The Dandy's Duchess

Chapter 13: The Prince of Chaos (1)

Although the last sentence was spoken softly, the atmosphere in the viewing garden suddenly grew tense.

The guards were taken aback and retreated a step, their bodies trembling slightly, their hands barely able to steady their swords. However, because Ye Qingran was too close to Li Yun, they did not dare approach, so they could only surround Ye Qingran and the Fourth Prince. Now, they all turned their gazes towards Prince Ye Tianqing.

Some recalled distant memories. Who didn't know the infamous Prince of Chaos, Ye Qingran, from seven years ago? He didn't kill people but smiled warmly at everyone; however, those who crossed him would truly wish they were dead. Countless individuals had fallen victim to his schemes, and almost no one in the court was exempt. Whenever he appeared in a place, people would flee, avoiding him at all costs. Even the emperor felt helpless. In the end, it was the De Prince, the old lord, who couldn't bear to see the capital turned into chaos that drove him away for some training, allowing the capital to return to peace. After seven years away, the people had nearly forgotten him. Now, recalling the tales of his pranks only sent chills down their spines as they beheld his smile.

Many women also recalled past events; some bold girls who had shown interest in the young prince had been tossed into the lotus pond. It was said he had been merciful in those instances. As for the men who offended him, their punishments were many and varied. Remembering this, the women now looked at Ye Qingran with mixed feelings of admiration and fear, retreating a little. However, they couldn't help but be captivated by his handsome and flamboyant demeanor.

Li Yun silently praised him, astonished that someone could command such an aura! He didn't even need to act for people to be this fearful. She wondered what he must have done in the past to instill such fear.

"Indeed, Ye Qingran, you've been away for years, and the Heavenly Saint seems to have changed a lot! These servants are becoming increasingly unruly," the Fourth Prince remarked, casting a glance at the guards who still aimed their swords at Ye Qingran. His voice was slightly heavy. "Now that you've returned, you should really punish these servants for Father. Otherwise, with someone backing them, they won't know their place."

After the Fourth Prince spoke, he shot a glance at Ye Tianqing.

Ye Tianqing's expression was impassive, but his eyes grew darker. He angrily turned to the guards. "Why are you pointing your swords at my Fourth Brother and the Prince?"

"Forgive us, Your Highness!" The guards, already afraid of Ye Qingran, dropped their swords and knelt on the ground.

"A bunch of useless fools! Get up and take her to the criminal department's prison!" Ye Tianqing was evidently furious. He hadn't expected the people he had trained to be so incompetent in front of Ye Qingran.

"Yes!" The guards immediately got up, trembling in fear as they circled around Ye Qingran to capture Li Yun.

"It's too late; did you think I'd forgive you for offending me so easily?" Ye Qingran smiled casually. Suddenly, he waved his hand lightly, and a flash of red light appeared. A small red snake flew out from his sleeve, and in an instant, there were screams as dozens of guards dropped their swords and fell to the ground, clutching their arms in pain.

The Zhi Zhi Snake? Li Yun was taken aback; she hadn't expected to see such a rare creature here.

Ye Tianqing's expression changed, his voice growing grave. "Ye Qingran, you are openly injuring people in the palace, defying my orders. What do you intend to do?"

The Empress's expression also changed, though she maintained her composure, her face paling slightly. She had never seen such a powerful snake before.

Some of the women nearby hadn't clearly seen Ye Qingran's actions and only noticed the fallen guards, so they didn't scream. Instead, some looked at Ye Qingran with admiration, believing that whoever could win his heart would be blessed for generations. Seeing Li Yun gazing at Ye Qingran with sparkling eyes only fueled their jealousy. Why did this unruly woman deserve such protection from him? It was truly infuriating!

"It seems you've acquired something nice again!" the Fourth Prince remarked, watching the small snake obediently return to Ye Qingran's sleeve, ignoring Ye Tianqing's dark expression.

"I always have plenty of good things," Ye Qingran replied, raising an eyebrow at the Fourth Prince. "Would you like to have a look?"

The Fourth Prince's smiling expression froze, and he shook his head. "Good things are better used by those who need them."

Ye Qingran scoffed dismissively. "Look at your cowardice; you're still as timid as before. Truly spineless."

The Fourth Prince was instantly enraged and glared at Ye Qingran. "You have guts? All you know are these petty tricks. If you were truly capable, how could you have been chased out of the capital by the De Prince?"

"That was because I found the capital boring and wanted to stretch my legs outside," Ye Qingran replied casually.

"Then if the capital is so boring, why have you returned now?" the Fourth Prince pressed.

"Naturally because the outside world is boring, and now the capital has become interesting again, so I've come back!" Ye Qingran said as if it were obvious.

The Fourth Prince was infuriated, throwing his sleeves in frustration. "Why do you always have to be right?" He seemed unwilling to be silenced and muttered under his breath, "If you're so capable, prove it by rescuing her from him today."

"I didn't realize you wanted to rescue her so much. Is it out of love or because she's useful?" Ye Qingran's lips curled, his voice low enough for only the Fourth Prince to hear.

"That's none of your business. You want to save her—don't tell me you have no purpose?" the Fourth Prince shot back, blinking his eyes, using a similarly quiet tone.

"As for me..." Ye Qingran glanced at Li Yun, who was staring at his sleeve, a slight twitch at the corner of her mouth. Meeting the Fourth Prince's inquisitive gaze, he chuckled and then straightened his face, saying coldly, "That's none of your concern!"

"You..." The Fourth Prince was furious, unable to find words in response. He silently cursed. Whether he had been outside for seven years or twenty, this little prince of chaos never changed; he was still the same.

The two continued to spar verbally, seemingly forgetting the furious Ye Tianqing and the groaning guards around them.

"Ye Qingran, you are openly injuring people in the palace and defying the Empress and my orders! What do you intend to do? Did you not hear my words? After being away for seven years, I had thought you'd made some progress, but now you seem more lawless than ever!" Ye Tianqing only saw their mouths moving but couldn't hear their words. As he spoke and was ignored, his expression grew even darker. It had been years since anyone dared to defy him. Ye Qingran returned and immediately opposed him. It was infuriating.