The Dandy's Duchess

Chapter 194: Hidden Guards (5)

Yun Qianyue was stunned. "All the hidden guards?"

"Yes, our Prince Yun's Mansion has three thousand hidden guards. Each prince's residence is allowed to privately train one thousand, but upon realizing the emperor's intentions over a decade ago, I secretly increased ours to three thousand," Lord Yun nodded. "In the future, you will oversee Prince Yun's Mansion, so entrusting all these guards to you is more than appropriate."

"You should give them to Brother. He's the heir, and I might not even stay at the mansion for many years." Yun Qianyue didn't take the token.

"I originally planned to split them, giving you half and your brother half, but he refused and insisted that the other half be given to you. So, take them," Lord Yun said, feeling comforted. Many sons and daughters would be overjoyed to inherit these guards, yet his children didn't seem to care much. Seeing Yun Qianyue not reaching for the token, he walked over, placed it firmly in her hand, and said gently, "I know I've neglected you over the years. Though I was angry at your lack of learning, disrespect for etiquette, and stubborn behavior, you were never forgotten. I only assigned a few dozen guards to Concubine Feng, not this many. If she had these guards, Prince Yun's Mansion would've been overturned long ago. I wasn't so foolish. Don't hold onto resentment over the past, alright?"

Yun Qianyue looked at the token in her hand, recalling that Concubine Feng had indeed only shown a few dozen guards that day. She believed what Lord Yun was saying. With a quiet sigh, she thought to herself that she wasn't the real Yun Qianyue and hadn't experienced Lord Yun's neglect, so she held no grievances against him. She looked up at him, nodded, and replied calmly, "Since Brother also agrees, I'll accept this token. I don't remember much about the past, so don't worry yourself over it. Thank you for your advice today. I'll be cautious tomorrow."

"You and your brother are the future hope of Prince Yun's Mansion. The tides of the Heavenly Saint Dynasty could shift at any time. Your grandfather and I may not be able to protect you two forever; it will ultimately depend on your own fortune. As the legitimate daughter of Prince Yun's Mansion, many eyes are on your every move. One misstep could mean no return. Be cautious." Lord Yun paused, seeming to reach out to touch her but then stopped upon seeing her calm expression. He smiled and waved his hand. "Your grandfather is likely waiting for you. Go see him; he's been talking about you often. Don't blame him for making you study—it's for your own good."

"Understood," Yun Qianyue nodded, then turned and left for the old lord's courtyard with the token in hand.

Outside the study, Lüzhi waited. Seeing Yun Qianyue come out, she respectfully bowed and said, "Take care, Miss Qianyue."

Yun Qianyue paused, looking at Lüzhi thoughtfully for a moment. Lüzhi remained calm and composed. Yun Qianyue smiled faintly, "I used to think Father had little redeeming qualities, but today, after hearing his advice and seeing you remain unmarried by his side for years, I realize he does have some merits."

"After the princess passed, the prince merely suffered from grief and melancholy for a few years," Lüzhi replied.

Yun Qianyue nodded without saying more, then turned and headed toward her grandfather's courtyard.

Lüzhi watched Yun Qianyue leave before going back inside. Seeing Lord Yun looking more relaxed than usual, without his usual air of gloom, she smiled. "It seems the prince has underestimated Miss Qianyue all these years!"

"Indeed," Lord Yun nodded.

"From now on, there's no need for you to worry. Surely, you know that with a mother like the princess, Miss Qianyue would not truly be unruly or ignorant of propriety. The old lord may be aged, but he's far from senile," Lüzhi said.

"I've been foolish and blind all these years!" Lord Yun sighed. "I didn't even understand my own daughter's true nature. She must be disappointed in me, watching over us from above."

Lüzhi remained silent.

Lord Yun said no more, looking up at the sky with a face full of longing and sorrow.

Yun Qianyue soon reached her grandfather's courtyard, only to find it completely dark.

Jade Bracelet was waiting by the door. When she saw Yun Qianyue approaching, she stepped forward and bowed. "Greetings, Miss Qianyue. The old lord has just gone to bed. He said that since the prince already shared everything he needed to, he won't waste any more words. Just remember to be cautious tomorrow. Although he won't be attending, the prince, the heir, and Young Lord Rong will be there. If you feel scared, he said you wouldn't be his granddaughter. And if you suffer any losses, he added, you'll bring disgrace to him."

Yun Qianyue rolled her eyes and looked at the dark house, huffing. "That old geezer!"

Jade Bracelet giggled and winked at Yun Qianyue. "The old lord might still be awake enough to hear you."

Sure enough, right after she said that, the old lord's voice echoed from inside, "You impudent girl! Word is you've lost weight again while at Young Lord Rong's residence. Go get some sleep! If you suffer any losses tomorrow, I'll flay you myself!"

Yun Qianyue looked up at the sky, ignoring the old man's scolding, and turned to return to her own courtyard.

Inside Qianyue Pavilion, Nanny Zhao, Cailian, Ting Xue, Ting Yu, and the others lit up with excitement upon seeing Yun Qianyue back. However, they soon couldn't help feeling distressed upon noticing her now sharper chin and slender face. They quickly brought out nourishing soups, herbal dishes, and the best food they could find, filling the table with all sorts of soups and dishes.

Seeing their worried expressions, Yun Qianyue felt both amused and helpless. It was as if Rongjing had mistreated her! Although she had indeed lost weight recently, she gestured for them to sit and join her, as there was no way she could finish all the food herself. After a bit of persuasion, they finally joined her at the table.

After she left for Prince Rong's residence, her pavilion had been rather dull and lifeless. Cailian, Ting Xue, Ting Yu, and the others had missed her dearly, and now that she was back, they were overjoyed. Laughter filled the pavilion as they ate together, bringing warmth and cheer back into the room.

As they dined, Yun Qianyue listened to Cailian and the others recount the recent happenings in the capital.