"Huh? What's going on?" Yun Qianyue glanced down at the chessboard, her flushed face immediately darkening. Not a single piece had been moved, yet somehow she had inadvertently shifted her main defense out of position, trapping herself in a dead end. Four open exits were now completely useless. She felt utterly desolate, regretting her misplaced faith in luck—once was enough, but twice? That was pushing it. There was simply no way forward in the game, and her frustration was boundless.
Rongjing took a graceful sip from his cup, his expression slightly displeased as he savored the wine, his brows gently furrowing. After a slight pause, he downed the wine in one elegant, fluid movement, his actions carrying an air of noble refinement.
Yun Qianyue watched him with an admiring gaze, thinking she should capture this moment for posterity when she returned. A beautiful man enjoying fine wine—this scene put all the grandeur of Xiangquan Mountain to shame; even the magnolia blossoms paled in comparison to his grace. Such beauty was almost infuriating!
As these thoughts whirled through her mind, Yun Qianyue felt her head grow heavy, a delightful haze enveloping her. She held her forehead and muttered, "I've always been known for handling my liquor, so how is it that after just one cup..."
Her words trailed off as she slumped softly onto the table.
"I forgot to tell you," Rongjing remarked leisurely, "this wine was distilled by Master Lingyin and me, utilizing both of our inner strengths. An ordinary person would be knocked out with a single sip. For you to last a whole cup and even manage to make a move afterward is quite impressive."
So, he had offered her half a vat of this wine? This sort of drink would be enough to leave her inebriated for a lifetime! That scoundrel—it had to be deliberate! With that final thought, Yun Qianyue slipped into a deep slumber, her last coherent moment filled with a silent curse.
Rongjing glanced at her as she slumped, chuckling quietly. His laughter, soft and light, seemed to linger in the breeze, causing the branches of the magnolia trees to sway gently.
After a while, he stopped laughing and looked down at the chessboard, his gaze focused and unyielding.
He hadn't told her that ten years ago, Master Lingyin and he had placed this very Linglong formation on this mountain, attempting to break it themselves. Yet even now, Master Lingyin had said he still hadn't comprehended the Linglong strategy, choosing not to return to the southern mountains. Rongjing had, however, brought her here, and this intricate formation had, through her misstep, been broken in one fatal move...
Life is like a game of chess, he mused; indeed, unpredictable.
Rongjing gently rubbed his forehead, his serene expression shrouded in a mist of contemplation.
A soft, steady breeze blew atop the southern mountain, silence enveloping the scene, with only Yun Qianyue's steady breathing breaking the tranquility.
Suddenly, the sound of footsteps echoed up the mountain path.
Rongjing looked up, his gaze falling toward the slope. Several figures were approaching leisurely. He raised a brow and, with a swift motion, scattered the chess pieces across the table and tossed the blueprint off the cliff. Sitting calmly, he awaited their arrival.
It wasn't long before a young man appeared at the summit, followed by a small entourage of attendants.
"Drawn here by the fragrance, I wondered who could possess such fine wine that its aroma would drift so far. As it turns out, it's the renowned Rongjing, Heir of the Yun Prince's residence. That explains everything! A pleasure, truly." The young man, dressed in a robe of cloud-patterned brocade, wore a subtle smile, his handsome features exuding elegance and nobility.
If Yun Qianyue hadn't been drunk, she'd likely be marveling again at how ancient times seemed to be filled with countless "apple-tossing" paragons of beauty.
"So, it is the Crown Prince of Nanliang—what a distinguished arrival," Rongjing replied coolly, nodding without rising, his tone polite yet aloof.
"This wine has a fragrance as rare as that of an orchid; its bouquet is like the aura of a true gentleman. I wonder, then, who this young lady might be—a noble lady worthy of Heir Rongjing's favor, sharing his wine and a game of chess?" The Crown Prince of Nanliang cast a glance at Yun Qianyue's sleeping figure. Though he couldn't see her face, her slight, delicately shaped form, bathed in the rich scent of wine and an almost floral aroma, captivated his curiosity, and he turned to Rongjing for answers.
"Playing chess with her is a waste of a good board, and sharing wine is a waste of fine spirits. She's Yun Qianyue of the Yun Prince's residence," Rongjing replied with faint disdain.
"Oh? So this is Miss Qianyue of the Yun Prince's residence?" The Crown Prince laughed, scanning the scattered chess pieces and noting Yun Qianyue's hand still gripping a wine cup. "I've long heard of her fame, and today's encounter does not disappoint. Could it be that Miss Qianyue was defeated in chess and subsequently drank herself into a stupor?"
"She has no grasp of the game to begin with, so where's the notion of victory or defeat?" Rongjing replied dismissively.
"Rumor has it that Miss Qianyue of the Yun Prince's residence lacks all skill in the arts, be it music, chess, calligraphy, or poetry, and even struggles with needlework. Her martial prowess, I hear, is mere flashy embellishment. And yet, here you are, Heir Rongjing, indulging her whims? Curious, truly. The world reveres your talents, yet could it be that all those rumors about Miss Qianyue are mere illusions? Is she actually quite remarkable?" The Crown Prince of Nanliang studied both Rongjing and Yun Qianyue with amused skepticism.
"Forgive my poor hospitality," Rongjing sighed in feigned dismay, "but I'm merely fulfilling Grandfather Yun's request to watch over her here at Xiangquan Mountain for a few days. She's incorrigible and defiant, a constant headache. My only solution was to ply her with wine so she wouldn't attempt to roast fish and risk burning the entire mountain down."
"Ah, so it was she who nearly set Xiangquan Mountain aflame while roasting fish yesterday?" The Crown Prince burst into laughter, his confusion dispelled as he glanced at Rongjing's troubled expression. "What an ordeal you must endure!"
Rongjing gave a slight, rueful smile, saying nothing further.
"His Majesty of the Heavenly Saint Dynasty has kindly permitted me to visit Lingtai Temple and offer prayers for the people," the Crown Prince continued, "and today I'm fortunate enough to encounter Heir Rongjing here. May I humbly request a sip of your fine wine and the honor of a match with you? I come bearing no gifts today, but if you ever visit Nanliang, you have my word of a warm welcome." The Crown Prince's eyes no longer lingered on Yun Qianyue; his gaze was fixed on Rongjing as he made his request.
"You're too kind, Crown Prince," Rongjing replied, gesturing slightly as if inviting the Crown Prince to sit. Yun Qianyue's chaotic chess pieces were gently rearranged on an empty stone table a short distance away, as Rongjing stayed seated, smiling lightly. "I trust you're aware of my preferences, so do pardon any oversight."
"A match with Heir Rongjing and a cup of his wine is more than enough; I won't ask for anything more," the Crown Prince replied, grinning as he stepped over to the stone table three feet away from Rongjing's position. He glanced at Yun Qianyue with a smile. "It seems Miss Qianyue is afforded special treatment from Heir Rongjing, seated at barely a foot's distance from him."
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The Dandy's Duchess
ChickLit"The Dandy's Duchess" tells the story of the youngest and most talented general of the National Security Bureau, who sacrifices his life for his country and finds his soul transported to another world, where he is reborn as Yun Qianyue, the only leg...
