Chapter 27 The Double-Pupiled Beauty in the Backyard of the Deep Mansion 9
Since the Lantern Festival, rumors have circulated in the capital that a stunningly beautiful woman made a fleeting appearance at the festival, and even more outrageous rumors have emerged that a goddess appeared during the festival.
As the rumors intensified, many people were likely fueling the fire, including Grand Tutor Luo. Among those who wanted to suppress the news, the two princes were the most eager to do so.
The capital was becoming increasingly turbulent, with a cacophony of conflicting news and a growing tension.
However, none of this mattered to Luo Shu; his life remained peaceful. They had moved to a better courtyard. The service was better, and their lives were more comfortable, not much different from before.
Meanwhile, Luo Yunyao, who was far away at the imperial palace, also received a secret letter from a servant. The message was delivered by one of her own subordinates; Madam Luo had not informed her of the matter in writing.
One reason is that her daughter has already gone to the imperial palace. Rather than letting her worry, it would be better for her to serve the royal family and nobles in the palace, which might lead to a better future.
Another reason is that Mrs. Luo intentionally didn't want Luo Yunyao to know the news so early. Her daughter has been somewhat proud and arrogant since childhood, and Luo Shu's appearance was a big surprise or even a blow to her. If Luo Yunyao found out, she was afraid that trouble would arise.
Therefore, this news was passed on to Luo Yunyao by one of her trusted subordinates. However, this subordinate only mentioned in the letter that Luo's father had given the courtyard originally prepared for her to Luo Shu, and he knew nothing else.
As for the matter of those distinguished guests coming to play chess and have fun with Luo Shu, those who saw it were basically people under Luo Shu's father and mother's command. They had all been reprimanded, and their indentures were still in the hands of Grand Tutor Luo and Madam Luo, so naturally they dared not speak recklessly.
However, the matter of the courtyard alone was already making Luo Yunyao somewhat irritable. She knew that Grand Tutor Luo was a man who would not act rashly unless necessary, so the fact that he had given this exquisite and luxurious courtyard to Luo Shu meant that she must have some extraordinary qualities.
And most importantly, Luo Shu's value is higher than hers.
So, in what ways could this second sister, born out of wedlock, surpass her?
Luo Yunyao frowned in thought. The palace was cool and refreshing, so she took out an ice cream puff and pleased everyone in the palace. Many of the ladies in the palace praised her highly, and even the Empress Dowager was on her mind. Logically, she should be very happy, but for some reason, she felt a little uneasy.
As expected, the emperor received a report about the drought in Yuzhang. Before the report was submitted, Yuzhang had already been experiencing drought for half a month without rain. With the time it took to submit the report, the drought had already lasted for quite some time.
After receiving this memorial, how could the emperor still stay in the imperial palace?
The group set off for the palace that afternoon. The journey was extremely urgent, and they left in a great hurry. Some of the lower-ranking concubines were not taken along, and they were told to return on their own.
Luo Yunyao was quick-witted and had the First Prince take her along. The First Prince did indeed have some genuine feelings for Luo Yunyao. He didn't abandon her at this moment, but instead safely put her on the carriage and escorted her to the Luo residence.
The group of carriages traveled in haste, unlike the journey there which was well-equipped. This trip back to the manor was quite arduous. Luo Yunyao, along with several maids, looked haggard, her hair was disheveled, and in the summer heat, they even smelled a bit sour.
Luo Yunyao hadn't suffered like this in many years; this trip had truly tormented her. She couldn't even bother looking for Luo Shuya; she just wanted to quickly wash up and get some rest for a few days.
Luo Shu was completely unaware that Luo Yunyao had returned. In the past few days, Luo Yunqin had been coming over to play with Luo Shu. She was considerate and generous, and she got along well with Luo Shu.
Furthermore, Luo Yunqin has a little hobby: she likes to listen to gossip and interesting stories. She also knows a lot of gossip from attending various banquets with Luo Yunyao. In the past, she didn't have a suitable person to talk to about it, but now that she has Luo Shu, she has someone to gossip with.
Some people can spend a lifetime together and still only be casual acquaintances, while others can become close friends after just a few days together.
Luo Shu suited her taste perfectly. At first glance, she was so intimidated by Luo Shu's stunning beauty that she dared not speak to her, much like how people respect gods and Buddhas. But after spending time with her, she realized that Luo Shu was truly a very good person.
She's not exactly considerate, but she's definitely not difficult to get along with. She'll listen to you very attentively, respond to you, and isn't pretentious. She'll say what's on her mind directly, which is extremely rare among noblewomen.
