Di Daughter's Strategy - Chapter 36

Chapter 36

The imperial physician had already left, and he didn’t want to get involved in the household affairs of the Marquis Qi Mansion. The best thing to do was to not listen and not ask. He hurriedly bid farewell to Luo Yu’an and left in a hurry, his back view looking a bit comical.

De Rong’s movements were quick. Even if he didn’t know who was behind it, it was clear that this was a hidden matter in the back courtyard. He brought people and searched every room of the concubines and young ladies, almost turning the courtyards upside down.

The front courtyard was left untouched, because apart from Madam Chu, no one else in the back courtyard could interfere with the front courtyard.

In the back courtyard, Luo Yi’er’s Yunxia Courtyard was only roughly searched, but Madam Chu’s courtyard was thoroughly searched, just in case.

As for the others, De Rong wouldn’t be too polite in order to quickly find the culprit. He would only guarantee that the rooms wouldn’t be smashed or broken, but nothing else.

In Fang Yun Hall, Luo Fu knelt on the ground, burying her head and sobbing. The atmosphere in the room was oppressive, and her crying made people even more irritable. Luo Qiheng gave her a cold glance, and then thought of her thoughts that afternoon, feeling even more displeased.

He frowned, his voice filled with obvious displeasure. “Shut up! If you don’t calm down, get out!”

He usually wasn’t in the mansion, so he didn’t have much affection for these younger sisters. And because he had witnessed Madam Chu’s difficult labor, he always had a bit of resistance towards them. However, every time he returned to the mansion, he would bring gifts to the masters, so it seemed like he was friendly towards them.

The sudden displeasure in his voice surprised everyone and made Luo Fu feel a bit scared. She covered her mouth and didn’t dare make another sound.

Luo Qian wasn’t surprised at all. She knew that the sons of Madam Chu in the mansion didn’t treat them kindly, and it was all just a facade. Luo Yi’er and Luo Qiyan knew how to pretend to be friendly, but Luo Qiheng was a different story. He was extremely biased and protective, and in his heart, they were nothing compared to Luo Yi’er.

In the inner room, Luo Yu’an sat on the edge of the bed, and Luo Yi’er stood beside him, taking the towel from the servant and testing its temperature before handing it to Luo Yu’an. She watched as he gently wiped Madam Chu’s body and moistened her dry lips. Luo Yi’er’s eyes flashed with emotion, and she lowered her gaze to conceal it.

When the commotion outside reached them, Luo Yi’er bit her lip and frowned, glancing outside. She saw Luo Yu’an’s deep displeasure and spoke softly, “Father, don’t be angry. Second sister is just grieving for Concubine Qiu, and Eldest Brother is worried about Mother’s health. That’s why they’re upset.”

Luo Yu An’s expression remained cold. “Yi’er, being kind and humble is good, but it’s also important to know when to be firm. Don’t let others take advantage of you.”

He looked up at Luo Yi’er and taught her, his voice calm but serious. He was satisfied with her usual behavior, but today’s events had made him realize that she needed to be reminded of her position.

In his heart, his legitimate daughter was far more important than his other children. He had held her in his arms since she was a baby, and she had grown into a gentle and elegant young lady. He felt a deep affection for her, and sometimes, he saw similarities between her and her mother.

Luo Yu’an’s gaze lingered on Luo Yi’er, and he was lost in thought until she spoke softly, “I understand, Father. I’ll be careful.”

He sighed inwardly and felt a surge of warmth towards her. “You’re doing well, Yi’er. Don’t worry about other things. Your father is here to take care of them.”

He wanted to ruffle her hair, but he glanced at Madam Chu’s pale face and restrained himself. Instead, he adjusted the bedding and ignored the commotion outside.

Luo Yi’er stood beside him, her hands clenched in her sleeves. She knew that her father was always kind to her, but he was strict with her brothers. He reserved his warmth and affection for her alone.

De Rong finally returned, carrying a wooden box with him. He walked into the room, his face stern, and didn’t disturb Madam Chu’s rest. Instead, he bowed and reported, “Lord Marquis, I found something.”

