The Dandy's Duchess

Chapter 31: Exceptional Skills

Li Yun realized this was the real purpose of their visit today, the topic they cared about the most. She imagined that not just these women, but the entire capital was probably buzzing with speculation about why those two had helped her. But how would she know? She wasn't a mind reader.

"I don't know!" Li Yun replied bluntly, waving them away. "I'm going to sleep now. You should go back quickly!" She was baffled by their persistence; did they not tire themselves out with all this nonsense?

"You... Yun Qianyue! Don't think you're so high and mighty!" The lead woman was furious.

"Fine, I don't think I'm high and mighty. What's it to you?" Li Yun's irritation flared. Was it really so hard for her to just get some sleep?

"Ladies, this brat is getting bolder by the day. Let's teach her a lesson today so she knows better than to rely on Grandfather's favor. She should take a good look at who the real mistress of the Yun residence is!" The woman approached, raising her hand to slap Li Yun.

Mistress of the Yun residence? This body's mother seemed to have died long ago, so clearly, this woman wasn't referring to her. Li Yun glared at the incoming hand, feeling a surge of anger. The idea that women should not make things difficult for each other was nonsense. Some women were just lowly, and if she didn't teach them a lesson, they'd never learn.

With that thought, Li Yun's eyes darkened, an icy determination flooding her. Just as she prepared to retaliate, Cailian rushed in front of her, taking the blow meant for Li Yun. The slap echoed sharply as it connected with Cailian's face, making her stagger, yet she remained steadfast in front of Li Yun.

"Cailian!" Li Yun exclaimed, reaching out to steady her.

"Miss! If Grandfather finds out you're being bullied, he won't spare you!" Cailian warned, still shielding Li Yun while covering her face.

"You filthy servant, get out of the way!" The woman ignored Cailian's words, anger boiling inside her from having missed her target. Growing furious, she lifted her skirt and aimed a kick at Cailian.

Li Yun thought to herself that such a woman was no better than a shrew. Though she hadn't anticipated Cailian's defense, she couldn't allow this to continue. She pulled Cailian aside and snapped, "Enough! Don't think I'll be scared of you just because I'm letting it slide!"

"You little brat! Just because you have Grandfather backing you up, you think you're untouchable? He's sick right now and can't be bothered with you! Today, I'm going to teach you a lesson," the woman shouted, her foot missing its target as she threw punches at Li Yun.

Li Yun dodged her kicks with Cailian, then swiftly seized the woman's wrist. Applying slight pressure, the woman let out a sharp scream. Her voice was piercing, reminiscent of a pig being slaughtered.

Li Yun snorted coldly, ignoring the woman's pale face as she tightened her grip. She rarely resorted to violence, but when she did, she ensured it was a lasting lesson. Today, she intended to break this woman's wrist, making her forever remember this encounter, and dissuade her from provoking her again. She understood that although Grandfather Yun spoiled her, establishing herself in the Yun residence wouldn't be easy; there were powerful figures backing these women. She decided to first deal with these small fries and see who the real big shots were.

Determined to make an example of her opponent, Li Yun showed no mercy.

"Yun Qianyue, you vile woman! Let go of me!" the woman screeched.

"Let go of my sister! You dare lay hands on her? If Father and Consort Feng hear of this, you're finished!" another girl shouted, stepping back in fear, no longer daring to approach.

Their father was her father too? And Consort Feng? Li Yun frowned, realizing these were the figures the women relied on.

"Yun Qianyue, my father dotes on me the most. If he finds out you've hurt me, you're going to pay dearly. My mother will also have her revenge on you. Do you think that old fool can protect you forever?" The lead woman glared at Li Yun, anger mixed with fear in her eyes, despite her pain. "Let go of me!"

"You think it's acceptable to insult my grandfather? I'll remember this! Even if I kill you, you brought this on yourself," Li Yun replied coldly. In this era, insulting one's elders was a grave offense. This woman had gone too far.

The woman's eyes widened in horror, realizing her mistake too late.

With a sudden twist of her wrist, Li Yun heard a distinct cracking sound as she truly broke the woman's bone.

"Miss, you can't do this! The prince and Consort Feng will punish you! She's the daughter of Consort Feng!" Cailian realized the gravity of the situation and rushed to hug Li Yun, but it was already too late.

The lead woman screamed in agony before collapsing to the ground, her body limp. Li Yun knew exactly what she had done. It was just a minor fracture, something that would heal in time, but it would serve as a reminder for the woman. With her status in the Yun residence, she wouldn't be expected to do any heavy lifting anyway. Li Yun hoped this lesson would ensure the woman wouldn't dare provoke her again.

"Miss, you shouldn't have injured her! The prince dotes on her, and Consort Feng will not let this slide. While you have Grandfather's protection, you still need to heed the prince and Consort Feng!" Cailian trembled, her voice wavering as she clung to Li Yun.

Li Yun frowned, realizing that this body's owner didn't fare well in the Yun residence. Apart from Grandfather, she clearly wasn't valued by her father, and her mother had died. The arrogance of these women hinted at the power Consort Feng wielded. Though Li Yun had martial skills, she had always held back, too afraid to take a stand. Now, she had finally struck back. While it felt good, Cailian's worry was starting to seep into her.

"Don't worry about it. She insulted my grandfather first; I'm just standing up for him. Even if the prince and Consort Feng come, I'll have something to say," Li Yun retorted, pushing Cailian away, her expression stern.

"Miss, but..." Cailian hesitated, unsure of what to say. She realized that the damage was already done, and the eldest daughter's hand was broken. Though she had only been with Li Yun for half a year, she understood that while her mistress appeared glamorous, her life had been anything but easy. Grandfather couldn't be there for everything, and Consort Feng's methods were undoubtedly harsh. Li Yun, despite her martial prowess, often kept her head down, allowing herself to be bullied. This time, she had finally shown her true strength, and while it was satisfying, Cailian couldn't help but feel concerned.