Noble ladies are taught from birth to be well-bred, gentle and polite, and to have the dignity of a woman.
Luo Shu possesses a free and unrestrained spirit, a quality that shines even brighter than her appearance, leaving people in awe. She has a free soul like an eagle, which is truly enviable.
Luo Yunqin felt that she had never seen such a woman before. She longed for such a life, but she dared not. The etiquette and rules she had received before bound her. She envied Luo Shu's carefree attitude, but she was also afraid.
She enjoyed being with Luo Shu; being with her made her feel as if she had forgotten she was in this small, square courtyard and had a brief moment of freedom.
As for Luo Shu, she didn't dislike Luo Yunqin. Moreover, while she didn't feel pity for women bound by feudal ethics, she also felt a sense of sorrow for them, realizing that this was a cruel and harsh fate imposed on women by the times.
Therefore, she was quite patient with Luo Yunqin and listened carefully to what she said. Of course, some of the things Luo Yunqin said were very interesting, and she listened with great interest. The two of them got along more and more well.
"Second sister, the young lady from the Fuyuan General's family took a fancy to our newly appointed third-ranked scholar. That scholar was handsome and fair-skinned. On the day the results were announced, she tried to find a husband for him at the foot of the list. Guess what happened?"
Luo Yunqin winked playfully, took a sip of tea, and kept Luo Shu in suspense by not revealing what would happen next.
Luo Shu blinked her dark, crystal-like eyes, her face filled with pure curiosity. Her fair, delicate face was like a lotus emerging from water, and she tilted her head to look at you with curiosity. In her bright, double pupils, there was only your image.
My God, who can resist this!
Luo Yunqin struggled to breathe. "Second sister, this is truly... truly, beauty has ruined me!"
Her face flushed slightly, and she took another sip of tea before saying, "In the end, this top scholar rejected the marriage proposal from the Fuyuan General's family without hesitation. He said that his future wife must be a woman who is well-versed in literature and poetry, like Miss Luo Yunyao. Then, the Fuyuan General's daughter was humiliated in front of everyone. She grew up freely with her father on the frontier. She has a cheerful personality, rides horses very well, and has some real skills, but she is only so-so in terms of poetry and literature. Then, she was ridiculed like that. Many people heard what the top scholar said at the time. She fell seriously ill and only recovered in the summer. She has not been seen attending any banquets since."
Luo Yunqin's tone was somewhat sighing. She quite liked that young lady from the general's family. The young lady was lively, cheerful, and easy to get along with. She never expected that she would be ridiculed like this.
Luo Shu scoffed upon hearing this, her voice cold: "Most men in the world are shallow. This scholar's words are merely because he thinks she is somewhat rough around the edges of the frontier. As for harmonious marriage, does he go home every night to lecture his wife on the Analects and the Records of the Grand Historian? It's just an excuse."
Luo Yunqin also thought so, but she didn't say it as bluntly as Luo Shu. Moreover, General Fuyuan was a first-rank official in charge of a region, while he was just a lowly sixth-rank scholar. His behavior was so disorderly that he offended a first-rank official in the court, and he had no future prospects.
In her opinion, the young lady really doesn't need to be sad about this. No one would dare to laugh at her for attending the banquet to her face. Everyone will still fawn over her. Besides, there are plenty of handsome young men in the world. There are even top scholars every year. What's so special about that? If this young lady wants to find a husband, she will receive a lot of invitations.
However, it's something she needs to be able to accept herself.
The two were playing Gomoku (Five in a Row) on a Go board with black and white pieces. Just as the atmosphere was getting right, Luo Yunqin's head maid rushed in, looking anxious, as if something important had happened.
"Miss, Miss Shu, the eldest young lady is back."
The maid threw out a bombshell, making Luo Yunqin's ears ring. Luo Yunyao was back! Wasn't she supposed to be at the summer palace? How come she's back so soon?
This head maid had been with Luo Yunqin for decades, so she knew exactly what she was thinking. Therefore, she said directly, "The news of the drought in Yuzhang has spread throughout the capital. The Emperor should have received the news as well, and he must have rushed back because of this."
Luo Yunqin had also heard about the drought in Yuzhang. It had been spreading like wildfire in the capital for the past two days, and the situation was extremely serious. Now that only the princes were in the palace, it was understandable that the emperor was in a hurry to return.
The emperor has returned, and his attendants are expected to return as well. It's not surprising that Luo Yunyao has returned as well.
But with Luo Yunyao back, these leisurely days are probably coming to an end.
Luo Yunqin stared blankly at Luo Shu, who remained calm on the other side. She knew Luo Yunyao's methods; Luo Shu was no match for her.
