The Dandy's Duchess

Chapter 74: Wealthy People (4)

"She was granted a two-month leave by the Emperor to teach her how to manage the household. According to what Miss Er said, does that mean the Emperor is foolish for giving Mu Han a leave? Since she is a blockhead, should she remain one forever? Are you doubting the Emperor's wisdom?" Yun Muhan raised an eyebrow.

Rong Linglan's face turned pale. She couldn't understand why, despite having heard her criticize Yun Qianyue multiple times without consequence, today Yun Muhan chose to defend her. Taking a step back, she quickly shook her head, "I didn't say that; I only meant she's a bit slow in her studies..."

"It's best that you didn't say that. If such words reached the Emperor's ears, you might find yourself in trouble," Yun Muhan replied coldly, no longer looking at her. "She is my sister. I don't want to hear anyone say anything bad about her. If I hear it again, no matter who it is, don't blame me for being rude!"

Linglan wanted to argue, but she fell silent.

Leng Shuli felt a tremor in her heart and also chose to remain quiet.

Princess Qingwan glanced at the two and instinctively moved away from them. She had realized that day in the palace that Yun Muhan actually cared for his sister. Regardless of Yun Qianyue's shortcomings, she was still his sister, and he wouldn't allow anyone to bully her. She quickly caught up to Yun Muhan and gently said, "They're just envious that Sister Yue has the attention of Young Master Jing. Don't be upset. Sister Yue is actually quite clever; she just doesn't focus on reading and reasoning. She prefers martial arts over the arts like music and embroidery, so it's normal for her to be slow in her studies. But as long as she puts in the effort and with your guidance, she will definitely become a talented woman in the future."

Yun Muhan seemed to have not heard her, remaining silent.

Princess Qingwan had grown accustomed to this and stopped talking, quietly following him.

Ye Tianqing glanced at Yun Muhan and Princess Qingwan. The man was cold, while the woman walked closely beside him, constantly watching his expression. He felt a flicker of thought and was momentarily lost in memory, imagining a woman who once walked closely behind him. Had he been as indifferent as Yun Muhan then? No, even when he was cold, he had never felt hatred. Back then, his feelings had been genuine annoyance and disgust. But now, that person didn't even look at him. Even if she met his gaze, it was filled with the same indifference and disdain he had once felt for her. He couldn't help but close his eyes, his face pale.

"Your Highness, are you feeling unwell?" Leng Shuli, ever vigilant, asked immediately.

Ye Tianqing collected himself and turned to glance back. He saw Rong Linglan and Leng Shuli both looking at him, their eyes filled with concern and a deep affection that used to make him feel proud. He had believed such noble young ladies were worthy of him, but now, seeing them in this light, he felt a void of the feelings he once cherished. Even more, the memory of how these two used to bully Yun Qianyue stirred a flicker of annoyance within him.

"Is it too hot out?" Rong Linglan asked, her concern evident. Having shaken off her fear of Yun Muhan's warning, she looked at Ye Tianqing, thinking that as long as Yun Qianyue didn't compete with her for his attention, she could ignore that foolish woman.

"I'm fine!" Ye Tianqing turned away.

Rong Linglan and Leng Shuli exchanged glances and fell silent. The Crown Prince was always unfathomable, and there were some things that they knew were beyond their understanding. This was precisely what attracted them to Ye Tianqing—his mysterious nature and regal demeanor fulfilled their youthful fantasies.

At the end of the line, Yu Ning frequently glanced back at the rear mountain. Upon seeing the five people ahead, she smiled bitterly to herself. Once, she had laughed at Princess Qingwan, Rong Linglan, and Leng Shuli, thinking their pursuit of men was beneath her dignity. But now, she found herself mocking her own situation. They could see and reach the man, while she could barely catch a glimpse of his garments. She had once thought there was nothing wrong with this. Deep down, she believed such a person should remain an unreachable ideal, but the moment that person descended from the heights of his pedestal and smiled at others, only to find that smile wasn't meant for her, it had struck her hard.

Her expression shifted repeatedly. After a long moment, she clenched her fists. No, she absolutely could not give up! Did she not still have a chance?

The group walked in silence, only the soft rustle of their footsteps could be heard.

Master Ciyun silently prayed, "Amitabha." It was a gathering of lovestruck youths and resentful maidens. He sighed deeply.

Meanwhile, Yun Qianyue was still far enough to hear their conversation clearly, and her spirits lifted. She listened intently, but after walking a short distance, the voices faded. Frowning, she looked back and saw that the distance was not more than ten paces. Pouting, she thought it was still better than nothing. After all, she hadn't had inner strength in the modern world! Now that she had it, she was naturally delighted. Glancing sideways at Xian Ge, who wore a blank expression, she immediately asked, "Hey, I can hear what they're saying! Can you hear it?"

Xian Ge turned to glance at Yun Qianyue's excited face and nodded, "I can!"

"Then can you still hear them now? How far can you hear?" Yun Qianyue knew that Young Master Jing's attendant seemed to possess great martial prowess; otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to stop Ye Tianqing from lifting the curtain of the carriage.

"I can still hear them now. I can generally hear movements within about two miles," Xian Ge replied.

"Two miles?" Yun Qianyue's eyes widened. She turned back to look and her expression immediately drooped. If she could only hear a few steps, it seemed her inner strength wasn't very high. It's infuriating how people can be so different!

"This is just a minor skill. Young Master Jing can probably hear the entire Ling Tai Temple's happenings," Xian Ge said.

"What?" Yun Qianyue stumbled. Young Master Jing was that impressive! She looked at Xian Ge with wide eyes.

Xian Ge thought it was time for Miss Qianyue to understand her master's abilities. Otherwise, she always acted so arrogantly in front of him. It was only because Young Master Jing did not share the same mindset that he tolerated her. After all, she had scolded him plenty along the way, even he, as her attendant, found it hard to bear. Yet Young Master Jing remained calm and patient. Nodding affirmatively, he said, "With Young Master's skills, it might be even more!"