The Dandy's Duchess

Chapter 103: The Wolf in Sheep's Clothing (1)

Rongjing gazed at Ye Tianqing with a calm, composed expression and countered gently, "And what does His Highness intend to do here? Since I brought Sister Yue out to Lingtai Temple at Xiangquan Mountain, I naturally have the responsibility of looking after her. Is His Highness intending to punish her? Since Old Master Yun entrusted her care to me, I cannot ignore it."

Ye Tianqing remained silent, his gaze sharp as he looked at Rongjing.

Unfazed, Rongjing continued in his usual gentle tone, "What Sister Yue said may have been harsh, but it isn't entirely groundless. The future remains uncertain, and it may be premature to assume anything. Miss Qin shouldn't have rashly made remarks that would provoke hostility. As the Crown Prince, must Your Highness really take offense to a few heated words?"

Yuning's already pale face turned even whiter. She cast a tearful look at Rongjing, but he did not even glance her way. Inwardly, she regretted making that careless remark that offended Sister Yue, especially after Sister Yue had touched Rongjing's arm without repercussion. Now, she could only swallow her regret, knowing that Sister Yue would be harder to approach in the future—and likely that Rongjing himself was now displeased with her.

"Exactly! Sister Yue's words may be unrefined, but they have some merit. There's no need for Brother Crown Prince to be angered by this. Ultimately, it will be the Emperor's decision to make, and acting over a few words would be unwise," the Fourth Prince added quickly.

"And how do you know that I intended to punish her? I merely..." Ye Tianqing found himself at a loss for words. In recent days, he had begun to understand his complex feelings for Yun Qianyue. When he saw her stand against him in the palace, unafraid and resolute, she had surprised him in a way that left her lingering in his thoughts, haunting him. Her words today felt like an irrevocable rejection of him, and in his frustration, he had reached out—not to punish, but simply because he couldn't bear her dismissal.

"Whether Your Highness meant to question or punish her, it can wait until we return to the capital," Rongjing interrupted firmly. "When I return her to Yun Prince's residence, His Highness can address any matters then. Today, I cannot allow you to trouble her."

Ye Tianqing's expression shifted multiple times, but Yun Qianyue continued to look forward, paying him no heed. His anger deflated, he withdrew his hand and nodded. "Very well, as Rongjing wishes."

Rongjing also withdrew his hand, lightly dusting the spot Ye Tianqing had touched on his sleeve. As he did so, the bottom of his sleeve dropped neatly to the ground, leaving a clean cut. He didn't spare it a glance as he spoke to Ye Tianqing and the Fourth Prince, "Your Highnesses, please halt your steps here."

With that, he turned and walked forward.

Yun Qianyue glanced at the piece of sleeve left behind. She found herself in high spirits and tried mimicking Rongjing's movement, brushing her sleeve, but it remained intact on her wrist. With a dissatisfied sigh, she thought, This is the difference between us! Xian Ge said his skills were unparalleled, and he was indeed right.

"Why are you lingering? What's taking you so long?" Rongjing glanced back at Yun Qianyue.

Yun Qianyue hurried to catch up, annoyed that she hadn't managed to give Ye Tianqing a good slap but finding that Rongjing's method had been even more satisfying. Although he was often sharp with her, his disregard for others made her feel like an honored guest. Given his protection today, she decided she would forgive him for annoying her yesterday.

She walked a few steps, then suddenly turned back, addressing Yuning coldly, "Miss Qin, please don't follow us. We aren't friends anymore. My family has plenty of sisters, yet not one of them is surnamed Qin."

Yuning opened her mouth to speak but lowered her head in silence instead.

Without another glance at Yuning, Yun Qianyue continued forward with a lighthearted step.

Ye Tianqing, who had initially suppressed his anger, was incensed again as he looked at the discarded half-sleeve left by Rongjing. His lips tightened, and he glared at Rongjing's back, fuming.

"Brother Crown Prince, Rongjing never allows anyone within three feet of him—not even the Emperor, who abides by this boundary when they play chess. Today, you touched his sleeve, and he did not harm you, merely cut off the affected portion, showing you leniency," reminded the Fourth Prince, aware that if a fight broke out, they would both likely be reprimanded by their father.

Ye Tianqing's anger faded as he heard this reminder, but his eyes darkened. Although he was the Crown Prince, he realized he was far from achieving the same level of respect and prestige as Rongjing. Rongjing's honor did not solely stem from being the heir of the Yun Prince's residence but from his exceptional talents, his reputation, and the Emperor's high regard for him. Not even his royal title could compare to the respect Rongjing commanded. Ye Tianqing clenched his fists and turned to the Fourth Prince, "Thank you for the reminder."

"No thanks needed between us, Brother Crown Prince," the Fourth Prince replied. Yet, his own mind reeled as he contemplated Rongjing's relationship with Yun Qianyue. Yun Qianyue had grabbed Rongjing's arm earlier without causing him the slightest irritation, whereas the Crown Prince had merely brushed his sleeve and received this response. It no longer seemed a mere favor to Old Master Yun; Rongjing's feelings for Yun Qianyue might be deeper than anyone realized.