Luo Yunyao is a ruthless and vicious person. Her good reputation in the capital over the years is no small feat.
"Second sister, if you don't mind me being nosy, I'll say a few more words."
Luo Shu remained calm, but her eyes were fixed intently on Luo Yunqin. Luo Yunqin's heart stirred slightly; Luo Shu was truly a very good person.
Her father was not as powerful as this uncle, and Luo Yunyao had only ever treated her as a follower since childhood, never calling her "cousin". However, in Luo Shu's eyes, she saw respect, not contempt or arrogance, but a calm respect.
"Second sister, Yun Yao is a bit proud and decisive. If you see her, keep your distance. After all, His Highness and the others are outside, and there are some things in the manor that they can't get involved in. You must take good care of yourself."
Luo Shu knew that Luo Yunqin was giving her a hint. Luo Yunyao had been managing the household for many years, and with Madam Luo backing her up, it would be too easy for her to mess with Luo Shu.
However, Luo Yunqin was, after all, a young lady confined to her chambers, and she underestimated the methods of the royal family.
As the person cherished by the two princes, Luo Shu was someone that even Luo Yunyao and Madam Luo would have to consider before trying to mess with. Grand Tutor Luo would not give them the opportunity to do such an irrational thing. Luo Shu was a perfect trump card in Grand Tutor Luo's hands.
Luo Yunqin's eyes showed worry, her expression was anxious, and the beautiful woman frowned, exuding a thousand kinds of charm.
"It's alright, nothing will happen. Don't worry, cousin. She's smart enough not to come looking for me."
Luo Yunqin looked stunned for a moment, then gave a faint smile. She sat for a while longer before leading her maid back home.
Luo Yunyao rested for two days before she had the energy to think about Luo Shu's matter.
"Tell me about everything that's going on in the manor, make sure it's comprehensive."
Luo Yunyao sat in front of the mirror, her maid combing her hair, while an ordinary-looking old woman stood respectfully beside her, reporting on matters in the mansion.
"The day before Miss set off for the imperial palace, the Prefect of the Capital came to search for the assassin. Somehow, they ended up searching Miss Luo Shu's courtyard. The next day, Grandpa moved her to that courtyard."
At this point, the maid's forehead was covered in a fine sheen of sweat, but her expression remained relatively calm. She wiped her forehead before continuing, "I don't know what happened that day, but some maids casually mentioned that it was said, it was said that Miss Luo Shu was extremely beautiful, and that's why, that's why Master took her to the new courtyard."
Luo Yunyao still wore a gentle smile on her face. She had her head maid personally escort the servant woman out. Only after the woman left the inner room did her expression turn gloomy.
The two maids inside were Luo Yunyao's personal maids. They had accompanied Luo Yunyao to the imperial palace and were therefore unaware of what was happening in the mansion. At this moment, the two of them stood silently by her side, holding their breath and staring intently.
"Extremely beautiful? I'd like to see for myself. Just how beautiful is she?"
Luo Yunyao changed into a more luxurious and exquisite outfit before leading a large group of people toward that courtyard.
At that time, Luo Shu was sleeping soundly on a rattan chair under the tree.
Upon reaching the courtyard gate, an old woman beside Luo Yunyao went to knock on the door. The door was gently pushed open a crack, revealing Wufu inside.
Seeing the menacing group outside, she looked somewhat flustered. Luo Yunyao also recognized the maid beside her mother. Her eyes were sharp, but her voice was gentle: "What? Am I supposed to stand in the way now?"
Wu Fu remained silent, not daring to say more. She quietly opened the door, and Luo Yunyao stepped into the courtyard first. She saw someone sleeping under the tree, which must be her half-sister.
Luo Yunyao looked her over; her figure was graceful, and her hands were as white as snow, with distinct knuckles—absolutely beautiful.
Her face was covered with a handkerchief, so her features were not visible.
Luo Yunyao's expression darkened slightly, and she said in a cold voice, "What? My elder sister has arrived, and you don't even know how to greet her?"
The woman on the chair didn't move at all, seemingly fast asleep.
Chun'er shakily nudged her young mistress's shoulder, and the sleeping girl finally woke up, removing the embroidered handkerchief from her face.
Luo Yunyao's pupils contracted sharply. The person in front of her had dazzling eyes that radiated an unfathomable expression. She had willow-leaf eyebrows, almond-shaped eyes, red lips, and white teeth. Her lips, as vibrant as cherry blossoms, curved into a crescent shape. Her dark hair flowed down her back, making her breathtakingly beautiful.
Why? Why let Luo Yunyao live a second life, and then let someone like this appear in her life?
She was unwilling
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