Chapter 23 The Double-Pupiled Beauty in the Backyard of the Deep Mansion 5
The weather grew hotter day by day, and the sweltering heat became increasingly unbearable. An imperial edict was issued from the palace, and the emperor prepared to depart for a summer palace to escape the heat.
Although the imperial edict was only issued at this time, everyone had witnessed the actions taken over the past month. Various plans and arrangements had been prepared, and this was merely a formality.
The trip is scheduled for the end of the month, which is only a few days away. The people in the capital are restless. Those with connections have already found ways to get on board for this summer retreat, while those without are anxiously scratching their heads. This summer retreat could be a lifesaver, and everyone wants to go. They'll do anything to squeeze in.
Don't you see how many favored concubines the emperor brought back to the palace when he was away from the summer heat?
Even if they don't follow the path of becoming emperor, there are still so many princes, all from the best families.
As for Luo Yunyao, she naturally had to go along; it was a special imperial decree that specifically designated her. This was a first among noble ladies in the capital, a great honor.
Even Grand Tutor Luo was extremely satisfied with this daughter. A family with a daughter is sought after by many, and his daughter is one in a million. It's not impossible for him to send her up to the higher-ups.
Grand Tutor Luo was ambitious; perhaps it was because he was getting old that his thirst for power had become even more ingrained. He wanted the Luo family to rise further under his control, and his daughter was precisely the first step in that process.
Luo Yunyao had naturally received this news beforehand. This time, the eldest prince would accompany her to the summer palace, while the third prince was unable to walk and the fifth prince and the others were too young to attend school. Naturally, the second and third princes would oversee the country.
The eldest prince was very dissatisfied with this arrangement. Regent was always the duty of the crown prince. This time, the second and fourth princes were left in the palace while he went to the imperial palace. This was his father’s way of blatantly slapping him in the face.
The emperor is now very old, and as he looks at his increasingly robust sons, his heart grows ever more fearful. Which emperor can easily relinquish his power?
Especially the eldest son, he's getting more and more cunning. He's not even dead yet, and he can't hold back anymore. Will he kill his father and the emperor in the future to establish his own kingdom?
Therefore, the emperor brought his eldest son with him to the imperial palace this time. The second son was sickly and weak, so the old emperor was very relieved about his second son, who was indulging in nature and indifferent to fame and fortune. The fourth son was younger and acted willfully, so he was not destined for great things. Only the eldest son was too unruly and made the emperor feel annoyed.
So he decided to keep the eldest brother by his side so that he could feel at ease.
Because the young lady was going to accompany the emperor to the summer palace, the Grand Tutor's mansion was bustling with activity. In these times, traveling far away was a big deal.
The mansion was bustling with activity, but this had little to do with Luo Shu; no one would bother with their secluded courtyard.
The weather was gloomy today, with a dark, oppressive atmosphere that seemed to foreshadow a heavy rain. Luo Shu lay on the chaise longue in her room, listening to Chun'er tell some gossip about the manor.
She looked languid, wearing only a light blue, silver-embroidered, butterfly-and-flower-patterned ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress) that reached her chest. Her arms, as smooth as milk curd, and her delicate collarbones were all exposed, making her breathtakingly beautiful and alluring.
While telling her mistress about some secrets she had heard about the manor, Chun'er secretly glanced at her mistress. Every time she looked at her, her face grew hotter. After talking for a while, her face turned bright red, like a boiled shrimp.
Seeing that Chun'er's face was flushed, Luo Shu thought she was hot and quickly told her to go to the door for some fresh air.
In fact, Luo Shu was also sitting by the window, but the heavy dark clouds made her feel suffocated and uncomfortable.
"Boom!"
Thunder rumbled outside, its sound powerful and its intensity overwhelming. The sky grew increasingly dark, and flashes of lightning, like silver dragons, streaked across the horizon from time to time, sending chills down one's spine.
The wind and thunder outside were mixed, the wind was howling, and the big trees in the yard were rustling. Luo Shu thought that if the roof had not been reinforced by Li Xuanshu and Li Xuanwei's men before, it might have been blown away.
She stood at the doorway, with the dilapidated mansion behind her and the howling wind and thunder in front of her.
She stood between heaven and earth, with black hair and red lips, snow-white skin and a beautiful face, her mesmerizing double pupils seemed to shimmer with starlight, her beauty was like a dream, a sight that could last a thousand years.
The noise outside the courtyard grew louder, as if many people were coming this way. Dark clouds loomed over the city, threatening to crush it; a storm was brewing.
The rain finally started, pattering down. The summer raindrops hit the dust, creating a muddy, pungent smell that was quite irritating.
Luo Shu did not enter the room. Chun'er took a light gauze outer garment and gently draped it over her mistress's shoulders. Her snow-white skin was faintly visible under the thin gauze, which was captivating.
"Why is it getting noisier and noisier outside? It's raining so hard, and there are so many people?"
Luo Shu was a little curious. With such heavy rain, why not stay indoors and instead leave people outside to get soaked? That was really strange.
