The Dandy's Duchess

Chapter 59: Persistent as a Ghost

Yun Qianyue stood still, her weary face clouded with frustration.

Glancing at her, Yun Muhan raised an eyebrow. "Already feeling discouraged after just a day? When I reported to Grandpa last night about your progress in learning characters, he scolded me for being slow. He said that if Rong Jing were your tutor, you'd have mastered it within a few days. I'm inclined to test his theory...unless..."

"I'll write! I'll write, alright?" Yun Qianyue immediately surrendered.

"Good, then get to it," Yun Muhan said, returning his gaze to his book.

Yun Qianyue picked up the brush, gnashing her teeth. She imagined every character she wrote was Rong Jing's name, channeling her annoyance into each stroke. Did she hold a grudge against him? Not really; he had even saved her once. But why did it feel as if they were sworn enemies? Could it be that her face betrayed her fear of him, making Yun Muhan use his name as a constant threat? She hated to admit it, but his threats worked too well. She was naturally wary of dangerous people, and Rong Jing exuded poison. Even Ye Qingran, the wolf in sheep's clothing, was not as troubling as him. It seemed everyone knew of his dark nature—even her grandfather and Yun Muhan. She sighed in despair, deciding it was best to stay as far from him as possible. If it meant dealing with Yun Muhan, she'd bear with it.

And so, another day passed with Yun Qianyue endlessly practicing her characters.

As evening fell, Yun Muhan dropped by before leaving, offering only a three-word acknowledgment: "There's improvement; continue tomorrow."

Yun Qianyue glared at him without a word.

On the third day, she woke up at dawn, well before the usual time. She tossed off her quilt and sat up, determined not to let him run her ragged today. Her plan was simple: slip out of the residence unnoticed, so he wouldn't be able to find her. This idea filled her with newfound energy. Without calling for Cailian, she dressed quickly and quietly stepped outside. After checking to see that Cailian, Zhao Mama, and the others were still asleep, she set off for the courtyard gate with light steps.

Just as she reached the gates, Yun Muhan appeared, holding a book, blocking her way. His eyes flickered with amusement as he greeted her, "I figured you'd be eager to get started today, so I came early."

Yun Qianyue froze, feeling utterly defeated. What kind of person was this?

With her plan foiled, she spent another dull day in her courtyard, practicing characters under Yun Muhan's watch. By dusk, he made his exit with another terse assessment: "Better than yesterday. Let's see if you'll rise just as early tomorrow."

She nearly hurled the brush at him in frustration.

When Yun Muhan finally left, Yun Qianyue, fuming, stared at the gates of her courtyard for a long time. Suddenly, an idea sparked—if her morning escape had failed, maybe she could try sneaking out at night? This thought lifted her spirits, and she marched towards the gate.

"Miss, where are you going?" Cailian called out, quickly dropping her work to follow her.

"All of you stay put in the courtyard. No one is to follow me, and no one is to report my whereabouts. Anyone who disobeys won't be staying by my side any longer," Yun Qianyue snapped, glaring at Cailian and the others.

The four of them froze, alarmed. Cailian asked hesitantly, "Miss...where are you planning to go?"

"That's none of your business!" Yun Qianyue said curtly, marching towards the gate with determination.

"Where are you going, Sister?" To her dismay, Yun Muhan hadn't left at all and was waiting by the gate. With a calm expression, he asked, "Are you heading somewhere?"

Yun Qianyue's face darkened. Was he some kind of mind-reader? Or worse, a spirit that wouldn't let her be? She forced a smile. "I'm off to race horses with Ye Qingran!"

"It seems you still have energy to spare. In that case, let's continue practicing your characters," Yun Muhan said without a hint of sympathy.

"Are you even human?" Yun Qianyue raged. Had he taken her for a fool? She glared at him. "I said I'm going to race horses with Ye Qingran! Did you hear me?"

"Grandfather has decreed that you're to focus solely on your studies for the time being and aren't allowed to go anywhere. And as it happens, His Majesty has assigned Ye Qingran to a new position today, so he's at the Ministry of War. Even if you went to the Duke of De's estate, you wouldn't find him," Yun Muhan replied indifferently, ignoring her fury.

"Fine, then I'll just go riding by myself!" Yun Qianyue muttered through gritted teeth. Ye Qingran, you just had to start work today, didn't you? You couldn't have waited another day to save me from this torment?

"No, it's already dark. It wouldn't be safe for a young lady like you," Yun Muhan shook his head, blocking her path.

"You..." Yun Qianyue took a deep breath, forcing herself to stay calm. "Fine, I'll ride within the residence. How about that?"

Yun Muhan hesitated briefly before nodding. "Very well. But I'll accompany you."

"Why can't you leave me alone?" Yun Qianyue's patience snapped. Her eyes burned as she glared at him. "I said I want to ride alone!"

"Grandfather has entrusted you to my care these next two months, and the Emperor has also issued his decree. I have no intention of disappointing either of them. However, your temperament still seems restless, which shows that the past few days' practice hasn't taken hold. If this continues, I'll have no choice but to request Rong Jing's assistance. Being the Heavenly Saint's top talent, he'll surely know how to keep you focused on your studies." Yun Muhan gave her an exasperated look, rubbing his forehead.

"You..." Yun Qianyue was utterly lost for words, grinding her teeth in frustration. Right now, she wanted nothing more than to prove him wrong by writing flawless characters and reciting account records backward for him. But a moment of fury wasn't worth her disguise slipping. Reluctantly, she looked away, hiding her frustration as she thought. Just you wait, Yun Muhan. One day, you'll get what's coming to you. If you ever get engaged, I'll do everything in my power to break it off. If not, I'll make sure you never settle down. A lifetime of loneliness would serve you right.

With that, she felt somewhat vindicated. She refused to meet his gaze and muttered, "Forget it. I'm going to bed!"

"Very well, go ahead," Yun Muhan replied mildly. As she turned to leave, he added, "Oh, by the way, I've stationed a hundred hidden guards around the estate and another hundred at each of the four gates. So don't waste time trying to sneak out; with your current level of skill, you'd never make it." With that, he strolled away.