The Dandy's Duchess

Chapter 61: Where is the True Phoenix Scripture? (2)

Damn! Isn't this the legendary charlatan?

Yun Qianyue's face darkened. "Oh, that's even more reason for me not to go. Even if I don't have to stay back to study, I still won't go." If that swindler discovered she was a soul from another world—like some spirit possessing a body—and decided to exorcise her, she might not make it back alive!

"But, miss, tomorrow's a blessed day to bathe in Buddha's light! It's one thing if you're stuck here to study, but why wouldn't you go if you're free?" Cai Lian asked, puzzled.

"No reason!" Yun Qianyue replied with an expression no one would understand.

"I heard that Master Lingyin sent a formal invitation to His Highness the Young Lord of Rong Manor as soon as he arrived at Lingtai Temple. He mentioned a chance meeting with His Highness ten years ago, and they got along very well. He had to leave in a hurry back then, so they couldn't enjoy each other's company. Now, hearing that His Highness has recovered and is out of the house, he's specially invited him to meet at Xiangquan Mountain. His Highness has already accepted the invitation!" Cai Lian said excitedly.

Damn! Rong Jing is going too? That made her even more determined not to go. These past days, Yun Muchan had practically used that person to torment her into oblivion. She almost wished she could send him back to his mother's womb.

"Miss, you know that listening to the Saint Monk's teachings is already fascinating enough. And now we can also witness the conversation between His Highness and the monk—that would be fascinating indeed! As soon as the news spread about His Highness going to Lingtai Temple, the entire capital is in a frenzy! People from all over are rushing there, especially the ladies from noble families, who are buying new clothes and perfumes. Xianyi Tailor and Rouge Shop were practically cleared out in a single day. Everyone wants to catch a glimpse of His Highness!" Cai Lian said dreamily.

Yun Qianyue rolled her eyes. She knew Rong Jing was a total heartbreaker. Maybe that swindler would just snatch him up and drag him off into monastic life, sparing the world from his troublemaking. Then Yun Muchan would lose his pawn to manipulate her.

"Oh, what a shame. Miss, it would be wonderful if you could go tomorrow," Cai Lian sighed, her face falling in disappointment.

Yun Qianyue shot her a glance. This little maid was quite the believer! She stood up, stretching, and headed toward the bed, dismissing her. "It's not such a big deal. Stop sighing about it. It's getting late; time to sleep."

Cai Lian nodded and left dejectedly.

Just then, hurried footsteps sounded from outside, approaching quickly.

Yun Qianyue turned to look out the window and saw Yun Meng hurrying into Qianyue Pavilion. She frowned slightly. She had been shut up here for half a month, only seeing those who resided within her quarters and the occasional visit from Yun Muchan. What could the head steward possibly want at this hour? A sudden feeling of unease came over her.

"Miss, it's the head steward! Could it be that you'll be allowed to leave the residence tomorrow?" Cai Lian perked up instantly.

"Silence that crow mouth of yours!" Yun Qianyue scolded.

Cai Lian immediately fell silent but continued to look expectantly as Yun Meng approached.

Sure enough, Yun Meng soon stopped at the door, gave a respectful bow, and announced, "Greetings, Miss Qianyue! The Old Prince sent me to deliver a message: he said that since you've been so well-behaved lately, you are allowed a day off from studying tomorrow. You may visit Lingtai Temple at Xiangquan Mountain to pray and listen to the teachings of Master Lingyin."

"Oh, that's wonderful! Miss, you can leave the residence! I'll go pack your things..." Cai Lian cheered and dashed off to prepare.

"Hold it!" Yun Qianyue ordered, her face darkening.

Cai Lian's joyful outburst was cut short. She glanced at Yun Qianyue, realizing that her mistress wasn't too keen on going to Xiangquan Mountain, and slumped again.

"Tell Grandfather that I'm happy to keep studying tomorrow and won't be going to Xiangquan Mountain," Yun Qianyue instructed Yun Meng.

Yun Meng paused, watching her serious expression before he chuckled. "The Old Prince knows you've been cooped up in the residence and need some fresh air. He said that you're welcome to stay at the temple for a few days if you wish. He also sent word to Rong Manor to inform His Highness the Young Lord, asking him to accompany you. I'm told His Highness has already accepted and will come to escort you in the morning. His Highness also arranged for suitable attire and cosmetics, so there's no need to worry. With His Highness by your side, no one would dare trouble you. Please feel free to go. I'll leave you to rest for now, Miss Qianyue."

Without waiting for her to object further, Yun Meng left swiftly, disappearing from Qianyue Pavilion in no time.

Cai Lian was filled with admiration. The head steward's skill in delivering long messages in a single breath was truly impressive. She stole a glance at Yun Qianyue and saw her mistress's face had turned a deep, charcoal-like shade. She was baffled—countless young ladies in the capital would envy her mistress's chance to have His Highness personally escort her, so why was her mistress so reluctant? And His Highness was such a wonderful person, yet her mistress seemed so annoyed by him.

When Yun Qianyue remained silent, Cai Lian eventually dared to ask in a voice barely above a whisper, "Miss... tomorrow..."

Can she refuse? Damn it!

Yun Qianyue took a deep breath and waved her hand at Cai Lian. "Hurry up and get everything ready."

"Yes, Miss!" Cai Lian replied happily and ran off to prepare.

Yun Qianyue glared into the dark night outside her window, vowing that she would stay at Lingtai Temple for a year, if need be, just to avoid returning to the house to manage those cursed ledgers. Whoever wanted to manage the household could take her place!

As soon as the news spread that Yun Qianyue would be going to Xiangquan Mountain, the once-quiet Qianyue Pavilion burst with energy. Under Cai Lian's direction, the maids bustled about, preparing her belongings. Those accompanying her were overjoyed, while those staying behind felt relief, excited to enjoy some leisurely days around the estate. Laughter and cheerfulness filled the pavilion as everyone got to work.

Listening to their cheerful voices, Yun Qianyue's face remained dark. All she could think of was wringing Rong Jing's neck when she saw him tomorrow. If that didn't work, perhaps he'd take vows at Lingtai Temple and never return. The thought comforted her somewhat. She yawned, rolled into bed, and drifted off to sleep.