In a corner, Luo Qian’s eyes fixed on the wooden box, her expression turning cold. She clenched her fists in her sleeves, and her servant, Biyu, stood behind her, looking anxious.

Luo Yu’an and Luo Yi’er walked out of the inner room, and Luo Yu’an’s gaze fell on the wooden box. His expression turned icy, and even Luo Yi’er’s brow furrowed slightly, remembering the imperial physician’s words.

She walked over to Luo Qiheng’s side and saw that Luo Qiyan looked unwell. He was being supported by someone, and when he shook his head, she didn’t ask any questions. Instead, she bit her lip and glanced at Luo Qian, her eyes flashing with a hint of coldness.

The others didn’t hear the imperial physician’s words, so they didn’t know what was in the box. Luo Yu’an stood tall, his hands behind his back, his eyes fixed on the box.
“Open it!”

De Rong nodded, and a servant stepped forward to open the box, revealing its contents.

Luo Yu’an’s face remained expressionless, but everyone could feel the anger and coldness emanating from him. Luo Yi’er lowered her gaze, observing the people around her without revealing her emotions.

“What was the box found in?” Luo Yu’an’s voice was chilling, making everyone shiver.

“It was found in Luoyun Pavilion.” De Rong replied.

Luo Yi’er and the others looked at Luo Qian and Luo Ying, their brows furrowed. Luo Qian hadn’t spoken yet, but Luo Ying reacted quickly, her face turning white. “Father, it wasn’t me!”

She was anxious and her eyes were red, looking like she was telling the truth. She was worried that Luo Yu’an would suspect her, so she quickly lifted her skirt and knelt down.
After speaking, she looked at Luo Qian uncertainly.

Luoyun Pavilion was shared by Luo Qian and Luo Ying, but because of previous events, she was afraid of Luo Qian. She didn’t try to shift the blame and just kept crying. “Father, please believe me. I didn’t harm Mother.”

Luo Yu’an just looked at them coldly. At this moment, Luo Ying’s personal maid, Fuling, suddenly trembled and knelt down beside Luo Ying. She said fearfully, “Lord Marquis, I know who did it!”

Luo Yu’an’s eyes narrowed. “Speak.”

Fuling lowered her head, her weak shoulders shaking. “It’s Biyu! I saw her hiding something under the poplar tree in the courtyard the night before last.”

Biyu was furious and retorted, “You’re lying!”

Fuling’s face turned pale. “Lord Marquis, I’m not lying.”

Luo Yu’an stood with his hands behind his back, his face dark. He didn’t say whether he believed anyone or not. He just glanced at the wooden box and his eyes became even colder.

De Rong spoke up, “Lord Marquis, this object was found under the poplar tree in Luoyun Pavilion.”

Luo Yi’er looked at Luo Qian, but she didn’t seem panicked despite her pale face. Luo Yi’er looked away and thought that someone might be framing Luo Qian. Her eyes turned cold, and she didn’t care about the intentions behind it. She reached out to Madam Chu and felt her temperature.

She glanced at Fuling and remembered the suspicious figure she saw in the bamboo forest. Her expression darkened slightly. Luo Yu’an wanted to find the real culprit, so he wouldn’t let Fuling’s words condemn Luo Qian so easily.

He looked at Luo Qian coldly. “What do you have to say for yourself?”

Luo Qian lifted her skirt and knelt down, her voice steady, “Please, Father, investigate. I have no reason to harm Mother.”

Luo Ying spoke up, forgetting her fear of Luo Qian.  “Eldest Sister has always been unhappy with Mother because of Concubine Qing.”

Luo Yu’an’s face turned cold when he heard Concubine Qing’s name. Luo Qian saw this and felt a chill.
She said, “I didn’t do it!”

Luo Yi’er stepped forward and glanced at the wooden box.
She frowned and looked away. “Eldest Sister always says she didn’t do it, but she needs to provide evidence.”

Luo Qian looked at her complexly and said, “May I take a closer look at the object?”

Luo Yu’an sat down, his silence implying consent. Luo Yi’er nodded to De Rong, and the wooden box was brought to Luo Qian. After a moment, everyone saw Luo Qian visibly relax.

