Chapter 49: Volume 1, Chapter 49: There Is an Assassin

Rong Yan had never felt much for this older sister before—after all, from the day he was born, this person had never been in the household. Without the experience of growing up together, there was naturally no emotional bond.

But recently, perhaps because this eldest sister's movements had caused too much commotion, combined with the matter of Rong Lang and Rong Dai, it gave Rong Yan a rare feeling that his eldest sister was watching over them—was it the same feeling he himself had when watching over Rong Dai and her brother?

Once this thought arose, it could not be suppressed.

Moreover, when he ran into trouble this time, his eldest sister had indeed helped. Though the help came with conditions, he still felt grateful in his heart.

Otherwise, he would still have been kept in the dark by so-called false friends and true villains, never imagining that Rong Dai and her brother, in order to deal with him, would have Lin Gao Xuan lay ruthless hands on him.

If he truly became crippled, the position of Heir Apparent would certainly not fall to him, and with Rong Yu still young, Rong Lang would naturally be able to exploit the opening.

Especially now that his father's attitude was thoroughly ambiguous, it made his heart suddenly feel uneasy.

Taking everything into account, Rong Yan's emotional scales now tipped more toward Rong Luoge, so with this opportunity to repay her in some small way, he naturally had to do his utmost.

Thinking of this, Rong Yan looked at his mother. "Father is intent on winning over Prince Qi, but if Consort Ming's demands conflict with Father's interests, do you think Father would still be willing to scheme against eldest sister on Consort Ming's behalf?"

Chu Ke heard this and fell into thought, looking at her son and saying, "You mean..."

"Yes. I know that you and Father were deeply devoted to each other in those years, so you must know about Father's actions against eldest sister's birth mother. In that case, it would be even better if you could obtain some evidence."

Chu Ke's expression immediately turned ugly. "Yan'er, you cannot do this. If the evidence is truly brought out and your father cannot escape unscathed, where would you end up any better?"

"But Mother, do not forget—right now my leg may not fully recover. If I truly become crippled, what would everything in this household still have to do with us?" Rong Yan gave a cold laugh. "Since that is the case, I would rather eldest sister get what she wishes than let Rong Lang and his sister succeed."

Chu Ke hesitated and only said, "Let me think about it. This matter is of great importance; we cannot be reckless."

"Mother, we do not have much time. Consort Ming is pressing urgently. I fear Father will make his move within these few days."

Chu Ke's face darkened. "Are you not afraid that Rong Luoge will turn her back and disown you?"

"I do not think eldest sister is that kind of person. She likely only wants the evidence to keep Father in check. After all, eldest sister has a deal with us. As long as we show sincerity, her temperament should not betray us."

Seeing his mother still hesitating, Rong Yan added one more line. "Mother, are you going to wait until Di Yue Nu enters the household before making up your mind? I fear it will be too late by then."

"Fine!" Chu Ke gritted her teeth and said, "Your father may be heartless, but I must protect you children. I cannot let Di Yue Nu and her son succeed. Back then, Rong Luoge's birth mother did indeed suffer from a difficult childbirth that harmed her body, but in truth she was not beyond saving. It was your father who tampered with her medicinal prescription while she was recuperating. I know where that prescription is."

"Then can you get your hands on the prescription?"

"I will try. It is in your father's study," Chu Ke said hesitantly.

"Tell me when you plan to act, and I will find a way to get Father out of the household."

Chu Ke knew this was her son coordinating with her. She thought for a moment and said, "Good, it is settled then."

The mother and son discussed the details thoroughly and decided to find an opportunity to obtain it within these two days.

On the other side, Rong Luoge was not idle either. During the day, taking advantage of the crowds, she first went to Di Yue Nu's current residence, scouted the terrain thoroughly, and inquired about the neighboring households before leaving.

That night, Rong Luoge changed into night clothes and silently appeared at the place where Di Yue Nu lived.

The courtyard Di Yue Nu now lived in was smaller than the original one. The original courtyard had been smashed up by Chu Ke, so she moved here.

It was a modest three-courtyard residence. Rong Lang and Rong Dai now lived in the Guo Gong Fu; only Di Yue Nu lived here alone. There were quite a few servants attending to her—counting the gatekeeper, no fewer than seven or eight—showing that the Protector Duke still cared a great deal about her.

This display was nothing like keeping a mistress outside—it had the air of a proper principal wife.

Rong Luoge used the cover of night to vault into the residence, avoided the servants, and stealthily made her way into the rear courtyard.

She had already inquired: the Protector Duke would not be coming today.

The main courtyard where Di Yue Nu lived was brightly lit. Servants bustled back and forth, carrying basins and handcloths, attending to Di Yue Nu as she washed, changed, and prepared for bed.

Rong Luoge hid in a corner, quietly waiting for the people to disperse. When the lights in the main room went out and only a single lamp remained lit in the bedchamber, the entire courtyard fell silent.

She quietly crept along the covered gallery toward the bedchamber. Through a window, she heard low voices coming from inside.

"Madam, do not strain yourself. Staying up late hurts your eyes. Wait until tomorrow to finish it."

"Just a little more and it will be done. Tomorrow I can give it to Rong Heng."

Rong Luoge found these words strange—what mistress would have the audacity to directly call the Protector Duke by his given name?

"In this old servant's view, the matter of entering the household will not be so easy this time. That Chu woman is not easy to deal with, and she has the Chu family backing her."

"Su Jing, I waited so many years and finally had hope, only to find that what came was... So this time I must enter the Zhen Guo Gong Fu. Otherwise, I fear my life may be in danger."

"Madam, haste makes waste. Endure a little longer. Wait until Rong Yan's leg is confirmed to leave a disability—that will be the best opportunity."

"Wait, wait, wait—until when? Su Jing, I truly feel I cannot hold on anymore."

Di Yue Nu's voice carried a sobbing tone, mixed with resentment and anger, finally settling into a lifetime of helplessness.

Hearing this, Rong Luoge's suspicions deepened. It seemed Di Yue Nu was indeed hiding something, and her identity was likely not simple.

Now she was even more curious about whose seal the Clear and Tranquil Precious Seal actually was.

"This old servant will think of a way. Many merchant caravans have come to Qiongchuan this time. Let me see if there is a chance to send a letter back," Su Jing said.

"I do not know how my brother is doing, whether he is even still alive. I only hate that I lost that seal—otherwise, how could I have been trapped here for so many years?"

Rong Luoge's spirits jolted—that seal seemed to be some kind of travel token.

Di Yue Nu actually had a brother. From the information in the conversation, even as siblings they had not seen each other for many years.

This was even more curious. What reason had separated the siblings for so many years, and why was something as simple as passing along a message something they still needed Qiongchuan merchant caravans to help with?

Rong Luoge heard the voices in the room gradually fade away. She could not stay any longer. With a forceful flick, she threw the letter she had long prepared, piercing through the thin window paper and embedding it in the wall inside the room.

"Who's there? Someone come—there is an assassin!" Su Jing shouted, and the lights throughout the entire residence lit up one after another.