Di Daughter's Strategy - Chapter 38

Chapter 38

When Luo Yi’er returned to Yunxia Courtyard, the night was dark and thick, and in two hours, it would be dawn. Pan Si quickly had water heated and waited on her bath. Afterward, she adjusted the candles in the room to emit a warm, soft light.

Luo Yi’er leaned against the bed, her mind replaying the unexpected events of the night. She had improvised after realizing Madam Chu wasn’t unconscious.
Feeling tired, she rubbed her temples and closed her eyes, thinking about what had happened.

It started with her discovering Fuling sneaking into the bamboo forest. Then, Linglong told her that the footprints in the bamboo forest led to South Garden. After that, someone sent a message saying Fuling had buried the wooden box in Luoyun Pavilion.

Luo Qian had then used this to her advantage, but she hadn’t expected Su Shi to put the fabric in Pear Garden instead of Luoyun Pavilion

Luo Yi’er hadn’t anticipated that Madam Chu would cooperate in this drama without informing her beforehand, which had initially caught her off guard. Now that Fuling had been exposed, Luo Ying would certainly not let her off the hook.

What surprised her the most was Lady Su’s actions despite being under house arrest. Lady Su had managed to do something significant, and now the blame had fallen on Concubine Qing. Luo Yi’er wondered how her father would deal with Lady Su.

Luo Yi’er’s fingers traced the patterns on the embroidered quilt, and she suddenly remembered the visit from the Prince of Jing that day. She opened her eyes slightly and said, “Tomorrow, Concubine Qiu will leave the mansion. As Second Sister’s mother, Second Sister should go and see her off.”

Before Pan Si could react, Luo Yi’er pinched her forehead, looking tired. “This is for the mansion’s good fortune. It wouldn’t be fitting to be too extravagant. Tell Second Sister to endure some hardships on the journey.”

Pan Si tucked the quilt around her and whispered, “I’ll take care of it, Miss. You should rest. It’s almost dawn, and you’ll need to get up early tomorrow to pay respects to the Lady.”

Luo Yi’er understood. Although she knew Madam Chu wasn’t unconscious, she still needed to maintain appearances.

Because she had slept late, Luo Yi’er woke up a bit later the next day. As soon as she sat up on the carved jade bed, she saw Pan Si hurrying over, lifting the bed curtains, and helping her up. Pan Si instructed the servants to attend to her and then whispered, “Miss, please rinse your mouth. The Madam is already awake, and the Lord will go to court after the Madam wakes up.”

“After you finish breakfast, you’ll need to go to Fang Yun Hall to pay your respects.”

As she said this, she paused, put down the saltwater cup, and whispered, “The Madam just sent word that Concubine Qiu will leave the mansion after lunch. Second Miss has already gone to see her.”

Hearing this, Luo Yi’er finally reacted. She glanced around the room and asked, “Where’s Linglong?”

Pan Si helped her to the table, smiling. “Linglong should be in Furong Courtyard now.”

After Miss gave the order yesterday, she went back and told Linglong about it. This morning, Linglong finished her tasks and said goodbye before heading to Furong Courtyard. She probably won’t find anyone there now and will have to wait for Second Miss to return from Concubine Qiu’s place.

Pan Si thought idly as she carefully attended to Luo Yi’er’s breakfast.

When they arrived at Fang Yun Hall, although Madam Chu was awake, she hadn’t gotten out of bed yet. She leaned against the bed, her long black hair cascading down her back. Hearing the movement, she glanced over and saw Luo Yi’er, a smile spreading across her face.
“Have you eaten breakfast?”

Luo Yi’er smiled slightly. “Of course, I’ve eaten. How are you feeling, Mother?”

Madam Chu raised her eyebrows at Zhang Momo, and Zhang Momo led everyone else out. Luo Yi’er lowered her eyes, walked over to Madam Chu’s bed, and sat down. Madam Chu took her hand, and Luo Yi’er pouted, her fine eyebrows furrowed.
“Mother didn’t warn me yesterday. I almost got fooled too.”

Madam Chu patted her hand, her smile faint. “It was just a warning to those who have overstepped their bounds.”

