Chapter Sixteen: The Conversation in the Study

“Young Master, Miss’s leg hasn’t fully healed yet...”

Before Luo Yunqiao could stand up, Yin Xin hurriedly rose and spoke.

Jin Xin also cast a worried glance at Luo Yunqiao. “Young Master, Miss developed a lingering illness at Zhaojue Temple before, and today her leg ailment flared up again; she’s not fit to walk.”

Luo Zeting furrowed his brow, his gaze fixed on her leg with a hint of concern.

“Did you call for a doctor?”

Luo Yunqiao shook his head. “No need for a doctor; it’s much better now. I’ll go with you to the study to see Father.”

With that, she slowly rose, gradually adjusting to the leg that had only just begun to improve. Walking was still painful, but far more manageable than before.

Seeing she could still walk, Luo Zeting said no more and turned to lead the way.

Luo Yunqiao moved slowly, with Yin Xin and Jin Xin wanting to follow.

“Miss...” Yin Xin looked at her with concern.

“You’re too lively and lack a bit of steadiness. This time, Jin Xin will accompany me. Keep watch over the courtyard!”

Along the way, Luo Zeting slowed his pace, waiting for Luo Yunqiao to catch up.

“Yunqiao, is your leg alright? Let me carry you, brother.”

Luo Yunqiao evaded his hand. “No need, I can manage myself.”

The two walked slowly together until they reached the study, already half an hour later.

Upon entering, Luo Yunqiao immediately heard Luo Chao’s voice, thick with anger.

“I told your brother to personally fetch you, yet you still delayed so long. Do you really not respect me as your father?”

Luo Yunqiao ignored his absurd outburst and leisurely approached the couch, slowly sitting down with Jin Xin’s support.

“Sister, Father has been waiting a long time. You should apologize,” Luo Yunzhen said gently.

“Father, we arrived late. Please punish us!” Luo Zeting quickly added.

Luo Yunqiao glanced at them. “My leg is bad, so I walked slowly. If there’s something to say, say it quickly. Afterward, I must slowly return to rest.”

“This is utterly outrageous!” Luo Chao exploded, slamming his hand hard on the table.

“Father, Yunqiao didn’t mean it like that. She just...”

“Then what does she mean? Am I not even allowed to say a few words as your father?” Luo Chao was still in a rage, speaking recklessly.

Luo Zeting didn’t know how to calm him and looked at Luo Yunqiao, hoping she would relent so the matter could pass.

But Luo Yunqiao seemed oblivious to everything, not giving him a single glance.

“Did you summon me here for a reason?” Luo Chao’s tone grew cold.

Luo Yunqiao shook her head, then nodded slightly.

Before anyone could ask, she spoke directly: “You called me here just to scold me, but I don’t believe I’ve done wrong. Therefore, I won’t listen to this reprimand.”

Upon hearing this, Luo Chao was livid once more, on the verge of a meltdown, only to be stopped by Luo Zeting.

“Ungrateful girl!” Luo Chao threw something violently onto the table.

He steadied himself and said, “I summoned you to warn you to obey Prince Xiao Muyuan of Yan from now on.”

“He is the youngest son of the late emperor, yet the current ruler will never pass the throne to this Prince of Yan. A bloody storm will likely erupt in the court.”

Hearing Luo Chao speak so calmly, Luo Yunqiao found it somewhat unsettling.

“Moreover, as a daughter involved with the Prince of Yan’s household, how will you ever marry?”

Luo Yunqiao sat quietly on the couch, listening.

After a long pause, she softly asked, “Has Father finished speaking?”

“Not yet. You’ve surely heard many rumors about the Prince—cold-blooded, merciless, a killer. Your close association with him will only bring endless disaster to our family.”

“Besides, as your father and a subject of His Majesty, I cannot allow you to be too close to a prince who commands heavy troops.”

Luo Yunqiao nodded. “I understand. Father, is there anything else?”

Surprised at her compliance, Luo Chao still spoke: “The rank between you and Zhen’er has been decided by your mother and me. Zhen’er will be the Lady of the Luo family; you will be the Second Miss.”

“Don’t be childish. This is for the family’s dignity. Zhen’er has maintained a good reputation for years. Having her as Lady benefits the Luo family.”

“You did something disgraceful before. Though it hasn’t spread, it still brought shame. Zhen’er has managed her reputation well in the capital, which is a great boon for the Luo family.”

“Father, Zhen’er only did what she ought to. Besides, I’m not truly of the Luo bloodline. If...” Luo Yunzhen’s eyes reddened as she glanced at Luo Yunqiao.

“Zhen’er, don’t speak. This is a decision our whole family has made!” Luo Zefeng stopped her from continuing.

Then turning to Luo Yunqiao, he said, “Can you stop bullying Zhen’er? She’s such a good person, yet you torment her. You might as well have died outside so we wouldn’t have to quarrel here today over who is the first or second miss. What a disgrace!”

“Furthermore, Zhen’er is superior to you. As the Lady of the Marquis’s household, she deserves the title more. She bears the responsibilities of the legitimate daughter of the Marquis’s family. What are you dissatisfied with?”

Listening to Luo Zefeng, Luo Yunqiao glanced over the others present and suddenly felt like smiling.

Her lips curved slightly, and her sharp black eyes swept across the room.

“So, in everyone’s eyes, this Marquis’s true bloodline shouldn’t come back, huh? The family prefers raising other people’s children?” Luo Yunqiao scoffed coldly.

“Father, have I ever said that I crave the affection of my parents and brothers? I only want justice, but until now, I have seen none.”

“Instead, I have witnessed your repeated oppression and abuse.”

“Indeed, I did not grow up in the Marquis household these years, and I understand you don’t love or cherish me. But you should never have hurt me for the sake of another, not even granting me the justice I seek.”

Luo Yunqiao twirled a teacup in her hand, her delicate fingers harmonizing beautifully with the jade-green cup.

“If the Marquis family cannot offer me justice, then there’s no reason for me to stay.”

With that, Luo Yunqiao slowly stood up, and with Jin Xin’s help, began to walk out.

But she was stopped after a few steps by Luo Zefeng.

“What did you just say? You want to sever ties with the family?”

“Luo Yunqiao, you’re talking nonsense. Accept the Luo family’s arrangements and pretend you never said you wanted to leave.” Luo Chao also grew angry.

Hearing this, Luo Yunqiao found it somewhat amusing. “Father, don’t you think you’re being too harsh? I stay here, enduring your endless slanders. When you finally grow tired of me, you’ll send me to the manor or Zhaojue Temple to die with a sullied reputation.”