The Dandy's Duchess

Chapter 73: Wealthy People (3)

Thinking of this, Yun Qianyue rolled her eyes dramatically, withdrew her gaze, and turned to continue walking ahead. In her view, these two were nothing but a pair of rotten peach blossoms, and it seemed that both Yu Ning and Princess Qingwan were utterly mesmerized by them.

"Since Grandfather Yun entrusted her to me, I naturally must ensure her safety. If she catches a cold, that is my responsibility. The Yun Heir is responsible for Princess Qingwan's well-being, and he certainly doesn't have the time to deal with her, so my concern is quite justified," Rong Jing said, shifting his gaze from Yun Qianyue to Yu Ning, his expression calm and his tone equally indifferent. "Miss Qin, are you satisfied with this answer?"

Yu Ning's face paled, and she quickly curtsied, forcing a gentle smile as she replied, "What Young Master Jing said is indeed true. Yu Ning has no other intentions; I only envy Sister Yue for having such a good brother and being under the protection of Young Master Jing."

Rong Jing did not look at her anymore, his gaze now fixed on Yun Muhan. "The Yun Heir's protection of the princess is indeed a blessing. I am merely a burden forced upon me by Grandfather Yun; she truly is too much trouble and has given me a headache throughout this journey. The Yun Heir must surely be troubled daily with such a sister."

"Damn you, Rong Jing! Just wait and see; I'll be a burden to you every day from now on. You'll be the one to suffer!" Though Yun Qianyue was walking far away, she shouldn't have been able to hear their conversation. Yet, for some reason, the words came clearly to her ears. Confused for a moment, she then suddenly realized she had martial arts skills! Elated by this discovery, she pondered how far she could hear.

"So that's how it is!" Yu Ning suddenly covered her mouth with a handkerchief and let out a light laugh. Her demeanor transformed from tense and heavy to an inexplicable grace and beauty.

Ye Tianqing glanced at Yu Ning and then followed her gaze to Rong Jing, only to find that Rong Jing was not looking at Yu Ning at all. Instead, he was rubbing his forehead, his expression one of evident distress.

"Why don't we switch places? I'm not afraid of the trouble!" Yun Muhan's voice was blunt, yet there was no coldness towards Rong Jing.

Princess Qingwan's face turned pale instantly.

"Jing can't enjoy such a fortune as the Yun Heir's; it's just a few days of trouble at most, and I can handle it. Besides," he added, "to do what one is entrusted with is a matter of loyalty." He smiled lightly. "How could I agree to Grandfather Yun and then fail to deliver?"

Yun Muhan fell silent.

"Amitabha! I have heard that His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, Young Master Jing, Young Master Yun, and the Princess have arrived at Bi Temple. I apologize for the lack of a proper welcome; I hope you will forgive me!" An elderly monk, about fifty years old, hurriedly approached, dressed in the robes of the abbot. He was Master Ciyun, the head of Ling Tai Temple. His voice was loud as he greeted the group with a bow.

"Master, you are too polite! My father has sent me to pay respects to Master Lingyin and to return with blessings for the people of the Heavenly Saint Dynasty. I apologize for any disruptions caused, and I hope Master will forgive me!" Ye Tianqing resumed his princely demeanor, hands clasped behind his back. Though his words were humble, his bearing and expression revealed the status of a national heir.

"Your Highness, you flatter me; it is my Emperor's grace that brings fortune to Bi Temple," Master Ciyun replied with a slight bow. He then turned to Rong Jing and said, "Young Master Jing, it is truly a joy to see you recovering from your serious illness! Congratulations!"

"Thank you, Master. It is merely the mercy of Heaven allowing me a few more years of life," Rong Jing replied, his voice gentle and approachable, in stark contrast to Ye Tianqing's lofty tone. That faint smile made him seem much more personable.

"Having passed through this calamity, Young Master will now welcome prosperity; you shall live a long and safe life," Master Ciyun said with a smile. He chanted a Buddhist verse and continued, "Your Master is currently waiting for you in the Damo Patriarch Hall. He said you could come by yourself when you arrive. As you are among friends, I will not accompany you; I shall first lead His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Young Master Yun, the Princess, and the young ladies to settle in, and then I will go find Young Master Jing to talk."

"Very well! Master, please do not concern yourself with me; I can manage," Rong Jing nodded, turning to walk towards the Damo Patriarch Hall where Master Lingyin resided, without waiting for a guide.

Ye Tianqing's gaze deepened slightly. Although it seemed that Rong Jing was being treated poorly, everyone present knew that Master Lingyin was a recluse and that, apart from the Emperor, ordinary people rarely had the chance to see him, let alone hear his words. Now that Rong Jing was going to his meditation room alone, it was clear that for Rong Jing, Master Lingyin was not just highly esteemed but truly treated as a distinguished guest. "Your Highness, Young Master Yun, Princess, and young ladies, please! I have already arranged accommodations for you," Master Ciyun bowed to the group again.

"Thank you, Master!" Ye Tianqing nodded.

Master Ciyun then led the way towards the southern courtyard of the mountain temple.

"Master, we are staying in the south, while Young Master Jing and Sister Yue are in the north. Isn't that a bit far apart?" Yu Ning glanced towards the north and saw that Rong Jing's figure had already turned behind a temple. She frowned slightly and asked softly.

"Ling Tai Temple is not large; there are only two courtyards at the back, and no other spaces. One is for Master Lingyin, and the other is for Young Master Jing. Young Master prefers tranquility, which coincidentally aligns with his discussions of doctrines with Master. So, I beg your pardon; while the southern mountain may not be very quiet, I have arranged for no other noble guests, and as long as everyone keeps the noise down, it should be peaceful enough," Master Ciyun smiled at Yu Ning.

Yu Ning nodded and said no more.

"Brother doesn't seem to know what he's thinking. Why did he agree to Grandfather Yun's request to take care of Yun Qianyue? That girl can't sit still or stand still; I've heard she can't recognize a single character and took half a month just to learn the names in the Yun Prince's residence. It's really infuriating," Rong Linglan said with annoyance.

"Exactly!" Leng Shuli chimed in, nodding.

Ye Tianqing glanced at the two but remained silent, his lips pressed together.

Princess Qingwan looked towards Yun Muhan.

Yun Muhan's cold gaze turned to Rong Linglan. "Are you saying I didn't teach her well, Second Miss? I couldn't teach my sister in half a month? Isn't it her stupidity but rather my incompetence?"

Rong Linglan was taken aback, realizing Yun Muhan was beside her. She quickly looked at him and, when meeting his indifferent gaze, felt a shiver down her spine. She immediately smiled, "How could I say that, Young Master Yun? I only meant that Yun Qianyue is foolish... she is widely known for being spoiled and extravagant, and it really wastes Young Master's time..."

Under Yun Muhan's cold stare, she could say no more.