Di Daughter's Strategy - Chapter 55

Chapter 55

By the time Luo Yi’er and Fang Jinling arrived, Fang Jinyu had long since rescued Luo Yu and taken her away.

Luo Yu had already been sent back to her courtyard, and Fang Jinyu had also been led by Luo Qiheng to change into clean clothes.

Although Luo Yi’er didn’t see the people directly involved, she wasn’t the least bit anxious. Standing behind Fang Jinling, she had spotted Luo Qian by the lake as soon as they arrived.

At this moment, Luo Qian’s face was somewhat cold. Upon closer inspection, there was a hint of dazedness in her eyes, as if she was lost in thought.

Luo Yi’er’s eyes flickered slightly. Instead of approaching, she went over to Madam Chu, frowning as she asked a few questions, then helped Madam Chu disperse the curious guests.

After all the guests had followed Madam Chu to the front courtyard, Luo Yi’er gave Fang Jinling a slight nod before turning and heading toward the rear courtyard.

After she left, Fang Jinling’s gaze remained indifferent. He glanced at the lake, then led Wei Feng toward the front courtyard.

Someone would naturally inform him clearly about everything that had happened here.

In a short while, Pansi had also found out the details. Originally, Princess Anru had also come today for the birthday celebration. For some reason, she had gotten into an argument with someone beside her.

Amid the commotion, she accidentally pushed Luo Yu, who was trying to mediate, into the lake.

Prince Wen happened to pass by and saw a group of young ladies from prominent families in a panic. Only later did he learn someone had fallen into the water by accident, so he went in to save her.

Pansi used words like “accidentally” and “by mistake.” Not having been on the scene, Luo Yi’er couldn’t immediately determine whether this was intentional or a coincidence.

However, one thing was certain: it couldn’t be related to Luo Qian; otherwise, she wouldn’t have had that expression.

Luo Yi’er twisted her handkerchief slightly, her eyes growing somewhat deep.

Among the other young ladies in the estate, if there was one she somewhat took notice of, it was only Fourth Miss Luo Yu.

She had always been inconspicuous. Yet, whenever there were benefits for the estate’s concubine-born daughters, she never missed out on her share.

Yet her presence was extremely low-key; she never caused trouble, kept her head down, and was absolutely respectful toward Madam Chu and Luo Yi’er.

Such a person shouldn’t have warranted much attention from Luo Yi’er.

However, the dog that bites doesn’t bark, these quiet, unassuming people are often the most ruthless.

Moreover, how could a concubine-born daughter like her intervene in a matter involving Princess Anru?
She had always known how to read the room, so why had she been so reckless today?

Luo Yi’er frowned slightly. There were many subtle inconsistencies here, but she couldn’t quite piece them together.

If it was intentional, then who could it be?

Princess Anru, Luo Qian, Luo Yu…

Princess Anru naturally couldn’t be the one. Luo Qian’s expression earlier showed she was completely taken by surprise.
That left only one person…

But Luo Yi’er lightly pursed her lips. There was one other possibility.

That was Prince Wen.

In the original text, there were two reasons why Prince Wen had overcome all opposition to marry Luo Qian as his consort.

First, he had already been enfeoffed as a prince, and Consort Li intended for him to take a wife.

Second, Luo Qian, being a concubine-born daughter, had a weak personality, was easy to control, and was Luo Yi’er’s sister, often having opportunities to interact with Luo Yi’er.

He needed a consort, one who was easy to control.

And because he was particularly fond of Luo Yi’er, he sought every means to get closer to her. Thus, the other concubine-born daughters of the Marquis of Qi’s mansion became the best option.

Today, by the lake, there had been Luo Qian and Luo Yu. If it really was Prince Wen, then who had been his target?

Or was it that as long as it was a concubine-born daughter of the Marquis’s estate, he didn’t care?

Luo Yi’er suddenly stopped. Pansi beside her looked puzzled: “Miss, what’s wrong?”

“When the incident happened, where was Xiaoxi?” Luo Yi’er lowered her gaze, her expression indifferent.

She suddenly recalled that ever since she had Qingling deliver that note that day, Xiaoxi had made no further moves.

