The Dandy's Duchess

Chapter 29: The Incorrigible Granddaughter (1)

Li Yun felt a bit guilty; with elders present and a guest around, she really shouldn't be sleeping, no matter how tired she was. So she stayed silent and listened attentively.

Seeing her serious demeanor, Grandfather Yun's expression softened. He turned to Rong Jing and sighed, "I hope Young Master Jing doesn't mind. In my lifetime, I've done better than that old fellow Rong. The only downside is this incorrigible granddaughter of mine. If I had a grandson like you, I'd be able to die in peace."

Li Yun felt a little embarrassed.

"You're too kind, Grandfather Yun. While it's good to have a noble young lady, nothing beats being genuine," Rong Jing replied softly.

Grandfather Yun nodded, his anger dissipating, pride evident on his face. "This little brat has no other redeeming qualities, but at least she has that one good point. She truly is my granddaughter."

Li Yun rolled her eyes dramatically.

Just as Grandfather Yun was about to say something more, a jingling sound of jewelry and the chatter of young women came from outside. His expression changed instantly; he frowned and sternly called out, "Yuzhu, who's making noise outside?"

"Replying to Old Master, it's the young ladies come to pay their respects," Yuzhu quickly answered.

"Tell them to scram! Don't think I don't know what they're really after. You let them know to behave, or I'll kick them all out of the Yun Prince's residence to spare my eyes," Grandfather Yun's face hardened again.

"Yes!" Yuzhu responded before leaving.

Li Yun glanced at the darkening sky and then at Rong Jing. It was clear that the young ladies had other intentions for their visit. She couldn't help but mutter to herself, "If he claims there's no peach blossom luck, he's just being stubborn." But having learned her lesson, she wouldn't dare voice such thoughts again. Noticing Rong Jing looking at her with a knowing smile, she lowered her head, her lips twitching.

"Ladies, the Old Master is currently entertaining esteemed guests. You needn't pay your respects; please return to your quarters," Yuzhu's voice rang out, calm and respectful.

"Grandfather, we're also your granddaughters. Why are you treating us differently? We know Sister Yue is here. Why can't we pay our respects? Just because she's the legitimate daughter while we're the illegitimate ones doesn't mean we're unworthy!" A disgruntled young voice protested from outside.

"Exactly! Grandfather, your favoritism is unacceptable," another voice chimed in.

"Just because we have guests doesn't mean we're ashamed to be here! We're showing filial piety..." yet another voice added.

Soon, a chorus of discontent erupted outside.

Li Yun wondered just how many daughters the Yun family had besides her. How many granddaughters did Grandfather Yun have? She couldn't help but admire the prolific nature of families in ancient times.

"Get out of here! If anyone makes another sound, I'll send you all to the guesthouse and you won't ever return to the Yun residence!" Grandfather Yun shouted angrily.

The once lively noise outside fell into silence.

"Ladies, please head back. Filial piety isn't shown just at this moment. The Old Master is already unwell; if you provoke him and he sends you to the guesthouse, it won't be worth it," Yuzhu calmly advised, her tone firm on the last four words.

The young ladies were reluctant. After all, Young Master Jing hadn't been out of the residence for ten years, and now that he was finally here, it was infuriating not to be able to see him, especially when Yun Qianyue got to see him and even received his assistance. What made her special? She only held a legitimate daughter's title! They believed they were far better than her despite being illegitimate. They couldn't understand why this old man favored her so much.

Yet, despite their reluctance, they had no choice. Being kicked out of the Yun residence was not worth it, and they could see Young Master Jing another day.

With this thought, the young ladies exchanged glances, huffed in annoyance, and slowly left the courtyard.

Li Yun contemplated whether it was the severe differentiation between legitimate and illegitimate children in this world or if Grandfather Yun really only cared for Yun Qianyue. It seemed she was in a favorable position, protected by Grandfather Yun. Thinking about it, taking a couple of scoldings didn't seem so bad after all.

"I'm absolutely furious! They're all a bunch of unworthy things!" Grandfather Yun grumbled.

"Grandfather, don't be upset! If you get really angry, it could affect your health. Come on, smile a little!" Li Yun figured the old man was like a child who needed some coaxing, reaching out to tug at his beard to get him to smile.

"You little brat! Are you hoping I'll actually fall ill so no one pays attention to you?" Grandfather Yun glared at her, swatting her hand away.

"Of course not! Hehe..." Li Yun retracted her hand with a grin, thinking how he always looked so grumpy; didn't his eyes ever tire?

Rong Jing watched the two exchange banter, a smile forming on his lips. He glanced at the darkening sky, stood up, and gently smoothed out the creases on his light-colored robe, bowing to Grandfather Yun. "It's getting late, so I'll take my leave. The Emperor instructed that Sister Yue should take good care of you; please continue to rest well."

Sister Yue? Li Yun thought. Were they even that familiar? Grandfather Yun was still pretending to be sick? Her expression darkened at the thought.

"Ah, you always know what's in my heart. Hahaha..." Grandfather Yun nodded, laughing heartily and waving him off. "Alright, you head back! If you don't go soon, that old fellow Rong will come looking for me. Continuing to pretend to be sick isn't a bad idea."

"Farewell, Grandfather Yun. Please rest early," Rong Jing smiled as he turned to leave.

"Brat, why are you still standing there? Don't you know to see Young Master Jing off? You really don't understand how to host guests!" Grandfather Yun waved his hand dismissively.

"Yes!" Li Yun slowly stood up from her chair and walked toward the door. Finally, she could send this esteemed guest away and get back to sleep. She was utterly exhausted.

The two exited Grandfather Yun's courtyard, Li Yun making her way to the entrance based on memory.

Rong Jing walked at his usual leisurely pace, appearing as calm and composed as if the sky were thundering or hail were falling.

After walking for a while, seeing no one around, Li Yun turned back and said to Rong Jing, "Aren't you familiar with the way? You can go by yourself!"

"Alright!" Rong Jing nodded, stepping past her to walk ahead.

Li Yun didn't expect him to be so agreeable, not needing her to see him off. Watching his retreating figure, she hesitated for a moment, yawned widely, and found herself unable to resist her fatigue. She turned around and headed back, not seeing him off any longer.