The Dandy's Duchess

Chapter 19 - To Wait or Not to Wait (1)

"Yes!" Cailian quickly stepped aside, falling in behind Li Yun.

Li Yun, feeling some of the earlier tension return, couldn't help but feel apprehensive. Though she'd managed to bluff her way through the situation in the palace, it remained to be seen how well this charade would hold up at Yun Manor—where the people closest to her current body's original owner knew her best.

As they walked, any palace servant who saw Ye Qingran and Li Yun together would bow from a significant distance, acting far more cautiously than they had when she'd walked with the Fourth Prince. Li Yun sneaked a glance at Ye Qingran, wondering what sort of notorious deeds had earned him this degree of dread—almost like a cat among mice.

"The feeling of being feared by everyone is pretty satisfying, right, Sister Yun?" Ye Qingran suddenly turned to her, smirking.

Li Yun's mouth twitched slightly, at a loss for words.

Ye Qingran fell silent, a look of self-satisfaction on his face, humming a tune even more cheerfully than before.

Following behind, Cailian noticed how well Ye Qingran seemed to treat her mistress. She thought to herself that if only her lady didn't prefer the Crown Prince, then perhaps things might be different. But could her mistress truly have feelings for anyone besides the Crown Prince? After all, her future role as Empress depended on it.

The three of them continued in silence until they reached the palace gates.

Several carriages were parked outside, some opulent, some elegant, each accompanied by well-dressed servants or bodyguards. Emblems of various noble households adorned each carriage, indicating their respective family affiliations. Among them, one carriage stood out—a pitch-black carriage with a black horse, overseen by a single guard dressed in dark clothing. There was no identifying crest, yet the carriage's stark simplicity amidst the grandeur around it drew a subtle air of deference. Each carriage around it maintained a one-zhang (about three-meter) distance, underscoring a respect rooted in unspoken understanding. Li Yun surmised that whoever owned this carriage must wield significant influence to command such quiet reverence.

"If they don't want to be seen in daylight, they should stay hidden, rather than upsetting people," Ye Qingran muttered, eyeing the carriage with a slight frown.

Though his voice was soft, Li Yun caught every word. She wisely kept her questions to herself, fearing her ignorance would raise suspicion. She'd figure out the mystery of this carriage soon enough. She turned her gaze away, scanning the area for Yun Manor's carriage, only to find none. Glancing back at Cailian, she asked, "Where is our carriage?"

"Miss, your mount is over there!" Cailian stepped forward and pointed toward a fine bay horse tethered to a post not far away.

Following her gesture, Li Yun saw a sleek, glossy bay horse adorned with an ornate, gold-plated saddle that sparkled under the sunlight. The horse's mane was festooned with colorful bells, ribbons, and various trinkets. Li Yun couldn't help but think that it looked rather overburdened with decorations, mentally lamenting her predecessor's taste. The poor horse seemed downright pitiable.

She noticed the mocking glances from nearby noblewomen, realizing why her predecessor had a reputation for defying convention. Proper young ladies kept their faces covered and rode in carriages, embodying feminine restraint. Meanwhile, her predecessor had openly ridden horses, her face unveiled—a true rebel.

But Li Yun rather liked it. The sight of this horse filled her with excitement. Concealment and restraint were never her style.

With a slight smile, she turned to Ye Qingran, noticing that the carriage from Duke De's Manor was also absent.

Li Yun followed Ye Qingran's gesture to a sleek black steed tethered nearby, a stark contrast to her own. His horse bore no extra trinkets, just a simple, functional saddle. Impressed, she thought this was exactly how a mount should look—light, clean, and unencumbered.

"It seems you really like my horse, Sister Yun. Shall we trade?" Ye Qingran grinned at her.

Li Yun shook her head. "A gentleman doesn't deprive others of what they cherish. There's no need."

"A gentleman doesn't deprive others of what they cherish! Well said! From anyone else, I'd brush it off, but from you, it's a sentiment worth pondering! Ha!" He let out a hearty laugh.

Li Yun stifled a shudder. She knew all too well that the original Yun Qianyue and this "Little Prince" by her side were hardly known for their integrity. Their shared antics were legendary. Seeing his amusement, she quickly composed herself, adding with a straight face, "Too much laughter isn't good for you—it can lead to premature aging."

Ye Qingran's laughter halted abruptly, leaving him caught between continuing and stopping.

Amused by his reaction, Li Yun smiled. "You go ahead first. Since Lord Jing has already sent word to the emperor, I can't leave before he arrives. That would be defying an imperial order, wouldn't it?"

Ye Qingran closed his mouth, looking briefly indignant before his face softened with a bemused expression. He raised his hand, knocking her gently on the head. "Little rascal! How did I not realize that seven years have only made you cheekier? Premature aging from laughter? I've never heard such nonsense."

Li Yun rubbed her head, slightly embarrassed. Though it didn't hurt, she hadn't been treated like a child in a long time. "Just because you haven't matured doesn't mean everyone else hasn't. And too much laughter really does lead to premature aging."

She said the last part seriously. After all, laughter could indeed lead to fine lines over time. It was just a fact. Though she doubted he'd grasp her reasoning in this ancient context. Letting out a sigh, she reminded herself again—this was ancient times.