“Miss, I heard from Zhang Mama in the kitchen that a thief broke into our mansion. The Prefect of the Capital wanted to bring people in to search, but the Master refused, so the Prefect of the Capital surrounded the mansion. The Master is furious.”
Luo Shu raised an eyebrow. "Is that so? This seems to be a plot point in the original novel. Luo Yunyao saved Wei Chengyan, the Crown Prince of Yan, after his assassination attempt failed. When the Prefect of the Capital searched the Luo family, she managed to fool him."
This incident also made Luo Yunyao the white moonlight in Wei Chengyan's heart. After Wei Chengyan returned to Yan, he worked hard to govern the country. Later, when Qi and Wei were at war, Luo Yunyao went to the Wei royal army tent alone and persuaded Wei Chengyan. As a result, her reputation among the people rose and she became the first empress of Qi.
No one in the Luo household could have guessed that Wei Chengyan was hiding on Luo Yunyao's embroidered bed at that moment.
Luo Shu's small courtyard was near the back gate of the mansion, where soldiers were guarding the gate and had been searching the area.
That makes sense, since the position of Prefect of the Capital is held by the eldest son of the current emperor's maternal uncle, the General of Fuyuan. Even the Luo family wouldn't dare offend such a person.
It is also said that the eldest son of the Princess of the capital was also among those who came to search the area. Because Wei Chengyan injured the Princess during his assassination attempt, the young master of the Princess's residence was also very angry about this and asked the Emperor to allow them to search the area together. The Emperor granted his request.
Almost all of the most luxurious lineups in the capital were assembled.
Grand Tutor Luo had no choice but to agree, even though he was secretly furious. Although this action was somewhat damaging to his reputation, it was also to clear his name, and he had no other choice.
"Gentlemen, please come in with me."
Grand Tutor Luo led the group into the Luo residence. Many soldiers secretly marveled at how beautifully the residence was built. However, many of the young masters had visited the Luo family before and were not surprised by this.
"I dare not obstruct your search, but please do not go into the back courtyard for the women. My wives are all timid and kind-hearted, so please do not disturb them."
The Prefect of the Capital frowned slightly, but said nothing.
This old fox, Grand Tutor Luo, has already shown us face by letting us pass this time. If we make any more demands, the old fox might turn his back on us, leaving us in a difficult situation.
Moreover, when the thief escaped, he was stabbed several times and covered in blood. I doubt that an ordinary woman would dare to harbor him. So, let's not search him.
"Alright, Grand Tutor, rest assured, we will not disturb Miss Yun Yao. She is of noble character and would never harbor thieves."
Before the Prefect of the Capital could speak, the young master of the Princess's family readily agreed. He was slightly annoyed, but not wanting to argue with a junior, he let it go, nodding to Grand Tutor Luo and taking a sip of tea.
After a short while, the search was completed, and apart from the residences of the women of the Luo family, there was nothing unusual.
"Reporting, sir, there is a small courtyard near the side gate exit. The maid inside says it is the residence of Miss Luo the Second. I dare not disturb you, but the courtyard is rather suspicious. May I ask what I should do, sir?"
A soldier in silver armor bowed and reported. The Prefect of the Capital turned to look at Grand Tutor Luo. Grand Tutor Luo's face showed no unusual expression, and even a hint of doubt.
The women in his family all lived with his wife, so why would they live in such a remote place as the back gate?
No, Grand Tutor Luo remembered. That must be his second daughter. His concubine was gentle and kind and was quite favored by him. Later, she died in childbirth, and he stopped caring about the affairs of the inner quarters. He never expected that his daughter would be arranged to live there.
The two sons and one daughter in the Luo family were all born to his wife. There was also a son born out of wedlock. His daughter was born with a disability, and he had long forgotten about this disabled daughter.
Bringing it up now is a little awkward.
"This is my youngest daughter. She has always been quiet and has been ill since birth. She doesn't like to go out, so we moved to this small courtyard. If Lord Zhang (the Prefect of the Capital) suspects anything, he may search for her himself. I am loyal and have nothing to fear."
The Prefect of the Capital nodded to the soldiers and then said, "Grand Tutor's loyalty is as clear as day and night. But this is just routine business. I hope the Grand Tutor will understand. I will go there myself and search for the young lady. I will not tarnish her reputation. What do you think, Grand Tutor?"
Grand Tutor Luo nodded: "Alright."
The Prefect of the Capital was going to Luoyang, so the Grand Tutor naturally had to go with him. The young master also came along. He wasn't curious; he simply wanted to see if the thief was hiding here so he could capture him in one fell swoop.
When the group arrived outside Luo Shu's courtyard, the Prefect of the Capital ordered the soldiers to make way. In Qi, the separation of men and women was not so strict, so no one was surprised that the young master did not make way.
Grand Tutor Luo ordered the stewardess to open the courtyard gate. From the outside, the courtyard looked dilapidated, with an old wooden door and weathered stone walls that spoke volumes about its plight.
