The Dandy's Duchess

Chapter 43: The Barefoot Are Not Afraid of the Shod

Upon hearing that the eldest daughter, Xianghe, could no longer play the zither, the prince's expression softened slightly. He looked again at Concubine Feng, pondering her words, which held some truth. He sighed inwardly, acknowledging that he was aware of her little schemes behind the scenes. Fortunately, she knew her limits and had never caused a major incident. Her gentle and compliant nature allowed him to turn a blind eye for all these years. Meanwhile, Qianyue had truly become a source of sorrow for him over the years. Gradually, his heart naturally leaned more towards Concubine Feng, even giving her half of the hidden guards from the prince's residence. However, Qianyue was still his daughter, and he now realized that this daughter seemed different. For so many years, he had hardly known how she lived. He also understood the intentions of the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess. The Crown Prince did not like Qianyue, and the Crown Princess was even more inclined towards Concubine Feng. With this in mind, he hesitated for a moment and finally said, "Since that's the case, let's invite the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess to the front hall! Let Xianghe go meet them there as well."

"Your Highness!" Concubine Feng stared at the prince with wide eyes, seemingly unable to comprehend why this person, who had always complied with her wishes, would today support Yun Qianyue. Could it be that Qianyue's outrageous words had an effect?

Filled with resentment, she was about to speak again when the prince interrupted her, "No more words. Just invite them to the front hall!"

Seeing the prince's firm attitude, Concubine Feng was enraged but felt powerless.

"Since the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess are family of Concubine Feng, they aren't outsiders. Why not invite them in? The Crown Prince is of noble status, and since we cannot deal with our matters promptly, we shouldn't keep the Crown Prince waiting. I think father should invite them in!" Yun Qianyue suddenly interjected, glancing at the old prince and winking, "Grandfather, what do you say?"

"Ah! This naughty girl is right! Since they aren't outsiders, why fear airing our dirty laundry? Let them in!" The old prince nodded, instructing the outside, "Yun Meng, go invite them in, and let the eldest girl Xianghe come too. We'll discuss the events of yesterday and see who's right and who's wrong. It would also be good to have the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess as witnesses."

"Father!" The prince was taken aback, not expecting Yun Qianyue to actively request the Crown Prince and Crown Princess's entrance. Did she think the Crown Prince would support her? Or did she truly believe herself innocent? But even if she were innocent, who among those in the residence would dare speak for her? He immediately said, "I feel this is inappropriate!"

"What's inappropriate? I see nothing wrong! Just let them in! You needn't say any more; just observe!" The old prince waved his hand dismissively towards the prince and instructed Yun Meng, "Bring them in."

"Yes!" Yun Meng quickly exited the courtyard.

The prince glanced at Yun Qianyue, then at Concubine Feng, sighed helplessly, and sat down in a nearby chair.

Concubine Feng felt pleased, thinking resentfully: "Yun Qianyue, this is your own doing. Soon you'll cry and not even have tears left. Don't blame me for being ruthless."

Yun Qianyue ignored her.

Before long, everyone from each courtyard began to enter the old prince's courtyard. The old prince had ordered those he wanted to come, and many who weren't summoned came as well. Not only did the young ladies, maids, and servants from each courtyard arrive, but even several of the prince's concubines, aunties, and courtesans showed up. In an instant, the courtyard was filled with people, creating a dark mass.

Concubine Feng wore a smug expression, knowing these people all understood who the true mistress of the back courtyard was. Naturally, they wouldn't dare refuse to help her. She shot a glance at Yun Qianyue, her meaning clear.

The prince frowned but chose not to speak.

Before long, the Crown Prince and Crown Princess entered the old prince's courtyard. Behind them, along with the accompanying Yun Meng, was none other than Ye Qingran.

Yun Qianyue smiled faintly. She remembered that Ye Qingran had said he would come to visit the old prince today. His arrival perfectly coincided with the unfolding drama. But she wasn't afraid of the crowd; the more people, the better. Today's show required an audience to perform and witness.

When Concubine Feng saw the Crown Prince arrive with the Crown Princess, she was initially pleased, but her expression turned sour upon seeing Ye Qingran.

Yesterday, the news of the Young Prince and the Young Master of Jing stepping forward to protect Yun Qianyue had spread like wildfire in the royal palace. The entire capital was aware, and it was likely even the Heavenly Saint Dynasty knew by now. What was Ye Qingran doing here today? If he was present, how could she deal with Yun Qianyue? She began to think of a plan.

The old prince smiled upon seeing Ye Qingran. "What wind has blown through our residence today? It's quite lively!"

"Grandfather, I think it's best to settle today's matter. After all, it's a family issue." The prince suggested to the old prince.

"Settle what? They're all here; it's perfect! They'll all be witnesses! Do you think you can hide things in this big prince's residence?" The old prince shot a glance at Concubine Feng and snorted.

The prince fell silent immediately.

Concubine Feng's eyes darted around, and then her expression softened with a smile.

Yun Qianyue had been watching Concubine Feng's actions and could tell she was concocting a bad scheme against her. She sneered coldly, hoping she would reveal her cards. Moreover, it would be best if she were driven out of the Yun Prince's residence; otherwise, starting today, Yun Qianyue would make sure she fell from grace, and there would be no place for her to stand in this residence.

For a moment, the room fell silent again, with no one stepping outside to welcome the guests.

As the crowd stood in the courtyard, upon seeing the Crown Prince and Crown Princess enter, they all respectfully bowed. Before the Crown Prince could signal them to rise, they saw Ye Qingran striding in, and everyone's expressions changed. They bowed even more respectfully than they had for the Crown Prince, seemingly afraid that if they were a moment late, they would incur his displeasure.

Ye Tianqing's hand froze in mid-air as he turned to glance coldly at Ye Qingran, then strode toward the door.

Ye Qingran ignored the cold glare from Ye Tianqing, wearing a cheeky smile. He seemed in high spirits, exuding the same flamboyant demeanor as yesterday, walking with a bold stride. Before he even reached the room, his lighthearted voice echoed, "Grandfather Yun, it's been seven years since I last saw you! I've missed you so much! I wonder if you've missed me?"