The Dandy's Duchess

Chapter 79: Off to Roast Fish (1)

"Just a bunch of stinky men. What's so fun about that?" Ye Qingran shook his head.

"Aren't there any female soldiers?" Yun Qianyue asked. Though women weren't typically allowed to serve in the military in ancient times, there had been exceptions in history, like Hua Mulan, who disguised herself as a man to take her father's place in the army. There were also figures like Fan Lihua, Mu Guiying, and the Yang family female generals—real women who fought in battle. Women in the army were rare but did exist.

"Nope!" Ye Qingran shook his head, adding, "Even if there were women, it wouldn't be interesting. This little prince doesn't care for them!"

Right! You only care for the daughter of the southern tribal chief, and clearly not for any other girls! Yun Qianyue looked up at the sky and silently added that to her thoughts. She then asked, "Even if there are no women, there are still plenty of fun things to do, right? Tell me about it. Who knows, maybe one day I'll feel like joining the army!"

Saying this, Yun Qianyue couldn't help but scorn herself internally. After all, she had spent years struggling in military schools and in the army, yet it still wasn't enough. Human nature really is greedy! But she wondered what the army in this era was like. She was especially curious about the current military equipment, like bows, crossbows, and long spears. She was very interested.

"You want to join the army?" Ye Qingran was taken aback, looking at Yun Qianyue.

"What's wrong with that? Women can charge into battle just as well as men!" Yun Qianyue raised an eyebrow.

"That's not what I meant. I advise you to give up that thought! Firstly, there aren't any female soldiers in the Heavenly Saint Dynasty, let alone female generals. Even if there were, your status wouldn't allow you to enter the military camp. The emperor wouldn't permit it!" Ye Qingran shook his head in fear and added, "Especially with your looks; if you were a soldier, the troops wouldn't even have to train for battle—they'd just be staring at you."

"Who dares to disrespect me? I'll teach them a lesson!" Yun Qianyue immediately responded defiantly. However, she felt a bit frustrated, realizing her looks were indeed a nuisance. But since she could apply makeup, she could easily disguise herself, making it so that no one would recognize her unless they were close. This thought cheered her up. "I definitely want to check out the military! I'll just make sure the emperor doesn't find out. Besides, who knows? Maybe one day they'll allow women to serve! Even if not, I want to set a precedent!"

Ye Qingran burst into laughter, finding Yun Qianyue amusing as she spoke enthusiastically.

"What are you laughing at? You think I'm joking? I'm serious about joining the army! I'd definitely be more qualified than you!" Yun Qianyue turned to Ye Qingran. She thought that with such a handsome man in the military, he would probably cause quite a stir, but she figured no one would dare make a move on him, especially with his infamous reputation.

"You really are a headache!" Ye Qingran chuckled at Yun Qianyue's stubbornness, then composed himself and said, "If you really want to join the army, it's probably impossible. No one would allow it. The emperor, the empress, Yun grandfather, Yun uncle, your brother the heir, and the crown prince—all of them would disapprove, and all those old-fashioned ministers would have a mountain of petitions piled up in the emperor's study! I advise you to give up that idea!"

Yun Qianyue pouted, irritated by her troublesome status!

"But if you really want to see the military, I can sneak you in one time," Ye Qingran said quietly.

"Really?" Yun Qianyue's eyes immediately brightened.

"Yeah, when have I ever lied to you?" Ye Qingran puffed out his chest proudly.

"Alright! You said it, so you better take me!" Yun Qianyue eagerly anticipated seeing those ancient weapons and quickly asked, "When?"

"Not right now. You're currently being watched by Yun Muhan, studying characters and accounting, and I still haven't settled in at the military camp. There are too many eyes on me looking for my mistakes! Once I take care of those nuisances and you're not being watched by Yun Muhan anymore, I'll find a time to take you in to see it. How does that sound?" Ye Qingran thought for a moment before asking.

"Sounds good! It doesn't matter when, as long as I can go! The military camp isn't going anywhere. It's settled!" Yun Qianyue nodded enthusiastically. She extended her hand. "Let's make a pact! You can't go back on your word!"

"Alright, it's a deal! No backing out!" Ye Qingran raised his hand in agreement.

They exchanged three crisp slaps of hands to seal their pact. Yun Qianyue felt a bit of pain in her palm but was still in a good mood. She thought to herself that Ye Qingran was really quite nice! Much better than that cold-hearted Yun Muhan!

Ye Qingran's palm didn't hurt; instead, it felt slightly numb, until the sensation turned into a tingling feeling deep inside. Unconsciously, he scratched his palm with his fingers, as if trying to dissipate the soft sensation from their touch, but it wouldn't go away. He furrowed his brow, feeling somewhat dazed and confused.

"Hey, let's go! Where are we going to catch those fish you mentioned?" Yun Qianyue urged when she noticed Ye Qingran suddenly stopping.

Ye Qingran shook off the strange feeling and pointed behind him. "See that little pavilion on the hillside? It's not far from here. If you use your lightness skill, you can get there in about the time it takes to burn a stick of incense." After saying this, his eyes lit up, and he excitedly said to Yun Qianyue, "You know lightness skills too, right? Why don't we have a competition today? Let's see who's faster!"

Lightness skills? Yun Qianyue felt a bit tempted, but she didn't know how to fly. She hesitated.

"What's the matter? Are you afraid? Or do you know you can't beat me?" Ye Qingran raised an eyebrow.

"I'm not afraid! Let's do it! Who's scared?" Yun Qianyue's competitive spirit flared up again. She quickly declared. Even if she didn't know lightness skills, she could learn by watching Ye Qingran. With this thought, she felt more confident.

"Good!" Ye Qingran saw that Yun Qianyue agreed and said, "Let's take that little pavilion as our destination. Whoever gets there first wins."

"Alright!" Yun Qianyue nodded, fixating her gaze on Ye Qingran's movements.

"Shall we start?" Ye Qingran asked.

"Start!" Yun Qianyue nodded.

Ye Qingran lightly pushed off the ground, silently soaring away. Yun Qianyue felt as if a flash of light passed before her eyes as he effortlessly leaped over ten zhang. She was momentarily stunned. Is that how you just take off?