and everyone outside likes her. Even Aunt Liu is looking out for her! As for me, I have no support, leaving me at the mercy of all of you to bully!"

After venting, Su Rong felt that she had lost all face and couldn't stay anymore. Turning to dash away, Su Youyue sharply called out, "Stop!"

Su Rong had no intention of listening, but Jin'er immediately stepped forward to block her path. She could only turn back, crying fiercely. "Su Youyue, aren't you satisfied enough with how much shame I've brought upon us? Must you let these servants laugh at me too?!"

A hint of solemnity finally appeared on Su Youyue's face. "Am I mocking you? Do you think I have nothing better to do than to chat with you at length just to make fun of you?"

Su Rong didn't speak, but it was evident from her expression that she was of that very opinion.

"In a family, we rise and fall together. Previously, when I pursued Lu Song, it tarnished our family's reputation. That was my fault, and for that, I apologize to you."

Do you truly believe that by joining them in mocking me, they will genuinely befriend you? Friends who require you to humiliate your family do not hold you in high regard to begin with. In my opinion, it's best to do without such companions!"

As soon as her words were spoken, Su Rong was taken aback. She could never have anticipated that Su Youyue would apologize to her.

Yet, her emotions couldn't be reconciled within her at that moment. She bit her lower lip and remained silent.

Seeing that she had taken in what was said, Su Youyue continued, "You have avenged yourself against me, but have you repaid the kindness I have shown you over the years? To only seek revenge and ignore gratitude, is this the way you, Su Rong, treat others?"

"For all these years, why do you think I've been looking out for you? Isn't it because you carry the identity of my sister? If you don't acknowledge me as your sister, then on what grounds should I treat you as my younger sibling and care for you?"