The Dandy's Duchess

Chapter 187: Dark and Boundless (3)

QingShang stood up and, noticing Yun Qianyue had not moved and showed no signs of wanting to eat, softly asked, "Miss, I've had Old Medicine Master keep your meals warm in the kitchen. Would you like to have dinner now, and we can go to your quarters?"
"Alright!" Yun Qianyue nodded, standing up.

QingShang immediately led the way, and the two exited the study.
The cool breeze whispered in the quiet night, and Yun Qianyue looked up at the dark sky. There was neither moonlight nor starlight. She lowered her gaze and followed QingShang toward her room.

"Miss Qianyue is finally out! I'll bring you your medicinal food now." Old Medicine Master's voice came from inside the room as he stepped out, clearly waiting for Yun Qianyue.
"Sorry to trouble you." Yun Qianyue smiled apologetically.
Old Medicine Master chuckled as he headed for the kitchen.

"You need not apologize, Miss. When my master left, he instructed us to take good care of you. It's our duty," QingShang said, glancing back with a smile. She noticed how Yun Qianyue wasn't like the typical noble lady, being easygoing and kind to the servants, making her very approachable and likable.

"You're right. Your master must be worried I'll embarrass him by working too hard," Yun Qianyue huffed, wondering what could have been so important that Rongjing had to leave personally.
QingShang smiled softly but said nothing.

Yun Qianyue regarded her. She found QingShang much more composed and capable than the other maids—Cailian, Ting Xue, and Ting Yu. She smiled and asked, "QingShang, are you married?"
QingShang paused, the light from the lantern casting a soft glow on her face, and shook her head. "Not yet."
Yun Qianyue nodded, deciding not to probe further. No matter how capable she was, QingShang wasn't someone she could pursue, especially since she wasn't married.

They reached the eastern wing's warm alcove shortly. QingShang pulled aside the curtain and said respectfully, "Miss, here we are."
Yun Qianyue walked in. The room was elegantly arranged, with jade curtains, silken screens, and delicate furnishings—nothing too lavish, but refined and comfortable. It resembled her quarters at Prince Yun's residence. She scanned the room before sitting at the table. Casually, she asked, "Did your master used to have women staying here? How else would there be a room like this?"
QingShang put out the lantern with a smile and shook her head. "No, this room was prepared recently when my master learned Miss would be staying here. Before, it was his small study. When he didn't want to use the study, he'd come here."
"Oh, I see!" Yun Qianyue lazily leaned over the table.

Footsteps and the fragrant smell of food soon approached, and QingShang excused herself to greet it. In no time, she returned with a full spread of dishes. Yun Qianyue had not felt hungry earlier, but as soon as the food arrived, her appetite kicked in. She quickly picked up her chopsticks and asked, "Did Old Medicine Master prepare all of this?"
"Yes, Old Medicine Master not only grows herbs and flowers, but he's also skilled in medicine and cooking," QingShang replied with a smile as she looked at the spread. "These dishes are based on the menu my master selected, the ones he thought you'd like."

"Then the hibiscus fish is his creation too?" Yun Qianyue's eyes lit up. Maybe she could always have hibiscus fish if she befriended Old Medicine Master.
"Not exactly, Miss. Old Medicine Master can make many delicious dishes, but hibiscus fish is a dish that even he can't master." QingShang shook her head with a smile.
Yun Qianyue's face fell. "Who can make it then? The other day, who made it?"
"I can't say, Miss. My master told us to keep it a secret," QingShang replied, shaking her head.

Yun Qianyue clicked her tongue and muttered under her breath, "He's just using that against me. One day, when I've corrected this new habit of laziness, let's see what he uses to threaten me with then."
QingShang smiled but remained silent. She thought to herself how charming and pure-hearted Yun Qianyue was. Such straightforwardness in a lady was rare nowadays.

After the meal, Yun Qianyue stretched and yawned, feeling lethargic and unwilling to move.
QingShang cleaned up the dishes and returned. Seeing Yun Qianyue slumped on the table, she gently said, "Miss, you've probably overexerted yourself these past days. You should rest now. If you need anything, just call for me."
"Alright," Yun Qianyue replied, heading to the bed.

QingShang closed the door behind her and quietly left.

Yun Qianyue had expected to sleep for a long time, but by the time the sun barely rose the next day, she woke up, fully refreshed and without a hint of tiredness. She got out of bed, practiced Tai Chi for a while, and stretched her limbs before opening the door.
QingShang, who had just gotten up, seemed surprised to see Yun Qianyue so energetic. After greeting her, she entered to assist with washing and preparing breakfast.

After breakfast, Yun Qianyue remembered she wanted to compare the information she had absorbed with the books in Rongjing's study to see how closely they matched. She immediately headed to the study with enthusiasm.
QingShang saw her off at the door, cautioning, "Miss, take care of yourself. Don't hesitate to call for me if you need anything."
"Got it!" Yun Qianyue waved and closed the study door behind her.

QingShang stood there for a moment, gazing at the door. She thought to herself, Who said Miss Qianyue couldn't read? A person who can spend three days straight reading without sleep can't possibly be illiterate. And Miss even cured my master's chronic cold poison—how could she be as the rumors say?

"QingShang, Master just sent a letter asking about Miss Qianyue's condition," Qingquan said as he approached, glancing at the study door. He lowered his voice and continued, "Miss Qianyue only came out of the study at midnight last night, and today she's already up early and back in. Why is Master so ruthless? I don't think Miss Qianyue will gain weight during her stay here—she might even lose some."
"I agree, but since Master gave such strict orders, there must be a reason. We just need to report Miss Qianyue's situation to him," QingShang replied.
"Mmm." QingShang nodded thoughtfully, then lowered her voice and asked, "By the way, do you know where Master went? He used to tell us when he left, but this time he's keeping it a secret from us too."