The Dandy's Duchess

Chapter 66: Going Out to Burn Incense (5)

Yun Qianyue was thinking that the black-clad guard was called Xian Ge! What a lovely name!

"He's my personal guard; he's been by my side since childhood," Rong Jing explained.

"No wonder he has such a cold expression, with his eyes and nose pointed up in the air. It seems that a master reflects the nature of their servant," Yun Qianyue commented.

Outside the carriage, Xian Ge clearly heard her words and couldn't help but stiffen his cold face.

Rong Jing glanced at Yun Qianyue with a faint smile but said nothing.

Yun Qianyue realized that it was unwise to be so arrogant in someone else's carriage while they were leading her to Xiangquan Mountain. She pouted and fell silent but couldn't help herself from examining the interior of the carriage. She saw that there were cabinets, cupboards, a jade table, tea, an ancient zither, a chessboard, and a bookshelf—all fully equipped. This was no ordinary carriage; it was essentially a small living room. Everything looked exquisite and valuable. Truly, there's no limit to luxury; there's only more luxury. She curled her lips; they sure knew how to enjoy life!

Rong Jing seemed to know what Yun Qianyue was thinking and didn't bring it up. Glancing around the carriage, he asked, "What books do you want to read? Or what games do you want to play? The journey is a bit long after all."

Reading? Not a chance! Playing? What could be fun? She glanced at the zither, chess, and calligraphy. The ancients had nothing but these; she was already tired of them. Yun Qianyue sulked and waved her hand, "I don't want anything. I just want to sleep. Move away and give me some space. I'm exhausted."

"You want to sleep? Aren't you afraid your hairpin will get messy? Such a complicated peacock hairstyle isn't something just anyone can style," Rong Jing raised an eyebrow.

"If it gets messy, so be it. It's just perfect for taking down," Yun Qianyue said nonchalantly. The weight on her head was truly unbearable; it felt like her neck was about to snap. For the past few days, she hadn't done anything but learn characters and twist her neck. She still couldn't adapt, and she hadn't even inserted a few hairpins yet. She couldn't understand how those women managed to walk around with such heavy things on their heads.

"Alright! Then sleep!" Rong Jing genuinely shifted a bit outside to give her space and casually tossed a pillow and a thin silk blanket to her.

This person was sharp-tongued and harsh-hearted, but he still had his advantages in understanding how to give someone a break at times. Yun Qianyue took the pillow and placed it under her head, trying not to crush her hairstyle; after all, it was troublesome to redo it. She pulled the silk blanket over herself, and the faint and elegant scent of herbs instantly filled her nostrils, fresh and pure, consistent with the occasional fragrance emanating from Rong Jing. She frowned slightly and threw the blanket back, saying, "No need for that. It's not cold."

Rong Jing's gaze shifted slightly, and he placed the blanket back over her, speaking softly, "It's only early summer now; the weather is still quite chilly in the mornings and evenings. If you catch a cold while sleeping, it wouldn't be good."

"My constitution is fine! Stop cursing me," Yun Qianyue tugged at the blanket from the outside.

"Don't move! If you catch a cold, I'll have to take care of you. After all, Grandpa Yun entrusted you to me. If you don't want to cause me trouble, just listen," Rong Jing's voice lowered slightly, leaving no room for refusal.

Yun Qianyue immediately stopped moving; how could one not bow their head under the eaves? Just bear with it! After all, the scent wasn't unpleasant.

Seeing that she no longer moved, Rong Jing relaxed his grip and ignored her, reaching for a book from the shelf to read.

Yun Qianyue glanced at him, thinking that since the ancients had little entertainment, not reading left them with nothing to do. She yawned, feeling drowsy, and soon closed her eyes to sleep. Before long, even breaths could be heard, soft and light.

Rong Jing lifted his head to glance at her, then lowered it again, turning the pages of the book as quietly as possible.

As the carriage left the Yun Prince's residence and entered the marketplace, the usual noise of shouting and selling was notably diminished today, yet the flow of carriages was incessant. Clearly, most were heading out of the city towards Xiangquan Mountain. Many carriages moved aside respectfully as they recognized Rong Jing's carriage, even though there was no mark on the front.

Xian Ge maintained his cold demeanor, eyes straight ahead, as they smoothly exited the city.

Three miles outside the city, there were two pavilions along the road. One pavilion had a plaque reading "Sending Off Pavilion," while the other read "Waiting for Pavilion." The Sending Off Pavilion was now empty, while the Waiting for Pavilion was filled with numerous carriages and hundreds of attendants.

"Master, ahead are the carriages of His Highness the Crown Prince, the Fourth Prince, Princess Qingwan, the Yun Prince's heir, as well as Miss Yu Ning from the Prime Minister's residence, our Second Miss, and the princess from the Xiaoqinwang residence. It seems they are waiting for the heir to travel together," Xian Ge glanced at the Waiting for Pavilion, immediately understanding, and softly reported to Rong Jing.

"Mm!" Rong Jing responded lightly.

Xian Ge fell silent again, and the carriage reached the Waiting for Pavilion. At this moment, the several carriages almost simultaneously lifted their curtains, revealing familiar faces looking towards Rong Jing's carriage. Xian Ge tightened the reins and slightly cupped his fists towards Ye Tianqing without saying a word.

Ye Tianqing didn't mind; it seemed he was used to it. He nodded slightly at Xian Ge and then addressed the closed curtain of the carriage inside slowly, "I heard that Young Master Rong Jing is also going to Lingtai Temple, so I waited here to travel with you. It's also an opportunity for us to have a match during the journey to alleviate your loneliness. What do you think, Young Master?"

"Your Highness remembers Rong Jing; that's a blessing for Rong Jing. However, there is someone sleeping in the carriage now, which makes things inconvenient. Thank you for Your Highness's kind offer; let's do it another day!" Rong Jing didn't lift the curtain, his voice gentle and light, ensuring it didn't disturb Yun Qianyue's sleep while making it clear for Ye Tianqing and the others outside to hear.

"Oh? There's actually someone in your carriage? I wonder which esteemed guest is fortunate enough to ride with you?" Ye Tianqing paused, staring at Rong Jing's carriage, which was tightly wrapped, making it impossible to see inside.

"It's Miss Yun Qianyue from the Yun Prince's residence," Rong Jing replied calmly, stating the fact without a hint of emotion or hesitation.

Upon hearing this, Ye Tianqing's eyes widened in surprise, the black ripples within his eyes suddenly solidifying. He pursed his lips and suddenly smiled, "So it's Sister Lan! I wonder why Sister Lan is sleeping so soundly in Young Master's carriage?" The last two words were spoken softly.

"Rong Jing is entrusted by Grandpa Yun to take care of her on this journey to Xiangquan Mountain, so naturally, she must accompany me. Since it's still early and she's drowsy, it's only natural for her to continue sleeping," Rong Jing's tone was slightly indifferent, seemingly unwilling to elaborate, he added to Ye Tianqing, "Your Highness, you may proceed; Rong Jing will follow shortly!"