The Dandy's Duchess

Chapter 34: Indeed Different (2)

"No need for that. This is a family matter for the Yun residence; the wet nurse was just a servant here. It's better to leave this to Grandfather," Li Yun shook her head.

The assailant's skills were formidable, and while she couldn't be sure if it was the favored Consort Feng, the forces behind that person were definitely not to be underestimated. She hadn't yet established her position in the Yun residence, and it wouldn't be wise to escalate this matter, especially since it involved her wet nurse. She had narrowly escaped the chaos at Wangchun Tower yesterday, and she didn't want to be embroiled in further trouble because of a dead servant. It was likely the wet nurse had done many unscrupulous things, and her death meant Li Yun wouldn't have to worry about her any longer.

"You're right, Miss!" Cailian quickly agreed.

"It's too late to disturb Grandfather tonight. We'll speak to him tomorrow morning," Li Yun said as she waved her hand and headed into the house. She was exhausted; even sleeping seemed a challenge. Why couldn't she find peace since arriving?

"You all heard what the Miss said. Take the wet nurse away and lay her to rest. Tomorrow, we'll wait for the Old Prince to decide what to do about the thief. You all may go; the Miss needs her sleep," Cailian commanded, knowing how tired Li Yun was. With a brave heart, she instructed others to carry the wet nurse away.

The servants had harbored resentment toward the wet nurse, and seeing her so suddenly killed stirred feelings of indignation in them. The intruder had acted with such boldness. A few people, following Cailian's orders, took the body to the woodshed.

After ensuring everything in the courtyard was in order, Cailian entered the room to find Li Yun already fast asleep, dressed in her clothes and nestled under the covers. Cailian thought to herself how fatigued her mistress must be and hoped that Grandfather's protection would keep her safe from the Prince and Consort Feng's wrath.

That night, the royal physician moved in and out of Consort Feng's quarters. The lights of the Yun residence burned late into the night, while Li Yun slept soundly, not even dreaming.

The next day, just after the third watch, Cailian entered to wake Li Yun.

Half-asleep, Li Yun lazily waved Cailian away, murmuring, "Go play somewhere else, don't disturb me."

Cailian grew anxious; given the events of the previous day, how could the Miss still be sleeping? She had spent the night listening to the commotion in Consort Feng's quarters, fearful that Consort Feng might come to punish them at Qianyue Pavilion. Now that it was past the third watch, the sounds from the consort's quarters had quieted down, likely indicating that she was finishing up matters concerning the eldest daughter. How could she allow Li Yun to continue sleeping?

"Miss, please wake up! It's already past the third watch. It would be prudent to go pay respects to Grandfather now. If Consort Feng and the Prince arrive, you won't be able to go later," Cailian pleaded, tugging at Li Yun. She was no longer concerned about maintaining servant etiquette.

"It's only past the third watch. Stop bothering me; let me sleep a bit more!" Li Yun protested, pushing Cailian away. This was the best sleep she had had since her arrival.

"Miss, I beg you, please wake up! You know Consort Feng's methods, and the Prince doesn't favor you. If they really come and prevent you from visiting Grandfather, you'll be the one who suffers. Last night, it's said Consort Feng called for the palace physicians, and even the Crown Prince's residence was stirred. We don't even know how badly your hand is hurt! You're the apple of Consort Feng's eye; after this incident, how could she let you off easily?" Cailian chattered anxiously, pulling at Li Yun with all her might.

Li Yun, irritated by the noise, finally opened her bleary eyes and glared at Cailian. "I told you it's fine; stop being so annoying! If they come, they come. What's there to be afraid of?"

"Forgive me, Miss; I'm only looking out for you! And considering the wet nurse was murdered yesterday, you should really hurry to see Grandfather! He's on your side. Even if the Prince and Consort Feng go to Grandfather, you won't be at a loss. I'm genuinely worried!" Cailian's voice trembled as she spoke, nearly in tears.

"Alright, alright, I'm up! You win, I'll get up!" Li Yun conceded, overwhelmed by Cailian's urgency.

Cailian instantly brightened, quickly fetching clothes and pulling back the covers. "I'll help you get ready, Miss!"

"Mm!" Li Yun sat up but struggled to shake off the remnants of sleep.

With nimble hands, Cailian stripped off Li Yun's old clothes and dressed her in a new, delicate robe, fastening the ties and adjusting the adornments. Li Yun found the attire cumbersome but resigned to the reality of ancient customs, allowing Cailian to dress her like a puppet while she observed the room.

This room was slightly smaller than Grandfather's but elegantly decorated, exuding a feminine charm. Incense wafted from the burner, a landscape painting adorned the wall, and a folding screen depicted a chorus of birds. The bed was made of pear wood, draped in light purple gauze, while beaded curtains framed the entrance, and various exquisite antiques decorated the space.

Looking around, Li Yun felt a twinge of curiosity. "Who decorated this room?"

"Miss, you really were sleeping soundly. This room was said to have been arranged by you yourself; not even the wet nurse was allowed to interfere!" Cailian chuckled, though her expression darkened at the mention of the wet nurse.

It had been decorated by the original owner of this body? Li Yun was surprised by the owner's refined taste. It didn't match the impressions she had formed since her arrival. She recalled the prideful horse from earlier and asked, "What about that horse?"

"Look at you! You really must have been sleeping deeply. Naturally, it was also you! You've never let anyone else touch it," Cailian said, shaking her head. Seeing Li Yun in such a daze was new to her. Normally, the wet nurse assisted Li Yun with her dressing, and she had never imagined her mistress would wake up in such a state.

Li Yun, coming to her senses and rubbing her forehead, murmured, "Right, I was asleep, and now I want to sleep more. What should I do?" Without finishing her sentence, she wrapped her arms around Cailian's waist, leaning her head against her.

Cailian found it amusing; her mistress was acting like a spoiled child. "Miss, please get up! Even if you want to sleep, you can't right now. You need to see Grandfather first. Once everything settles, you can sleep as much as you want. I promise I won't wake you up."