The Dandy's Duchess

Chapter 101: If You Want It, I'll Give It to You (7)

"In that case, I'll accompany you back," Rongjing said, turning around as well.

"Then I'll go with you, Sister," Yuning added eagerly.

Yun Qianyue couldn't be bothered to argue further; if they wanted to follow her back, so be it. As long as she could avoid seeing Ye Tianqing, that was all that mattered.

"Rongjing, Sister Yue, Miss Qin—why turn away upon seeing the Crown Prince and me?" Ye Tianyu's voice came from behind, and he quickly caught up with them.

Rongjing stopped, smiling faintly. "Qianyue forgot something and wanted to return for it. I promised Lord Yun I'd keep an eye on her so that she wouldn't get into any mischief, so naturally, I have to accompany her."

"Yuning greets Your Highness the Crown Prince and the Fourth Prince," Yuning said, offering a polite curtsy. Smiling, she added, "Sister Yue looked rather anxious, so the forgotten item must be important. That's why we're going back together to help her retrieve it."

"Oh? What could Sister Yue have left behind that's so crucial? I'd love to hear," Ye Tianyu said, moving to block Yun Qianyue, a mischievous smile playing on his face.

"A young lady's private belongings—do you really want to know?" Yun Qianyue arched an eyebrow at him.

The Fourth Prince laughed, looking her over and clicking his tongue. "So Sister Yue's a lady after all! I hadn't realized. Fine, since it's private, I won't pry. But I'll still accompany you to retrieve it."

"No need! I'll get it myself—you all don't have to come," Yun Qianyue said, brushing his hand away.

"From her urgency, Sister Yue's forgotten item must truly be important," Ye Tianqing added smoothly. "The Fourth Prince and I have no pressing matters today; we were planning to head to the North Garden to look for Rongjing and you. Since we've encountered you here, it's quite convenient."

"In that case, after you, Your Highness," Rongjing said with a graceful gesture.

Ye Tianqing nodded, taking the lead without any pretense.

"It's just a couple of sketches I made on a whim last night and forgot to put away—nothing important," Yun Qianyue said, realizing she couldn't shake them off and feeling a bit resigned. "There's no need to go back."

"Wait, Sister Yue made sketches?" Ye Tianyu's interest was piqued.

"If Sister Yue took the time to make drawings, we should definitely go and take a look," Ye Tianqing added.

"I had no idea Sister Yue could draw. Since it's still early and you're heading back, I'd love to see as well," Yuning said with a gentle smile.

Yun Qianyue, suddenly reminded that the original owner of her body didn't know how to draw, felt a dark cloud settle over her. She glanced at Rongjing, who remained as composed as ever, offering no assistance, before looking back at the others and saying, "How could I know anything about drawing? It's just random scribbles. You'd only be wasting your time."

She turned to Rongjing and urged, "Let's go, I'm ready for that ten-year-old Lanhua brew."

"Fine. In any case, you couldn't have drawn anything worth seeing," Rongjing said with a nod, turning to leave.

Yun Qianyue felt that this was the only sensible thing Rongjing had said.

Ye Tianqing's steps faltered for a moment, his hand clenching briefly within his sleeve before he laughed and said, "It seems that Father's decree to have Muhan teach Sister Yue reading and writing was well thought out. She never bothered with such pursuits before, yet here she is, taking the initiative to learn. With Muhan's dual expertise in literature and martial arts, he's undoubtedly an excellent teacher. It's no surprise she's beginning to draw as well. Sister Yue, we'll wait until you've fully mastered it before viewing your work."

Yun Qianyue acted as though she hadn't heard a word. She was utterly indifferent to him. She couldn't understand how the original owner of this body had been infatuated with him—was it just his status? The idea of being destined to marry him? Nonsense!

"Haha, fine, if not today. But Rongjing is certainly right—your drawings would probably be an eyesore anyway," Ye Tianyu laughed, glancing at the slight strain on Ye Tianqing's face. He had initially thought Yun Qianyue was playing hard-to-get, yet it seemed she truly had lost all affection for Ye Tianqing. Interestingly, though, it seemed his noble older brother was now the one affected. This could get interesting!

"Sister Yue is extremely talented. Given time, I'm sure she'll achieve much," Yuning added with a smile, though she felt uneasy at how readily Rongjing indulged Yun Qianyue. Was it really just because of Lord Yun's request? How could he be so indifferent to Yun Qianyue's disrespect?

"Of course I will! Just because I haven't studied doesn't mean I can't. You just wait—I'll prove you all wrong and make you regret underestimating me," Yun Qianyue declared, giving the three of them a haughty look.

"Haha! I admire your ambition, Sister Yue. We'll be watching!" Ye Tianyu laughed heartily.

Ye Tianqing, observing Yun Qianyue's lofty air, couldn't help but smile. Her casual manner and carefree attitude, paired with the way her jade hairpin and delicate gauze sash swayed with her movements, contrasted sharply with Yuning's restrained elegance. Despite her complete lack of conventional decorum, she had a certain liveliness that made her appear like a charming sprite next to Yuning's more statuesque grace. His eyes grew thoughtful—who needed those polished accomplishments all the noblewomen shared? How had he never realized that her unique spirit made her all the more captivating?

Annoyed by his lingering gaze, Yun Qianyue kicked the small stone at her feet harder, making it clatter down the path.

"If you're not careful, you'll injure your foot, and then you'll be bedridden," Rongjing warned her, his voice gentle. "If you don't start walking properly, I'll seal your acupoints to make you settle down."