"Escort the Empress!" the ladies dutifully cleared a path, bowing as the Empress departed.
Once the Empress was out of sight, everyone turned to Princess Qingwan. She glanced at Yun Muchan, hoping for even a fleeting look in her direction, but seeing none, she let out a sigh, waving her hand dismissively. "Since both the Empress and the Crown Prince have left, there's no point in lingering. Let's all go back."
Nodding in agreement, the remaining guests grouped up in pairs or trios and began leaving. Only the young women in pink and green lingered, unable to understand why Yun Qianyue suddenly received the support of both Prince Jing and Dye Prince. Known for her arrogance and terrible reputation, she seemed the last person likely to earn such favor. Bitterly, they looked at Princess Qingwan.
"What are you staring at me for? How would I know what luck befell Yun Qianyue today?" she snapped, casting a sharp look at the girl in pink. "Linglan, isn't Prince Jing your brother? Surely you'd know why he decided to protect Yun Qianyue?"
Rong Linglan shook her head, sighing. "You know that since his illness, my brother's entire demeanor changed. Though he's polite, he's become detached, ignoring everyone in the Rong Manor. Even Grandfather needs his attendants to arrange meetings with him well in advance. I hardly ever see him anymore and wouldn't dare presume to know why he'd defend Yun Qianyue today."
Frowning, Princess Qingwan turned her gaze to the girl in green. "Shuli, did you hear anything from the Prince of Filial Piety? How did Yun Qianyue manage to become so favored? Even the Crown Prince couldn't deal with her today."
The green-clad girl, Leng Shuli, responded with some frustration, "Early this morning, I heard my grandfather say that Yun Qianyue would surely face a reckoning today, so I came straight here and waited in your palace. I have no idea how her fortune turned."
Getting no useful information, Princess Qingwan finally turned back to Yun Muchan, who sat unmoved, seemingly lost in contemplation as he focused intently on the chessboard, ignoring everyone. Gesturing to her friends, she said, "Go home and find out what you can about what happened today."
The two girls exchanged glances and departed, each with her own thoughts. In their minds, while Yun Muchan was indeed remarkable, his reserved nature left them preferring the decisive and capable Crown Prince.
The courtyard was left quiet again. Qingwan approached Yun Muchan and, in a gentler tone, asked, "Muchan, I thought you disliked that sister of yours. Why did you help her today?"
"Dislike her as I might, she's still my sister. I won't allow others to bully her," Yun Muchan said, rising and leaving without a backward glance, his elegant figure soon vanishing beyond the courtyard.
Princess Qingwan's face paled as she took an involuntary step back. She had always believed he'd be pleased by Yun Qianyue's reprimands, given his usual indifference toward her. That was why she'd frequently teamed up with Rong Linglan and Leng Shuli to harass Yun Qianyue, assuming it would earn his approval. Now she realized it had all been in vain, and he even seemed to resent her for it. Watching him leave, she stamped her foot in frustration, sweeping all the fruit and pastries from the jade table to the ground in a fit of tears, running back to her quarters.
At that moment, Li Yun had just left the scenic garden with Ye Qingran.
Outside, Li Yun spotted her personal maid, Cailian, waiting anxiously. Cailian had her forehead wrapped with a silk band to cover a bruise, and her face, washed and clean, revealed a pale complexion. Seeing Li Yun, her eyes lit up as she rushed over, giving her a thorough look and tearfully whispering, "My lady..." She seemed about to say more, but noticing Ye Qingran at her side, she quickly stepped back and bowed to him respectfully. "Greetings, Your Highness."
Ye Qingran gave her a cursory nod, his gaze lingering on her forehead with a playful smile.
Li Yun felt a warmth rise in her chest, realizing Cailian must have been worried after hearing she'd nearly been imprisoned. She nodded gently, asking in a soft voice, "I'm alright. How is your injury?"
Cailian looked up in surprise at the concern in her lady's voice. Hastily, she nodded, "It's been treated, Miss. I'm just relieved you're safe." She hesitated, glanced briefly at Ye Qingran, then leaned closer, speaking softly, "I heard what happened in the garden and feared for you, so I sent word to the Yun Manor..."
Li Yun nodded, understanding the maid's loyalty. "Good that you did. Let's go; we're leaving the palace."
YOU ARE READING
The Dandy's Duchess
ChickLit"The Dandy's Duchess" tells the story of the youngest and most talented general of the National Security Bureau, who sacrifices his life for his country and finds his soul transported to another world, where he is reborn as Yun Qianyue, the only leg...
