The Dandy's Duchess

Chapter 97: What You Want, I'll Give to You (3)

"Mm, I know," Yun Qianyue said, thinking that even if Ye Qingran had stayed, he likely wouldn't have dared to invite her to see the magnolias anyway.

"So, Miss, are you still planning to visit South Mountain tomorrow to see the magnolias?" Cai Lian asked.

"Yes!" Yun Qianyue replied firmly.

"That's wonderful! Both the Wishing Tree and the Blessing Tree at Lingtai Temple are located on South Mountain. If you go tomorrow, you can make wishes and offer blessings. I was worried that if you didn't go, I'd have to pray on your behalf, which wouldn't be quite the same as you doing it yourself. But with you there in person, it's bound to be more effective," Cai Lian said happily.

"Hmph, with Rongjing there tomorrow, his 'half-immortal' presence will probably nullify any blessings," Yun Qianyue sneered.

"The Heir will be joining you too?" Cai Lian's eyes widened in surprise. "Isn't he supposed to be discussing philosophy with Master Lingyin for the entire three days of the Blessing Festival? How would he have time to accompany you?"

"He's not attending any discussions tomorrow. Instead, he's going to South Mountain to dig up wine," Yun Qianyue replied with a yawn. Although she'd napped for half the day, she was somehow feeling drowsy again. Being around Rongjing was truly mentally exhausting—that man was downright infuriating!

"Ah, so the Heir heard that the Little Prince Ye couldn't join you and thought you might be bored going alone. That's probably why he decided to accompany you. Giving up his time with Master Lingyin just to be with you—he really treats you so well," Cai Lian remarked cheerfully.

"If you knew he was only tagging along tomorrow to watch me like a hawk, fearing I'd stir up more trouble that he couldn't explain to my grandfather, would you still think he's being kind to me?" Yun Qianyue gave Cai Lian a sidelong glance.

"Miss, you're just prejudiced against the Heir! You practically set Xiangquan Mountain ablaze today with Little Prince Ye while roasting fish in the back hills. If something had actually gone wrong, the Emperor would've locked you up by now. He's just looking out for you by staying with you. Most people would be thrilled to have the Heir as their company!" Cai Lian scolded Yun Qianyue lightly.

Yun Qianyue wondered what sort of benefits Rongjing had given her maid to make her take his side so adamantly. Deciding she didn't want to argue, she waved her hand dismissively. "Fine, he's being kind, all right? I just don't appreciate it. Now leave—I'm going to sleep."

"Very well, Miss, rest well! I'll come early tomorrow to wake you up," Cai Lian said at once.

"No need. I'll get up when I'm ready," Yun Qianyue replied, heading toward her bed.

Cai Lian knew her mistress's temperament well. If Yun Qianyue wasn't ready to wake up, she likely wouldn't rise even if called. She could only extinguish the lamp, close the door quietly, and leave.

Yun Qianyue lay down, feeling quite tired. However, images of Ye Qingran dancing gracefully on lotus leaves in the Xiangquan stream, spear-fishing with ease, flashed through her mind. The scene of verdant mountains, waterfalls, crystal-clear springs, and ancient temples, with lush flowers in bloom, formed a strikingly beautiful picture. Unable to contain her awe, she let out a small sigh. Suddenly, she sat up. She'd better capture the scene now before it faded from memory. A sight as rare as this deserved to be preserved on paper.

With that thought, she slipped out of bed, donned her outer robe, and walked over to the table, relighting the lamp.

"Miss? Is everything all right?" Cai Lian, who hadn't gone far, noticed the light rekindling in Yun Qianyue's room and quickly inquired.

"Nothing's wrong; go to bed," Yun Qianyue called out, glancing at the inkstone and brush on the table.

"Yes, then rest well, Miss," Cai Lian replied with a yawn. She had been so excited the night before about visiting Lingtai Temple that she hadn't slept, and after a day of activity, she was truly exhausted. Seeing Yun Qianyue didn't need her company, she headed off to bed.

Yun Qianyue expertly ground the ink, her movements swift and practiced. Before long, the ink was prepared, even finer than what Cai Lian could produce. She spread the rice paper out, raised her brush, paused to think, and then began her work.

With fluid strokes, she sketched, shaded, and filled in details, her brush moving lightly and swiftly. In a matter of moments, a scene of breathtaking beauty took shape: mountains, a flowing stream, waterfalls, an ancient temple, a pavilion, blooming flowers, a figure adorned in fine robes and a jade belt, standing with an air of effortless elegance, gracefully stepping on lotus leaves as if dancing. The ink flowed smoothly, with no sign of hesitation or over-saturation. Anyone who laid eyes upon it would be struck by the unparalleled artistry.

Yun Qianyue nodded in satisfaction, setting down her brush. A pleased smile curved her lips. The frustration she'd felt from dealing with Rongjing and Xian Ge earlier had finally melted away. Ye Qingran, that rascal, really did know how to lighten her mood. What a pity he'd already gone down the mountain.

Just as she was about to extinguish the light, she recalled his graceful movements as he skillfully prepared the fish. Her inspiration reignited, and she lifted her brush once more. In no time, a second painting—a scene of the beautiful young man expertly preparing fish—was complete.

Yun Qianyue examined the two paintings, each exquisite in its own way, brimming with lifelike detail. Completely satisfied, she blew out the light and happily returned to bed, falling asleep almost instantly.

She slept deeply and peacefully, and by the time she awoke the next day, the sun was already high in the sky.

Stretching contentedly, she heard Cai Lian's footsteps pacing outside the door. The little maid must have been waiting anxiously for her, but hadn't dared to wake her. She called out, "Cai Lian, what time is it?"

"Miss, you're finally awake! It's already mid-morning," Cai Lian immediately pushed the door open, walking in.

"It's still early!" Yun Qianyue said with a satisfied stretch before getting out of bed to freshen up.

"Miss, early? Lady Yu Ning from the Prime Minister's estate came quite early and has been waiting for you in the front hall for an entire hour now. I wanted to wake you, but Lady Yu Ning said there was no hurry and she'd wait until you were well-rested. I figured you'd be displeased if I woke you, so I didn't dare to," Cai Lian pouted.

"Huh? She's here waiting for me? For what?" Yun Qianyue blinked in surprise.

"Lady Yu Ning said she knew the Little Prince Ye had been called away and was worried you'd be left without company. She came to keep you company so you'd have someone to go with and wouldn't be bored on Xiangquan Mountain," Cai Lian replied.

"Oh, I see," Yun Qianyue murmured, slightly frowning. Was Yu Ning really worried about her being alone? Hadn't she been with Rong Linglan and Leng Shuli yesterday?

"Miss, I think Lady Yu Ning is quite nice. While that Second Lady Rong and the little princess of Prince Xiao's residence openly and secretly bullied you, Lady Yu Ning has always treated you kindly, and sometimes she even stood up for you. Most of the noble ladies in the capital either side with Second Lady Rong and the young princess to ridicule you, or keep their distance, even if they don't join in the mocking. Only Lady Yu Ning has always smiled kindly and spoken gently to you," Cai Lian remarked as she helped Yun Qianyue prepare.