The Dandy's Duchess

Chapter 8: True Favor or False Favor (1)

Despite his dignified appearance, it was hard to imagine that the Crown Prince would be someone easily swayed by feminine charms. Under the shadow of imperial power, struggles were like silent hunting blades—either you survive, or I do. Perhaps the Fourth Prince's accusation was a deliberate smear; after all, many had their eyes set on his position. Beneath the splendor and grandeur of the imperial family, dirty schemes abounded. Who's to say he wasn't just one of them? Such things were hard to decipher.

Taking advantage of this rare pause, Li Yun took a moment to piece together her thoughts. She was curious to see how the Crown Prince would respond.

"Please calm your anger, Mother," the Crown Prince replied, his expression unperturbed even under the Empress's stern gaze. "I did visit Wangchun Tower yesterday, but it was on Father's orders to investigate a matter. I didn't linger, and by the time Sister Yue arrived, I had been gone for quite a while. Mother, I was raised under your guidance; how could I be the kind of man to disregard his virtue? If you don't believe me, feel free to verify this with Father."

The Crown Prince's words were calm but firm, and he shot a faint glance at the Fourth Prince as he spoke.

The Fourth Prince's thin lips pressed tightly together, his hands clenched inside his sleeves, veins bulging slightly. He clearly hadn't anticipated that the Crown Prince's visit to Wangchun Tower had been on imperial orders. Remaining silent, he didn't utter another word.

The Empress's expression softened as she nodded, her tone easing. "I had faith you weren't that kind of careless person. Since it was by the Emperor's command, that explains it. But it's best to avoid such places—no need to let those lewd tricks tarnish you."

"Yes, I will remember your teachings, Mother." The Crown Prince bowed respectfully in acknowledgment.

Finally, the Empress let the matter with the Crown Prince go and turned her focus back to Li Yun. Her tone, however, shifted to a harsh scolding. "Yue'er, you've gone too far. Yes, such places are filthy, but that does not mean you can set fire to them, nor does it justify trapping people inside. Those were living souls, after all!"

Li Yun was momentarily at a loss under the Empress's rebuke. She could neither admit guilt nor deny it. Admitting it felt unjust because she hadn't actually committed the deed; denying it seemed futile, as everyone believed she had. Trapped in a bind, she could only remain silent, frustration mounting in her heart.

The Fourth Prince stayed silent, showing no intention to help her this time, nor even looking at her. He seemed ready to protect his own interests now that his plan to undermine the Crown Prince had failed.

Li Yun quickly understood the Fourth Prince's motives. It was clear now why he had brought her here today—to taint the Crown Prince's reputation by implying he frequented unsavory establishments. She sighed internally. It was always the same in ancient times; the throne drew endless trouble. Clearly, the Fourth Prince was no idle prince content with a life of leisure.

As the Empress finished, the pavilion fell silent. Dozens of eyes landed on Li Yun, displaying a range of expressions: schadenfreude, contempt, cold indifference. Yet not a single person stepped forward to defend her.

Li Yun couldn't help but think how detestable the character of this body's original owner must have been. She had no true friends here.

"Yue'er! Did you hear what I said?" The Empress no longer used the term "Aunt" and instead referred to herself as "This Palace," a title exuding both authority and cold detachment—befitting an Empress indeed.

Head lowered, Li Yun muttered, "Yes, I heard." Her voice carried an air of grievance, and as she answered, tears began to fall. She choked, "Auntie said she would stand up for me if I were bullied, but now she's scolding me instead. I've long wanted to burn down such filthy places."

The last words were spoken with a seething hatred, as if burning it down hadn't been enough to relieve her anger.

The Empress's heart, which had harbored suspicions, softened upon hearing Li Yun's fierce tone in that final sentence. It seemed Yue'er was still as impetuous as before, unchanged. She must have realized the gravity of her mistake and felt too wronged to speak up—her silence now made sense. The Empress's expression hardened as she reprimanded her sternly. "Do you think you're justified? Instead of finding a way to remedy your offense, you're stirring up trouble in the palace. It seems my leniency has only encouraged this lawlessness in you!"

Li Yun's tears streamed down freely as she stood there silently, defiant. Wasn't this the Empress who supposedly pampered her so indulgently? She was curious to see if this so-called favor was genuine or mere pretense.

"Guards! Take this unruly girl who knows no remorse to the Ministry of Justice's prison. Let the Emperor decide her punishment!" The Empress's voice held a tinge of exasperation, as though deeply disappointed.

With the Empress's command, Li Yun felt the air within the pavilion grow notably lighter; clearly, many were relieved. Several young ladies even flashed joyful expressions—no doubt, with her punished, they'd have one less rival for the Crown Prince.

In mere moments, several guards entered the pavilion, weapons at their sides and faces stern as they moved to seize Li Yun.

Li Yun hesitated, weighing whether or not to resist. If she fought back, what would the consequences be? If she didn't, who could say if she'd ever walk out of the Ministry of Justice's prison again?

While she was still caught in indecision, two guards quickly seized her arms on either side, preparing to lead her away.

At this, Li Yun realized that her aunt, the Empress, didn't truly care for her. If she had, she wouldn't have ordered her arrest so openly, let alone sent her to the Ministry of Justice's prison straightaway. Entering such a place was an uncertain fate. She silently cursed her lack of the original owner's memories; forced to rely on guesswork to gauge people's motives, her frustration grew.

"Mother, you cannot just arrest Sister Yue like this—she..." The Fourth Prince looked on in shock as the guards dragged Li Yun away.

"Yuer, she's committed a grave offense without a hint of repentance. Don't speak up for her. Today, I must discipline this reckless, stubborn, and insolent girl! Otherwise, as a member of Yun Wangfu, how can I serve as her aunt and rule the inner palace, embodying virtue for the realm? How else can I answer to the court officials and the people?"

Her words silenced the Fourth Prince. He cast Li Yun a conflicted look before averting his gaze, saying nothing more.

What a lofty justification! Li Yun couldn't tell if the Empress's motives were sincere or a means to deflect responsibility. Perhaps she wanted to protect the Yun Wangfu by publicly disciplining her niece to quell any backlash. Or maybe, by distancing herself from Li Yun, she hoped to avoid entanglement in the scandal. With her mind in a whirl, she found herself unable to make sense of the situation and dared not act rashly.