The Dandy's Duchess

Chapter 123: Who Told You to Steal My Blanket (5)

"Miss, are you talking about that box of pastries? It was brought for you by Princess Qingwan when she came," Cailian replied.

"Oh! That woman isn't bad after all!" Yun Qianyue nodded, stepping out of the door as she spoke.

Cailian felt a bit embarrassed. Just moments ago, Miss had been arguing with the Young Master, expressing her dislike for Princess Qingwan, and now a box of pastries had won her over. She quickly followed Yun Qianyue outside and called out, "Tingyu, Tingsnow! Let's go! Miss is accompanying us to the wishing tree!"

"We're coming! Miss is so kind!" Tingyu and Tingsnow cheered as they ran out from their room.

Yun Qianyue smiled at the three of them, finding them to be so innocent and naive. When she was their age, she had been buried under a mountain of books, losing her innocence long ago. Seeing them happy brought her a sense of fulfillment, even though she had no interest in the wishing tree; she was glad to accompany them to fulfill their little wish.

As they exited the east courtyard, they ran into Yun Muhan coming from the west courtyard. Yun Qianyue was startled and looked at him in surprise. "Brother, didn't you go looking for Rongjing? Why are you back so soon?"

"What are you going?" Yun Muhan asked, looking at Yun Qianyue without answering her question.

"I'm going to the wishing tree to pray! I'm returning tomorrow, and I want to pray for grandpa," Yun Qianyue said without a hint of embarrassment.

"First, come with me to see Master Lingyin. I'll accompany you to pray later," Yun Muhan said.

Yun Qianyue's face darkened. Hadn't Xian Ge said that Rongjing would handle it? Was this the result of his help? She frowned and replied softly, "There's no need for that! I've never believed in those fortune-telling things. A person's fate is in their own hands. Besides, even if I get a reading, can it change my fate? Can it help me avoid disasters?"

"The divination and signs from Master Lingyin are different from ordinary fortune-telling. It won't hurt to have a look," Yun Muhan insisted, stepping closer to Yun Qianyue. "Let's go! Master Lingyin is a high monk, and with me there, you have nothing to fear!"

"I really don't want to!" Yun Qianyue dodged his hand, shaking her head.

"Whether you want to or not, you have to go!" Yun Muhan changed his grip and reached for her arm, which she had tried to pull away.

Yun Qianyue had prepared for his speed, but still couldn't escape fast enough. She was annoyed; if she were in her previous world, it would have been impossible for anyone to catch her. Here, she truly felt like a lamb to be slaughtered, unable to resist someone who was clearly more powerful than her. She glared at Yun Muhan. "Are you really my brother?"

"You can ask grandpa and father if I'm your brother. I didn't ask for a disobedient sister like you!" Yun Muhan pulled Yun Qianyue and started walking.

Yun Qianyue struggled to break free, her anger flaring. She shot a resentful glance at Rongjing's courtyard. If it weren't for that scheming guy's empty promises, she would have found a way to avoid Yun Muhan. What bad luck!

Cailian, Tingyu, and Tingsnow were thrilled for Yun Qianyue; so many people sought the divination from Master Lingyin, and they couldn't understand why she was so resistant. With the Young Master around, they could also listen in on the divination.

After walking a few steps, a maid rushed over from a distance, shouting, "Yun Young Master! Please come quickly! My princess has suddenly lost consciousness!"

Yun Qianyue instantly felt a thrill of excitement; it was the perfect timing for Princess Qingwan to be unconscious!

Yun Muhan paused, furrowing his brow as he approached the maid. "What do you mean, she's lost consciousness?"

"The maid explained, "I'm not sure either. The princess was fine after dinner and was just reading, but suddenly she fainted. I've called her several times, but she won't wake up. Please hurry! If something happens to the princess..."

"Yes, she's the emperor's most favored princess. If anything goes wrong while I'm watching over her, it won't be easy to explain to the emperor," Yun Qianyue urged Yun Muhan, feigning anxiety.

Yun Muhan reluctantly let go of her and said, "You go to the wishing tree first. I'll see what happened to the princess. I'll join you at Master Lingyin's after."

"Alright, hurry!" Yun Qianyue replied cheerfully. She was more than willing for him to leave. Once he was gone, it would be nearly impossible for him to catch her again!

"Let's go! I'll check on the princess!" Yun Muhan called out to the maid before lightly stepping away, using his lightness skill to head towards the princess's quarters.

The maid hurried back the way she came.

"Finally, I don't have to go to that fortune teller!" Yun Qianyue laughed and called to Cailian, Tingyu, and Tingsnow behind her. "Let's go to the wishing tree!"

Although Cailian and the others felt a bit disappointed, they quickly followed Yun Qianyue. After walking a few steps, Cailian whispered, "Miss, how could Princess Qingwan faint for no reason? Do you think something happened?"

"Who knows? It's none of our business," Yun Qianyue said, not caring to investigate further.

Cailian fell silent.

The four of them made their way to the southern mountain.

It was currently the Wishing Festival, and most of the important figures visiting Lingtai Temple had come. Therefore, Xiangquan Mountain was brightly lit at night, with lanterns hung along the roads. Occasionally, a few monks on night watch would respectfully step aside.

After a short while, they arrived at the wishing tree at the foot of the southern mountain.

Yun Qianyue spotted a giant tree that could be embraced by four or five people standing tall at the foot of the mountain. The tree was adorned with red silk, incense pouches, and colorful ribbons, with many small trinkets hanging from its branches, almost bending them under the weight. The tree looked remarkably festive, reminiscent of a Christmas tree but much larger.

Yun Qianyue thought the tree resembled her horse, both looking rather pitiful. She sighed, "This poor tree! It really is hard work. How many people's wishes does it carry? Can it possibly fulfill them all? Even if it could, doesn't it get tired?"

"Miss, what are you saying!" Cailian quickly covered Yun Qianyue's mouth. "This wishing tree is magical. It's fine for you to joke around normally, but you mustn't speak disrespectfully now. You need to pray sincerely for it to be effective."

"Alright, I understand." Yun Qianyue pushed Cailian's hand away.