The Dandy's Duchess

Chapter 46: Women Are Not to Be Provoked (2)

What does it mean for unmarried women in ancient times to correspond with men? Especially considering Yun Qianyue's status and her entanglement with Ye Tianqing, her exchanging letters with Ye Qingran easily leads one to suspect that she is playing both sides. Perhaps she might even be involved with Rong Jing, who rescued her yesterday and returned to Yun Prince's residence with her, which would mean she is juggling three relationships. Otherwise, everyone is puzzled as to why the little prince and Young Master Jing are going to such lengths to assist Yun Qianyue; this situation conveniently provides an explanation.

In an instant, even the old prince's expression darkened.

Concubine Feng leaned on the Crown Prince's side consort's shoulder, revealing a sly and triumphant smile. Indeed, she was not mistaken—her niece's thoughts aligned perfectly with her own. If they didn't put Yun Qianyue in her place today, they would certainly make her bear the guilt of having multiple relationships. Let's see how she continues to be arrogant. This is no mere mockery; if this were to spread, the world's scorn could drown her.

Yun Qianyue naturally understood their intent. She thought, indeed, the Crown Prince's side consort was not someone to be trifled with; a single remark had branded her with such a heavy accusation. Instead of getting angry, she smiled lightly and said, "What the Crown Prince's side consort said sounds as if you witnessed it firsthand. If that's the case, shouldn't it imply that the Emperor's uncle has been protecting me all these years and that I must have been corresponding with him?"

The Crown Prince's side consort turned pale. She hadn't anticipated that Yun Qianyue would dare to invoke the Emperor, and even if she had the audacity, she wouldn't be able to claim she was in correspondence with him! Suddenly at a loss for words.

"Haha, indeed! The Crown Prince's side consort truly has sharp eyes! Your uncle, the Emperor, is occupied with state affairs, yet you know that besides piles of memorials in the imperial study, there are also stacks of letters from Sister Qianyue. Remarkable, truly remarkable!" Ye Qingran, who had originally been furious and was about to throw the woman out, found his anger dissipating upon hearing Yun Qianyue's words. He laughed heartily and said to Ye Tianqing, "Crown Prince, you're truly fortunate to have married such a talented side consort. With her by your side, doesn't that mean she can see through everything in the world? Even your uncle the Emperor's every move is known to her!"

Ye Qingran's words were cutting. If Yun Qianyue had ignited a small spark, then he had turned that spark into a raging fire. Monitoring the actions of the Fourth Prince's residence was one thing, but watching the Emperor's every move was a serious crime. Though Ye Tianqing was the Crown Prince and heir to the throne, he couldn't bear such a charge.

Indeed, Ye Tianqing's expression darkened immediately, and he turned to the Crown Prince's side consort, angrily shouting, "What nonsense are you spouting? I know exactly what Yun Qianyue has done over the years. How could she be in correspondence with Qingran? If I hear another word of your nonsense, you can get out of the Crown Prince's residence!"

Yun Qianyue couldn't help but smile slightly. This was what it meant to be caught with nothing to show for your schemes; that was the Crown Prince's side consort!

"Indeed! The Crown Prince's side consort is truly remarkable! It seems there's no one in the Heavenly Saint Dynasty who can pry into others' affairs without stepping outside their door. I will definitely bring this to the Emperor's attention during court; such talent should be put to use for our Heavenly Saint Dynasty!" Old Prince Yun calmed his expression and followed Ye Qingran's words, laughing.

Ye Tianqing's face darkened further at these words, staring at the Crown Prince's side consort.

The Crown Prince's side consort pushed Concubine Feng away and suddenly knelt before the Crown Prince, her face losing all color. She repeatedly panicked, "I was wrong, I was wrong! I merely saw the little prince and Sister Qianyue getting along and rashly speculated. I was truly foolish. Please forgive me, Your Highness!"

"Oh! So it was merely foolish speculation!" Ye Qingran suddenly feigned understanding and smiled at Ye Tianqing, "I thought my Crown Prince brother was wise and had married a clever adviser. Who would have guessed that she is just a woman who makes unfounded guesses, ignorant and shameless, with no trace of virtue or propriety!"

Yun Qianyue twitched her lips slightly, thinking that if we were to rank the sharp tongues, this guy would definitely be second to none!

Ye Tianqing's expression turned colder. He had already been troubled by the protection Yun Qianyue received from Ye Qingran and Rong Jing, and now he felt even more irritated by her sudden decision to cut ties with him. Hearing the side consort demean Yun Qianyue was like a slap to his face. Watching her trembling on the ground pleading for mercy contrasted starkly with Yun Qianyue's composed demeanor when she faced the hidden guards' blades, and he felt increasingly vexed.

"Your Highness, please spare me! I am to blame; I merely speculated in haste, and I am ignorant. I..." The Crown Prince's side consort didn't hear the Crown Prince's words but felt his immense anger and low pressure, making her panic even more.

"Go back to your residence and reflect. You are not to leave your courtyard without my command. No one is allowed to visit you." After all, they were in Yun Prince's residence; Ye Tianqing managed to suppress his anger and coldly instructed his side consort.

"Yes, I will return to reflect!" The Crown Prince's side consort immediately got to her feet, not daring to linger, and hurried out of Old Prince Yun's room. It seemed she feared that if she walked too slowly, Yun Qianyue and Ye Qingran would bombard her with another round of scathing remarks, which would cost her more than mere reflection. She might even be driven out of the Crown Prince's residence or face punishment from the Emperor. Forgetting her initial intentions, she wished only to leave Yun Prince's residence as soon as possible.

Seeing the Crown Prince's side consort being so easily dispatched back to the Crown Prince's residence by just two comments from Yun Qianyue and Ye Qingran, Concubine Feng was filled with hatred but felt helpless. After all, the charges they laid on her were far more severe than Yun Qianyue's alleged relationships. She gritted her teeth, determined that today's incident, having lost both face and influence, would not allow Yun Qianyue to have it easy. Thinking of this, she immediately said to Ye Tianqing, "Yeer really acted rashly and guessed without thought. She truly should not have done so. But she has been with you for so long; you should understand her too. She doesn't harbor any ill intentions; she is just a bit too sincere. After she reflects for a while, Your Highness, you should forgive her."

Ye Tianqing's expression darkened slightly, but he also recognized that it wasn't entirely her fault. Though he didn't nod in agreement, his tone softened, "Aunt, please don't worry about her. Reflecting on her mistakes will help her understand better in the future."

Concubine Feng nodded, not daring to say anything more.

Ye Qingran felt relieved after driving away an annoying woman and turned to wink at Yun Qianyue. She winked back, and the two shared a tacit understanding.