The Dandy's Duchess

Chapter 154: The Fated One (2)

Ye Tianyu called softly to the figure behind him, "Anzhuo!"

"Fourth Prince!" A black-clad man instantly appeared at his side.

"Go to the Military Headquarters and notify Prince Ran. Tell him Sister Lan and Young Lord Jing were trapped in the underground shrine for three days and nights. They haven't been fully rescued yet." Ye Tianyu waved his hand nonchalantly. "Go now!"

"Yes!" Anzhuo bowed, disappearing down the mountain.

Ye Tianyu strolled casually towards the Damo Hall. The evening light cast shadows on his face, making his expression unreadable. Ahead, Ye Tianqing and the Yun Prince had already walked some distance, unaware of his actions.

Inside the room, Yun Qianyue had already drifted off, clutching her quilt. Cai Lian, Ting Yu, and Ting Xue also quietly retreated, finally able to relax after three sleepless days, and went to rest.

In the main room of the West Courtyard, Rongjing had finished his meal and bathed, reclining on his bed. Though weakened, he showed no signs of fatigue. Seated by his bedside, the esteemed monk, Master Lingyin, was reading his pulse. The master's face shifted from joy to wonder and finally to excitement. After a long pause, he looked up at Rongjing, withdrew his hand, joined his palms together, and murmured reverently, "Amitabha!"

"What does the master think?" Rongjing asked with a smile.

Master Lingyin, struggling to contain his emotion, replied, "Before coming to Lingtai Temple, I observed the heavens and saw a star, dark for a decade, rekindle in brilliance. I had assumed that Young Lord Jing had found a cure, but arriving here, I discovered that the cold poison was not resolved. I doubted my observation, thinking I had made an error. Who would have expected that this ordeal would cure your affliction? Truly, it is a blessing!"

Rongjing smiled. "The master's insight into the heavens is remarkable."

"Deep knowledge of the heavens is but a hollow claim. I am embarrassed to admit that despite years of attempts, I failed to resolve Young Lord Jing's ailment," Master Lingyin sighed and added with a smile, "Young Lord Jing, be honest with me—was it Yun Qianyue who aided in the cure?"

Rongjing nodded, smiling. "Indeed, she was the one who helped."

"I knew it!" Master Lingyin chuckled. "When I observed the stars, I saw an auspicious presence linked to you. I had thought of casting a fortune, but she evaded me at every turn. Now, I know the esteemed young lady of the Yun family is the fated helper! So it is!"

Remembering how Yun Qianyue had mocked Master Lingyin, calling him a fraud, Rongjing could not help but chuckle. "She avoids you as if you were a plague. You'll find it difficult to meet her."

"If it is fated, today or another day—she and I shall meet. There is no hurry," the master laughed heartily. "I never expected I'd one day be the object of disdain!"

Rongjing smiled but said nothing.

"Now that Young Lord Jing has overcome this affliction, he stands as a blessing to our troubled times. Should chaos ever arise, I only hope that you will shield the common people with compassion. In doing so, you will build merit."

Rongjing raised his brow. "Master, did you glimpse a sign in the heavens?"

"The stars reveal a turbulent era ahead. I cannot see beyond this, so I won't presume to say more. Yet, should trouble arise, please keep the well-being of the people at heart," Master Lingyin advised.

"I will remember the master's words. If I have the power to protect, I will do so. The master need not worry—I may be dark-hearted, but I am not merciless," Rongjing assured him.

"I trust Young Lord Jing." Master Lingyin stood, clasping his hands in farewell. "It is late, and I am sure you are weary. Rest well."

"Take care, Master." Rongjing nodded.

Master Lingyin departed, casting a glance at the main room in the East Courtyard and shaking his head with a smile as he made his way to the Damo Hall.

After the master left, Rongjing looked down, playing with a strand of loose hair. His refined face turned pensive as he murmured, "The stars foretell... a world in turmoil..."

Just then, Xian Ge's voice came from outside. "Young Lord!"

Rongjing raised his head, looking towards the window as night fell. "What is it?"

"The Gate Master has agreed! He promises that he will say nothing that should not be said nor do anything that should not be done. Five years ago, when you saved his son's life, he swore to repay you fully. He assures you that the Gate will now follow your lead," Xian Ge reported.

"Good," Rongjing replied, unsurprised, as he lay back down and closed his eyes, signaling he wished to rest.

Understanding, Xian Ge withdrew, leaving the East and West Courtyards in silence.

Later in the evening, two female physicians from the Imperial Hospital arrived at Lingtai Temple. Ye Tianqing, assuming Yun Qianyue was still asleep, didn't disturb her, instead arranging for the women to stay temporarily at the temple.

At midnight, a loud knock echoed at the temple's southern gate. The guards opened it only to see a figure flash past them into the temple. Startled, they pursued, but the figure was already gone. Immediately, the temple's alarm bell rang out, filling Xiangquan Mountain with its reverberating sound.

The ringing startled Yun Qianyue awake. She frowned, pulled the quilt over her head, and tried to continue sleeping.

The bell continued, and soon the temple courtyards were ablaze with light as people shouted, "There's an intruder! We don't know if it's friend or foe; all personnel, prepare for defense!"

Cai Lian, Ting Yu, and Ting Xue, all half-awake and still in their sleepwear, hurried to Yun Qianyue's room, shouting, "Miss, there's an intruder in the temple! We're here to protect you!"

Annoyed and drowsy, Yun Qianyue murmured under the covers, "Isn't Mo Li around? Don't wake me up!"

The three exchanged glances, reminded of her bodyguard Mo Li, but hesitated to leave. They decided to stay just in case he couldn't handle the intruder.