The Dandy's Duchess

Chapter 14: The Prince of Chaos (2)

"I heard you, Your Highness. Your voice is so loud that even the surrounding flowers and grasses tremble. How frightening! But really, Your Highness, how can you be so unkind? No matter what, Sister Yue is a beauty of the nation. Even if you don't like her, how can you bear to imprison her? You might be indifferent, but I can't stand it. This little prince has always cherished flowers the most; I simply can't bear to see a stunning flower wilt away like this. What a pity!" Ye Qingran's seemingly frivolous remarks swept away the oppressive atmosphere aimed at the Crown Prince.

The Fourth Prince inwardly cursed. Did Ye Qingran not feel embarrassed saying such things? He cared for women? No one would believe that!

The Crown Prince was furious, veins popping on his forehead as he fixed his glare on Ye Qingran. Ye Qingran remained indifferent, still wearing that playful expression. Gradually, the Crown Prince reined in his anger and spoke slowly, "I will let today's matter slide this once since you've just returned." He paused, turning his gaze to Li Yun, his voice growing heavy. "It is said throughout history that beautiful women bring disaster. Today, because of you, I nearly fell out with my brothers. Even if I wanted to show you leniency, it seems I can't now."

Li Yun had completely lost her expression towards him, looking at him coldly.

"Come, summon my hidden guards and take Yun Qian Yue of the Yun Manor into the dungeon. If anyone dares to resist, they will be dealt with, regardless of injuries or death. If anyone aids her, they will be treated as accomplices and will be taken down together, consequences be damned!" Ye Tianqing's voice was not loud but held immense authority. His eyes glinted with malice, fully showcasing the power and prestige of a nation's heir.

As soon as he finished speaking, over a hundred people dressed in tight black garments appeared, encircling Li Yun in an instant, bypassing Ye Qingran and the Fourth Prince.

Li Yun stood still, knowing that if she moved, she would either die or be injured. Ye Qingran watched the hidden guards appear, his lips pressed tightly together, his gaze darkening. He hadn't expected Ye Tianqing to be so resolute regarding Yun Qian Yue of the Yun Manor. Even with him trying to protect her, Ye Tianqing still wouldn't relent. He clenched his fist in his sleeve, contemplating whether to act or not. Although it would be easy for him to rescue Yun Qian Yue, the consequences would likely be severe. Ye Tianqing would definitely use this incident to label Yun Qian Yue as a disaster, leading to a fallout among brothers. That would be far worse than burning down a small place like the Wangchun Tower. The Emperor would never tolerate it. Things were different now compared to their childhood; he couldn't be reckless. If he openly opposed the Crown Prince in the palace, and blood stained the grounds, he would have trouble with the Emperor.

Thinking this, Ye Qingran's anger fell as he lowered his head to devise a strategy.

The Fourth Prince looked at the hidden guards, his lips curling up slightly. Even if he couldn't save Yun Qian Yue today, he had at least managed to draw out Ye Tianqing's hidden guards. As for Yun Qian Yue... he wanted to see if this little prince of chaos could still save her.

A heavy, murderous aura enveloped the viewing garden, plunging it into a deep silence.

The young ladies were pale with fear. They usually competed against each other in their families and with concubines, but that was merely child's play; they had never witnessed such a murderous scene. Though they revered and admired the Crown Prince, fear gripped them, making them involuntarily step back.

Since Ye Qingran had intervened, the Empress had not spoken a word, and now she simply sat by, watching the unfolding drama.

"Ha ha, I didn't expect that after seven years, my Crown Prince brother has become even more formidable. These hidden guards are truly elite assassins! It's been a while since I've had a good fight; I'm really itching to see what the strength of the Crown Prince's hidden guards is," Ye Qingran finally raised his head and chuckled lightly.

Ye Tianqing's expression darkened as he warned, "This isn't a joke. You need to think carefully. Not everything can be played with."

"Ah, how boring! I was just thinking how pitiful it is to see Sister Yue, such a flower-like beauty, suffering. I wanted to save her heroically; she's lost hope in the Crown Prince, so it would be nice if she could fall in love with me instead, allowing me to experience what it's like to be cherished. But it seems my Crown Prince brother is unwilling to give me that chance, which is truly heartbreaking." Ye Qingran's previously frivolous expression suddenly revealed a rare hint of sorrow as he cast Ye Tianqing a wistful glance.

Ye Tianqing's expression softened a little but he still ignored him. He waved to the hidden guards, who began to escort Li Yun away.

"Mu Han, your own sister is being taken to prison, and you, as her brother, are so unconcerned, sitting there so placidly. One would think I'm her true brother!" Ye Qingran turned his gaze toward the young man sitting calmly at the jade table, who was deep in thought over the chessboard and scattered pieces.

Li Yun was momentarily taken aback, following Ye Qingran's gaze to the young man. This man was her real brother?

The Crown Prince also glanced at the young man in surprise, his expression shifting slightly.

"Indeed, we're here risking our lives to protect Sister Yue, and you, her brother, are sitting there so placidly," the Fourth Prince echoed, turning to look at the young man.

The young man slowly lifted his head and glanced over, then quickly returned his gaze to the chessboard, his voice devoid of emotion. "With the Emperor as an uncle, the Empress as an aunt, and although my grandfather is bedridden, he's still not confused, what Yue Er has committed is just a minor issue. Why would there be such a large uproar, even bringing out the Crown Prince's hidden guards to take her away? It's simply overkill. I'm not indifferent; I just think it's unnecessary. She's merely a weak girl. Everyone present has probably killed more than she has; does that not mean they are all guilty?"

Upon hearing this, Li Yun secretly praised him; ah, so the truly capable person was here.

Ye Qingran was taken aback for a moment, then burst out laughing, his voice regaining its flamboyance as he seemed extremely pleased. "Well said! Truly well said! Mu Han, I underestimated you in the past, ha ha..."

His laughter echoed throughout the viewing garden, and as he laughed, he looked at Yun Mu Han, seemingly unable to contain his joy. "Indeed, everyone here has probably killed more than she has; this incident is merely a small matter. Summoning the Crown Prince's hidden guards is simply overdoing it. Besides, with the Emperor as an uncle, the Empress as an aunt, and Lord Yun still alive, who could truly bully Sister Yue? Ha ha..."

The Crown Prince watched the earnest Yun Mu Han and Ye Qingran, his face growing darker.

The more Ye Qingran spoke, the more delighted he seemed, ignoring the Crown Prince's furious expression as he waved to Li Yun, "Sister Yue, you can go ahead and stay in the dungeon! Don't worry; the dungeon is a good place—not just anyone can go. The Crown Prince is acting for your own good; first, he'll take you in to silence the world's gossip. After you've enjoyed yourself for a while, you can still come out as yourself. As long as the Emperor doesn't fall, the Empress doesn't fall, and the Yun Manor remains standing, who could really harm you?"