"So, Qianyue has good martial arts skills, huh? As her father, I didn't even know. I'm truly ashamed," said the Yun Prince with a hint of guilt.
"Uncle Yun, you've dedicated yourself to assisting my father and managing the affairs of the Heavenly Saint Dynasty. It's understandable that you've had to overlook your personal matters," sighed Ye Tianqing, then continued, "I'll go inside to check on Sister Lan and offer her some comfort. Martial arts can always be learned later; if she's interested, I can personally teach her."
The Yun Prince was taken aback, surprised by Ye Tianqing's newfound concern for Yun Qianyue. He had always known how indifferent Ye Tianqing had been towards her in the past. Yet now, the Crown Prince was actually offering to teach her martial arts? Was this a good sign? He turned to glance at Yun Qianyue's room, uncertain if he should permit Ye Tianqing to go in.
"She's currently resting. Your Highness should wait until she wakes up," Yun Muhan replied calmly. "She was trapped for three days without food or water in that underground shrine. Naturally, she's exhausted. I'm sure you wouldn't want to disturb her if you genuinely care for her."
"Indeed. When I arrived just now, I thought Sister Lan must be sleeping by now. She does have a fondness for sleep. Every day I came by lately, she was napping," said Ye Tianyu. "Crown Prince Brother, let's wait until she wakes up to visit her."
"Very well. I'll wait until the imperial female physician arrives, then come again," Ye Tianqing nodded, recognizing that barging in wouldn't be wise. He glanced at Mo Li, who was subtly standing nearby, a hint of coldness flickering in his eyes before he turned toward the western courtyard. "I'll go check on the Heir, Rongjing."
"Crown Prince Brother, I advise you not to. I visited him before you, and his people have sealed off the courtyard entirely. It's even stricter than here," Ye Tianyu informed Ye Tianqing. "They've made it clear that he won't see anyone except Master Lingyin."
Ye Tianqing's face darkened. "What does Rongjing mean by this?"
"Crown Prince Brother, you know his temperament. He hasn't left his residence for ten years, and even after his severe illness ten years ago, he wouldn't see Father. Now, after this disaster, isn't it natural he doesn't want to see anyone?" Ye Tianyu replied lazily. "Maybe, like Sister Lan, he's resting. His illness isn't fully recovered, and the recent ordeal might have aggravated his old condition."
"Then we should certainly check on him," Ye Tianqing insisted.
"Can you do anything to help him? With Master Lingyin there, what's there to worry about?" Ye Tianyu replied.
"Fourth Prince speaks wisely. Master Lingyin is an enlightened monk. He's likely treating the Heir right now. If we go, we might just be interrupting," the Yun Prince added, glancing at the sky. "Crown Prince, Fourth Prince, let us proceed to the Dharma Hall to consult with the Abbot. We need to understand why the mechanisms and traps beneath the blessing tree suddenly activated, trapping Qianyue and the Heir. Now that they are safe, we must investigate the cause thoroughly."
"Alright, let's do as the Yun Prince suggests. I, too, nearly suffered with Sister Lan that day. Naturally, we must get to the bottom of this," Ye Tianqing agreed.
"I only wish I could have been the one with her," sighed Ye Tianyu in mock disappointment. "I arrived early that day to pray for Mother and had the blessings swiftly sent back to the capital. If I'd waited like you, Crown Prince Brother, and visited the blessing tree later, perhaps I'd have encountered her instead. Then maybe it would have been me locked up with her for three days instead of Rongjing. A missed opportunity!"
Ye Tianyu shook his head, sighing repeatedly.
The Yun Prince was suddenly reminded of something Yun Qianyue had mentioned earlier about how "coincidentally" Ye Tianqing had encountered her that day. Now, hearing Ye Tianyu's suggestive comments, he fell into silent contemplation. Could this truly have something to do with the Crown Prince?
"Fourth Brother, Father instructed me to bring blessings to bathe the Heavenly Saint realm in Buddha's light, not to leisurely pray for family members like you did. That night, I finally had a moment to pray for Mother at the blessing tree, which happened to coincide with Sister Lan's visit," Ye Tianqing's face darkened, and he warned sternly, "Besides, she wasn't the only one at the blessing tree; Miss Yuning from the Prime Minister's residence was there, too. She got thrown back and hit her head; she's now recovering at her home. Because of my martial arts, I managed to avoid harm."
He continued with a cold tone, "And it's best not to spread rumors about her and the Heir being trapped together for three days. It's her reputation at stake. I've already had people seal off the information, so no one knows she and the Heir were together. It's to be told they were held separately. You mustn't bring it up again."
"Hah, now you care about Sister Lan's reputation?" Ye Tianyu laughed softly.
"Fourth Brother! When have I ever disregarded her reputation? You're getting more insolent by the day, wasting time in idle speculation. Once we return to the capital, I'll request Father to assign you a position, so you don't remain so idle," Ye Tianqing scolded, frowning as he turned to the Yun Prince. "Uncle Yun, shall we go? Let's seek out the Abbot at the Dharma Hall and investigate this thoroughly."
"Very well!" The Yun Prince nodded.
The two walked side by side toward the Dharma Hall.
Ye Tianyu, seemingly unfazed by Ye Tianqing's warning, approached Yun Muhan with a friendly gesture, draping an arm over his shoulder. He asked with a smile, "Heir Yun, how about we go listen in as well? Let's see what my dear Crown Prince Brother and Uncle Yun manage to discuss with the Abbot."
"Not interested," Yun Muhan said, brushing him off as he headed toward his own courtyard. He had barely managed to fend off the aphrodisiac earlier, only with the help of the rare Tianshan Snow Lotus Pill and his internal strength. He had then immediately ridden five hundred miles to retrieve Qian Yan without rest. Having gone three days and nights without sleep, he was thoroughly worn out.
"What a stick in the mud! If you're not interested, I am," Ye Tianyu muttered, following after the Yun Prince and Ye Tianqing. After a few steps, he suddenly remembered something and glanced back at Yun Qianyue's room with a mischievous smile. "I bet Ye Qingran still hasn't heard that Sister Lan and the Heir were trapped together underground for three days and nights. Maybe I'll do him the favor of informing 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...