Luo Yi’er’s eyes flashed, unsure if Madam Chu was referring to Lady Su or someone else. She pursed her lips and asked hesitantly, “Mother, what will happen to Lady Su? Will she be left alone like this?”

Madam Chu’s smile faded slightly. “Leave it to the Lord to handle.”

Luo Yi’er frowned. “But…”

Madam Chu interrupted her, her eyes cooling. “Don’t worry. Since she’s used such methods, the Lord won’t tolerate her anymore.”

Luo Yi’er’s eyelashes trembled. She understood Madam Chu’s words. After a moment, she smiled and changed the subject, “Today, Concubine Qiu is leaving the mansion. Second Sister must be sad. I just sent Linglong to tell her that we’ll escort Concubine Qiu to Mingjing Temple.”

Madam Chu’s expression remained calm. “Second Miss is filial. She should be grateful to you.”

Luo Yi’er smiled, covering her mouth. The matter was settled. She wanted to ask about Concubine Qing but felt that Madam Chu might not want to discuss it.
She smiled softly, her eyes deepening.

Lady Su’s actions had made it almost impossible for Luo Qian to move freely in the mansion. Luo Yi’er was curious about what Luo Qian would do next. She wouldn’t give up easily…

Luo Fu stayed with Concubine Qiu for a long time before returning to Furong Courtyard. As soon as she stepped into the courtyard, she noticed the unusual silence.

Her heart, already troubled by Concubine Qiu’s departure, sank further. She frowned and asked the old woman guarding the courtyard. “What’s going on?”

Before the old woman could answer, a maidservant rushed out of the main house. Seeing Luo Fu, her eyes lit up. “Miss, you’re back.”

Luo Fu recognized the maidservant, a second-class servant girl. She asked, puzzled, “What’s wrong?”

The maidservant lowered her head and whispered, “Third Miss’s Linglong has been waiting in the courtyard for a long time.”

Luo Fu’s expression froze. She didn’t want to see anyone from Fang Yun Hall or Yunxia Courtyard right now. She regretted her actions yesterday, knowing they had led to her and her mother’s current situation. If she had known, she would have stayed in the courtyard and not caused trouble.

Baizhi behind her nudged her and whispered, “Miss?”

Luo Fu snapped back to reality, suppressing her panic. She quickened her pace towards the main house. As she arrived, she saw Linglong coming out of the side room. Linglong walked over calmly and bowed. “Second Miss, greetings.”

Luo Fu forced a smile: “It’s Linglong. Did Third Sister send you here for something?”

Linglong bowed her body slightly, her smile polite and neutral. “Miss is considerate. She knows Second Miss must be sad about Concubine Qiu’s departure. She sent me to tell Second Miss that she can escort Concubine Qiu to Mingjing Temple and then return.”

Escort her to Mingjing Temple? Alone?

This time, Concubine Qiu’s trip to Mingjing Temple was ostensibly for good fortune, but secretly, it was a punishment.
Although the journey wasn’t far, it wouldn’t be as comfortable as before.

Luo Fu’s smile faltered, and she forced herself to say, “I’ve already said goodbye to Mother…”

Linglong acted as if she hadn’t heard Luo Fu’s words. She raised her head, repeating what she had just said, and smiled.
“Is Second Miss not going to see Concubine Qiu off?”

Although she was asking, her tone didn’t allow Luo Fu to refuse.

Luo Fu clearly heard the implication. She saw Linglong, a servant, being disrespectful to her, and her anger rose. Her eyes showed her displeasure, and Linglong’s smile faded.

She took a step back, bowed slightly, and said calmly, “If Second Miss doesn’t want to go, I’ll return to Miss and tell her. I won’t take up Second Miss’s time.”

“Wait!” Luo Fu quickly stopped her as she turned to leave. She knew she couldn’t afford to offend Linglong, as it would be seen as disrespecting Luo Yi’er.
She suppressed her anger and forced a smile.  “Third Sister is so considerate of me. I’m grateful, and I wouldn’t refuse.”

Linglong smiled slightly and didn’t respond. Luo Fu gritted her teeth, her hands clenched in her sleeves. She forced a smile. “Thank you for coming, Linglong. Please thank Third Sister for me. I’ll pack my things and see Mother off.”

