The Dandy's Duchess

Chapter 27: Talking about the Young Master Jing

Cailian covered her mouth and laughed, and when she noticed Li Yun looking at her, she immediately whispered, "Miss, didn't you know? Steward Meng is quite a chess master. He was once a champion on the chessboard, and nobody could ever beat him. But then, he was defeated three times by the seven-year-old Young Master Jing. After that, he became devoted to him. Unfortunately, shortly after, Young Master Jing fell seriously ill and didn't leave the house for ten years. Now that Steward Meng has finally waited for Young Master Jing to come out, how can he not be happy?"

"Really?" Li Yun didn't expect that Yong Jing was that impressive. Seven years old? Was he even human?

She looked at Yong Jing walking behind Steward Meng into the courtyard. He wasn't holding an umbrella this time, but his steps were still slow and graceful. His slender frame was wrapped in a crescent-colored brocade robe that fit him perfectly. As he moved, he appeared like a poem or a painting, truly captivating. It was hard to imagine that such a person had been bedridden for ten years.

Indeed, when heaven opens a door for you, it closes a window elsewhere.

"Miss, what are you dawdling for? The old master wants you to go see him!" Steward Meng walked a few steps ahead, noticing Li Yun hadn't kept up, and called out.

"Oh!" Li Yun quickly gathered her thoughts, lifted her feet, and followed, gesturing for Cailian to follow as well.

Cailian understood and quickly walked behind Li Yun into the house.

The man in black who had driven the carriage did not enter but quietly waited by the carriage.

Although the Rong Wangfu was not as grand and luxurious as the imperial palace, it had its own unique charm with ancient landscapes. There were rock formations, pavilions, corridors, and plenty of flowers and trees. The scenery seemed chaotic but was clearly well-arranged by someone.

Steward Meng led the way while chatting with Yong Jing, who occasionally nodded with a smile.

Li Yun silently memorized the layout of the estate, thinking it would be a joke if she got lost in the Rong Wangfu.

As they passed, servant boys and girls greeted them with admiration, while the young maidens looked at Yong Jing with starry eyes. When they saw Li Yun following him, their expressions turned envious.

"Such a heartthrob!" Li Yun muttered under her breath.

"A new bride returning home is naturally a heartthrob!" Yong Jing suddenly turned around and smiled at Li Yun.

Li Yun's face twitched; sure enough, he heard her comment on the way. She glared at him, feeling a bit guilty for being caught bad-mouthing him. She wanted to retort but quickly changed her mind, "I wasn't talking about you."

"Right, I wasn't talking about you either," Yong Jing replied as he turned back around.

Li Yun was at a loss for words.

Just then, Yong Jing let out a low laugh, which was warm and pleasant to the ears. She felt stuck with her frustration for quite a while, realizing that people cannot be judged by appearances; the gentle and refined young man could indeed be a wolf in sheep's clothing, just as Ye Qingran had said.

However, he was now the prized guest of the Rong Wangfu and had saved her from prison. Since she was new to this world and still on shaky ground, it would be best not to offend him. She could only swallow her anger and walk behind him with a sullen face.

Steward Meng didn't seem to notice the underlying tension between them, excitedly chatting away with Yong Jing. Yong Jing responded in kind, offering just the right amount of engagement, further delighting the chatty Steward Meng.

Li Yun mused that instead of calling Steward Meng a "chess master," it would be more fitting to call him a "talking master."

They passed through the front courtyard and arrived at a main courtyard with four entrances. Finally, Steward Meng paused the conversation, turning to Yong Jing, "Young Master Jing, the old master said you and Miss Qianyue can go in directly without reporting. Shall I take you in?"

"Hmm!" Yong Jing nodded.

Steward Meng gestured for them to enter, and Yong Jing glanced back at Li Yun, who snorted softly. He merely smiled in response and stepped into the courtyard.

"Is Young Master Jing and that stinky girl back?" As they entered the courtyard, an elderly voice called out from the main house. Though old, the voice was strong and commanding.

Li Yun thought to herself that Old Master Yun didn't sound like a frail person at all.

"Reporting to Grandpa Yun, it is indeed Yong Jing," Yong Jing replied with a smile.

"Hmm, hearing that stinky girl grunt like a pig tells me she's brought you back," the old master's voice came again, not holding back in his disdain for Li Yun.

Li Yun's face darkened. Was he talking about her? Grunting like a pig? This old man, despite his age, had sharp hearing.

Yong Jing turned to look at Li Yun, smiling without saying a word.

Old Master Yun continued, "Hearing your footsteps light and sound, you seem to have regained your agility. It appears your illness has improved?"

"Reporting to Grandpa Yun, I've recovered halfway," Yong Jing had already reached the door.

Yuzhu had been waiting at the entrance and quickly greeted Yong Jing, pulling back the curtain for him as he walked in.

Li Yun took a deep breath and followed Yong Jing inside.

The room was spacious, adorned with a painting of longevity and fortune directly facing them. The furnishings were all exquisite antiques. A tea set had just been prepared on an octagonal table, releasing a faint aroma. On the side, a redwood bed was set up with its curtains lifted. A frail old man leaned against the bed, his beard gray, squinting his eyes as he appraised the entering Yong Jing.

Even after mentally preparing herself, Li Yun still felt nervous. After all, her soul wasn't truly that of Yun Qianyue. Fortunately, the old man didn't seem to notice her and focused solely on Yong Jing.

Yong Jing remained calm under the scrutiny, showing no signs of discomfort. He approached the bed, gracefully lifting the hem of his clothes before sitting down in a nearby chair, exuding an undeniable elegance.

Li Yun clasped her fingers together, then opened them. The sweat in her palms eased a bit as she pondered whether she should walk over and call out "Grandpa."

"Hmm, recovering halfway means you're almost alive. Not bad," Old Master Yun nodded, observing Yong Jing closely. Then, glancing at Li Yun, who lingered by the door, his tone shifted, "You stinky girl! If someone bullies you, fight back! Why are you hiding by the Yuan Yang Pond and moping? Such a coward!"

Li Yun looked at Old Master Yun, pouting to show her grievance.

"You still feel wronged? Did you forget the martial arts I taught you? What happened to the hidden guards I provided? If the second daughter of the Rong Wangfu or the young lady of the Xiaoqin Wangfu bully you, just fight back! I've told you countless times that if you get into a fight, I'll cover for you. Why can't you remember?" Old Master Yun began to scold her like a firecracker.