The Dandy's Duchess

Chapter 32: Shut the Door and Sleep

"Yun Qianyue! How dare you! You actually hurt my sister!" The crowd of women was terrified by what they had just witnessed. They had seen Li Yun strike without hesitation, unlike her usual timid self. Though she knew martial arts, she had never dared to fight back before. Why was she so bold now?

"Yes, I hurt her! If any of you say another word, you'll end up like her. Since I'm too lazy to deal with you right now, you'd better get as far away as possible," Li Yun coldly replied, her gaze icy.

In her previous life, she was an orphan who had never experienced familial love. In this life, she felt warmth from her brother upon their first meeting, despite his seemingly indifferent demeanor. Even the old Prince Yun, while often calling her a "little brat," felt approachable. She thought the Yun residence was a warm place. However, she quickly realized that the women here had no sense of sisterhood, lacking any familial bonds. Why should she show them mercy? She wasn't a soft persimmon to be squeezed.

"Y-you..." The woman who spoke earlier hesitated, her voice trailing off in fear.

The others wanted to join in condemning Li Yun but were silenced by her cold stare. They exchanged glances, reading each other's fear, and a few of the eldest sister's supporters hurried to drag her out of the courtyard. One of them called back, "Yun Qianyue, just wait! You've hurt my sister, and you'll pay for it!"

Li Yun snorted and turned away, waving her hand dismissively. "Shut the door and sleep!"

"Miss, should I inform the old prince? He cares deeply for the eldest sister. Since the princess passed away, it's Consort Feng who wields power in the residence. Consort Feng is the daughter of General Feng and the aunt of the crown prince's consort. She's not someone to be trifled with. You..." Cailian looked at Li Yun, her voice trembling.

Li Yun understood why these women acted so brazenly now. It made sense that the original owner of this body had endured their bullying for so long. It all traced back to connections with the crown prince. Her expression darkened, and she waved her hand dismissively. "No need. It's already late; Grandfather should be asleep. Let's wash up and go to bed!"

"But, Miss, the eldest sister was taken back inside. The old prince and Consort Feng might come looking for you. Without Grandfather to protect you, you might be punished..." Cailian was clearly distressed, her small body trembling.

"Let them come! What's there to fear? Grandfather is still alive! Who in this residence can overshadow him? Even if they come, I won't care," Li Yun replied, seeing Cailian still quaking with fear. She sighed, patting Cailian on the shoulder to reassure her. "Don't worry; they'll be busy tending to the eldest sister's injury tonight. They won't have time to cause trouble. I'll visit Grandfather first thing in the morning to pay my respects. Let's just get a good night's sleep."

"Miss, I understand, but what if Consort Feng really does come?" Cailian looked at Li Yun with wide, pleading eyes.

She was really too timid! Hadn't the original owner of this body been raised to be overly submissive? Now, with her striking back, Cailian was still scared? Li Yun pulled her along, leading her back inside. "Come on, let's get some ointment on your face first, then we'll sleep. Even if they come, we won't be afraid. I won't let anyone bully you. Be good!"

"Miss..." Cailian was both amused and exasperated; her mistress was treating her like a frightened kitten! But her anxiety did ease a little.

As they walked a few steps, Li Yun glanced at the various doors. The old prince's room was in the center, and since this was her courtyard, her own room would likely be there too. She led Cailian toward the central room.

"Miss is back! We pay our respects!" More than a dozen servants, including maids and nannies, emerged from the rooms on either side, their faces pale and their bodies trembling as they bowed.

Li Yun stopped, frowning as she assessed the group. In noble households, multiple servants typically attended to one mistress. It seemed these people were all there to serve the original owner of this body. Given the earlier commotion, it was odd that no one had come out. Her gaze sharpened as she scrutinized their expressions—some were fearful, others worried, some gleeful, and a few indifferent.

"You, you, you, and you. Don't stay in my courtyard tomorrow; go wherever you please. As for you, you, and you, including the last one at the back, I don't care what your roles were here. From now on, you will all serve me directly. The rest will continue working in this courtyard; don't show your faces in front of me unless necessary." Li Yun had spent over twenty years navigating various challenges; she had developed an acute perception. Without needing to ask, she could tell much from their expressions.

After her words hung in the air, she ignored the shocked and disbelieving stares and stepped inside, lazily waving her hand. "You heard me? Now disperse."

"Miss, I have served you since you were young; how can you dismiss me?" One of the older women stepped forward, grasping Li Yun's arm, her round face showing disbelief.

Li Yun narrowed her eyes at her. This was the first person she had singled out, and she had detected a hint of glee on her face earlier. Though she had hidden it well, it hadn't escaped Li Yun's notice.

"Miss, the wet nurse has been with you since childhood..." Cailian interjected, unable to understand why Li Yun was suddenly punishing everyone in the courtyard. Fortunately, the ones Li Yun had chosen to keep were all kind-hearted, and she had a good relationship with them. Cailian knew the others were spies from various courtyards, but Li Yun usually overlooked them. It was puzzling why she was now targeting even the wet nurse, who had always been reliable.

"Greed often leads to downfall. Mind your behavior in the future," Li Yun replied coldly, eyeing the wet nurse, adorned in gold and jewels, with several bracelets jingling on her wrist. The original owner had been easily fooled, but Li Yun wouldn't fall for the same tricks. The wet nurse thought herself important just because she had fed the mistress a few meals?

The wet nurse shuddered, her mouth agape, eyes wide in disbelief as she stared at Li Yun.