The Dandy's Duchess

Chapter 155: The Fated One (3)

Outside, the shouts continued in succession, clearly indicating that all the monks in the temple had been roused and were searching the entire area.

After about an incense stick's time, the door to the East Courtyard was pushed open, and a shadow rushed in. As soon as the figure entered the courtyard, he was intercepted by Mo Li, who looked at the newcomer in surprise. "Young Lord Ran?"

"Yes, it's me! Where is your young lady?" Ye Qingran paused and peered into the dimly lit room, anxiously asking, "Has she been rescued from the underground shrine?"

"Replying to the Young Lord, the young lady was rescued this afternoon and is currently sleeping," Mo Li replied.

"Is she injured? Is she alright? I want to see her!" Ye Qingran declared as he rushed forward.

"Please wait, Young Lord! The young lady's chamber..." Mo Li quickly stepped in front of him to block his way.

"Are you tired of saying that? I'm not going to do anything to her! I just want to check on her. Step aside!" Ye Qingran waved his hand, creating a gust of wind that propelled him forward, and in an instant, he pushed the door open and entered the room.

Ye Qingran had used seventy percent of his strength with that palm strike, and Mo Li didn't dare to meet it head-on, only able to dodge. By the time he evaded, Ye Qingran was already inside. Mo Li could only helplessly watch the main room, unsure whether he should follow him in.

"Ah..." The moment Ye Qingran dashed in, the room was filled with the startled screams of Cai Lian, Ting Xue, and Ting Yu.

"Why are you screaming? No shouting allowed!" Yun Qianyue said irritably. Those little girls always overreacted. She had heard Ye Qingran speaking with Mo Li outside—what was there to scream about? It was just Ye Qingran coming in. She threw off her quilt and glanced around the room, only to see Ye Qingran standing in the middle.

"Y-Young Lord, this is the young lady's private chamber..." Cai Lian stuttered, pointing at Ye Qingran. She had heard the conversation between Mo Li and Ye Qingran but hadn't expected that Mo Li would let him rush in.

Having hurried up the mountain after receiving the news, Ye Qingran was in a flurry to see Yun Qianyue, completely disregarding any notions of propriety. It wasn't until he heard the screams from Cai Lian and caught the warm fragrance of the young lady in the room that he froze. He looked at Cai Lian and the others, noting that they were all in their undergarments, and saw Yun Qianyue pushing aside the quilt, lying in bed and looking at him. His face flushed slightly, but fortunately, the room was dark. He forced himself to suppress his embarrassment and exclaimed, "I know she's dressed!"

It was better that he hadn't said anything, but after speaking, his cheeks and even his neck turned red. He realized he had been rather reckless!

"Well... it's still night... and being seen isn't good..." Cai Lian clasped her arms, feeling uncomfortable even in her undergarments. Ting Xue and Ting Yu looked at Ye Qingran similarly, shrinking back as if they were guarding against a wolf.

Yun Qianyue found it amusing to see the three girls react so strongly; ancient customs placed too much emphasis on propriety between men and women. They were all dressed—was it really that serious? Seeing Ye Qingran's unnatural expression, she waved her hand to Cai Lian and the others, saying, "Light the lamp and go rest! The Young Lord was just worried about me; it's no big deal!"

"Miss, that won't do!" Cai Lian immediately shook her head and urged Ye Qingran, "Young Lord, if you wish to see the young lady, there's no need to rush at this moment! Just listen to how you've startled everyone in the temple. If word gets out that you're here in the young lady's room, wouldn't that ruin her reputation? You should leave quickly!"

"I was too hasty! I never thought the monk would ring the bell!" Ye Qingran said in frustration, turning to leave. "I'll go out now!"

"No need! Come back!" Seeing Ye Qingran still in his armor, dusty from the journey and likely having rushed over without even changing clothes, Yun Qianyue felt a pang of sympathy for him. She waved to Cai Lian, saying, "Light the lamp! I'll talk with the Young Lord for a bit."

"Miss..." Cai Lian looked at Yun Qianyue anxiously.

"Cai Lian! You're getting more disobedient by the day!" Yun Qianyue's expression turned stern. "Do you want me to sell you off?"

"I'll light the lamp right away!" Cai Lian hurriedly went to light the lamp, and as soon as it was lit, she scurried out.

Ting Xue and Ting Yu followed suit, huddling together as they passed by Ye Qingran and left the room.

Ye Qingran's face remained a bit red, not daring to look at Yun Qianyue as he stood with his back turned.

Seeing his awkward expression, Yun Qianyue couldn't help but laugh, wrapping herself in the quilt as she sat up. She thought to herself how amusing Ye Qingran was...

"Hey, what are you laughing at? You little girl, I'm worried about you!" Ye Qingran turned slightly, looking at Yun Qianyue with a mixture of anger and embarrassment. Though he was undisciplined and headstrong, he had never barged into a woman's chamber before. Now, with Yun Qianyue laughing at him, he felt he was losing face.

"I know you're worried about me, but was it necessary to make such a big fuss just to come see me?" Yun Qianyue said cheerfully, tilting her head to look at Ye Qingran, who was so cute she almost wanted to take a bite out of him.

"I was just thinking about whether you were rescued! How would I know it would cause such a commotion?" Ye Qingran grumbled, "Those bald monks are really making a big deal out of nothing."

Yun Qianyue couldn't help but twitch her lips. Here he was, sneaking in at midnight without a sound and then complaining about others being alarmed? Seeing Ye Qingran's expression darken, she didn't dare provoke him further. Instead, she turned to Mo Li outside and said, "Mo Li, go find a monk and let him know that the person who entered the temple is Young Lord Ran, and tell everyone to go back to rest!"

"Understood, Miss!" Mo Li replied and stepped out.

Yun Qianyue looked at Ye Qingran still standing there, smiling as she said, "Sit down!"

Ye Qingran dusted off his clothes and sat down on a chair, still a little red in the face. He asked Yun Qianyue, "What exactly happened? I've been worried ever since I heard you and that weak beauty were trapped in the underground shrine. I only learned this afternoon from Tianyu's messenger, so I rushed over."

"You didn't hear? Is the news from the Military Headquarters so cut off?" Yun Qianyue raised her eyebrows.

"It's not that the Military Headquarters is cut off; it's that there hasn't been a whisper of news outside. That's why I didn't know," Ye Qingran said. "If I had known earlier, I would have come sooner instead of waiting until today."