Di Daughter's Strategy - Chapter 45

Chapter 45

He glanced over the fox-fur cloak Luo Yi’er was wearing, then helped her up before she could perform a formal greeting. Holding both her hands, he guided her to sit down.
“Are you cold?”

Luo Yi’er shook her head, letting him hold her hands, and replied with a soft smile,
“Your Highness specially prepared a fox-fur cloak—how could I possibly be cold?”

Fang Jinling’s gaze lingered on her face for a bit too long. Luo Yi’er, feeling slightly self-conscious, raised her hand to touch her face and asked softly,
“Why is Your Highness looking at Yi’er like that? Is… something amiss with me?”

“No,” Fang Jinling said, lowering his eyes to look at her. His tone was calm as he spoke. “I just think Yi’er looks more and more beautiful.”

A faint flush rose at the tips of Luo Yi’er’s ears. Her gentle laughter held a hint of shyness as she replied,
“Even Your Highness says such things?”

“What things?” Fang Jinling furrowed his brows, a bit puzzled.

Luo Yi’er paused, then covered her mouth and laughed softly.
“Sweet words, like honey—meant to coax girls into smiles.”

A trace of amusement colored his eyes as he played with her fingers, marveling at how soft and boneless they felt. He lowered his voice.
“Then I’ll only coax you.”

Luo Yi’er parted her lips slightly but turned her face away, speaking with a faint and uncertain tone,
“Your Highness, don’t jest like that…”

Fang Jinling’s lips pressed into a thin line, his brows barely furrowing. But he didn’t try to make her believe him—he only needed to show her through actions.

He gave her palm a light squeeze and casually shifted the topic,
“The red plum blossoms in the estate have bloomed. I remember you once said you wanted to see them at the Prince’s residence.”

“There’s nothing urgent today, so I finally had time to accompany you.”

Because he was holding her hand, the two were seated quite close. When Luo Yi’er turned her head, her forehead nearly bumped into him. Tilting up her fair face, she looked at him and said,
“I heard Your Highness also invited Princess Qingya?”

Fang Jinling leaned in slightly, almost as if to pull her into his embrace, and replied,
“Mm, I was worried Madam wouldn’t be at ease.”

Luo Yi’er curved her index finger and lightly touched her nose, amused. She murmured,
“You sent someone to fetch me, how could Mother possibly refuse?”

His expression remained unchanged as he said evenly,
“Madam has always been strong-willed. Even imperial edicts from the Emperor, she has refused before, let alone me.”

“Refused an edict?” Luo Yi’er’s eyes widened slightly in surprise. She hadn’t known about such a thing, and hearing it now, she couldn’t help showing her astonishment.
“When was that?”

Fang Jinling glanced at her and realized he had misspoken.
“An old matter, Yi’er. You needn’t mind it.”

Her lashes quivered slightly. Realizing this matter hadn’t been publicly known, it surely wasn’t anything pleasant. She chose not to press further and simply nodded without asking again.

Fang Jinling hadn’t intended to hide it from her—it was just that the incident had happened many years ago, and he himself had only found out about it by chance. Worried she might overthink it, he added lightly, “The Empress and Madam Chu have long been at odds. That matter is somewhat related.”

Back then, in investigating the rift between the Empress and Chu-shi, he had inadvertently learned that far more had happened than he’d initially realized.

Fang Jinling lowered his gaze, looking at Luo Yi’er’s delicate and lovely face. His eyes darkened slightly.
Thankfully, it had all turned out this way—otherwise…

He had gently hinted at it, and Luo Yi’er also began to form some vague guesses in her heart. After all, she had once studied in the palace as a companion reader.

The Emperor’s special favor toward her, the Empress’s forced kindness that was tinged with subtle dislike, she had sensed it, even if faintly. But seeing how Madam Chu always carried herself with calm dignity and neither flattered nor feared the Emperor, she had never thought too deeply in that direction.

The two of them, with unspoken understanding, let the topic pass. Then Fang Jinling suddenly asked her, “Yi’er and Qingya get along well?”

“The Princess treats me very kindly.” Luo Yi’er didn’t understand his intent, but still answered honestly.

