The Dandy's Duchess

Chapter 17: Lord Jing Protects Her (2)

Li Yun nodded, thinking he'd soon realize how significant her favor truly was. Without further conversation, she turned to Eunuch Lu, who was standing respectfully nearby, and asked, "Eunuch, have you seen my personal maid?"

"Miss Qianyue, your maid Cai Lian is waiting for you just outside. You'll see her as soon as you leave," Eunuch Lu replied, his sharp senses honed from serving the Emperor for over thirty years picking up on the subtle changes in Yun Qianyue's demeanor today. Could yesterday's incident at the Wangchun Tower have truly brought about such a transformation?

Li Yun nodded, finally learning her maid's name. Without further delay, she took the first steps across the jade bridge, heading toward the exit.

"Miss Qianyue, do remember Lord Jing's instructions. You must wait for him at the palace gates," Eunuch Lu reminded her once more, unwilling to take any chances.

"I know," Li Yun replied over her shoulder without looking back.

Both the Fourth Prince and Ye Qingran had tried tirelessly for nine years to save her from the Crown Prince, yet a single lighthearted message from Lord Jing had secured her safety. She was naturally inclined to meet this person with such remarkable influence. Regardless of his intentions, whether good or ill, it was only polite to wait for him as a gesture of respect.

As Li Yun took a few steps forward, Ye Qingran swiftly stepped up beside her and took her hand. "What are you waiting for him for? It's not like he doesn't know the way. I also need to visit the Yun Manor to see the Elder Prince of Yun, so I'll leave the palace with you."

Li Yun tilted her head, eyeing Ye Qingran.

He winked at her and, leaning in close, whispered, "I nearly bloodied my hands trying to save you, yet that weakling snatched all the credit with a single sentence. It's maddening!" He paused, then added, "Sister Lan, remember my effort today, alright? Don't let that frail beauty deceive you. He's nothing but a big, sly wolf in sheep's clothing, ruthless to the bone. You'd better keep your distance from him in the future."

Seeing Ye Qingran's indignant expression, Li Yun chuckled softly without a word.

Ye Qingran, immersed in his frustration, froze when he saw her smile. In the past, he found women's smiles overly coquettish, which he disliked. But her smile, pure and unadorned, struck him as uniquely refreshing, captivating him in a way he hadn't experienced before. For a moment, he couldn't look away.

Oblivious to his reaction, Li Yun shook off his hand and resumed walking.

Realizing his lapse, a faint blush appeared on Ye Qingran's fair face. Snapping out of his daze, he quickly caught up to her, walking by her side. Seemingly flustered by his earlier slip, he asked, "Hey, did you... did you hear what I just said?"

"I heard you," Li Yun replied with a nod.

"Good. Just remember to stay away from that weakling," he advised her again.

"Alright," Li Yun replied ambiguously. She always took well-intentioned advice seriously. Given Lord Jing's power to save her with a single sentence, she had no doubt he was formidable and knew it would be wise to limit her interactions with him.

Satisfied that she had listened to him, Ye Qingran's mood visibly lifted. His steps became lighter, and he even began to hum a cheerful mountain tune as they walked along.

Li Yun glanced at him, the corners of her mouth curving into another smile. From the moment she arrived, the tension surrounding her had been nearly constant. It was refreshing to have someone capable of easing that pressure, if only for a moment.

They soon left the Viewing Garden.

With his task complete, Eunuch Lu followed them at a respectful distance, beaming as he departed as well.

As Ye Tianqing watched their synchronized footsteps fade into the distance, his hands, clenched in his sleeves, unknowingly tightened until they drew blood. He remained transfixed by the sight of Li Yun smiling at Ye Qingran, a weight settling in his heart. The woman he'd always dismissed as insignificant now confronted him with a resolute face, making him realize that he had been entirely wrong all along. A shadow crossed his mind, and the scenery around him suddenly felt stifling and irritable.

The Fourth Prince, also watching the pair depart to Ye Qingran's cheerful tune, found his mind filled with the image of Li Yun's pure, radiant smile. Although it wasn't directed at him, that smile had left an impression on him. He eventually tore his gaze away and noticed the evident frustration on Ye Tianqing's face. He paused before smirking and said, "Royal Brother, it seems your strategy failed today. I bet you never imagined that Sister Yue would be so resolute."

The Crown Prince withdrew his gaze and glared at the Fourth Prince.

Though his tone was regretful, the Fourth Prince's words dripped with irony. "Ah, I almost feel sorry for you, Brother. Even with her fiery temper, Sister Yue was devoted to you above all else. Today, you were the one to push her to the edge. Though she didn't fall, she'll never be the same."

Suppressing the churning emotions inside him, Ye Tianqing coldly glared at his brother. "Fourth Brother, it seems you're far too idle lately. Shall I suggest to Father that you be posted to the frontier? The southwest border has been rather unstable, and given your martial and strategic skills, I'm sure your efforts would be highly effective."

The Fourth Prince's expression shifted slightly, but he maintained his faint smile. "There's no need for that, Brother. The task has already fallen to your consort's maternal uncle, General Wen. A seasoned commander, General Wen is more than capable of handling the six counties in the southwestern Shu region. Besides, Father, cherishing my late mother, Concubine Chen, is reluctant to let Grandfather's only grandson take on such a dangerous role. So, you needn't concern yourself with me, Brother."

With that, the Fourth Prince didn't wait for the Crown Prince's retort. Instead, he turned and respectfully saluted the Empress. "Mother, please excuse me."

"Go on, then," the Empress replied, waving him off.

Not sparing the Crown Prince another glance, the Fourth Prince walked away with his usual unhurried grace.

Ye Tianqing's face darkened, the emotions simmering within him struggling to find an outlet. He turned to the Empress, gave her a formal bow, and said, "Mother, I just remembered there's an important matter I need to discuss with Father. Please excuse me."

"Very well, go ahead," the Empress nodded.

Ye Tianqing, too, turned and left the jade bridge.

As they departed one after another, the oppressive atmosphere in the Viewing Garden began to lift, bringing with it a sense of ease. The women exchanged glances before looking toward the Empress, while Princess Qingwan turned her attention to Yun Muchan, who had been staring at the chessboard in silence.

The Empress surveyed the assembly of women, noting some disappointed expressions. She withdrew her gaze and raised her hand toward Grandma Sun, who stepped forward to support her. "I'm feeling fatigued today. We'll continue the poetry gathering another day. All of you may go."

With that, she, along with her retinue, gracefully exited the Viewing Garden.

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