The Dandy's Duchess

Chapter 168: Not Fated with Buddha (6)

"Stinky girl, stop looking. No flowers will bloom on the roof," Old Lord Yun said.

"Yun Qianyue, listen to your grandfather. He only wants what's best for you. The Young Master Jing is exceptionally talented, second to none. If you can receive his guidance, it will be a blessing for you. I see that Young Master Jing treats you quite well. Tomorrow, go to the Rong Prince's residence and ask him for help; he will surely agree," Prince Yun also advised.

"Alright, let's settle this! Tomorrow, Cold Boy, head to the palace early, and you should also go to the Rong Prince's residence early," Old Lord Yun said, waving his hand to dismiss them. "Now leave me! You're both just an eyesore."

"Don't worry! I won't trouble you again!" Yun Qianyue huffed angrily, throwing down the words and leaving the room in a huff. She had already made up her mind to avoid that sharp-tongued scoundrel for life, and now she had to go begging him the very next day! This was simply... infuriating beyond measure!

Standing at the entrance of Old Lord Yun's courtyard, Yun Qianyue felt a surge of unexplainable anger and despair. Had she been too weak in her demeanor? Did that make her a target for bullying? Shouldn't she toughen up and display the resolve and presence of the twenty-first-century self that wouldn't let anyone look down on her?

But if she did that, would she still be Yun Qianyue, or would she become like Li Yun?

She was now Yun Qianyue, someone infatuated and foolish over a man, someone who had been bullied by the concubines and illegitimate daughters of the Yun family. Yun Qianyue couldn't read a word, let alone manage accounts. If she suddenly transformed from a foolish waste to a genius, what would happen?

She had made up her mind to live lazily, to be a parasite who wanted to be cared for by others, not to stand out, not to seek glory or sacrifice her talents for the country. What should she do?

Endure!

Yun Qianyue took a deep breath, but the oppressive days were simply unbearable!

"If you really don't want to go, I can tell Grandfather to keep you by my side. I can accompany the Princess Qingwan and teach you to read and write at the same time. How does that sound?" Yun Muhan walked out and asked her.

"No need!" Yun Qianyue glanced back at him and stormed off toward Shallow Moon Pavilion.

Watching her retreating figure, Yun Muhan couldn't help but chuckle wryly. She was probably still resentful about him making her consult Master Lingyin. Glancing back at Old Lord Yun's room, seeing that the old man hadn't come out, he turned and walked toward his courtyard.

Inside Old Lord Yun's room, after Yun Qianyue and Yun Muhan had left, Prince Yun spoke softly, "After all, Yun Qianyue is an unmarried young lady. Having her stay with Young Master Jing every day might attract gossip, which is probably not appropriate. I think it's better to wait until Cold Boy has accompanied the princess for a while and then teach her."

"What's inappropriate? I see no problem. You don't need to worry about this," Old Lord Yun waved his hand dismissively.

Prince Yun wanted to say more, but seeing Old Lord Yun's unwillingness to listen, he had no choice but to swallow his words and bow out of the room.

As the three of them left in succession, Old Lord Yun looked at the mess on the table and muttered angrily, "Stinky girl! If I can't deal with you, I'll have wasted my time as your grandfather!"

After Prince Yun left Old Lord Yun's courtyard, he couldn't shake off the feeling that it wasn't appropriate for Yun Qianyue and Rong Jing to learn together. Even though the customs of the Heavenly Saint Dynasty were open, there would likely be gossip. He wondered how Old Lord Yun could be so naive. Did he truly think that Yun Qianyue would marry Young Master Jing? Surely, the emperor wouldn't allow that!

"Father!" Just then, a sweet voice called out to him.

Prince Yun looked up to see Yun Xianghe being helped over by her maid, her hand still wrapped in white cloth. He tucked away his thoughts and asked, "Why aren't you resting in your courtyard? Why are you out and about now?"

"I heard that my sister had an incident at Lingtai Temple, and I was quite worried. After all, she's still my sister. I haven't been a good sister in the past, but I've realized a lot these days. We share the same blood, and we're bound by family ties! So, I came out to see you, Father. But upon hearing you were in Grandfather's courtyard, I hurried over," Yun Xianghe said softly, her tone sincere.

"Good, I'm glad you're thinking this way. You sisters should get along well in the future. She has faced a terrible ordeal, but fortunately, she's safe. That counts as a blessing. She just returned to her own courtyard; you should go see her," Prince Yun said, nodding in appreciation. No matter what, he had watched Yun Xianghe grow up and felt she had good character. He blamed the current troubles on the now-degraded Concubine Feng, thinking she had not taught her daughters well.

"Yes, I will go check on my sister now," Yun Xianghe obediently lowered her head.

"Go on then!" Prince Yun waved her off as he headed toward his study.

Once Prince Yun left, Yun Xianghe lifted her head, her beautiful eyes revealing a vicious glint. She had heard that Yun Qianyue had lost her martial arts skills and thought that was hardly a minor incident! A woman who couldn't read and write, who was left with nothing but her former martial prowess—what could she possibly be worth now? She sneered and headed toward Shallow Moon Pavilion.

When Yun Qianyue returned to Shallow Moon Pavilion, she found that Cai Lian, Ting Xue, and Ting Yu had all returned.

Zhao Mama had tears in her eyes as she welcomed her, taking her hands to inspect her from head to toe. Seeing that Yun Qianyue was unharmed, she finally felt relieved and gently advised her, "I heard that you've lost your martial arts skills, but that's not so serious. No matter how good your martial arts are, your life is what matters most. As long as you're safe, that's the best thing. You can slowly practice your martial arts again if you like; just don't be too upset."

"Mm!" Yun Qianyue smiled and nodded. Looking at Zhao Mama and the attendants' genuinely concerned faces warmed her heart, dispelling much of her frustration. She stepped inside.

Shallow Moon Pavilion remained as she had left it—tidy, clean, and fragrant with blooming orchids.

Yun Qianyue was surrounded by her attendants as she entered the room.

"While you were away, the residence has been quite peaceful. Nothing major happened. Only the third and fifth concubines came by to inquire about the accounts. I told them you took them to study. Although their expressions weren't great, they didn't trouble me," Zhao Mama said with a smile.