Yu Luo naturally had nothing to say to people who were treacherous and ungrateful.
Moreover, Hui Xiang had tried to seduce Marquis Shunning.
Since she had arrived in this world, Marquis Shunning had become Yu Luo’s father.
No one would willingly watch their own father be seduced by someone else.
Later, Madam Yu returned.
Yu Luo recounted the day’s events to Madam Yu.
Even though they were mother and daughter, some things still needed to be made clear; otherwise, Madam Yu might think Yu Luo was overstepping by disciplining her own household staff.
Madam Yu did not mind. “Since she made a mistake, don’t let her serve in the quarters anymore. That way, she won’t cause any bigger trouble in the future.”
Yu Luo smiled slightly.
Although Madam Yu had a gentle nature, she was also reasonable.
Having spent this time with Madam Yu, Yu Luo felt it was quite pleasant.
Madam Yu smiled. “Today I had your fortune told. The high monk at the temple said that your future husband will be born in the Year of the Dragon. Your zodiac signs will match, and only then will you live an easy life together.”
Yu Luo: “……”
Honestly, Yu Luo had never thought about marriage.
In this dynasty, which noble son was not married with multiple wives and concubines?
Yu Luo, as someone from outside the books, could not accept that her marriage would be like that.
Madam Yu, however, was delighted. “Later, I’ll ask around to see which young noble is born in the Year of the Dragon. We must arrange a marriage that is just right for you.”
When it came to marriage, Yu Luo, as a young lady, could not argue much. She could only hold Madam Yu’s hand and say it was too early to think about it.
The news of Hui Xiang being dismissed from Madam Yu’s quarters spread quickly.
Liu Yanran also learned of it.
Thinking of all the money she had wasted on Hui Xiang, only to gain nothing in return, Liu Yanran felt a painful tightness in her chest.
She was feeling unwell, so Cai Die quickly informed Yu Yuan and Yu Che.
Not long after, Yu Che came to visit Liu Yanran.
Liu Yanran recounted the matter with Hui Xiang to Yu Che, exaggerating as she spoke. “Cousin Luo knew I had a good relationship with Hui Xiang. She isn’t trying to punish Hui Xiang; she clearly wants to drive me out.”
Yu Che hesitated. “Luo’er is straightforward. She wouldn’t think so much.”
Liu Yanran laughed bitterly. “Seems Cousin Brother doesn’t believe me anymore.”
Seeing her tearful, Yu Che felt a pang of concern.
Liu Yanran’s position in the residence had gradually been overtaken by Yu Luo. The maids and old women in the household, seeing that Marquis Shunning and Madam Yu doted on Yu Luo, were no longer as polite to Liu Yanran as before.
Liu Yanran neither wanted to leave the Yu Family Residence nor constantly bow her head to Yu Luo.
She and Yu Che liked each other and thus urged him to speak to Marquis Shunning about their relationship, so that their marriage could be arranged quickly.
Once Liu Yanran became the future young noble madam of the Yu Family Residence, her treatment in the household would double.
Yu Che hesitated for a long time.
He was a bit afraid of his father.
Marriage should follow parental arrangement and matchmakers. If he acted on his own, Marquis Shunning would likely reprimand him.
Later, Yu Che cautiously mentioned this in front of Marquis Shunning.
The Marquis’s expression immediately turned cold.
“You are young and should be focused on achieving merit, but all you do is indulge in love affairs. You have brought shame to the Yu family.”
Yu Che, hearing his father’s harsh rebuke, did not dare to speak a word.
Marquis Shunning said, “Miss Liu is your Biao Mei. You are grown now. Some boundaries should be observed. You cannot be as close as you were when you were children.”
Hearing this, no one at the dinner table dared speak. Even Yu Yuan, the legitimate eldest son, did not dare to interrupt.
Yu Luo merely ate her meal quietly, listening to their conversation.
After dinner, Yu Yuan and Yu Che left.
Madam Yu, feeling unhappy, returned to her room to rest early.
Yu Luo poured a cup of tea and handed it to Marquis Shunning. “Father, why do you not approve of Second Brother being with Cousin Yan?”
Marquis Shunning shook his head. “Neither your eldest nor your second brother is foolish. But since Biao Xiaojie arrived, the two of them act like they’ve been bewitched. They loiter in her presence all day, neither studying nor considering their merits. I think this girl is cunning and not easy to deal with.”
Yu Luo secretly admired him.
As expected, experience brought wisdom. Marquis Shunning, seasoned in officialdom, could discern a person’s character at a glance.
Marquis Shunning stood and placed his tea cup aside. “Luo’er, rest well. Tell your mother not to overthink. I will go to the study to handle official matters.”
Yu Luo asked, “Father, is there anything happening at the Imperial Court that requires you to be so busy?”
Marquis Shunning shook his head. “The Qin Wang family rebelled and were executed. The Heir of Prince Qin’s whereabouts are unknown, and his former generals are causing chaos everywhere. The Imperial Court insists on finding and executing the Heir.”
Being loyal to the Imperial Court, Marquis Shunning naturally had to assist in this matter.
Yu Luo felt a chill in her chest.
No wonder Li Xiao, after rising to power, had been deliberately plotting against the Yu family.
It was not just because of the grudge with Eldest Miss Yu, but also because of this!
Yu Luo hesitated, then said, “Father, the Qin Wang family has contributed so much to the Jing Dynasty over the years. Without Prince Qin’s Manor, how could the borders have been so peaceful? I believe there must be something suspicious about the accusation of rebellion.”
Marquis Shunning narrowed his eyes. “Oh? Luo’er, what are your thoughts?”
“The Heir of Prince Qin accomplished great feats and is a hero of the Jing Dynasty,” Yu Luo said. “His family’s merit surpasses the ruler. The Emperor couldn’t tolerate them and fabricated charges. Father, right and wrong cannot remain hidden forever. If our family acts inappropriately, it will leave a stain in history.”
Marquis Shunning stroked his beard and sighed. “I underestimated you. Your insight surpasses your brothers. If you were a boy, I wouldn’t have to worry about the Yu Family Residence’s future. I know my limits in Imperial Court matters. Luo’er, you may go rest.”
Yu Luo nodded and left the room.
As soon as she stepped out, she saw Li Xiao standing outside.
Yu Luo: “……”
What was going on? Why was a powerful figure everywhere she turned?
Had he heard her praising the “great hero” just now?
Li Xiao held a glazed palace lantern and looked down at Yu Luo from above.
The night breeze blew her wisps of hair sideways. Her hair ornaments swayed loosely, and her eyes sparkled like stars, making her look mesmerizing.
Sensing Li Xiao’s slightly aggressive gaze, Yu Luo stepped back two paces, trying to maintain a composed posture. “Guard Li, what are you doing here?”
Li Xiao’s smile was faint and ambiguous. “The night is dark. I was worried Eldest Miss might be afraid, so I came to escort you back.”
Yu Luo: “……”
Yu Luo sighed inwardly.
What had she done to deserve being escorted by such a powerful figure?
As long as Brother Xiao did not kill her entire family, she would be grateful.