The Dandy's Duchess

Chapter 171: A Stick to Drive Them Out (3)

"Is this just a small portion?" Third Aunt clicked her tongue in surprise, then turned to look at Fifth Aunt, who wore a similar expression. Seeing the exquisite brocade boxes, they knew these were undoubtedly rare, high-quality supplements. Yet here they were, coming empty-handed—it was indeed inappropriate.

"Are the two madams here to visit Miss Qianyue? Please, go on in! Miss Qianyue is currently in her room," Yun Meng said.

Fifth Aunt immediately shook her head. "We just heard some noise and came to check it out. It's late today, and Miss Qianyue just got back, so she must be exhausted from the journey. We won't go in and disturb her. We'll come tomorrow after she's had a good rest."

"Yes, we'll come by tomorrow," Third Aunt agreed with a nod.

"Very well!" Yun Meng nodded knowingly, aware of their thoughts.

Third Aunt and Fifth Aunt turned and hurried away, each already planning that, should they come tomorrow, their gifts would have to match or surpass the others'. Someone they once disdained had, in the blink of an eye, become the one managing their future welfare. Naturally, they now saw the need to cozy up and gain favor.

Inside Qianyue Pavilion, Cailian's sharp eyes spotted Third Aunt and Fifth Aunt at the doorway. After a brief conversation with Yun Meng, the two left. She whispered to Yun Qianyue, "Miss, Third Aunt and Fifth Aunt just came by. They spoke a couple of words with the chief steward and left."

"Hm." Yun Qianyue, reclining on a divan, responded with a casual swing of her legs.

"Miss, this old servant will prepare some tonic for you. These items brought today are all top-quality. In previous years, there was never this much for your birthday. And each year, Concubine Feng would put all the best gifts into the estate's storeroom, taking them for her own use, leaving only the inferior items for you. This time, everything is of the finest quality!" Aunt Zhao commented as she sorted through the items.

"Just pick the best ones and prepare a few dishes," Yun Qianyue glanced at the tonics. Indeed, they were top-grade, pure, and natural, unlike the synthesized products in the modern world. Her body was weak at the moment, so she would welcome it all.

"Alright, this old servant will get to it immediately," Aunt Zhao replied.

"Yes, make a few extra batches. Cailian, Ting Xue, and Ting Yu have been through a lot with me, so they need some nourishment as well. Let everyone in our courtyard eat their fill. I see everyone looking a bit haggard, as if they've been starved for ages. From now on, they must eat well and regain their health," Yun Qianyue said.

"Miss, you're truly kind-hearted. Alright, I'll go make plenty." Aunt Zhao left, smiling.

Cheerful voices filled the courtyard as everyone called out, "Miss is the best!"

So, this was what it felt like to be appreciated, Yun Qianyue thought with a smile.

That night, everyone in Qianyue Pavilion enjoyed delicacies they'd never tasted before. Laughter echoed throughout the pavilion until the moon rose high above the willows, and only then did they finally rest.

The next morning, just at dawn, Yun Qianyue woke up. Glancing at the sky, she realized it was the same time she used to rise every day in her previous life. She frowned, wondering if, despite being in a new world and in a different body, she was already slipping back into her old routine after just a few days of relaxation. No, that wouldn't do. She was a lady now, and she was determined to make up for all the missed sleep. Closing her eyes, she tried hard to sleep again, but after tossing and turning, she still couldn't doze off. Finally, she threw off the covers and got up.

Pushing open the door, she found the courtyard silent, with Cailian and the others still asleep. An idea struck her, and she chose an empty spot to start practicing Tai Chi, hoping to gradually restore her internal energy.

She practiced the thirteen movements repeatedly, yet her dantian remained devoid of even a hint of qi.

After half an hour, Yun Qianyue stopped. It seemed Rongjing was right; it would take at least a year to regain her strength. Sighing, she glanced at her delicate body and slender wrists. She truly had neither the strength to lift nor carry. Without her martial skills, wouldn't she be utterly defenseless when alone? Pressing her lips together, she resolved that even without internal energy, she needed to build up her physical strength. She might not match her former body, but she could still train herself to be fit.

With this thought, Yun Qianyue began following her previous training regimen, one she had adhered to for over a decade.

An hour later, as the people in Qianyue Pavilion gradually woke up, Yun Qianyue finished her punches, kicks, and other exercises, and sat in a bamboo chair in the courtyard, drenched in sweat.

Having gone to bed late, Cailian was still groggy as she made her way to Yun Qianyue's room. Opening the door and finding it empty, she turned to see her sitting in the courtyard. "Miss, how come you're up so early today?" she asked in surprise.

"Couldn't sleep, so I got up," Yun Qianyue said, standing up and heading back inside.

Cailian nodded, thinking the sun must have risen in the west today. Normally, it was hard to wake the young lady up, so this was rare indeed. She glanced up at the sky, confirming the sun was still in the east, then followed Yun Qianyue inside.

After washing up and enjoying a breakfast of medicinal porridge and tonics, Yun Qianyue lounged lazily in her chair. Sunlight streamed through the window, casting a golden glow on her purple outfit, reflecting a radiant light.

"Miss, weren't you planning to go to Prince Rong's residence today?" Cailian reminded her, noticing Yun Qianyue hadn't moved.

"Hm." Yun Qianyue still didn't budge. "I'll go in a bit."

"It's getting late, and our Yun Prince's residence is two streets away from Prince Rong's. You should get going," Cailian urged.

"Only two streets—no big deal," Yun Qianyue replied, still unmoved.

"True, but those two streets are bustling main roads, so it'll be slower if you wait until later. If you don't leave now, you might end up arriving at lunchtime," Cailian pressed, knowing her young lady didn't really want to go.

Just then, Yun Meng hurried in, his voice coming before he did, "Miss, I've prepared the carriage for you. While you were away at Lingtai Temple, Old Lord specifically had a carriage custom-made for you. He said that since you need to recuperate, you shouldn't be riding a horse; better to take the carriage."

"I'm not that weak!" Yun Qianyue protested.

"Old Lord had your horse taken thirty miles out to a country estate for care. He said when your health and skills are restored, he'll bring it back for you," Yun Meng informed her.