The Dandy's Duchess

Chapter 161: The Fated Ones (8)

"Yes, let's be on our way!" Ye Tianqing nodded. "Sister Lan, why don't you ride in my carriage on the way back? I'll take you straight to Yun Prince's residence. My carriage is better equipped, and since you're weak, it wouldn't do for you to endure any jolting."

"Is your carriage superior to one made of agarwood?" Yun Qianyue countered.

Ye Tianqing froze, casting a glance at Rongjing. He forced a smile. "While my carriage isn't made of agarwood, like His Highness', it's lined with white tiger fur and silk velvet bedding, layered multiple times. You won't feel any jolting."

"A poor-quality carriage will still jolt, no matter how well it's furnished," Yun Qianyue dismissed his offer. Then, ignoring Ye Qingran's slightly sour expression, she turned to Rongjing. "What are you sitting around for? Get up and pack up so we can leave! You brought me here, so you have to take me back. One should start what they finish. Understand?"

"Understood!" Rongjing chuckled, rising to his feet and walking toward the exit. "Then let's go. The carriage is parked at the temple gate. You're not expecting me to carry you there, are you? I'd hardly be able to manage."

"Of course not!" Yun Qianyue followed him, then paused. "Hey, are we just leaving like this? What about our things? Are we abandoning them?"

"You worry too much—you're already suited to run a household. There's someone to handle it; you don't need to bother. Let's go!" Rongjing didn't turn back, his steps as graceful and unhurried as ever.

Yun Qianyue thought he was right. She couldn't help it—she was just a natural worrier! With that, she followed him out without glancing back at anyone, moving forward as if there was no one else around.

"Brother Se, Sister Lan, wait for me! I'm coming with you!" Rong Xi hurried after them.

Yun Muhan, who had been silent, also rose and followed them.

Ye Qingran stood up and declared, "I won't miss out on a good carriage if I can help it—I'm joining the agarwood carriage too!" He was out the door before finishing his sentence.

Ye Tianyu immediately followed, stepping quickly to catch up with Ye Qingran. "If you're taking the agarwood carriage, I'll ride your horse back! That horse is as good as a Ferghana, and I've never ridden it!"

"Dream on!" Ye Qingran's voice called back.

"If you're not using the horse, I'll ride it!" Ye Tianyu shot back, undeterred.

The sound of fists and kicks echoed from a distance as the two fought.

Ye Tianqing's expression darkened, a stormy look clouding his face. He had lowered himself, treating Yun Qianyue kindly, yet she seemed oblivious, utterly ungrateful! What woman dared behave like this with him? And then there was Rongjing... Rongjing...

His hand clenched tightly inside his sleeve. What was Rongjing trying to achieve? Indulging Yun Qianyue's every whim, shielding her at every turn, as though he genuinely thought he could marry her. The Yun Prince's residence aligning with the Rong Prince's residence? Dream on! Perhaps it was time he persuaded the emperor to arrange a marriage for Rongjing, one that did not involve Yun Qianyue.

"Your Highness, could Linglan ride in your carriage? Mine is rather bumpy," Rong Linglan murmured, biting her lip. She felt bitterly indignant. How had Yun Qianyue drawn everyone's attention? Even His Highness, who had previously dismissed her, had stooped so low to show her favor, and yet she remained ungrateful.

Ye Tianqing looked up at Rong Linglan, whose face was expectant and nervous. This was how a woman should gaze at him, craving his attention, loving and longing for him. Her adoration used to comfort him, but now it meant nothing. His mind was filled with Yun Qianyue's cold and aloof expression.

"Your Highness?" Rong Linglan asked again, mustering her courage.

"Very well, you may ride with me." Ye Tianqing, his irritation gone, nodded to her, then turned to Yun Prince. "Prince Yun, let us depart as well."

"Of course, Your Highness," Prince Yun replied, sensing the undercurrents of tension. Rongjing certainly treated Qianyue well, as did Prince Qingran. With a sigh, he grew uneasy, hoping things would not spiral out of control. Even if she didn't marry the crown prince, the emperor would never allow her to wed the Rong or De Prince. The royal family would never permit such alliances between powerful houses. He rose and walked toward the exit.

Ye Tianqing also rose and headed outside.

Rong Linglan was delighted by the prince's consent, lingering for a moment before gathering her skirts and hurrying after him.

The two female physicians trailed behind them, with Cai Lian, Ting Xue, and Ting Yu returning to the room to pack.

At the Lingtai Temple gate, Master Lingyin, Abbot Ciyun, and several prominent monks were already waiting. When they saw Rongjing and the others emerge, they joined their hands in a respectful gesture. "Amitabha!"

Yun Qianyue, trailing behind Rongjing, sighed. Despite her efforts, she hadn't avoided encountering this old monk again. Acting as though she hadn't seen him, she stepped past Rongjing and made her way toward the carriage.

"Please wait, Lady Qianyue!" Master Lingyin's booming voice stopped her.

Yun Qianyue ignored him, continuing her way forward.

"Amitabha! Please wait, Lady Qianyue!" Master Lingyin stepped in front of her, blocking her path.

Yun Qianyue was forced to stop, eyeing him. He certainly looked like a deity in his flowing robes, the quintessential monk. Taking a step back, she raised her hands in a gesture of prayer and said loudly, "Amitabha! Master, they say Buddha is merciful, yet you're not showing any mercy!"

Master Lingyin hesitated. "What do you mean, Lady Qianyue?"

"Can't you see I don't want to see you? Please, have mercy and let me pass!" Yun Qianyue said, making a pleading gesture.

As she spoke, Rongjing's low laugh echoed beside her, barely audible but unmistakable.

Yun Qianyue shot him a glare. This damn man—why hadn't he warned her that a persistent monk would be waiting here?

"Ahaha! Sister Lan, you're truly one of us! So many people would give anything to meet Master Lingyin, yet you want nothing to do with him. You really are my kind of person!" Ye Qingran laughed, amused by her mock piety. This young girl was winning him over.