The Dandy's Duchess

Chapter 159: The Fated Ones (7)

"Although Brother Muhan's medical skills can't be called unmatched in the world, he is indeed among the best. How can he not be better than these two female physicians from the Imperial Medical Bureau? I think Your Royal Highness is being overly cautious," Ye Qingran remarked, casting a sidelong glance at Ye Tianqing. His voice was loud and unrestrained. "Doesn't the Emperor and Empress trust Brother Muhan? Do they think that if there's something seriously wrong with Sister Yue, he would hide it?"

"Qingran is right. I also think Your Royal Highness is being overly cautious," Ye Tianyu agreed.

"Perhaps I am being overly cautious, but it's only for Sister Yue's benefit," Ye Tianqing responded, shooting a glance at Ye Qingran and Ye Tianyu before turning to Rongjing. "What does Young Master Rong think? After all, ensuring Sister Yue's complete safety is not a bad idea."

As Ye Tianqing finished speaking, everyone turned their attention to Rongjing.

Yun Qianyue also looked toward Rongjing.

With a faint smile, Rongjing casually asked Ye Tianqing, "Are you truly worried about Sister Yue's health, or do you want to see if I have engaged in any unchivalrous behavior with her that would ruin her reputation?"

The room fell silent in shock. Although everyone generally understood Ye Tianqing's intentions, they were surprised by Rongjing's directness. Their expressions varied, particularly Ye Tianqing, whose face suddenly stiffened.

Yun Qianyue suddenly laughed, her clear voice breaking the tense atmosphere. "I think that's exactly what he means. Rongjing, your character really is questionable. No wonder people are suspicious of you!"

"I believe I have always acted in accordance with proper conduct," Rongjing sighed.

"You, a weak beauty, can barely take care of yourself—relying on others for everything. How could you even think of having unchivalrous intentions? It's ridiculous for the Crown Prince to suspect you. Truly, your character leaves much to be desired," Ye Qingran scoffed.

"I have always believed in Young Master Rong's character. Others may be unchivalrous toward him, but he would never be unchivalrous toward anyone else! Sister Yue's impulsiveness can outmatch anyone!" Ye Tianyu winked at Yun Qianyue with a smile.

"Haha..." Ye Qingran suddenly burst into laughter, looking at Rongjing. "By your reasoning, it's not Sister Yue who should be examined, but Young Master Rong himself! Let's see if Sister Yue has violated this weak beauty!"

Yun Qianyue turned away, feeling embarrassed. Did she really seem that desperate? Although, she recalled almost toppling Rongjing that day.

Rongjing seemed unfazed, his expression unchanged as he replied with a faint smile, "That may be true. In that case, Your Royal Highness should examine me. It's possible that I have been bullied by her."

Yun Qianyue rolled her eyes. Could she really bully this heartless person?

"Since that's the case, then Your Royal Highness should let these two female physicians examine Young Master Rong first!" Ye Qingran laughed, looking at Ye Tianqing.

Hearing the banter, Ye Tianqing's expression fluctuated, his handsome face shifting from blue to white. He fell into silence.

Seeing this, Rong Linglan couldn't stand it anymore. She felt sorry for Ye Tianqing and immediately spoke up. "Your Royal Highness is acting out of kindness. This is a blessing from the Emperor and Empress! These two female physicians from the Imperial Medical Bureau have impressive qualifications; they only treat the Empress, the Imperial Concubines, and the Princesses. Sister Yue shouldn't take the Crown Prince's goodwill for granted."

Yun Qianyue glanced at Rong Linglan, noticing her angry expression. She thought to herself, if a woman is infatuated with a man, she might as well be a fool. If Ye Tianqing weren't a prince, would Rong Linglan still care for him?

"Miss Rong is correct; the Crown Prince means well. Yue, you should agree!" Lord Yun sighed, looking at Yun Qianyue. "Just now, your grandfather sent someone to inform me that he wants you to return with me today. After the examination by the two female physicians, it will be easier for us to leave. Otherwise, it will get late."

"Return?" Yun Qianyue looked at Lord Yun. "What about the investigation into the matter of my unjust suffering?"

Lord Yun shook his head. "As for you and Young Master Rong's ordeal, there are currently no leads. The Emperor has ordered the Dali Temple to investigate the case of you and Young Master Rong's suffering, along with the disappearance of the Twelve Golden Statues. It won't be resolved in a day or two. Besides, we are in a place of Buddhist tranquility; having so many of us here is indeed disruptive. It's better for you and Young Master Rong to return to the capital to recuperate."

Yun Qianyue looked at Rongjing.

"That sounds reasonable," Rongjing nodded, his expression warm. He then turned to Yun Qianyue and said gently, "You should come out now and let the two female physicians examine you in front of everyone. Since you're innocent, why should you allow others to cast suspicion behind your back? Moreover, this concerns my reputation as well. After the examination, we can leave. It is indeed a place of Buddhist tranquility. Our extended stay here is affecting the monks' practice."

"Oh, how unfortunate for this little prince! I just wanted to play here a few more days, and now it seems I have to return to the capital," Ye Qingran lamented, waving his hand. "Since that's the case, hurry up and let them examine you. We can race back after heading down the mountain."

"She's weak right now; how can she race with you?" Rongjing glanced at Ye Qingran. "If you're truly bored, you might as well stay here a bit longer. Experiencing the famous Eighteen Arhats Formation of this temple wouldn't be a bad idea."

"Right! It seems a horse race is still a long way off!" Ye Qingran frowned, shaking his head. "With a bunch of bald monks, I wouldn't want to stay here any longer. I'm already tired of this place; the Sutra Repository is the only interesting spot left."

"The Sutra Repository is indeed interesting. Ten years ago, when you went to steal books from the Sutra Repository, you got beaten up and couldn't get out of bed for half a month," Ye Tianyu teased Ye Qingran.

"Can you stop bringing that up? At that time, I had you keeping watch outside. If you hadn't peed your pants and scared the monks, I wouldn't have gotten caught!" Ye Qingran glared at Ye Tianyu. If being beaten by Rongjing's horse was his first great humiliation, then being beaten for stealing books was his second. The latter could have been avoided if it weren't for this unreliable partner.