Li Yun's heart lifted at Cailian's words; she had finally found a breakthrough regarding the old lord's attitude towards her. With this insight, if she remained cautious, she might be able to navigate her situation more easily.
Despite her excitement, she maintained a neutral expression and turned to Cailian, asking softly, "Really? You mean Grandpa would be happy to see me like this?"
"Absolutely! Although the old lord often calls you a foolish girl, he truly cares for you. You might not realize it, but every time you've gotten into trouble, he's been the one to help you out behind the scenes. Otherwise, how could you have come this far unscathed?" Cailian nodded vigorously. In the past, she would never have said such things, but faced with Li Yun's newfound warmth and openness, she felt compelled to share.
"Is that so? Grandpa has really been looking out for me all these years," Li Yun mused, reflecting on the original owner's fortunate circumstances. She had been an orphan in her past life, lacking even the simplest familial affection.
"Indeed! The old lord dotes on you more than any of the other ladies in the household. Even the young master pales in comparison when it comes to winning his favor. Ever since your mother passed, he has been especially kind to you. If he found out someone was bullying you in the household, he wouldn't hesitate to deal with them, regardless of who was right or wrong. You've experienced his kindness firsthand over the years," Cailian continued, her words flowing freely.
"Hmm, I'll certainly remember Grandpa's kindness," Li Yun said, feeling a new sense of confidence. If Cailian's words were true, then the old lord indeed favored her and this body, allowing her to be who she was now.
Cailian noticed Li Yun deep in thought and fell silent.
Having understood the dynamics within the Yun household, Li Yun realized that securing the old lord's support was crucial. With this determination, she felt lighter in spirit.
As she relaxed, she noticed the people lining the streets had stopped their chatter and activities, all turning to gaze in her direction. She could hear snippets of conversation, which, despite being noisy, were still discernible.
"Look, it's Young Master Jing's carriage!" "Yes, it's definitely Young Master Jing's!" "He hasn't been out of the estate for ten years, and now he's finally here; there's hope for us yet!" "I heard he played chess with the Emperor for half the day today, and the Emperor still couldn't win!" "What a pity we can't see Young Master Jing's face!"
Li Yun observed the carriage ahead, heavily draped, which did nothing to quell the crowd's admiration and awe. She marveled at the celebrity effect he had on people.
Suddenly, her name floated through the air.
"Miss Qianyue seems to have grown more beautiful today; she looks even lovelier than Miss Yuniang from the Prime Minister's residence!" "Actually, Miss Qianyue has always been beautiful; it's just that you didn't notice." "Who says we didn't notice? I've always known!" "Yesterday, when she burned down Wangchun Building, it was exhilarating!" "Absolutely, it was so satisfying!" "I heard Young Master Jing saved Miss Qianyue today." "Seeing Young Master Jing and Miss Qianyue together, it looks like a bride returning home..."
Li Yun was intently listening when the last comment made her sway, nearly falling off her horse.
"Miss!" Cailian exclaimed, quickly tightening her grip around Li Yun.
Cold sweat broke out on Li Yun's forehead. Was there such a thing as a bride returning home at this hour? She shot a glance at the speaker, who appeared oblivious, continuing their conversation. She quickly redirected her gaze toward the still carriage, breathing a sigh of relief, hoping the person hadn't heard her name mentioned.
Amidst the chatter, they finally arrived at the Yun residence.
Having endured enough on the road, as soon as they reached the gate, Li Yun could no longer contain herself. Before the carriage had even come to a stop, she swung off her horse and dashed into the estate, vowing never to walk alongside this person in public again.
In her haste, she collided with a wall, only to find it was the elderly servant, Yun Meng, who cried out in surprise as he fell to the ground in a heap.
"Are you... are you alright? I was just in a hurry!" Li Yun rushed forward, extending a hand to help him.
Cailian quickly followed to assist.
"Oh, my dear Miss, why are you in such a rush when Young Master Jing hasn't even dismounted? You knocked me over with your haste!" Yun Meng complained as he struggled to get back on his feet, holding onto Li Yun and Cailian for support. "I still want to live a few more years!"
"I'm so sorry, Uncle Meng..." Li Yun said, her guilt overwhelming.
"Ah, it's fine, you must be starving after such a long day. That's why you rushed inside without regard for Young Master Jing's presence," Yun Meng noted, glancing at the carriage as the curtain opened and Rong Jing stepped out. He quickly shifted his focus.
"I was indeed hungry..." Li Yun lowered her gaze, feeling warmth rise to her cheeks as she caught a hint of Rong Jing's soft laughter.
"Knowing that Young Master Jing was coming, we've already prepared a feast. Let's eat," Yun Meng pushed past Li Yun and Cailian, his demeanor transforming as he put on a beaming smile toward Rong Jing. It was as if the pain from the earlier collision had vanished. To Yun Meng, Rong Jing was like a tonic for his spirit. "I'm honored to finally meet you, Young Master Jing! The whole estate has been waiting for your visit for ten years. Today, you bring honor to the Yun residence!"
"Uncle Meng, you flatter me! It's my privilege to be remembered by you," Rong Jing replied with a gentle smile.
Seeing Rong Jing's courteous demeanor made Yun Meng beam even brighter, his eyes squinting with joy. "The old lord has been waiting for you for quite some time. Please, come inside!"
"Thank you, Uncle Meng, for leading the way!" Rong Jing nodded, his smile unwavering.
Yun Meng immediately took the lead, striding confidently ahead.
Li Yun watched, dumbfounded, as the old man who had just been grumbling about her carelessly had transformed into a sprightly figure. She turned to Cailian, bewildered.
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...