The others were puzzled, but Luo Yi’er’s eyes narrowed. She took another look at the object and thought she had a plan.
She frowned and said, “It seems Eldest Sister has found evidence.”

Luo Qian looked up at Luo Yu’an. “Father, please take a closer look at the object. The fabric used is Man Yu Luo shan cloth, which is rare. Where would I get so much of it to make this object?”

Man Yu Luo shan cloth was a tribute, and even the Marquis Mansion only had two or three bolts of it. Because of its vibrant color, Lady Su had received half a bolt, and Luo Yi’er had received one bolt when Lady Su was favored. The rest had been sent to Madam Chu’s courtyard.

Luo Qian’s words seemed to clear her suspicion, but Luo Ying retorted, “If it’s really Man Yu Luo shan cloth, how do you know what it looks like?”

Luo Qian’s eyes flashed, and she knew what it looked like because she had used it to make several garments in her past life.

But she couldn’t say that now. She lowered her head and said, “I saw it at Third Sister’s place before.”

Luo Yi’er’s eyebrows rose slightly. She still had the bolt of fabric in her private storage, and she didn’t remember taking it out for anyone to see. However, she nodded at Luo Yu’an and frowned.
“Father, Eldest Sister is right. This object is indeed made of Man Yu Luo shan cloth.”

Fuling’s face changed, but she didn’t dare to say anything more. She was secretly annoyed that someone had been careless, but Luo Qian hadn’t expected to let her off.

She had seen Fuling bury the object that night, and if she hadn’t recognized the fabric, she wouldn’t have let it stay in Luoyun Pavilion for so long.

If this matter was attributed to her, her father’s temperament was cold and ruthless. It wouldn’t be just a matter of being sent to the manor. She coldly looked at Fuling. “You keep saying it’s Biyu who buried this object. Do you have any evidence? Maybe you’re just crying thief?”

Even Luo Ying looked at her untrustingly.
Fu Ling panicked. “I might have mistaken the person.”

Luo Qian didn’t let up, pressing Fu Ling to reveal the person behind her. She glanced at Fu Ling’s wrist, where she wore a jade bracelet.
She sneered, “You can’t afford such an expensive bracelet, can you?”

Fuling nervously pulled down her sleeve. Luo Ying saw it and pushed her away, angry and resentful. “Who told you to lie? Tell the truth!”

Fuling stumbled and fell to the ground, her eyes red. “Miss, this bracelet was a gift from you!”

She spoke truthfully, and even Luo Ying was hesitant. Maybe she had given it to her. But she knew she wasn’t that generous, and her anger boiled over.
She slapped Fuling’s face. “Don’t talk nonsense! I never gave you that!”

Luo Yu’an suddenly spoke up, “Take her away and investigate who instructed her.” Although he didn’t specify who, everyone knew what he meant. De Rong quickly took Fuling away. Fuling panicked, crying and begging for mercy, but no one intervened.

Luo Yi’er spoke up, “Father, when we received the Man Yu Luo shan cloth, Mother, I, and Concubine Su got some.”
She paused, looking hesitant. “Maybe we should call Concubine Su over?”

Lady Su was currently not in Fang Yun Hall because she was under house arrest. Luo Yu’an nodded, and someone was sent to fetch her.

Luo Yi’er looked up, her eyes expressionless. She didn’t think the true culprit would be found so easily. And… She fiddled with the handkerchief in her hand, seeing Luo Fu’s miserable state.

She knew that Madam Chu’s goal tonight was not only to find the person behind the scenes but also to vent her anger.
She sighed inwardly.
What had she done to deserve such treatment?
But she understood that she had been too gentle lately, and some people had taken advantage of her kindness. Her father and mother had warned her about this.

It was just a matter of a few words. She had been busy with other things and had neglected the concubines in the mansion.

Lady Su was brought over soon, and her appearance shocked everyone. She used to be favored, and whenever they saw her, she was gentle and charming. But now, her face was pale and unhealthy, her hair was messy, and her body was thin.
Some people wrinkled their brows.

