The Dandy's Duchess

Chapter 16: Lord Jing Protects Her (1)

Eunuch Lu, though elderly, spoke each word clearly. As soon as he finished, the entire Viewing Garden fell silent.

The Empress looked slightly surprised, Ye Tianqing's brow furrowed tightly, and the Fourth Prince stared at Li Yun in disbelief. No one seemed to understand why, after ten years of seclusion, Lord Jing would choose this moment to pass on such a message. Why specifically travel with Yun Qianyue to the Yun Manor? Wasn't this clearly a declaration of protection?

The group of women who had just been gloating now burned with envy. Lord Jing had been renowned since he was seven, when he bested that year's civil and military champions, earning the Emperor's praise as the "Divine Prodigy of Heavenly Saint." Following a severe illness that nearly claimed his life, he had stayed confined to the Rong Manor, recovering and refusing visitors. Yet every new champion had to spar with him each year, only to leave defeated and dejected. None could surpass Lord Jing's talents, cementing his title as the foremost genius of Heavenly Saint.

Such a figure, venerated almost as a deity, was now speaking up for the notorious Yun Qianyue. The resentment and jealousy were palpable. Many wondered what stroke of luck Yun Qianyue had to prompt both Little Prince Dye and Lord Jing to step forward on her behalf. These two, after all, were no ordinary figures. Both had shaken Heavenly Saint from an early age—one with his wit and the other with his chaotic antics. To see them united in Yun Qianyue's defense was nothing short of astonishing.

"Heh, it seems today Sister Yue won't face any jail time after all," Ye Qingran chuckled.

Ye Tianqing's face darkened as he turned to Eunuch Lu and asked, "Did the Emperor have anything else to say?"

Eunuch Lu beamed as he replied, "His Highness is indeed aware of Lord Jing's message and has given his approval. The Emperor is so pleased by Lord Jing's first public outing and Little Prince Dye's return to the capital that he even canceled morning court. His Majesty has been playing chess with Lord Jing all morning and, as usual, cannot win against him! He's praised Lord Jing at least ten times, saying there's no match for his talent in all of Heavenly Saint." His face brimmed with pride at every mention of Lord Jing.

Ye Qingran muttered under his breath, "That delicate weakling..."

"Did the Emperor know you were sent to convey this message to Miss Qianyue?" the Empress asked, casting a glance at both the Crown Prince and Li Yun.

"Indeed, Your Majesty. The Emperor specifically instructed that Miss Qianyue should welcome Lord Jing warmly and to refrain from causing any trouble with him, even in jest. He also granted her permission to refrain from palace visits for the time being and to focus on caring for the Elder Prince of Yun."

The Empress nodded, looking at the Crown Prince with a bit of relief evident in her expression. "My son, what do you think of this matter?"

"Since Lord Jing will be accompanying Sister Yue to visit Elder Prince Yun with the Emperor's approval, how could I object? I only sought to teach Sister Yue a minor lesson to set an example, not intending any harm. My hope is that Sister Yue understands my intentions." Ye Tianqing's tone grew gentle as he looked at Li Yun warmly. "I trust you understand my heart."

Li Yun sneered, unfazed. This man was insufferable beyond measure.

Ye Tianqing dismissed his guards with a wave. Despite Li Yun's disdainful gaze, he stepped closer and reached out to smooth her wrinkled sleeve.

"Get away!" Li Yun slapped his hand away, withdrawing with disgust. Seeing his surprise, she decided to make things clear. "Today, I'm severing all ties with you. I swear I will never marry into your household or enter the palace. If I break this vow, may I be struck by lightning. Remember it well."

Ancient vows were sacred, and Li Yun intended to block any possibility of rekindling ties.

Ye Tianqing's face fell. He looked at her in disbelief, taken aback by her resolute, indifferent gaze—nothing like the shy infatuation he once knew. It was as if something important, once taken for granted, had slipped through his fingers.

"Yue'er!" the Empress cried out in alarm, trying to intervene but finding it was too late.

Ignoring both the Empress and the Crown Prince, Li Yun turned to Ye Qingran. "I'll remember this favor you did me today."

"Is that all you're going to say?" Ye Qingran looked at her in mock displeasure. "I didn't save you just to earn a debt of gratitude."

Li Yun frowned, annoyed. Down on her luck as she was, her name once held a value others would have eagerly courted. Now, offering gratitude felt like charity. She searched her belongings for something meaningful and found only her jade bracelet, priceless yet her sole option. Raising her wrist, she held it out to him in lieu of words.

Ye Qingran scowled. "You think I lack for jade?"

Li Yun shrugged. "Then my thanks will have to do. If you don't want it, I have nothing else to offer."

Surprised, Ye Qingran burst into laughter. "I must say, Sister Yue, you're indeed different from seven years ago and far more amusing."

The sun was setting, and Li Yun gazed skyward, reflecting on the fact that she was no longer the same person. Only she would ever know this secret.

"I hadn't planned on asking anything from you," Ye Qingran said, his tone serious. "But now, I've changed my mind. I'll take that favor from you someday."