The Dandy's Duchess

Chapter 111: Painting Skills, Lifelike Brushwork (1)

"The Crown Prince Rui's four attendants aren't lacking in skills either," Rongjing said with a faint smile, then asked, "I wonder if His Highness has business here? If not, could you wait here on my behalf for a moment until the attendants of the princess and the three ladies arrive to escort them?"

"What's so urgent, Prince Jing?" Nanling Rui asked with a chuckle.

"This jar of orchid wine was buried by Lingyin Master and myself ten years ago. Naturally, it must be sent to the master. Just now, there were no more cups left on the mountain, so you didn't get a taste. Feel free to visit Lingyin Master later to request a cup," Rongjing replied, indicating the wine jar in his hand.

"Ten years ago, Lingyin Master saved my life with half a Tianshan snow lotus. Since I've encountered him here at Lingtai Temple, I must pay him a visit," Nanling Rui laughed heartily. "Very well then, Prince Jing, go ahead! I'd never leave four beautiful ladies here to fend for themselves—I'll ensure they're safe, so you can go worry-free!"

"Then I thank you," Rongjing replied before turning and leaving.

Nanling Rui watched Rongjing's figure recede, then turned to the four women with a grin. "What do the princess and the ladies like to play? It's so dull just waiting here; we ought to find something fun. Do you know how to play dice or Mahjong? What about 'Pass the Dragon,' cricket fights, or 'Push the Groundhog'?"

The four women shook their heads in unison. These were all lowbrow, idle pastimes, certainly not something they would know.

"Ah? None of those?" Nanling Rui squatted down to ask, "So, what do you know?"

"We're skilled in zither, chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry, and matching verses!" Rong Linglan responded.

"That's no fun; I meant games, not arts," Nanling Rui dismissed immediately.

"I can play shuttlecock!" Leng Shuli quickly volunteered.

"That's a girl's game; how could I join in?" Nanling Rui declined again. "Besides, your feet are hurt; could you even manage it?"

Leng Shuli fell silent, and the other three felt a throbbing pain in their feet at her mention of it.

"Think harder—don't tell me you don't have any fun activities? That would be so boring!" Nanling Rui said.

"We can play hide-and-seek!" Princess Qingwan offered after some thought.

"That's too childish; I played that when I was just a kid," Nanling Rui dismissed again.

"Or...we could play riddles," Qin Yuning hesitated before suggesting.

"That's too much brain work! Not playing!" Nanling Rui shook his head.

"Then what on earth do you want to play?" Rong Linglan snapped in irritation. Realizing her impatience had slipped out in front of the Southern Liang Crown Prince, she quickly corrected herself, "My apologies, Your Highness, I just..."

"No need to apologize; you're simply forthright," Nanling Rui waved it off with a smile.

Rong Linglan's face reddened, her heart fluttering slightly. She thought of how Ye Tianqing had never smiled at her like that—these days, he was often cold and distant. Her resolve to marry into the Crown Prince's residence wavered a bit. How wonderful it would be to marry a man like Crown Prince Rui, charming and approachable, likely easy to get along with.

"What about kite-flying?" Leng Shuli glanced at Rong Linglan's bashful face and then at the charismatic Nanling Rui, her heart also stirred. He was not only noble and handsome but also amiable. Although Southern Liang had always submitted to the Heavenly Saint Dynasty, they were growing stronger by the day. The emperor could no longer issue commands to Southern Liang as easily as before and had to consult with them respectfully. Although his status wasn't quite on par with Prince Jing's, it was comparable to the Crown Prince's.

"But your feet are still injured! Besides, where would we find a kite ready to fly?" Nanling Rui seemed to be in thought.

"We're all too tired to play anything now. Let's just not play," Princess Qingwan said, glancing at Rong Linglan and Leng Shuli. Having grown up together, she understood their expressions well. She thought the crown prince was charming but frivolous. While Yun Muhan was distant, he was much better in her eyes. Her own crown prince brother was serious, but he didn't leave a trail of romantic entanglements everywhere like this man did.

"The princess is right. There's no need for Your Highness to keep trying to entertain us when we can't even move our legs properly," Qin Yuning added. She thought the crown prince's nature seemed similar to that of Lord Ye, who loved amusement. However, he wasn't at all like Lord Ye, who ignored women. This crown prince was overly charming and outgoing, making him hard to read. Often, those who were overly approachable were the hardest to understand.

"Alright then! I'll wait with you all," Nanling Rui said, glancing at Yuning and catching her scrutinizing gaze. With a chuckle, he settled himself on the ground, letting his clean robes touch the dust without care.

"Since you're staying, we can play another day," Rong Linglan said immediately.

"Yes, another day is fine. Or when you join us in the capital, there will be plenty of places to play," Leng Shuli chimed in.

"Very well, let's save it for another day," Nanling Rui agreed.

The group fell silent, waiting patiently on the ground for their personal maids to arrive. Nanling Rui fanned himself vigorously, the fan making a whooshing sound.

After about the time it would take for two incense sticks to burn, a group of maids and older female attendants came running, breathless and calling out to the princess and ladies. They quickly helped the four women up. Supported by their maids, they rose and took their leave from Nanling Rui.

Nanling Rui waved with a smile. "Goodbye, Princess and ladies. My task of guarding beauties is now complete. Off to bother Lingyin Master for a drink!"

"Thank you, Your Highness! We'll be sure to express our gratitude another day," Princess Qingwan said on behalf of the group. As they headed toward their residence, Rong Linglan and Leng Shuli cast glances back, eyes filled with a hint of affection.

Watching the women leave, Nanling Rui suddenly laughed heartily and turned to his guards. "Isn't this Heavenly Saint Kingdom rather interesting? Even their ladies are unique!"

One of the guards, a man in his thirties, chuckled. "Your Highness, I didn't see much of interest in the ladies—just that His Highness has gathered yet another romantic debt."