The Dandy's Duchess

Chapter 193: Hidden Guards (4)

Yun Qianyue stayed silent, thinking that as long as Rongjing didn't mind her dragging his reputation down, she was fine with however long she needed to study!

"Just now, Chief Eunuch Lu came to deliver a message from the Emperor, granting you special permission to attend tomorrow's Military Martial Arts Tournament. This is unprecedented in the Heavenly Saint Dynasty, as no woman, not even the Empress, has ever been allowed to witness such an event. I cannot fully understand the Emperor's intentions. I sent people to investigate within the palace, but they found no clues, and the Emperor hasn't mentioned it in court either. Tomorrow, you'll need to be cautious when you attend. I'm afraid the Emperor's motives aren't simple, especially with you nearing your coming-of-age ceremony. He may be assessing you with the intention of discussing a marriage arrangement, or if he doesn't want you in the palace, he may bestow a marriage alliance with someone else," Prince Yun said slowly.

Yun Qianyue felt a chill. She was fifteen this year, not yet fully fifteen years old. In this world, girls came of age at fifteen, and boys at eighteen, when they were considered adults and ready for marriage. But in her world, she would still be a child at that age. Marriage? It felt like an early frost descending.

"In the past, it's been unheard of for women to involve themselves in court affairs. Even the late Empress Zhenjing, renowned for her talents, never stepped into court. The dynasty's literary and martial exams have always been a space for men, a domain for selecting officials for the court. Women's talents are usually tested privately by the Empress, such as in the poetry gathering that you almost attended. Now, the Emperor has specially granted you permission to attend the Military Martial Arts Tournament, which seems quite calculated. I wanted to tell you all this so you'd be prepared; there's no way he'd do this just because of your interest in swordplay. Be alert and flexible if things take a turn," Prince Yun advised gravely.

"Mm!" Yun Qianyue nodded.

"These years, while the Heavenly Saint Dynasty appears prosperous, it's been hollowed out internally. Some smaller nations, initially subdued and brought to heel by the founding Emperor, have grown strong. Chief among them is the Southern Liang Kingdom, which ceased paying tribute to our dynasty a few years ago, signaling a potential threat. Though the Emperor wishes to intimidate Southern Liang, he's never found a suitable pretext to act, making Southern Liang a growing worry. Now, the Crown Prince of Southern Liang has come to the Heavenly Saint Dynasty, ostensibly for the Bathing in Buddha's Light ceremony, and he will likely attend the tournament as well," Prince Yun continued. Then, he asked Yun Qianyue, "Did you see the Southern Liang Crown Prince during the Prayer Festival at Lingtai Temple?"

"No, I was drunk at the time," Yun Qianyue shook her head.

"Ah, I'd heard about that," Prince Yun replied. "It was the wine you drank that ended up with the Southern Liang Crown Prince through Lingyin Master, who entertained him with it after receiving it from Rongjing. I heard the prince was unconscious for several days—Rongjing truly brews a potent wine!" Prince Yun praised.

Yun Qianyue lifted her gaze to the ceiling, cursing Rongjing's cunning internally.

"Crown Prince Rui of Southern Liang is known to be a womanizer, uninterested in state affairs, drifting from one flower to another. Yet, the King of Southern Liang dotes on him as a precious jewel, and he enjoys the full support of Southern Liang's officials. I doubt he's as simple as he appears. Since you didn't meet him before, keep your distance if possible when you see him tomorrow. It's best to avoid interactions with him, considering your position," Prince Yun advised again.

"Mm!" Yun Qianyue nodded, taking it to heart.

"Also, half a month ago, when you were on your way to Prince Rong's residence, you encountered Little Prince Leng of the Filial Prince's Residence, and injured him, killing all twelve of his first-rank hidden guards. Though Rongjing managed to intervene and settle it, I don't believe Old Prince Leng and Little Prince Leng will let it go. You must know it's no small feat to train a hidden guard, and the twelve guards you killed were the closest to Little Prince Leng. So, be cautious when you're out. I don't want him to attack you in secret, putting you at a disadvantage," Prince Yun added.

"Mm!" Yun Qianyue nodded. If Leng Shaozhuo dared to cause trouble again, she wouldn't hesitate to deal with him decisively.

"Although both our Yun family and the Filial Prince's family were originally among the four major clans founded by the Heavenly Saint Dynasty, our Yun family has prospered over generations, with branches and members in influential positions, which has garnered the Emperor's suspicions. What ruler wouldn't feel threatened by such power close to the throne? Especially one wary of outside influence. Our current Emperor is not as open-minded as the founding Emperor was. His attitude towards your aunt is indifferent," Prince Yun said thoughtfully.

"Mm!" Yun Qianyue nodded, recalling her indifferent impressions of her aunt from her previous visit to the palace.

Prince Yun felt he was talking too much, uncertain how much Yun Qianyue was truly absorbing. Yet, he wanted to let her know everything, so he continued, "The Filial Prince's family, on the other hand, has produced weak successors each generation, which has caused their power to wane. In recent years, however, it seems the Emperor has been subtly supporting their family to maintain a balance, which has emboldened them. Given your repeated clashes with Little Prince Leng, I fear he might target you underhandedly. If Rongjing hadn't shown up that day, you'd have been the one at a disadvantage. So you must be vigilant."

"Mm!" Yun Qianyue nodded once more. She understood imperial tactics well enough, especially after absorbing this body's memories and learning from Rongjing's teachings. Though hidden, the dynamics of the court weren't too hard to discern.

"Good. Be cautious when you're out; besides having Moli with you, take some hidden guards along as well," Prince Yun said. He looked at his daughter, observing her steady expression and calm demeanor, feeling reassured that she seemed to understand everything. He reached into his robe, taking out a jade token, and handed it to her. "This is the token to mobilize all the hidden guards of our residence. I'm giving it to you now."