From her words, Fang Jinling picked up on her meaning and furrowed his brows slightly. Luo Yi’er hesitated, then asked with some uncertainty,
“…Your Highness, is there something improper about it?”

She frowned a little. Qingya was a woman, and moreover the Emperor’s most favored princess. She had never openly expressed support for any prince, so logically, Prince Jing shouldn’t be displeased with her.

Fang Jinling reached out to lightly rub her dark hair and said calmly, “It’s nothing. As long as you like her, that’s all that matters.”

Indeed, Qingya’s status was somewhat complicated, but such things weren’t hers to worry about. Since he had decided to marry her, then he should protect her for life. Qingya was one of her few true friends—why make her give that up?

As for the rest, he would handle it himself.

Besides Madam Chu and a few others, Qingya was one of the very few people Luo Yi’er had genuinely tried to befriend. So she truly couldn’t understand—what was so wrong about Qingya?

She certainly didn’t mean her harm. If she did… Luo Yi’er’s gaze lowered slightly, her eyes dimming. But just then, the man interrupted her thoughts and said with a trace of helplessness,
“Don’t overthink.”

Luo Yi’er pulled her hand back, a little displeased.
“You were the one who brought it up…”

Fang Jinling let out a small chuckle. It was rare for her to show a bit of temper in front of him. He found it rather refreshing. Still, he didn’t want her to feel uneasy. He placed both hands on her shoulders, turned her to face him, and leaned down to whisper a few words in her ear.

Luo Yi’er’s pupils contracted slightly. She clenched his sleeve, and when he finished speaking, she couldn’t help but exclaim,
“She dared to do something like that?!”

Fang Jinling supported her with one hand, a faintly mocking smile on his lips.
“Power and wealth blind the eyes. What wouldn’t she dare?”

Luo Yi’er recalled scenes from her days in the palace, and couldn’t help shaking her head. Her brows furrowed slightly, but she said nothing more.

Fang Jinling saw her expression, took her hand into his palm, and said softly,
“There’s no need for you to worry. If you like her, then treat her as you always have.”

Luo Yi’er lowered her head and gently bit her pink lips.
“Won’t this cause trouble for you?”

Fang Jinling hooked his finger under her chin, forcing her to look at him.
“Yi’er, you seem to be underestimating this prince a little too much.”

Luo Yi’er slightly tilted her face up, staring at him in a daze. His expression was calm and his voice even, without the slightest ripple—yet she could clearly hear the confidence and pride behind his words.

She was momentarily lost in thought. As the Emperor’s most favored son, Fang Jinling had led military campaigns at a young age, returned triumphant, and held great power in his hands. How could he not be proud? He had merely never shown it outwardly.

Coming back to herself, she gave him a light push, raised her brows, and smiled.
“In that case, I suppose Yi’er shall act freely then.”

Fang Jinling’s gaze softened slightly.
“As it should be.”

Luo Yi’er blinked. She could sense the special treatment he gave her, and in her heart, there was a trace of bewilderment. She didn’t quite understand why, but there was one thing she clearly knew: she could use this specialness to act a little more freely. As for just how far she could go with that freedom… it remained to be seen.

Just then, the carriage came to a stop, and Wei Feng’s voice called out,
“Your Highness, Miss Luo, we’ve arrived.”

Fang Jinling stepped out of the carriage first, then reached out to help her down. He held her soft, slender hands as she lightly lifted her skirts and descended the steps. Just as she was about to withdraw her hand, he said calmly,

“Qingya should have already arrived.”

Luo Yi’er’s movements paused slightly. She shifted her gaze away, not looking at him, but followed his words obediently.
“Then let’s hurry. We mustn’t keep the Princess waiting.”

Fang Jinling gave a small nod and led her into the prince’s residence. After a few steps, he glanced sideways at her as she walked with her head lowered, focused on her footing. He lightly furrowed his brows and subtly slowed his pace so she could catch up.

Where he couldn’t see, Luo Yi’er bit down hard on her lip, leaving a faint mark on her lower lip that faded after a moment.

This was her second time visiting Prince Jing’s residence. But the last time, she’d been injured and hadn’t taken in any of the scenery. Now, she turned her head and took her time observing.

