The Dandy's Duchess

Chapter 72: Wealthy People (2)

As she finished speaking, she brushed aside Ye Tianqing's stiff hand that blocked the carriage and gracefully leapt to the ground.

Upon disembarking, Yun Qianyue noticed several familiar faces not far off: Princess Qingwan, Rong Linglan, Leng Shuli, Yu Ning, and a few other young ladies she had seen at the Viewing Garden that day. Each was dressed in elegant silk and adorned with dazzling jewels, their golden accessories especially glaring. She scoffed, Vulgar. Turning her gaze, she spotted Yun Muhan emerging from a carriage, looking her way.

Yun Qianyue shot Yun Muhan a glare. If he thought one outfit was enough to make up for it, he was sorely mistaken—she still harbored resentment for the half-month confinement he'd put her through. She then shifted her gaze, searching for Cailian. In the distance, she saw that the carriages of Cailian, Tingyu, and Tingsue had been forced to the back, and though her three maids wanted to approach, they were blocked by the crowd of princesses and young ladies, and could only look at her with helpless expressions.

Cailian's gaze fixed on Yun Qianyue's head, noticing her unadorned hairstyle. She pouted in dissatisfaction, looking somewhat endearing.

"Rong Jing, where will I be staying?" Yun Qianyue turned back to ask Rong Jing. She had no interest in so-called listening to Buddhist chants or basking in divine blessings. Sleeping was far more important, and if she was well-rested, she might wander around the ancient temple. As long as she didn't see that charlatan monk, it would be fine.

Her casual use of Rong Jing's name came naturally to her, but she was unaware of the reaction it caused. Almost everyone's expression, including Ye Tianqing's, changed, particularly Yu Ning from the Prime Minister's residence, who tightened her grip on her handkerchief.

"You'll be staying with me at the Peaceful Heart Abode on the rear mountain, already arranged by Master Ciyun, the abbess," Rong Jing replied, stepping lightly out of the carriage. He glanced at Yun Qianyue, his usual gentle elegance unfaltering, as if there were nothing inappropriate in her calling him by name. He turned to instruct Xian Ge, "Take her there to settle in, then come find me. I'll be heading to Master Lingyin first."

"What? I'm staying with you? No way!" Yun Qianyue objected immediately.

"Lord Jing, while Miss Yue is unmarried, sharing lodgings with you seems inappropriate. Her reputation should be taken into consideration, after all," Ye Tianqing said with a grim face. Rong Jing? She's gotten rather familiar with him. How many years had it been since anyone dared address him as simply Rong Jing? Even his father referred to him as Lord Jing.

Despite her dislike of Ye Tianqing calling her "Sister Yue," Yun Qianyue had no objection to his point. It wasn't out of concern for her reputation but simply because she really didn't want to share quarters with such a conniving person.

"Mount Xiangquan is swarming with people from all walks of life. Even though the Lingtai Temple has done a thorough check of attendees, there might still be one or two malicious individuals that slipped through. Since Grandfather Yun entrusted Miss Qianyue's safety to me, it's my duty to ensure her protection. Given that I am a man of decorum, and she is the legitimate daughter of the Yun Prince's residence, surely Your Highness does not suspect we would conduct ourselves improperly?" Rong Jing's tone was casual as he looked at Ye Tianqing, raising an eyebrow.

"I would never doubt Lord Jing's character, nor Miss Yue's virtue. There would be no actions to tarnish her reputation. However, it would still be inconvenient to share even the same courtyard," Ye Tianqing replied.

"Your Highness need not worry," Rong Jing continued. "The Peaceful Heart Abode is designed with an inner and outer courtyard. My quarters and hers are adjacent, so it won't be an issue." He turned back to Yun Qianyue. "The Peaceful Heart Abode is the quietest spot in the whole temple, perfect for resting."

"Fine! Let's stay there, then." Yun Qianyue agreed immediately, reasoning that with Rong Jing in the same courtyard, no random person would easily get in. That would certainly be peaceful. Without further ado, she called to Xian Ge, "Lead the way!"

"Yes!" Xian Ge bowed slightly to Yun Qianyue, even more respectfully than to Ye Tianqing, and took the lead.

Yun Qianyue didn't spare another glance at anyone, lazily following behind Xian Ge. She called out to her three maids, "Cailian, Tingyu, Tingsue, what are you still standing there for? Hurry up and follow!"

"Yes, miss!" The three responded, squeezing their way out between Rong Linglan and Leng Shuli.

The two ladies, pushed aside, glared at the maids angrily, about to lash out when Rong Jing spoke up again. "This area is elevated, and although the rear mountain is quiet, it can get quite chilly. Remember to cover yourself with a quilt when you sleep."

"I know!" Yun Qianyue waved dismissively, feeling exasperated by his nagging.

Others couldn't hide their astonishment by now. Rong Linglan stared wide-eyed at Rong Jing. Is this my brother? The brother who was usually indifferent, showing no warmth even toward family, and whom even her grandfather found difficult to approach? Why did he care so much for Yun Qianyue?

Leng Shuli, equally surprised, paid closer attention to Ye Tianqing's reaction. Seeing his brow tense with a faint vein bulging, his lips pressed tightly, and his expression dark, she became even more certain of her suspicions: the Crown Prince still cared for Yun Qianyue, more than she'd thought. Why Yun Qianyue?

Yu Ning suddenly closed her eyes, her rosy lips pressed pale and tight. If Lord Jing was merely fulfilling an old promise to Old Lord Rong, he wouldn't be this considerate—not to the point of worrying about Yun Qianyue catching a chill. When Ye Tianqing remained silent as Yun Qianyue walked away, Yu Ning summoned her courage and said softly, "Lord Jing seems more attentive to Sister Yue than even Young Lord Yun."

At that, everyone was reminded that Yun Qianyue's brother Yun Muhan was also present. They looked from Rong Jing to Yun Muhan.

Yun Muhan, as if oblivious to their gaze, didn't even blink, his face void of expression.

Though Yun Qianyue had walked away, she heard Yu Ning's words clearly. She glanced back at Yu Ning, her gaze moving from her pursed lips to her clenched handkerchief, then to her unblinking focus on Rong Jing. Suddenly, Yun Qianyue understood and chuckled silently.

Her laugh was quiet and soundless, unheard by others, though Rong Jing turned to glance back at her, and Yun Muhan looked over too.

Meeting their gazes, Yun Qianyue recalled her earlier thought in the carriage that Rong Jing and Yun Muhan seemed alike, both equally conniving and fond of intimidation. But now, they seemed entirely different—not only in appearance but also in essence. At that moment, she felt as though she had seen through to the depths of both men.

Yun Muhan possessed an icy arrogance that exuded from his very bones, cold and distant, repelling others and as frigid as if plants nearby might wilt in his presence. Rong Jing, however, exuded a natural nobility. He was not cold, but proud, and rightfully so; however, he hid his pride well, maintaining an elegant, warm demeanor. He was like a figure on a cloud, exalted and revered, yet observing others with a detached gaze.