The wooden door creaked open. Chun'er was about to scold whoever was so rude, but when she saw the scene outside, she was dumbfounded and stood aside, not daring to say a word.
These people were holding umbrellas, and the one in the lead was none other than the master of the Luo family, Grand Tutor Luo.
Chun'er huddled to one side, unaware that her umbrella was askew, letting the rain soak her hair and wet her clothes.
Startled by the rain, she seemed to snap out of her daze. She wanted to rush ahead but didn't dare, so she could only follow the crowd dejectedly towards the house.
"What are you doing here?"
Outside, the rain was pouring down. Luo Shu's voice wasn't loud, but for some reason, everyone present could hear her clearly.
They looked up and saw a stunningly beautiful woman lounging lazily by the window, her snow-white arms resting on her chin. She wore a blue ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress), with a light gauze draped over her shoulders. Her long, dark hair cascaded down, loosely held up by a jade hairpin. The gauze wrapped around her arms, and a subtle fragrance lingered in the air. Her face was like a peach blossom or snowflakes emerging from the sun, her eyes like bright pearls or rippling spring water. Her slender waist seemed to sway in the breeze, her movements graceful and captivating, her beauty so exquisite that it could make fish sink and geese fall from the sky. Her graceful dance was breathtaking, enough to shame the moon and flowers. Her beauty was beyond description.
Her pupils, in particular, were like stars fallen from the sky, captivating and mesmerizing, her beauty ethereal and otherworldly.
"And who is this young lady?"
The princess from the princess's family spoke blankly, her eyes fixed on Luo Shu, her expression infatuated, like a fool, no longer possessing her previous noble and arrogant air.
Luo Shu ignored him and stared intently at Grand Tutor Luo and the Prefect of the Capital. It was clear that the two of them were in charge, and no one else was worth Luo Shu's attention.
The Prefect of Jingzhao was already over forty, but such a stunning beauty still momentarily captivated him. Her slender fingers, like tender jade, seemed to exude a rich fragrance even from a distance, making one willing to be her devoted subject.
Meanwhile, Grand Tutor Luo was shocked. His impression of this daughter had always been that she was aloof and born with an illness. He never expected that she would have such unparalleled beauty and grace. For so many years, she had been kept hidden in this small courtyard. With a daughter like this, what couldn't he accomplish?
Grand Tutor Luo was heartbroken at the thought of wasting so many years of his daughter's life, but then he was overjoyed. Heaven had blessed him with such a beautiful daughter, and he was determined to make a good plan for her.
"Miss Luo, I am the Prefect of the Capital. I have come to your residence today to search for suspects. May I ask if you have seen any suspicious men?"
Luo Shu remained in that position, looking at the crowd in the rain, and said calmly, "No."
"Ahem, Luo Shu, your father has come with Lord Zhang to search for the thieves today. Although you prefer quiet, you must distinguish between what is important and what is urgent. Your father and Lord Zhang will search briefly, so you don't need to be afraid."
To anyone unaware of the situation, Luo Taifu's tone would make him seem like a loving father. Luo Shu, however, was indifferent and didn't bother to play along with her father. She turned her head and lay back on the chaise longue, ignoring everyone else.
Grand Tutor Luo looked somewhat embarrassed and suppressed his anger, saying, "My daughter is spoiled and arrogant; I hope you two will forgive her."
Lord Zhang waved his hand, snapping out of his daze, and stroked his beard, saying, "It's alright, it's alright. We disturbed the lady's peace and quiet, it's not her fault. Brother Luo, you should hurry up and search, don't bother the lady any longer."
The Prefect of the Capital thought to himself that the situation in the capital was about to change again, and he hadn't expected the Luo family to have such a trump card hidden away.
Moreover, such beauty was not something he could covet. He was lucky enough to catch a glimpse of her, and he shouldn't have any other thoughts.
Li Yu, standing beside him, still looked somewhat dazed, a blush still lingering on his face. His eyes were bright as he gazed out the window, even though he could no longer see the beauty's figure.
"Grand Tutor Luo, please don't say that. It was we who disturbed Miss Luo. How can we blame her? Besides, Miss Luo has a pure and innocent personality, which makes people forget the mundane world."
He blushed again after he finished speaking, but then said hesitantly, "I felt an immediate connection with Yu upon seeing him."
Grand Tutor Luo laughed it off, acknowledging that Li Yu's high status meant he wasn't Li Yu's target. However, he also couldn't afford to offend him. He simply wanted to smooth things over.
The three of them opened the door and went inside to search. Chun'er opened the door for them. Luo Shu was lying on the chaise longue behind the beaded curtain. She did not get up to greet them, and no one raised any objections.
Only Li Yu tried to catch a glimpse of the beauty through the beaded curtain, but unfortunately, he failed.
The search yielded no results, and the three left the hospital.
The rain was still falling, and the sky was still.
After a fresh rain in the empty mountains, it's the perfect time to sleep. Perhaps I should take a short nap, Luo Shu thought.
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