The Dandy's Duchess

Chapter 104: The Wolf in Sheep's Clothing (2)

"Regardless, I still owe you one, Fourth Brother. I won't forget it." Ye Tianqing mused. Although Rongjing had repeatedly emphasized that he was watching over Yun Qianyue on behalf of Elder Yun, Ye Tianqing felt that there was more to it. For someone of Rongjing's status and reputation, he would never have been so lenient towards Yun Qianyue if he didn't hold some deeper regard for her. He decided he would investigate her thoroughly, as well as uncover what had influenced Rongjing's sudden, unusual kindness towards her. And, there was also Ye Qingran, who'd returned after seven years and similarly treated Yun Qianyue with exceptional care.

"It was only a casual remark, but if it earns me a favor from the Crown Prince, then I've gained something today," Ye Tianyu chuckled. He understood Ye Tianqing would likely investigate, and naturally, he would as well. However, he doubted they would find much about Rongjing.

"Let's go. We still have the task Father assigned us to complete at the Dharma Hall," Ye Tianqing said, beginning to head toward the hall. Yet, thoughts of Yun Qianyue and Rongjing off on their own to the South Mountain crept into his mind, bringing with them an uncontrollable sense of discomfort. He stopped and addressed Yu Ning, who looked ashen and tearful. "Miss Qin, why not go find Princess Qingwan? You ladies shouldn't be overly restricted—enjoying the serenity of this place doesn't require ceremony. You may take a stroll up to the magnolia grove on South Mountain. I hear it's in full bloom and would be a shame to miss."

Ye Tianqing's suggestion woke Yu Ning from her daze, and she quickly realized that Yun Qianyue and Rongjing had indeed gone alone to the South Mountain. Clenching her lips in determination, she reminded herself she hadn't devoted so many years to her feelings only to give up now. She quickly curtsied to Ye Tianqing and said, "Thank you for the suggestion, Your Highness. I'll go find the Princess, and together, we'll enjoy the magnolias."

"Very well," Ye Tianqing replied approvingly, moving forward. In times past, he might not have understood Yu Ning's sentiments, but now he did. Previously, he had thought a suitable crown princess would have the looks and talent of someone like Yu Ning, but lately, his thoughts had turned elsewhere, so he was more than willing to help her pursue her own hopes.

"Miss Qin, may you and Princess Qingwan have an enjoyable outing, and don't forget to bring back some magnolias," Ye Tianyu added with a smile before following Ye Tianqing.

"Thank you, Fourth Prince!" Yu Ning curtsied to his departing figure before she glanced toward South Mountain, where she could no longer see any sign of Rongjing or Yun Qianyue. She stood still for a moment, her resolve strengthening, and then turned to search for Princess Qingwan.

By now, Rongjing and Yun Qianyue had left Lingtai Temple and were making their way along the path up South Mountain.

Rongjing continued forward with a relaxed gait, as though the recent confrontation hadn't troubled him in the slightest. His pale jade robes shone pure and unblemished in the sunlight.

Yun Qianyue, unaffected by people she disliked or events that irritated her, remained as carefree as before, following him leisurely. While idly picking and playing with flowers along the path, she found herself a bit exasperated at how his very silhouette was so captivating. Kicking stones with each step, she sent them tumbling noisily down the hill.

"Would you like me to immobilize your pressure points?" Rongjing halted and glanced back at her.

"Go ahead," Yun Qianyue replied nonchalantly, "I'm tired of walking anyway. If you immobilize me, you'll either have to go up the mountain alone or carry me."

"There's a third option you haven't considered," he replied.

"And what's that?" She asked, looking curious.

"I immobilize your pressure points, leave you here, and let you be eaten by wolves. You should know, this mountain is densely forested, full of treacherous terrain, and abundant in wildlife. Monks here always travel in groups, never alone, and hunters are equally cautious." Rongjing's tone remained unhurried as he explained. "Would you like to test it out and see if I'm right?"

She quickly stopped kicking stones. She believed every word he said, grumbling, "Cold-hearted!"

"Good, as long as you know I'm no saint." Rongjing smiled faintly, tossed the words over his shoulder, and resumed his path.

Yun Qianyue muttered quietly at his retreating figure but obediently refrained from further antics. When under a roof, one must lower their head—she understood that as well as any three-year-old.

They continued in quiet, measured steps.

"Hey, did you know Yu Ning is interested in you?" Yun Qianyue finally asked after a while.

"A lot of people are interested in me." Rongjing didn't even look back.

"You don't even blush," she scoffed. She realized that rolling her eyes had become an almost automatic reaction in this world. She continued, "Arrogant, egotistical, smug, self-important, vain, self-admiring, self-absorbed, self-assured, and self-satisfied—words invented for you."

"Quite impressive, considering you're illiterate. I never realized you had such talent," he remarked, turning to face her.

Yun Qianyue was momentarily speechless, then lifted her chin defiantly. "Naturally! I was born with talent, didn't need to learn. Impressed?"

He looked at her with a hint of mystery in his gaze and nodded, "Indeed, I'm quite impressed."

Her confidence soared. With over twenty years of education and countless certificates and degrees, she was more than ready to handle an ancient scholar like him.

"In that case," Rongjing began with a composed smile as he turned back around, "I'll inform the Emperor upon our return that you don't need Yun Shizi to teach you literacy any longer."

"That would be fantastic!" she replied, delighted. "I never needed to learn in the first place; it's just Yun Shizi being overly diligent."

"Yes, I agree," Rongjing responded. "With your level of talent, studying is just a waste of time."

"Exactly! I thought only Ye Qingran understood me, but apparently, you do too!" Suddenly, she found herself warming to Rongjing. Maybe he wasn't so bad after all.