The Dandy's Duchess

Chapter 179: Entering the Hall (1)

After Rongjing's words fell, neither of the two young noblemen responded. They couldn't tear their gaze away from Yun Qianyue, completely missing what Rongjing had just said. Each thought to himself, Is this truly the infamous Miss Qianyue of the Yun Prince's residence, the one known throughout the capital as an incorrigible wastrel who can't even read?

Now, seeing her standing there elegantly, dressed in noble purple, with a serene and refined beauty, she seemed worlds apart from her reputation.

Rongjing cast a glance at Yun Qianyue and, noting her expressionless face, veiled the slight chill in his eyes. He then said to the two men, "Arrange for him to stay in Cuihua Pavilion."

The two young men nodded absentmindedly.

Turning, Rongjing began to walk further into the residence, with Yun Qianyue following.

"Your Grace, the Old Lord asked that you visit his study when you return," said Rong Fu, the head steward of the Prince's residence. Though he had encountered Miss Qianyue in the past, she hadn't left quite the impression she did now.

"I'll go after I settle Miss Qianyue," Rongjing responded without looking back.

"Yes!" Steward Rong Fu replied respectfully and fell silent.

"Brother, you're going to teach her how to read? And she... she's going to stay in our residence? That doesn't seem appropriate," murmured Rong Linglan, her eyes fixed on Yun Qianyue's silhouette as she followed closely behind Rongjing. How could she deserve such attentions from her brilliant brother, even being allowed to stay in the Rong Prince's residence?

"There's nothing inappropriate about it. Since the Heir of the Yun Prince's residence is tending to the princess, and she is left unattended, the Old Lord entrusted her care to me," Rongjing replied coolly. Then, glancing back at Rong Linglan, he added, "As I was leaving the residence earlier, I noticed the young princess of the Xiao Prince's residence headed toward the Prime Minister's residence—likely to pay a visit to Miss Qin. If you're free, why not join them?"

"You're quite concerned about her," Yun Qianyue muttered under her breath.

"The Prime Minister's residence is conveniently located on the same street as the Crown Prince's residence," Rongjing commented with a light smile, giving Yun Qianyue a knowing look.

Realization dawned on Yun Qianyue, and she understood his intention.

"Yes, Your Grace is right! I should indeed go check on Yuning," Rong Linglan exclaimed, abandoning all thoughts of debating Yun Qianyue's residency in the Prince's residence. She hurriedly ordered a carriage to be prepared, suspecting that Leng Shuli likely had her eyes on the Crown Prince rather than Miss Qin. With the Crown Prince having shown her newfound favor recently, she needed to seize the opportunity to secure his affections.

"Second Sister, weren't you going to take us shopping? I heard the rouge shop on West Street just stocked some exquisite new rouge. Won't you be getting any?" one of the young women beside her, the Fourth Miss of the Rong Prince's residence, asked.

"That's right, and not only that! The Jade Pavilion on East Street also received some lovely new jewelry designs. I heard they're quite unique," added the Fifth Miss.

"We'll go tomorrow!" said Rong Linglan, dismissing their concerns. "If you're in a rush, feel free to go without me."

Understanding her intentions, the two pouted but didn't press further.

Rong Linglan ignored them, stepping into her carriage as soon as it was prepared and swiftly heading toward the Crown Prince's residence.

"Doesn't Second Aunt have any say over Second Sister? How can she allow her to visit the Crown Prince's residence so frequently?" Fourth Miss commented. She was the legitimate daughter of the third lord in the Rong Prince's residence, titled according to her family's generational rank.

"Fourth Sister, do you really think Second Aunt would stop her? If anything, she's eager for Second Sister to marry into the Crown Prince's residence," Fifth Miss replied. She, the legitimate daughter of the fourth lord in the residence, watched Rong Linglan's carriage depart with a slight pout.

"I don't see what's so impressive about the Crown Prince. Personally, I think the Fourth Prince is much better," Fourth Miss mused.

"The Fourth Prince is indeed impressive, but that's only because you haven't met the Seventh Prince. If you had, you'd change your mind. The Seventh Prince is superior to both the Crown Prince and the Fourth Prince!" Fifth Miss insisted.

"The Seventh Prince? You mean the one who was exiled to the northern border five years ago because of his mother's crimes?" Fourth Miss asked.

"Yes, him. Five years ago, when he went to the border, there was already unrest there. Many officials had lost their lives, and no one could control the situation. The Emperor had even planned to send in the army to suppress it. But the Seventh Prince managed to resolve it singlehandedly. The Emperor was so impressed that he absolved him of any guilt by association and allowed him to stay at the northern border for training. Over the years, he's continued to distinguish himself, and the Emperor has rewarded him repeatedly, even promoting him three ranks last year when he alleviated the northern drought by diverting water through the mountains. It's said the Emperor has permitted him to return to the capital, but the Seventh Prince declined, stating he'd rather remain at the border to protect the Heavenly Saint Dynasty. The Emperor praised him as a true son of the dynasty!" Fifth Miss spoke in hushed tones, but her admiration was unmistakable.

"I see! Then, the Seventh Prince truly is remarkable." Fourth Miss nodded, also looking somewhat awestruck. Then she turned to Fifth Miss with a curious smile. "When did you meet him? How do you know so much about him?"

Fifth Miss's cheeks flushed as she replied, "Five years ago, I caught a glimpse of him from afar when he was leaving the capital."

"Oh, that was the time you snuck out to play and nearly got your legs broken by Fourth Aunt upon your return," Fourth Miss recalled with a knowing look.

"Yes." Fifth Miss nodded.

Fourth Miss studied her sister's expression, realizing she likely harbored a deep infatuation for the Seventh Prince. Although she admired his accomplishments, she was more skeptical. "Even if he has military achievements and the Emperor's favor, what does it matter? His mother was disgraced, and her entire family was implicated. He stands alone, with no status high enough to surpass the Crown Prince or the Fourth Prince. The Crown Prince's mother may lack nobility, but she was raised under the Empress's tutelage. Meanwhile, the Fourth Prince's mother came from a noble lineage and was the late Lady Chen of high standing. Regardless of his merits, the Seventh Prince cannot compare in status to either of them."