But given Prince Wen’s capabilities, he should have long since identified the person behind it as Luo Qian.

“This servant does not know,” Pansi replied, unsure what this had to do with Xiaoxi.

Luo Yi’er continued walking forward. Luo Yu had fallen into the water, and visiting her now would also maintain her usual reputation for kindness.

Moreover, some things she needed to see with her own eyes to know the truth.

“Have someone investigate.”

For some reason, she had a feeling that Xiaoxi was important.

If her earlier guess was correct, then Luo Qian had wanted Xiaoxi dead.

Luo Qian had tried to use her as a blade to kill.

But Luo Yi’er hadn’t lent her that blade. Given Luo Qian’s nature, she shouldn’t have simply given up.

However…

Luo Yi’er raised an eyebrow almost imperceptibly. Since the person rescued from the water was now Luo Yu, then Luo Qian was in danger.

A person who seemed to know many secrets and was of no use to him, would Prince Wen easily let her go?

No, he would not.

A flicker of coolness suddenly passed through Luo Yi’er’s eyes. He was never a merciful person, nor did he have much patience.

He certainly wouldn’t take pleasure in toying with people. Even back then, with Princess Heyi, he had destroyed her without hesitation. Luo Qian was even less significant in his eyes.

“Miss, we’re here.”

Pansi’s voice pulled Luo Yi’er back from her chaotic thoughts.

She looked up at this courtyard she had almost never entered, raising an eyebrow almost imperceptibly before stepping inside. She saw the mansion physician just getting up.

A slight furrow appeared between her brows, carrying a trace of concern as she asked gently, “Physician, how is my fourth sister? Is she alright?”

“Third Miss need not worry. Fourth Miss is fine. She fell into the water on a cold day; drinking a few extra bowls of ginger tea will suffice.”

In short, there was no serious issue.

Luo Yi’er let out a soft sigh of relief, her expression easing. She turned to look at Luo Yu, speaking gently, “How are you feeling, Fourth Sister?”

Luo Yu was currently wrapped in blankets. The bed curtains had been drawn earlier, but upon hearing her voice, the maids quickly opened them so she could see inside.

Luo Yu had already changed into clean clothes. With the recent snowfall, the lake water was bone-chillingly cold.

After such a fall, she naturally wouldn’t be feeling well. Her nose was red, and a lingering trace of fear remained around her eyes.

She hugged her knees, and upon seeing Luo Yi’er, perhaps because she was the only relative who had come to visit, tears instantly rolled down her cheeks.

Her appearance was delicate and pleasing, now with an added touch of pitiable beauty like a lotus emerging from water.

Luo Yi’er’s eyes deepened slightly as she heard her weak voice, carrying a soft sob: “Third Sister, I… I’m alright…”

Instantly, Luo Yi’er sat down beside her with a heartache, gently patting her hand and comforting her softly, “Alright, alright, it’s over. Don’t be afraid.”

She nodded slightly with great effort, appearing very sensible and obedient. After a while, still bowing her head, she asked in an extremely soft, somewhat hesitant voice,
“Third Sister, the one who saved me… how is Prince Wen?”

Luo Yi’er’s eyebrow raised almost imperceptibly, and a delicate frown creased her brow. A flicker of difficulty seemed to cross her face but vanished quickly, as if she didn’t want Luo Yu to see her worry: “Don’t worry. Prince Wen will be fine.”

She paused, then said, “But after all, Prince Wen did save you. Another day, Mother will send someone to the Prince’s estate with gifts to express gratitude, and that will settle the matter. You are still young, not yet of age. By the time you are ready for marriage, this incident will have long been forgotten.”

Being rescued in close contact by a strange man in front of so many people was indeed damaging to one’s reputation.

Luo Yu, no longer consumed by fear, seemed somewhat shy about the topic of marriage.

Her face flushed crimson as she turned away, protesting coyly, “Third Sister! Please stop saying such things! It’s so embarrassing!”

Seeing her like this, Luo Yi’er covered her mouth with a light laugh.

However, when the handkerchief concealed the corner of her mouth, her smile faded somewhat.

Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Luo Yu’s hands clutching her knees—there, the fingertips were slightly pale from gripping too tightly.