The Dandy's Duchess

Chapter 25: The Eccentric Young Master Jing (1)

Li Yun glanced down at the small hand gripping her waist, a smile tugging at her lips. For some reason, having this little maid by her side made her feel more grounded. Perhaps it was because Cailian was the first person she had encountered in this strange place, creating a unique bond.

As they caught up to Rong Jing's carriage, Li Yun reluctantly reined in her horse, slowing down to follow behind the carriage.

The carriage rolled through the bustling main street, which was teeming with more people as evening approached. Vendors lined the streets, hawking an array of fascinating wares, their calls filling the air.

Li Yun found it amusing; it seemed that night markets had been a trend even in ancient times.

After a while, she noticed two grand inns, their structures blackened and charred, evidence of a recent fire. It dawned on her that this must be the famous Wangchun Building.

Just as she was examining the scene, the carriage's curtain was suddenly lifted from the inside, revealing Rong Jing's striking face. He tilted his head slightly to look at the burnt remnants of Wangchun Building, then turned his phoenix eyes toward Li Yun, offering her a gentle smile. "Well burned!"

Li Yun froze for a moment, momentarily dazzled by his smile. But before she could respond, he lowered the curtain again, leaving her in silence.

"Miss, they say that although Wangchun Building was involved in those kinds of businesses, there are whispers that it engaged in the most sordid activities. I've heard that they were involved in human trafficking and coercing women into prostitution. Sometimes, the proprietress would even scheme to snatch away good women from respectable families or even handsome young men..." Cailian whispered behind her.

"Is that so? Then it's definitely good that it burned," Li Yun nodded, realizing she might have inadvertently done a good deed.

"Yes, indeed! People in the capital have been gossiping about it. I believe it's true. However, Wangchun Building has powerful backers, which is why such matters have remained hidden," Cailian continued quietly. "Now that Miss has burned down Wangchun Building, it may seem reckless, but the common folk are actually applauding it in secret. It's just that no one dares to speak openly in support of you."

Li Yun nodded again, impressed by how much the little maid knew. After a moment of thought, she asked softly, "Is it true that the building has connections with the Crown Prince?"

"Miss, think about it! Even if those ministers don't have direct ties to Wangchun Building, everyone in there—men or women—is incredibly beautiful. Many noblemen and young masters have romantic interests in those people. With you destroying it all in one go, wouldn't that invite resentment? It's only natural that they banded together to write memorials against you," Cailian explained in an almost inaudible voice.

Li Yun suddenly understood. She had made herself a target for collective hatred.

"Is the backer of Wangchun Building the Crown Prince?" she whispered again.

Cailian was taken aback, her grip around Li Yun's waist loosening, her face going pale as she nearly fell off the horse. Luckily, Li Yun was quick to catch her, puzzled by her frightened expression. "Did I guess right?"

Cailian shook her head, her fear evident. "I don't know."

"Then why are you scared?" Li Yun looked at her curiously.

Cailian took a deep breath, regaining some composure. "I just can't help but feel frightened at the mere mention of the Crown Prince's name."

"Is he really that terrifying?" Li Yun thought back to how the Crown Prince had relentlessly sought to harm her, her expression darkening.

"Miss?" Cailian was startled again when their eyes met. She lowered her gaze, speaking softly, "You used to never allow anyone to say a single bad thing about the Crown Prince..."

Li Yun's understanding deepened. So it was a lingering fear. Steadying Cailian, she turned her horse back onto the path, speaking in a calm, emotionless tone. "That won't happen anymore. I, Li... Yun Qianyue, have nothing to do with the Crown Prince from this moment on. It's over. I won't enter the Crown Prince's residence as a consort or step into the palace. Remember this well. You're my personal maid; I don't want you to fear him any longer."

Cailian's eyes widened as she stared at Li Yun's straight back, realizing she had made a firm resolution. Tears welled up in her eyes; it seemed that this transformation meant Li Yun had finally let go of her feelings for the Crown Prince. Cailian had always sensed that Li Yun, despite her temper, was a straightforward person, but the Crown Prince had changed her—she had done countless things for him in the past, and yet he remained indifferent or even disdainful. Now that Li Yun saw the truth, Cailian felt both happy for her and pained by her suffering.

"Hmm?" Li Yun noticed Cailian's unusual silence and turned to look at her.

Cailian bit her lip and nodded, her voice choked with emotion. "Yes, Miss, I will remember your words. I'm just happy for you; you won't have to suffer anymore. Although the Crown Prince seems admirable, he truly isn't the right person for you. But I worry—if the Emperor orders you to marry the Crown Prince, your determination might provoke his displeasure. After all, you're the only legitimate daughter of the Yun family..."

Li Yun rubbed her forehead, acknowledging that this was indeed a troublesome matter. However, she felt at ease; she hadn't even established herself in the Yun family yet, so worrying about the future was pointless. She shook her head, dismissing her worries. "It's fine! The Yun family isn't just me. There are both legitimate and illegitimate daughters; what difference does it make? There's no need to concern ourselves with it."

"You're right," Cailian agreed, her mood lifting as she wiped her eyes. "I feel like you've become so much brighter after this change, Miss. It's truly a good thing. The old lord would surely be pleased to see you like this."