Chapter 84.1: Calculations

“…..Kang Qinwang is where the mandate of heaven falls, if Ying’er can marry him as a consort, once he ascends the throne as Emperor someday, our Ying’er will become mother of the world. This way, who would still dare to look down on our third branch. As the imperial father-in-law, at minimum, it would be the rank of a Marquis.” Luo Rong Ping lifted the teacup and slightly raised his eyes to look at Liu-shi. “If Ying’er then can win over the Emperor’s heart, and blow some pillow talk, then your Liu family, even if it can’t regain its former glory, will at least still be able to become a Count family not only just in name, and with the inside and outside coinciding, limitless glory.”

Liu-shi tightened her grip on the handkerchief in hand. Not because of anger, but rather, because of excitement. Luo Rong Ping observed her through slanted eyes, coldly sneering inside. If one has to say where Liu-shi’s heart truly resided, it wasn’t on the Luo family, nor on her children, but rather her own place of origin. Born into a declining family, yet continuously thinks about becoming a proud daughter of heaven. If she can let the Liu family rise again, in turn, raising her own status, then she perhaps will be even more diligent in planning and preparing their children’s future, using any means necessary.

“Carefully think about it for now, if this matter succeeds, our son’s future will also be without worries. With an older sister as the Empress, even if they were to be a wastrel for life, no one would dare to provoke them. Want wind, get wind; want rain, get rain.”

“Them? Still don’t even know what kind of thing is in that slut’s stomach, and you’re already certain that it’s a son? Already thinking about sharing my daughter’s glory? Ying’er only has one younger brother. Let me tell you Luo Rong Ping, the other lowly spawns, don’t even think about coming near.”

“Oh, is that so? Then this matter, you take care of it yourself then. I sure want to see, just how great the ‘impressive on all sides in the Luo family rear court’ Luo Liu-shi’s capabilities are, to be able to have her own daughter pushed up onto the position of Kang Wangfei?” Luo Rong Ping although appeared indifferent, he exhibited a high and mighty attitude. Even if Liu-shi is able to threaten him, so what? Outside, it was the men’s land under heaven. You can’t just succeed from being ruthless and insane.

Liu-shi hated till her teeth itched. But this matter was different, Liu-shi couldn’t disregard it. Have to say, even if she doesn’t compromise, Luo Rong Ping still wouldn’t go as far as to brush it aside. After all, if the matter succeeds, it would also be very beneficial for him. Not only will he be able to become an elite, he will also be able to become the number one among the brothers, letting her father-in-law become impressed. Since Luo Rong Ping knew where her heart resided, then how could she not know what other thoughts, aside from his ambitious desire towards power, he has buried in deepest part of his heart. However, this man’s heart right now was all on that slut. Who knows whether or not he’ll do something unreasonable. “What do you want?”

“Huan Niang’s matters, you don’t need to bother with anymore. It’s best if she lives her life, and you live yours, let the well water not mix with the river water.”

Liu-shi let out an ‘as expected’ expression. Luo Rong Ping right now sided with that woman on everything. If they really were to just each live out their own lives, never mind her face sweeping the floor, the entire third branch’s days afraid all won’t be as good as that slut’s. The days originally were already tight. As such, won’t she and her children have nothing but that bit from the public funds? If that’s the case, then where would they still have face to go out? “No way. At most, I won’t deliberately make things difficult for her anymore. Anything more, don’t even think about it. Furthermore, since you’re considering that much for Ying’er, then the clothes and accessories naturally can’t be lacking. I don’t have any money on hand, so as for what to do, master can just see to it.” Liu-shi combed her hair.

He clearly knew that Liu-shi’s aim wasn’t just as simple as buying clothes and accessories for their daughter. Asking for money from him was actually the main purpose, just her excuse couldn’t be retorted. “Later, I’ll let someone send money over. However, you best remember your words. If Huan Niang and the child in her stomach have any mishaps, you alone will be responsible.”

Luo Jing Ying also didn’t expect that after directly forcing her way in, she would end up hearing this kind of thing. To say she wasn’t excited or moved would be a lie. Mother of the world, how many women yearned for even in their dreams. Her mother always said she was indescribably noble. If she really were to walk down that path, then wouldn’t she truly be indescribably noble. However, Luo Jing Ying recalled that gently handsome and refreshingly elegant third prince, Rui Qinwang. Clearly he was better than Kang Qinwang in all aspects; clearly he had more of an appearance of a ruler. Even if he lacked a bit in terms of status, but in the true battle for the throne, how many became the final winner based on birth? No, she needed to let her father change his mind. Luo Jing Ying clenched her fist and deeply inhaled a breath, stepping into the room with a dignified bearing, “Father, mother……”

“Why are you here?” Never mind Luo Rong Ping, even Liu-shi’s complexion wasn’t all too good.

“Father, mother, your words just now, this daughter heard it all.”

“Liu-shi, so this is the good daughter you raised, eavesdropping on her parent’s conversation?” Luo Rong Ping stared at Liu-shi with a gloomy look. This matter still hasn’t formed yet. If this foolish daughter were to blurt it out, not only will it not be able to succeed, his face will also be completely lost, making a fool of himself.

“Father, don’t be angry, and don’t blame mother either. I wasn’t intentionally eavesdropping. Originally, I was just worried about you two…….and thus came in, finish hearing what I have to say first, alright?” Luo Jing Ying had both hands folded over one another and placed before her body, standing dignified and proper. Her speech was also calm and tranquil, neither anxious nor impatient.

This kind of her, never mind Luo Rong Ping, even Liu-shi was somewhat surprised. Neither anxious nor impatient, not rash, not rude nor impetuous, composed and dignified, this was precisely her ideal daughter. Could it be that this was the result of ruthlessly correcting her these days? If she’d known it would be as such earlier, she would’ve hardened her heart sooner. “Master, this after all concerns our daughter’s marriage. Since she’s heard, why not hear what she has to say. If there are places worth considering, perhaps it might even be somewhat useful. If not, then you can just properly teach her.”

Luo Rong Ping silently contemplated for a moment. If he really were to have his daughter supported up onto the position Kang Wangfei, but she didn’t understand anything, it definitely won’t work. Even if she were to be an understanding flower, she at least needed to be able to understand what her man was saying. If she were to just be a flower vase, no matter how beautiful, there would still be the day where the beauty deteriorates with age. Moreover, for those men of the imperial family, having experienced countless women, not many of those women were not a beauty. Thus, the time favored will be even shorter, or perhaps might not even be able to receive favor from the start. A di wife that was completely disregarded by the husband can’t even compare to a pampered concubine. He went out and had someone tightly guard the door, before heading back in. “What do you want to say?”

“Rather, rather than choosing Kang Qinwang, why not choose Rui Qinwang……”

T/N: I just came across the poem that I think Ruan Fang Fei’s name is based off of:

人间四月芳(Fang)菲(Fei)尽，山寺桃花始盛开。

In the fourth lunar month fragrant(Fang) fragrance(Fei) fill the human world; the peach blossoms of the mountain temple begin to bloom.

It’s Bai Ju Yi’s poem called ‘The Peach Blossom of Dalin Temple’, tbh only the first line of it applies. It pretty much matches exactly the scene where Ruan Fang Fei first appears in the story.