The Dandy's Duchess

Chapter 182: Entering the Hall (4)

Rongjing looked at Yun Qianyue with an innocent expression. "I did tell you that I have plenty of money, even asked if you'd like to count it. You said no and told me to save it for my burial fund. How could you blame me now?"

Yun Qianyue faltered, recalling that he had indeed mentioned it. It was that day he picked her up at the Prince Yun's Mansion to go to Lingtai Temple, but she'd only thought he was rich—not to this ridiculous extent. After a pause, she huffed, "How was I supposed to know you had enough to fund a thousand burials?"

"Now that you know, it's not too late; you could still count it." Rongjing gave a light smile and lowered his voice. "Besides, who dislikes having more money? Those twelve golden Buddhas—if you hadn't acted when you did, they'd have gone straight to Ye Tianqing. Hiding them wasn't a bad decision."

"That's true!" Yun Qianyue nodded, feeling a bit better. She thought of the twelve Buddhas hidden beneath Lingtai Temple and frowned, "But how will I get them out?"

Rongjing looked at her with no intention of interrupting.

"I'll leave that to you; you handle retrieving them for me," she said, realizing that without her martial arts or any means, she couldn't manage it herself. She'd just rely on him.

"Fine!" Rongjing agreed readily.

"Agh, I'm starving! Let's eat!" Yun Qianyue stopped overthinking and walked straight toward his room, completely unfazed by the fact that she was a guest.

The gardener, maid, and young boy nearby stared in shock. They watched as she strolled casually inside, then turned to Rongjing. They saw a rare softness in his gaze, his handsome features seemingly touched by warmth, as if the years of coldness had finally melted away. The three exchanged glances, both glad and a bit sorrowful. They had heard rumors about his unique treatment of Yun Qianyue, but now they realized the extent. Who else would dare to mock him openly? Even the Emperor deferred to him. They silently vowed never to cross this Miss Yun.

"Qingshang, have you prepared that room?" Rongjing asked the maid.

"Yes, Your Grace," Qingshang nodded.

"Good. She'll be living here in the mansion, so you'll be in charge of attending to her needs," he instructed.

"Yes, I'll be sure to serve Miss Qianyue well," Qingshang promised earnestly.

Rongjing gave a small smile and shook his head. "No need to overdo it. Just treat her as you do everything else here—tidy up daily. She's here to learn, not to be pampered."

Qingshang blinked in surprise, then nodded. "Understood."

Yun Qianyue, overhearing from inside, rolled her eyes. She wasn't sure if she even qualified as valuable compared to his luxurious possessions. She didn't need much attending, anyway.

Rongjing turned to the boy. "Qingquan, is the study prepared?"

"Yes, Your Grace. It's exactly as you instructed," Qingquan responded promptly.

"Good." Rongjing nodded, then addressed the older man. "Master Yao, her health is still weak, both in spirit and body, and her martial arts are gone. I'll have to rely on your help to include proper medicinal meals."

"Of course, Your Grace," the old man chuckled. "Even if I did nothing else, I'd make sure you and Miss Qianyue recover fully."

"I trust you." Rongjing gave a small nod and stepped inside.

Seeing him enter, the three exchanged looks again, beaming as they returned to their tasks.

Rongjing entered to find Yun Qianyue lounging comfortably on his jade-warmed bed, stretching herself out as if trying it out. He raised an eyebrow and asked with a smile, "What are you doing? Thinking of taking a nap?"

"Never laid on such a high-end bed before, just testing it out." Yun Qianyue enjoyed the warmth underneath her, sighing at the comfort.

"Want me to give it to you?" Rongjing offered.

"Give it to me?" Yun Qianyue sat up, eyeing him suspiciously.

"I started sleeping on this bed after my injuries at age seven. Otherwise, do you think I could've survived the last ten years?" He sat down beside her, his words light, as if those years of suffering were nothing.

Yun Qianyue ran her hand over the warm jade surface, remembering that he'd been forced to take a cold poison pill, leaving him with an affliction of extreme cold. She clicked her tongue, "No thanks. This bed has your scheming scent; I'm afraid sleeping on it would rub off on me."

She jumped down and sauntered to the table, sitting lazily.

"There's a saying, 'One is influenced by those around them,' right?" Rongjing glanced at her with a subtle, meaningful look. "Soon enough, we'll be spending a lot of time together. You might end up changed whether you sleep on the bed or not."

"It's just for this study period," she scoffed. "I can handle your bad influence."

Pouring herself a cup of tea, she took a sip and marveled, "This is top-grade Maojian tea! Didn't expect you'd have it here—one of my absolute favorites!"

"About the tea," Rongjing's eyes flashed with a hint of mystery. "Is that what you'd call it?"

"Isn't it?" She tilted her head, curious.

"This tea was found by Master Yao in the Yunwu Ridge this year. He thought it tasted wonderful and brought some back, but it's yet unnamed." He met her gaze and added, "Since you think 'Maojian' suits it, I'd say that name is perfectly fitting."

Oh, great, so now she'd even named his tea? Yun Qianyue's mouth twitched, temporarily at a loss for words.