The Dandy's Duchess

Chapter 148: Bickering is a Form of Affection (2)

"Yes, Young Master!" Xian Ge stepped around the crowd and strode into the courtyard.

As soon as Xian Ge entered the courtyard, ten hidden guards suddenly appeared at the entrance, blocking everyone outside.

The second master and others exchanged glances, their expressions unchanged, seemingly accustomed to Rongjing's actions.

"Brother, I want to stay here and keep you company." The ten-year-old boy spoke up loudly. His voice had not yet changed, sounding quite youthful. He was the youngest son of the third master.

"Okay, then you can stay!" Rongjing agreed.

"Brother, I also want to stay. I'll go back with you later." Rong Linglan knew that Ye Tianqing had not left, so naturally, she wouldn't be going anywhere either. Now that Princess Qingwan had already been taken back to the palace by the emperor and Qin Yuning had been escorted back by someone from the prime minister's residence, Leng Shuli had also set off for the Prince of Xiaoqin's residence on the same day. She used her brother's disappearance as an excuse to stay behind, but she was indeed worried about Rongjing. Now, apart from Yun Qianyue, she was the only girl present, so she naturally wanted to seize the opportunity to be with Ye Tianqing. Moreover, it was said that the Crown Prince of Nanyang was still drunk and had not yet woken up; her heart was waffling, and she didn't want to leave.

"Okay, then you can stay too! The rest of you should go back!" Rongjing agreed, effectively silencing any further protests.

"Brother is so nice!" The little boy exclaimed joyfully and immediately dashed past the hidden guards into the courtyard.

"Xier!" The third madam quickly reached out to grab Rong Xier, "You're not allowed to stay here; come back with me!"

"Mother, Brother already agreed! I don't want to go back!" Rong Xier broke free from the third madam and dashed into the courtyard.

The third madam stepped forward to chase him but was blocked at the entrance by the hidden guards. A cold voice rang out, "Third Madam, please stay!"

The third madam could only fume, watching Rong Xier's small figure following Xian Ge into Rongjing's room. The third master approached her and whispered, "Xier will be safe by Jing's side; just let him stay here for a few days! It's rare for them to be close, and it's good to cultivate their brotherly bond."

Upon hearing this, the third madam's anger dissipated. Now that Rongjing had returned alive, Rong Wangfu was still his. If Xier could get along well with him, she naturally wouldn't lose out. A smile spread across her face as she glanced smugly at the second and fourth madams, saying, "Yes, I was being foolish. Our Xier has never seen his brother since he was born; in the ten years since, he must have walked around outside the Young Master's courtyard countless times, and yet he has never met him. Now that we've finally waited for the Young Master to leave the residence, he must be overjoyed, so let him stay here for a few days! It will also help to strengthen their brotherly bond."

The faces of the second and fourth madams darkened at once, casting reproachful glances at their own sons, seemingly angry at their lack of ambition.

"I want to go in and see my brother too!" Rong Linglan, surprised that Rongjing truly agreed, happily walked inside.

Rong Linglan was the daughter of the second madam, who immediately smiled. Even if her son was not progressing, she still had a daughter, right? Her daughter not only had a close relationship with Princess Qingwan but also with the little princess of Rong Wangfu. Now it seemed she had a good rapport with the Young Master as well. She didn't stop her, but rather cheerfully advised, "Since your brother has allowed you to stay, you must take good care of him while you're here, and don't provoke him. No mischief allowed."

She omitted the title "Young Master" entirely, directly referring to Rongjing as Rong Linglan's brother, as if Rongjing belonged to her family.

"Don't worry, Mother! I understand," Rong Linglan assured her readily.

The second madam nodded, pleased. Rong Linglan passed the hidden guards and entered the courtyard.

The second master's expression eased a little, while only the fourth master and fourth madam looked somewhat glum, yet they had no other choice. There was no point in lingering any longer, so the group made their way toward the entrance of Lingtai Temple.

Xian Ge carried Rongjing back to his room and laid him down comfortably on the bed. Rong Xier and Rong Linglan followed him in one after another.

Rongjing glanced at the two and instructed Xian Ge, "Set up a place for Rong Xier to stay in this courtyard! The second miss can return to her original courtyard." He then addressed Rong Xier and Rong Linglan, "I'm very tired now; you should both go for now! Come back later!"

"Okay, Brother will rest! I'll come back later!" Rong Linglan was quite perceptive. After all, this Young Master was a highly esteemed figure not just in the Heavenly Saint Dynasty but also in Rong Wangfu. He didn't even show any expression towards his grandfather, let alone others. The fact that he allowed her to stay was already a surprising honor for her. She bowed and turned to leave cheerfully.

"I'll come back after Brother has rested." Rong Xier actually didn't want to leave, but seeing that Rongjing looked quite unwell, he obediently nodded and turned to go out, though he was still very excited.

Xian Ge followed Rong Xier out, giving instructions to someone in the courtyard. Immediately, someone took Rong Xier to his residence.

Xian Ge then turned back, closed the door, and walked up to Rongjing, speaking urgently in a lowered voice, "Young Master, how could you have lost all your martial arts? This is a serious matter! How could you be without martial arts? Did you lose your power to save Miss Yun Qianyue?"

"You only see the disadvantages of me losing my martial arts but haven't noticed any other benefits?" Rongjing countered.

Xian Ge was taken aback, quickly reaching out to take Rongjing's pulse. Over the years, he had learned some medical skills due to Rongjing's illness. His expression changed from initial concern to shock, his eyes widening in disbelief as he stared at Rongjing, "Young Master, you... how could this be..."

"Do you think it's better that I have a healthy body after losing all my martial arts or that I still have martial arts but can't live for many more years?" Rongjing raised an eyebrow.

"Naturally, it's better to have a healthy body!" Xian Ge's disbelief turned into joy, staring at Rongjing, his body trembling slightly, clearly very excited, "Young Master, how did you do it? How did you manage to expel the cold poison and chronic illness? I simply can't believe it. Master Lingyin tried to help you twice and failed, and you've been trying for ten years without success. How can this be true..."

"I can hardly believe it myself!" Rongjing suddenly smiled, his expression warm, "But it really happened, the impossible has become possible."

"Young Master, please tell me! Did you and Miss Yun Qianyue meet some great person? Did you have a fortunate encounter?" Xian Ge, who had grown up with Rongjing, was usually very calm but was now so excited for the first time. It was no wonder he was thrilled; he had never left Rongjing's side over the years and had watched him endure so much suffering. He had initially thought there was no hope, but now to hear that his chronic illness had been completely cured, how could he not be overjoyed?