Luo Yu’an, who had once loved her dearly, showed no emotion when he saw her. His voice was cold and detached. “Take a good look at this object. Do you recognize it?”

The wooden box was thrown in front of Lady Su by Luo Yu’an’s long sleeves, and it landed with a thud. Lady Su looked at the small figurine pierced with silver needles and was shocked.

Her weak body trembled, and she looked at Luo Yu’an with a mixture of confusion and fear. Her voice trembled, “Lord, I don’t know what this is…”

Her reaction was more convincing than Fuling’s earlier. Several people observed her expression, and Luo Yi’er’s eyes deepened. Even in this state, it was no wonder the Lord had favored her for two years.

Luo Yu’an saw her expression but just snorted. He wasn’t sure if he believed her. He asked someone to repeat what had happened earlier. As soon as the servant finished speaking, Lady Su’s face changed, and she quickly denied any involvement.

“Lord Marquis, it’s not me. This has nothing to do with me!”

Luo Yu’an frowned, “If it’s not you, then who is it?”

After saying that, he suddenly sneered. “Do you think it’s Third Miss or the Madam who is framing you?”

Lady Su bit her lip, and even though she wasn’t as vibrant as before, this small action made her look pitiful and vulnerable. Tears dropped from her eyes, and she looked wronged. “Is this how Lord Marquis thinks of me? When have I ever suspected the Madam or Third Miss?”

Some people in the room were impatient with her dramatics. Luo Qiheng, who had been expressionless, spoke up coldly, “If you’re not suggesting that, then what are you implying?”

Luo Yi’er lightly touched his arm, signaling him to calm down. As the eldest son, he didn’t need to be so open about his disdain, especially in front of the Marquis.
Lady Su might be a concubine, but she was still under the Marquis’s protection. Moreover, it wouldn’t look good if this incident was spread outside.

Luo Yu’an glanced at Luo Qiheng but didn’t scold him. Luo Qiheng looked away, pursed his lips, and stopped talking.

Lady Su suddenly turned to look at Luo Qian, her eyes gleaming with a strange light. Just as Luo Qian felt uneasy, Lady Su spoke up, “It’s Eldest Miss!”

Luo Qian’s head jerked around. “What nonsense are you spouting!”

But Lady Su didn’t care. “Lord Marquis, believe me, it’s Eldest Miss! I gave her all the fabric I had.”

This sudden turn of events was unpredictable, and even Luo Yu’an’s eyes narrowed slightly.

Luo Qian’s face showed anger. “Father, please investigate. This matter has nothing to do with me. Why would Concubine Su give me such precious fabric?”

Her words were logical, and indeed, Lady Su and she weren’t close. Why would Lady Su suddenly give her the fabric?

Lady Su seemed to be enraged by her words, her eyes reddening as she cried. “You said you liked it, and I sent it to Eldest Miss. How can you deny it so easily?”

Luo Qian almost laughed, her anger boiling over. She clenched her fists, knowing that Lady Su was targeting her. But she had told Lady Su the truth. After Lady Su’s miscarriage, she had thought about it carefully. It must have been Lady Su’s own carelessness.
How could she blame it on her?

Luo Qian tried to calm down. “I liked it, and you just gave it to me? When has Concubine Su been so generous?”

Lady Su pointed a trembling finger at her, her eyes filled with disbelief and hurt. “Eldest Miss, how can you be so heartless?”

Luo Qian frowned, not understanding where Lady Su’s words came from.

Then she saw Lady Su suddenly kneel down in front of Luo Yu’an, her face tear-stained. “Lord Marquis, it’s Eldest Miss who told me I couldn’t have a child. That’s why I gave her the Man Yu Luo shan cloth that Lord Marquis gave me.”

Luo Yu’an’s expression changed slightly. Lady Su continued, her voice shaking, “If it weren’t for her, I wouldn’t have had to go outside the mansion to see a doctor. That’s why I gave her the fabric. I was grateful to her, but I never thought… I never thought she had planned this all along!”

Luo Qian didn’t expect Lady Su to reveal this, and her face showed a flash of panic.

She rebuked Lady Su. “That’s absurd!”