Linglong smiled. “There’s no need. The journey from the mansion to Mingjing Temple won’t take long. If you’re quick, you can still return for dinner. You don’t need to pack anything.”

She paused and smiled again. “Unless Second Miss wants to stay with Concubine Qiu in Mingjing Temple to pray for the mansion’s good fortune?”

Luo Fu’s face tightened.
She knew she couldn’t stay. “No need!” she interrupted Linglong quickly, afraid that if she continued, she wouldn’t be allowed to return to the mansion soon.
She forced a grateful smile. “I’ll go see Mother off.”

Linglong stepped back. “I’ll escort Second Miss.”

She stood at a distance, determined to see Luo Fu off. Luo Fu’s body stiffened slightly as she walked towards the side gate of the mansion, supported by Baizhi.

Concubine Qiu couldn’t leave the mansion through the main gate, it was a rule. As Luo Fu walked along the path to the side gate, she felt a burning sensation in her heart. A mistress who wasn’t favored was treated worse than a servant.

Luo Fu’s heart trembled slightly as she suppressed her anger, feeling a pain in her chest that made her eyes well up with tears. She quickly took out a handkerchief to wipe her eyes and walked towards the side gate as if nothing was wrong.

At the side gate, Concubine Qiu was about to get into the carriage. She turned around and saw Luo Fu rushing out. Surprised, she asked, “Second Miss, why are you here?”

Luo Fu’s eyes were red, but she forced a smile. “I couldn’t bear to part with you, Mother. I want to escort you to Mingjing Temple personally.”

Concubine Qiu’s face was pale and delicate. Due to her humble upbringing, her eyes had a hint of small-towniness. Seeing Luo Fu, her hands trembled. She glanced at Linglong, who was standing nearby, and quickly composed herself, smiling. “Why is Linglong here?”

Linglong bowed slightly, “I’m here to escort Second Miss.”

Concubine Qiu looked at Luo Fu, who was trying to hide her anger, and then at Linglong, who was neutral. She realized that this was a warning from Third Miss.
Feeling anxious, she still forced a smile, “Thank you, Linglong.”

“It’s no trouble, Concubine Qiu,” Linglong said. She turned to Luo Fu and smiled slightly. “Second Miss, don’t worry. The steward has arranged for a carriage to be sent over.”

As soon as she finished speaking, Luo Fu saw a servant leading a carriage out from the side gate. Luo Fu’s face turned white with anger. She clenched her fists and suppressed her anger, looking at the carriage. It was much simpler than the carriages Luo Yi’er used when leaving the mansion.

Linglong frowned slightly, looking embarrassed. “Concubine Qiu’s journey should be simple and frugal. It might be a bit difficult, but it’s all for Second Miss’s filial piety.”

Luo Fu was furious and didn’t want to look at Linglong anymore.
She turned and got into the carriage.

Concubine Qiu followed behind, smiling apologetically. “Second Miss is upset. Linglong, don’t take it to heart. You should get back to Third Miss. She can’t do without you.”

Linglong looked at her neutrally, “Concubine Qiu’s journey is for the mansion’s good fortune. It’s a great thing. Second Miss is upset? I don’t understand.”

Concubine Qiu’s face stiffened. “I misspoke.”

Linglong didn’t want to say more. She bowed slightly and smiled. “Concubine Qiu, you’d better get into the carriage. Don’t be late. Second Miss needs to return tonight. The road at night can be treacherous.”

Concubine Qiu realized why Luo Fu was angry. The journey would take a long time, and if they had to return tonight, they would arrive at the mansion late at night.
She felt unhappy but couldn’t express it. She quickly got into the carriage, hoping to make the most of the time.

After both of them got into the carriage, Linglong instructed the coachman, “Second Miss is filial. Take good care of them. Make sure to bring Second Miss back today.”

Luo Fu sat in the carriage, listening to Linglong’s words. Her face turned pale with anger. She took deep breaths to calm herself down.

As the carriage drove away, Linglong, still standing at the side gate, let out a soft snort. She turned and walked back into the mansion.