There had never been something like a daughter who arranged a concubine to her own father. Hearing this, Luo Cheng’s face twitched. If it wasn’t for the fact that he thought of how intimate the Prince of Chu and his daughter appeared last night, not only was she his daughter, she was also the future Princess of Chu. Otherwise, he would’ve given her a good scolding.
Feeling totally awkward, Luo Cheng said resenfully, “Qing Luan, why don’t you put your mind on your upcoming wedding. A young girl about to get married, how can she say these kinds of things?”
Having made the decision early on, moreover, not feeling the least bit respectful of Luo Cheng, Luo Qing Luan smiled indifferently, “I’m worried about Father. Why can’t I say these things? Since Father knows how to be concerned about daughter’s marriage, then as a daughter, why can’t I care about Father’s happiness?”
With one sentence, Luo Cheng’s face became red, wanting to put a stop on Luo Qing Luan continuing to talk, but she simply ignored him. She sat down instead and continued seriously, “Father, I’m not making a joke. Mother already passed away over ten years ago. In the past, I even thought that Father’s Concubine was good to you. But later on, I found out that she actually was even my mother’s murderer. How can I tolerate her?”
Towards the end, her tone of voice already deepened and carried a tinge of severity.
Luo Cheng was already worried about this matter to begin with. Having heard what was said, he frowned, “Qing Luan, I know you’re worried, but your mother already passed away for so long. Is it possible that you’ve misunderstood this matter? Your Father’s concubine put a lot of effort for the sake of this family. Moreover, she really cares a lot about me. This matter that you’re talking about……”
It’s not that he had no suspicions in his heart, but in the end, there‘s fifteen years worth of affection between them. Moreover, this matter is too big. Luo Cheng instinctively wants to avoid it. He clearly already discovered a lot of suspicious points, but he already didn’t want to inquire about Wang Xue Ru and didn’t want to start an investigation even more. Because once he confirmed that this matter was true, he doesn’t know whether he can bear it or not.
“Father, do you not believe your daughter?” Luo Qing Luan complexion darkened at once.
She strenuously carried out an investigation and already outlined everything so clearly. This father of hers surprisingly didn’t believe her and even found excuses for Wang Xue Ru? Sure enough, that man who used to love her beloved mother already died. He was in fact a muddleheaded, cowardly dotard who only took the easy way out.
Luo Cheng felt ashamed, but as before, he didn’t want things to become a big deal. He paused before taking a breath in and continued, “Qing Luan, you should understand Father. During the previous period of time, your paternal grandmother sent someone to send word that your father’s concubine had purchased some very nice perfume. She liked it a lot, and she even said that she’ll be returning after a period of time. If your grandmother returns to discover that our home has turned into one big mess, how will she not be broken-hearted?”
Grandmother? Luo Qing Luan suddenly froze a bit.
This name which had not been heard from Luo Cheng’s mouth for a long time was so unfamiliar to her. Even though from her memories, she knew that this person was Luo Cheng’s birth mother and her blood related grandmother, this person already left their home a year ago. She’d always been residing at the capital’s largest temple to cultivate and hadn’t returned home for a long time.
The General Mansion’s grand madam actually did not live at home, but stayed at Puguo Temple year round instead. There was naturally a reason for this. Aged parents naturally wished for the family to be more blessed and have more descendants as well as for everyone to get along. But Luo Cheng was already in his late forties, yet did not have a son. Grand Madam Luo persuaded Luo Cheng to take a new concubine, but encountered Wang Xue Ru’s opposition. In a fury, she left for Puguo Temple and recited Buddhist scripture, worshiping Buddha to pray for a son for the Luo family. Once she left, it’s been a year.
Suddenly, Luo Qing Luan realized that this was the best excuse, not becoming angry and smiling instead. “Grandmother is returning?” she asked.
“Mn, your wedding is next month. No matter what, your grandmother will come back. Last time, she was invited back to preside over Qing Shuang’s wedding, but your grandmother refuse. This time, I was actually also not hopeful, and merely had someone send her an invitation to return home casually. Who knew your grandmother agreed instead.” Once Luo Cheng said this, Luo Qing Luan’s heart suddenly warmed. This grandmother very likely was sincerely fond of her noble born granddaughter in the past, right?
Suppressing the burst of warmth, Luo Qing Luan said, “Since Father also wishes Grandmother to be happy, then you should know well why Grandmother left for Puguo temple at the time. Now that Grandmother is returning home, don’t tell me Father still wants Grandmother to be disappointed?”
Having said this, she stood up filled with respect, “Your daughter is going to be rude here, but I still need to tell Father. Our Luo family doesn’t have a male heir. Father, you won’t go so far as to hope that our Luo family’s fire will be extinguished and ruined in your hands, right? No matter whether Father believes in Wang Xue Ru, I still ask Father to consider Grandmother’s feelings for a bit. There are three ways to be unfilial; having no sons is the worst (quote from Mencius). Elder Sister and I have married. Every adult male at home have been incapable.”
Having been reprimanded like this by his daughter, Luo Cheng found it difficult to respond.
For so many years, he had been drowning in sorrow from his beloved wife’s death and simply had no heart to remarry. Afterwards, he had been entangled with Wang Xue Ru. Gradually, any intention to remarry was severed. At present, Luo Qing Luan used his own elderly mother to provide righteous justification for him to take a concubine. On the one hand, he felt that this didn’t conform to customary practices while also feeling awkward. Even if he thought this way in his heart, he still couldn’t say it out loud.
How could Luo Qing Luan not realize what’s on Luo Cheng’s mind? There were some men who were in position to take some small advantages, yet still wanted to show that they’re well-behaved. In regards to these kinds of men, even if it was her father, she still needed to spank him and force him to swallow lock, stock and barrel. Everything depended on one word, ‘speed’.
“Actually, I’ve already discussed this matter with the Prince of Chu last night.”
At least, she should explain what happened last night. Luo Qing Luan actually didn’t want Luo Cheng to misunderstand that. “Father, the Prince of Chu already said that he’s willing to help Father first take a look and see if there’s a suitable daughter from an official’s family. It doesn’t matter even if she’s a concubine’s daughter, as long as she has good moral character and is gentle, it’s fine. As for me, haven’t I brought Sister Hongyu home last time for a visit? I can tell that Hongyu admires Father a lot. If Father’s willing, I’ll go tell her. It’s possible that she will truly become a member of our family.”
Hongyu? Luo Cheng suddenly recalled that female guest who visited their home last time. Arms like jade with red lips. Eyes like spring water, even possessing a young lady’s bashfulness increasing her loveliness endlessly. He instantly became excited, somewhat not daring to believe it’s true. “Qing Luan, you, you said that Hongyu……”