As the legitimate son of the Emperor, Prince Jing’s estate was located in one of the most prestigious areas of the capital, and the interior layout was uniquely designed—each corner of the grounds seemed to carry its own distinct character.

Fang Jinling led her past the rear garden, where servants were trimming the flower bushes. Upon seeing the two of them, they bowed silently, showing neither surprise nor other expressions. Luo Yi’er didn’t mind—if these servants had reacted improperly, that would’ve been unusual.

At that moment, Fang Jinling spoke beside her.
“It seems Yi’er doesn’t have a particular favorite flower. So the residence has gathered a little of everything.”

Luo Yi’er tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, turned her head slightly, and replied with a gentle smile,
“Yi’er’s tastes are rather plain, no strong preferences. I admire the proud strength of the winter plum, the noble purity of the lotus, and even the vivid brilliance of peach blossoms—I like them all.”

“There’s nothing wrong with that.”

Fang Jinling found nothing inappropriate about Luo Yi’er’s preferences. Not far from the garden stood an artificial hill made of Taihu stones, with a stream trickling down its surface. After looking at a couple of the scenic spots, Luo Yi’er’s interest waned. Smiling gently and serenely, she glanced around.

Not seeing Qingya, she asked, “Where is the Princess?”

Fang Jinling turned his head to look at Fushan, who had just arrived. Fushan bowed and replied,
“The Princess is currently in the front hall.”

The two didn’t linger further and headed toward the front hall. Just as they were about to enter, Luo Yi’er hesitated slightly and shifted her hand in his grip. Somewhat uneasy, she said:
“Your Highness…”

Fang Jinling’s eyes dimmed slightly. He didn’t say a word, merely released her hand as she wished.

Luo Yi’er quickly lifted her gaze and gave him a brief glance before lowering her head again. In a soft murmur, as if trying to explain, she said,
“I… I’m just not used to it…”

Her brows gently knitted together as her gaze fell. She carried a quiet and refined grace, but compared to her usual self, the way she twisted her handkerchief in her fingers betrayed a trace of unease.

Fang Jinling sighed inwardly. Whatever emotion he had felt earlier now quietly dispersed. He lifted his hand and gently brushed her forehead with his fingertip.
“It’s all right. Take your time.”

His calm tone soothed Luo Yi’er’s lingering anxiety. She pursed her lips and lifted a faint smile, her eyes curving as she nodded at him.
“Mm.”

She raised her hand to remove his, but as she released it, she gave his fingers a slight squeeze. A flicker of surprise flashed through Fang Jinling’s eyes. She had already turned away, speaking with an air of casualness.
“Let’s go inside.”

Fang Jinling looked at her ears, red as if they could bleed, and amusement surfaced in his gaze. He answered her softly.

As he watched her walk into the front hall a bit flustered, he stood with his hands behind his back. But within his sleeve, his fingers curled slightly. Lowering his eyes, the corner of his lips seemed to twitch upward—though perhaps not at all.

When he entered the hall, he immediately saw Luo Yi’er’s face flushed deep red, and Qingya beside her, clearly teasing her. Upon seeing him come in, Qingya immediately redirected her remarks toward him:

“So that’s why the master of this residence wasn’t around when I arrived—turns out you went to pick someone up!”

Luo Yi’er’s face turned even redder. Embarrassed by the teasing, she didn’t dare even glance at Fang Jinling. He gave Qingya a calm look and simply said,
“The plum grove is in the East Courtyard.”

At his words, Qingya instantly lost interest and pouted.
“Thank you, Third Imperial Brother!”

She grabbed Luo Yi’er and dashed outside, and Fang Jinling could faintly hear her grumbling under her breath.
“…He talks so little, I don’t even dare get close to him…”

Fang Jinling’s expression didn’t change. Whatever trace of warmth he had shown in front of Luo Yi’er was now long gone. He gave cold, composed instructions,
“Prepare ginger tea and her favorite pastries. Assign someone to watch closely, don’t let her catch cold.”

Fushan secretly clicked his tongue. There was no need to guess who the “her” referred to—it was obviously Miss Luo. The poor Princess Qingya hadn’t even earned a passing mention.