The Dandy's Duchess

Chapter 35: Paying Respects

"Is that really what you said?" Li Yun asked softly, thinking that from now on, she would be forever separated from the Security Bureau. She had awakened not in the underworld but right here; it seemed she truly had to become Yun Qianyue.

"Yes, it was me," Cailian assured her immediately.

Only then did Li Yun release her, rising to her feet.

"I've prepared water for you, Miss. After you freshen up, I'll do your hair, and then we can go see the Old Prince," Cailian said quickly.

"Alright!" Li Yun walked over to the basin to wash her face.

Cailian handed her a towel to dry her face, and then Li Yun sat before the mirror while Cailian picked up a comb to style her hair.

For the first time, Li Yun looked at her reflection. The face staring back at her bore no resemblance to the familiar features she had known for over twenty years. It was that of a girl around fourteen or fifteen, youthful and unfamiliar. Her previous face had been beautiful, but compared to this one, it felt utterly different. This new face, while not yet fully developed, was already strikingly beautiful. No wonder the townspeople had commented on her beauty during her return from riding with Rong Jing. This face truly rivaled that of Miss Yu Ning from the Prime Minister's residence.

While Yu Ning was renowned for her gentle beauty, Li Yun possessed a similar allure but with an added brightness and clarity. Especially the spirited charm in her eyes—it was now even more radiant, making her feel as if she were dreaming, unable to tear her gaze away.

"Miss! To save time, shall I style your hair simply?" Cailian didn't notice that Li Yun had fallen into a daze.

"Sure!" Li Yun nodded.

Cailian quickly set to work, transforming Li Yun's dark tresses into a floral arrangement atop her head. Although Cailian described it as simple, Li Yun thought it still looked quite elaborate. She could hardly imagine what Cailian considered complicated.

In no time, Cailian finished, glancing into the mirror with satisfaction. "Miss, I can see you're truly more beautiful now!"

"Really? How so?" Li Yun inquired.

"Before, while you were beautiful, your eyes often carried a somber air, and you rarely smiled. Now, all that gloom has lifted, and you seem so much more joyful. It's like you're a different person!" Cailian said sincerely.

"But I'm still just me. How can the changes be so pronounced?" Li Yun replied with a faint smile, feeling a mix of emotions inside. Was she reluctant to leave behind the Security Bureau? Yes and no. She just felt lost. The youngest and most talented general of the National Security Bureau was gone, and she was no longer Li Yun. Aside from the deeply ingrained memories of her name and past experiences, there was no trace of the former Li Yun in this body.

"Miss?" Cailian noticed Li Yun's expression change, sensing a hint of sadness, and called her gently.

Li Yun steadied herself and smiled. "Let's go!"

Cailian observed Li Yun closely but saw nothing unusual, so she nodded and headed out.

"Yun Qianyue! Get out here! This Consort Feng wants to know what kind of grudge you have against your elder sister that you would so cruelly cripple her hand!" A furious voice suddenly rang out, followed by a flurry of footsteps rushing into Qianyue Pavilion.

Cailian's face changed, and her voice trembled. "Miss, it's over! Consort Feng has come!"

"Let her come!" Li Yun thought to herself, surprised by how early she had arrived.

"What should we do, Miss?" Cailian fretted, pacing anxiously. "Given her demeanor, Consort Feng won't spare you. You should quickly use your lightness skill to slip away to the Old Prince's side! I can hold her off here."

"I doubt even the back door is an option." Li Yun shook her head. Since Consort Feng was prepared, she certainly wouldn't let her escape.

"What? Then what should we do? Miss..." Cailian's eyes filled with tears, regretting that she hadn't woken Li Yun up sooner.

"Don't worry! Just follow my lead! Let's go greet Consort Feng!" Li Yun thought it would be better if someone else faced the consequences. She silently reminded herself that she was no longer Li Yun; she was Yun Qianyue. She needed to forget the name Li Yun as soon as possible, or else it might bring disaster one day.

Repeating "Yun Qianyue" in her mind twice, she steadied herself and stepped outside.

Yun Qianyue's calm demeanor unexpectedly eased Cailian's frantic heart. Without further hesitation, she followed Li Yun out, thinking that if Consort Feng truly punished the Miss, the commotion would surely reach the Old Prince.

As they exited the room, they saw a group of people marching toward the courtyard. At the front was a woman dressed regally, around forty years old, with an elegant appearance. Adorned in jewels, her hair was styled high, and gold ornaments swayed with her movements. Her long skirt trailed behind her, exuding an air of undeniable nobility. Behind her followed over twenty maids and servants.

Li Yun didn't need to guess; seeing the clear anger on the woman's face, she recognized her as the Consort Feng Cailian had mentioned. She couldn't help but marvel at how someone from a noble family carried such imposing grace.

Yet, she noted that her father, the Prince, was nowhere to be seen.

"Yun Qianyue! You've harmed your own sister; do you know your crime?" Consort Feng's eyes blazed with fury the moment she spotted Li Yun. She had never imagined that the little girl she had bullied for years would dare to retaliate, especially against her beloved eldest daughter. Hearing from the palace physician that her daughter's hand would never play the qin again, she felt a surge of rage that made her want to tear Yun Qianyue apart. Who gave her the audacity to act so ruthlessly against her daughter?

"She insulted Grandfather. As a legitimate daughter, I simply punished her on his behalf—just a small lesson. If Grandfather had acted, it wouldn't have been just her hand at stake but her very life!" Li Yun remained unfazed by Consort Feng's fury, speaking calmly. She considered this woman her stepmother.

"Are you still trying to justify yourself? Your sister has always been gentle and dignified; how could she possibly insult an elder? Yun Qianyue, don't fabricate excuses for your sins! Only a disrespectful and uncultured girl like you would act in such a way!" Consort Feng's brows furrowed angrily as she approached Li Yun.

"She insulted Grandfather and tried to strike me, which led to my maid being harmed. These are all facts. If you don't believe me, Consort Feng, we can go to Grandfather together and confront each other there! Let's see whether I'm lying or not!" Li Yun met Consort Feng's furious gaze without flinching.