The Dandy's Duchess

Chapter 10: Who is Behind the Schemes? (1)

Li Yun simmered with frustration while also gleaning more information she hadn't known. So, all past empresses had come from the Yun Prince's Manor! Moreover, the body she now inhabited was the legitimate daughter of that very manor, naturally making her the prime candidate to marry into the Crown Prince's household as the future empress. But what puzzled her was this: if the Yun Prince's Manor was aware of her destined future in the palace, why had they allowed her to grow up so ridiculously foolish and notorious? It made no sense.

"Since Sister Yue is a daughter of the Yun Prince's Manor, she should model herself after the empresses of the Heavenly Saint Dynasty, carrying herself with dignity, observing propriety, and treating others with generosity and compassion. How else could she one day serve as a model for the kingdom?" the Crown Prince continued. "I have never understood how Grandfather could indulge you to such a point that you've come to this disgraceful state."

Li Yun felt even more confused at these words. Grandfather? Was the man he mentioned the Empress's father, which would make him her grandfather as well? Could it be that he had spoiled her so much that it led to her recklessness? Otherwise, as the head of the Yun Prince's Manor, how could he not recognize her responsibility to enter the palace? That wasn't love—it was pure harm.

Or perhaps there was another explanation: could he not be her real grandfather? But that didn't make sense either. From birth until now, she'd lived under countless watchful eyes. How could anyone fake a role this prominent?

Li Yun's mind began to ache from overthinking, so she stopped guessing. The more pressing matter was finding a way to get out of here. Depending on anyone else was never as secure as depending on herself. Having fought her way back to life, she valued it too much to die here without even getting a glimpse of the intrigue. That would be a pointless end to this strange new beginning.

"If Sister Yue is not dealt with, I fear she will commit even greater acts of recklessness in the future! Yesterday, it was Wangchun House she set ablaze—what if she decides one day to set fire to the palace itself? So, despite the pain it causes me, I hope that Sister Yue can learn from this incident and change her ways." The Crown Prince turned his gaze to Li Yun, seemingly choosing his words carefully. His face softened with a faint expression of sympathy and his eyes briefly flashed with sorrow. His voice lowered as he spoke to the Empress: "But I would still like to plead on Sister Yue's behalf, as I know this matter began because of me. I ask, Your Majesty, that you do not punish her too harshly; a small rebuke will be enough."

Li Yun snorted silently. His performance was impeccable. First, he'd outlined to the Empress the dangers of not disciplining her, then he'd pleaded for leniency on her behalf—but he'd never once suggested not sending her to the Ministry of Justice prison.

This Crown Prince was quite the character!

The Empress, however, seemed to have anticipated his response. Unfazed, she cast her eyes downward, seemingly moved by his words. She looked back at Li Yun, her gaze briefly filled with pity before she closed her eyes. When she opened them, her face regained its stern majesty as she declared, "The Crown Prince is right. She has grown ever more audacious, believing she can do as she pleases because of the Yun Prince's Manor and my own favor. Yesterday, she burned down Wangchun House; tomorrow, who's to say she won't torch the palace itself? I've pitied her, doted on her out of compassion for her mother's early death, but never did I think it would foster such arrogant behavior."

Her words were heavy with disappointment, laced with a sense of authority that left no room for argument. After a pause, she continued, "Yesterday's catastrophe, with hundreds dead and injured, has chilled my heart. If I do not punish her, I am unworthy to be Empress. Not only would I shame myself as her aunt, but I would also fail the trust of the Emperor and the people, let alone the Yun Prince's Manor. For all these reasons, I must order that she be held in the Ministry of Justice prison to await the Emperor's judgment."

"Mother..." the Crown Prince began, his face marked with grief, as though he still wanted to plead for leniency.

The Fourth Prince watched him, sneering but keeping silent.

"There is no need to say more!" The Empress raised her hand, firmly interrupting him. "As the Crown Prince, you carry the hopes of the Emperor and the Heavenly Saint Dynasty. You cannot afford to be soft-hearted, nor to let emotions cloud your judgment. The gravity of Yue'er's crimes demands discipline. To spare her would not be helping her but harming her. She must learn from this incident. Only then will she understand the intention behind my decision and yours."

What the—?! Li Yun was speechless.

Just when she thought the Crown Prince was slick enough, the Empress proved herself to be just as shrewd! Life in the palace clearly demanded a high level of cunning. The Empress had held her position for this long without being dethroned—of course, she was formidable. And given how many must be vying to unseat the Crown Prince, it was no wonder he was so adept. For both of them to survive and thrive amid the palace's cutthroat politics, they had to be masterful players.

This was the height of hypocrisy! One demanded punishment while pleading for leniency; the other laid down the law in the name of duty. Yet both cloaked their ruthlessness in a shroud of benevolence. They were indeed impressive. Li Yun had to admit, they had much to teach her about shamelessness!

"What are you waiting for? Take her away!" the Empress commanded, turning to the two guards holding Li Yun. Her tone was firm and authoritative. "Take her to the Ministry of Justice prison and see that she is watched closely. She will await the Emperor's decision."

"Yes, Your Majesty!" The guards immediately complied, pulling Li Yun out.

"I will rescue you; don't be afraid," the Fourth Prince whispered softly into her ear as she passed.

Li Yun's eyes flickered, but she said nothing. Words were cheap—only actions mattered! She was not at the point where she would trust anyone easily. Any resistance would only add to her charges here in the palace, inviting a show of force from the Imperial Guards. Having just arrived in this unfamiliar place, with no knowledge of the palace layout, escape was hardly feasible.

It seemed today's ordeal was unavoidable. She would have to resign herself to it, using this opportunity to see just how impenetrable this ancient Ministry of Justice prison was compared to modern security. If someone managed to save her, well and good. If not, she would devise her own way out.

Although she felt stifled, Li Yun accepted her predicament and allowed the guards to lead her away.

The observation deck was silent as dozens of people watched the scene. Many young ladies had looks of joy and excitement. With a major rival for the Crown Prince now out of the picture, how could they not be pleased? Even if Yun Qian Yue managed to make it out of the Ministry of Justice prison alive, her chances at becoming Crown Princess would be slim—if she ever made it out alive at all.