The Dandy's Duchess

Chapter 112: Painting Skills, Lifelike Brushwork (2)

"Haha..." Nan Lingrui laughed again, swaying his fan leisurely. Then, with a loud "snap," he closed the fan with flair and said in a gallant tone, "What's youth if not spent indulging in a bit of romance? Now that I'm here in the Heavenly Saint, it's only fitting to take a beauty back with me!"

The man beside him fell silent, while the other three attendants kept their heads lowered.

"We haven't yet seen the young lady of the Duke De's residence. Do you think Ye Qingran's sister might be a better match?" Nan Lingrui pondered, then voiced his thoughts bitterly to the others. "Ye Qingran snatched away the woman I admired, so I'll reclaim my pride by taking his sister back with me. What do you think?"

"That may depend on whether the young lady of the Duke De's residence is worthy of such an honor after you've met her. If you ask me, though, Yun Qianyue of the Yun Prince's residence is the most intriguing among them all," the older attendant ventured.

"Oh? Yun Qianyue?" Nan Lingrui raised a brow.

"Yes! Rongjing of the Heavenly Saint is admired by all and stands above his peers. Yet today, none of these young ladies, not even the elegant Princess Qingwan or the famed beauty and talent Qin Yuning, could catch his attention. And yet, he chose to spend his day alone with Yun Qianyue, drinking and playing chess on the mountain. That alone speaks volumes! Could it be that he truly sees her as someone unique?" the man continued. "After all, would he spend his day with someone he deems as 'no more than a common person'?"

"Haha, Rongjing has quite the way with words. He considers her a non-person, yet she's allowed within a foot of him. What does that make those of us who haven't even come within such proximity? Less than nothing?" Nan Lingrui chuckled, entirely unbothered by the implied self-deprecation.

"Exactly, which suggests that Yun Qianyue must indeed be different," the man concluded thoughtfully.

"Yes, you're right!" Nan Lingrui nodded, a glimmer sparking in his eyes. Tapping the fan against his hand thoughtfully, he said, "If she truly is different, taking other women back to the Southern Liang would be easy. But taking her? Now, that would be a challenge. It would take more than just getting through the Heavenly Saint Emperor. Even if I managed that, there's still the Yun Prince's residence to deal with. And even if I got through them, there's still Rongjing himself."

"But, Your Highness, how would you know if you don't try?" the older man suggested, leaning in close. "It's said that Ye Qingran is also partial to Yun Qianyue. The day the Emperor's garden nearly ran red to protect her and Ye Tianqing from harm says as much. And yesterday, it's rumored that he almost set Xiangquan Mountain ablaze during a grilled fish outing—again, all for her."

"Oh? So Ye Qingran, too, has his eye on her?" Nan Lingrui raised an eyebrow in amusement.

"It certainly seems that way," the older attendant replied.

"Haha..." Nan Lingrui began to laugh once more, opening and closing his fan with interest. "Now, this is getting interesting. Just what qualities does Yun Qianyue possess that could make both Rongjing and Ye Qingran hold her in such high regard? Could the rumors of her brazen ways merely be a facade hiding something more? It's truly unfortunate that she was drunk today. Otherwise, I would have gotten a firsthand look at this so-called 'first scoundrel' among women—what is it about her that draws such a reputation?"

"No rush, Your Highness. You're not leaving the Heavenly Saint anytime soon, so there's plenty of time to observe Yun Qianyue," the man said.

"True enough!" Nan Lingrui nodded and clapped the older man on the shoulder. "Zhang Qi, it's a good thing I brought you along with me. Otherwise, this forest of beauty might've led me astray, and I wouldn't know what true treasure lay within!"

"Your Highness is wise, merely indulging in some fun here and there. I've only offered a slight nudge, doing little beyond my duty. If it's of any help, then I am most pleased," Zhang Qi responded respectfully, neither boastful nor presumptuous despite the prince's friendliness.

"If I do bring a beauty back with me this time, I'll see that you're well-rewarded!" Nan Lingrui loosened his grip, striding forward with a smile. "Let's head to the Damo Hall and see if we can share a drink with the great Master Lingyin. I'm curious to see just how good the wine he and Rongjing brewed together truly is! It certainly knocked that little girl out with just one cup."

"Yes, Your Highness!" Zhang Qi and the other attendants followed him promptly as they made their way toward the Damo Hall.

Once they were gone, Rongjing emerged from the shadows, casting a faint smile in Nan Lingrui's direction.

"Your Highness, it seems Nan Lingrui has taken an interest in Miss Yun Qianyue. This could prove troublesome," Xian Ge said from farther back. Though his skills were profound, they were not yet at Rongjing's level. Aware of Nan Lingrui's keen perception and the formidable skills of his four guards, Xian Ge had kept his distance. Now, he stepped forward, worry evident in his tone.

"It's nothing to worry about." Rongjing shook his head nonchalantly and instructed Xian Ge, "Go inform Master Lingyin. Since the Crown Prince wants a drink, let him have his fill. Tell Master Lingyin to generously offer the entire jar of our orchid brew to Nan Lingrui. I'll bring him a jar of Lingzhi Wine later."

"Yes!" Xian Ge's mouth twitched slightly as he imagined the consequences. With a full jar of orchid brew, Nan Lingrui was bound to be intoxicated for several days. He responded promptly and used his light-footed skills to head toward Master Lingyin's quarters.

Without lingering, Rongjing brushed a fallen leaf from his sleeve and headed to the courtyard on the back mountain.

In the courtyard, Yun Qianyue lay fast asleep on the bed where Yun Muhan had unceremoniously deposited her. The scent of the orchid brew on her clothes filled the entire room, so potent it nearly intoxicated her three maids—Cailian, Ting Xue, and Ting Yu, none of whom drank wine.

"Go make a bowl of hangover soup and add this," Yun Muhan instructed, pulling out a jade bottle and shaking out a small red pill, which he handed to Cailian.

"Yes!" Cailian received the pill and left to prepare the soup.

Ting Xue and Ting Yu, fighting the effects of the wine aroma, struggled to stay alert but did their best to remain attentive.

"You may leave. I'll watch over her," Yun Muhan said with a wave.

"Yes, my lord," the two maids replied gratefully, finally retreating from the overpowering scent.

Watching Yun Qianyue, Yun Muhan noted her peaceful breathing and her cheeks, flushed like a sunset. She reminded him of a rain-kissed begonia, delicate and radiant, exuding a refreshing fragrance. He couldn't help but press his lips together, shifting his gaze as he poured himself a cup of tea.