C1 Luo Tingye

Luo Town.

The birthplace of the Luo family has gained a unique status in the hearts of the people, especially since the current Empress shares the same surname. Located in the south, Luo Town is blessed with abundant water and fragrant rice, making it a place of rich agricultural produce. The people of the region hold this town in high regard.

The area's natural bounty has led to prosperity for many, and even a simple farming family can live comfortably as long as they are not lazy. Among the most prominent landowners are the Luo, Lu, and Xie families, with the Luo family being the most influential. Old Master Luo, known for his kindness, is highly respected by the community.

Old Master Luo owns vast lands, numerous shops, and has many servants. His estate is a testament to his wealth, with beautiful gardens and pavilions scattered throughout.

What captivates people even more is Old Master Luo's handsome son, Luo Tingye. Years ago, the Empress, while traveling incognito, specifically requested to meet him and praised his exceptional appearance, even gifting him a delicate jade pendant.

However...

"What good are vast lands and unmatched looks if you can't enjoy the wealth? The Luo family fortune is destined to fall into the hands of a half-brother. Luo Tingye has been frail since birth, and despite countless renowned doctors over sixteen years, there's been no improvement," people gossiped.

"Good looks can't fill your belly or ensure heirs. These days, looks aren't important; what's important is 'capability.'"

At this, the older gentlemen burst into laughter, the word "capability" carrying a deeper meaning.

What use is a solid family foundation if it leads to ruin? A half-brother is still a son, but there's always a distinction. If the Luo family were an ordinary farming household, it wouldn't matter, but as a prominent family, the lack of a legitimate heir leaves something missing.

A simple carriage stood quietly at the street corner, their mocking laughter and sarcastic remarks drifting clearly into the carriage.

Zuo, the young servant, was indignant. "Sir, let me go teach them a lesson. They're just a bunch of troublemakers. How dare they gossip like that about your reputation?"

Though the young master was frail, he wasn't so weak that he couldn't fulfill his marital duties. Recently, the Old Master had visited the Xie family to discuss the young master's marriage, hoping to finalize the arrangement soon. Once the bride was in the picture, those gossips would have to bite their tongues.

Look at our young master—unmatched in looks and noble in demeanor. They're just jealous. Besides, the young master has been able to get out of bed lately. With a few more doses of medicine, not only will he be fine, but he'll also be able to father a whole brood of children.

Luo Tingye's slender, pale fingers clenched slightly, resting weakly against his lips as he instructed, "Enough. Let's head back."

"You're right, sir. We should return. The Old Master is at Second Master Luo's place for a wedding, and he should be heading back soon too." Zuo, not daring to delay, nodded and instructed the driver, "Drive slowly; the young master can't handle a rough ride."

The driver was at a loss. It was his first time driving a carriage so slowly that even an ox cart could easily overtake them.

Zuo turned back and added, "Sir, your cousin is your age and already married. I'm sure your time is coming soon. Our Old Master and Old Master Xie are close friends and prominent figures in Luo Town. A union between the two families would be a joyous occasion. Just a word from the Old Master, and it will be settled."

"Is that so?"

Luo Tingye raised an eyebrow, not entirely convinced. On the surface, the Luo and Xie families seemed to get along well, but last year, the Xie family had undercut the Luo family on a livestock deal and disrupted a cotton trade this year. Although his father didn't mind these small losses, it was a clear indication of the Xie family's stance. The marriage between the two families might not be as straightforward as it seemed.

However, he didn't mind. What he cared about was leaving the Luo Mansion safely and smoothly when he turned twenty. Just four more years, and he only needed to wait patiently.

His fingers tightened slightly under his sleeves, and a rare determination flashed in his eyes. Unfortunately, Zuo was too busy talking to notice. Otherwise, he wouldn't believe this was still his frail young master.

"I heard Miss Xie is graceful and kind-hearted," Zuo said.

"But I also heard that Cousin Luo married a girl from a farming family, a girl named Yan. It was an arranged marriage because her family once saved the Luo family."

"Comparing the two, our young master is the luckiest," Zuo boasted. Luo Tingye closed his eyes, indifferent to Zuo's chatter. He didn't care about who Cousin Luo married or whether Miss Xie was graceful.

The carriage clattered slowly forward, and by the time they reached Lotus Lane, the sky had begun to darken.

"Tingye, you're back! Was the street lively? Did you encounter anything interesting?" A voice called out as soon as they arrived at the mansion.

Luo Tingye subtly frowned. The woman speaking was now the "mistress" of the Luo Mansion. Since his mother's passing, she had taken charge.

As he stepped off the carriage, he saw the woman dressed in fine silk, her hair adorned with gleaming gold ornaments, smiling broadly. Yet, her smile never reached her eyes.

*Cough, cough, cough.* Luo Tingye pressed his fist to his lips, trying to suppress the cough.

The fit of coughing left his already pale face looking even worse, with an unnatural flush rising to his cheeks.

Mrs. Lau expressed her concern, "Oh dear, my young master, you're not fully recovered. You shouldn't be going out. The master will blame me for not taking good care of you. Zuo, you're his personal servant. How could you let him go out?... And you all, why are you just standing there? Help the young master back to his quarters to rest!"

Mrs. Lau scolded Zuo, then arrogantly ordered those nearby to take Tingye back to his room. Tingye remained silent, allowing himself to be managed.

Watching the soft sedan chair being carried away, a hint of satisfaction flashed in Mrs. Lau's beautiful eyes. "Ha, I thought this eldest son was getting better, but it turns out he's still the same, no improvement at all."

Nanny Lau remarked, "But ma'am, let's not forget, the eldest young master has been ill for sixteen years and still hasn't passed away."

Mrs. Lau paused, her sharp fingers digging into her flesh. "You're right. Even if he's bedridden, he's managed to cling to life."

Nanny Lau continued, "But don't worry, ma'am. As long as our second and third young masters are healthy, and we find them wives of equal status, they'll overshadow the eldest. Isn't the master currently discussing marriage with the Xie family? They have more than one daughter. Perhaps we could suggest marrying another daughter to our young master?"

Mrs. Lau's eyes lit up, and she nodded approvingly. "You're right."

"Ma'am, the master has returned."

Just as Mrs. Lau was considering this plan, a maid came to report with a peculiar expression.

Mrs. Lau, already in a foul mood, was about to reprimand the maid when she saw the master's carriage stop in front of the mansion. However, stepping down from the carriage wasn't the master but a bride in a ceremonial gown.

Yan Li respectfully curtsied...