Yun Qianyue immediately hid her hand tucked inside her sleeve, pulling it away with a look of dissatisfaction. "I won't show you! Can't you spare me a little dignity? Do you think a swollen, bruised hand is something pleasant to look at?"
Ye Qingran halted his hand mid-air, looking at her. He coughed lightly and spoke in a low voice, "There's no one here but family. His Majesty isn't an outsider, so he won't mock you. Who else would dare? Don't be upset. I won't look, alright?"
Yun Qianyue huffed, turning back to give Rongjing a fierce glare.
Rongjing managed a wry smile, raising a hand to rub his forehead.
The old emperor glanced between Yun Qianyue and Rongjing before bursting into laughter. "It seems only Prince Jing can manage to tame you, little girl! I hear you've been holed up in Rongjing's manor, learning to read for half a month. How's that going? Prince Jing is a true genius of our Heavenly Saint Dynasty, so I'm sure he's made considerable progress with you."
Yun Qianyue lowered her head and stayed silent, leaving it to Rongjing to answer. After all, he was aware that her lack of literacy had been an act. Now, it was up to him whether he wanted her to make him look bad or not.
Rongjing sighed, shaking his head in frustration. "Unfortunately, this little girl is too unruly and woefully slow to learn. I fear Elder Prince Yun will be disappointed. Forgive me, Your Majesty, but I haven't been able to teach her much. She can just barely recognize a few characters, enough to manage the household. Beyond that, there's not much I can do. Even the ruler hasn't been much help."
Yun Qianyue mentally rolled her eyes. Rongjing, you're saying this, so don't complain later if I embarrass you!
The old emperor laughed heartily again, saying, "If she's learned enough to read and manage a household, that's already impressive. This little girl's character is something I'm well aware of. Elder Prince Yun has pampered her to the heavens, and even Yun Wang can do little about her. When I scold her, she's quick to snap back eightfold, and her aunt just shakes her head helplessly. I had thought she'd go her whole life without learning a single character, so I'm quite pleased to see even this much progress. You have my gratitude, Prince Jing!"
"My efforts were brief. Elder Prince Yun and Yun Wang are the ones who've had to bear the greatest burden," Rongjing replied with a shake of his head.
"Indeed," the emperor agreed, still chuckling. "This little girl has been a handful since she was young, just like Ye Qingran, this rascal here. Both are constantly stirring up trouble, utterly incorrigible. I, too, am at a loss with them." He kept his gaze on Yun Qianyue, noticing her sullen expression as if unhappy with his remarks. Turning to Yun Wang, he joked, "See that? I say one critical thing, and she's already giving me a sour look."
Yun Wang, puzzled, remembered he hadn't noticed any swelling on her hand yesterday when he handed her the mansion's seal. Could he have missed it? He eyed both Yun Qianyue and Rongjing, then dismissed his doubts for now, bowing to the emperor. "My daughter's stubbornness has troubled Your Majesty and required your attention. This is my failure."
"Come now, Yun Wang," the emperor said with a smile. "We're family. No need for apologies between us. Despite her unruly ways and lack of decorum, she has a spirit unmatched by the young ladies of many noble families. You don't need to be overly strict with her. After all these years of cold treatment, it's high time you ease up. She's still just a girl. Once she comes of age and marries, her temper will naturally mellow."
Yun Wang nodded quickly. "As Your Majesty advises."
Yun Qianyue's heart tightened at the emperor's words, her mind racing. Could her father's suspicions have been correct? Did the emperor have some plan regarding her? She had often heard people mention her approaching coming-of-age ceremony, but she hadn't quite grasped how soon it was. For now, she'd have to wait and observe.
While they conversed, the four reached the pavilion. Rongjing paid his respects to the emperor, standing as he was granted permission to skip the formal kneeling ritual. However, Ye Tianqing and Ye Qingran knelt to bow immediately. Though Yun Qianyue was reluctant, she knew that in this ancient world where imperial authority reigned supreme, she had to comply and knelt alongside them.
"No need! Since we're outside today, there's no need for such formalities," the emperor smiled, waving a hand.
Rongjing straightened up, as did Ye Tianqing and Ye Qingran. Yun Qianyue sighed in relief. She had been dreading the bow, so not having to do it was a welcome reprieve.
The emperor then looked at Yun Qianyue and said, "I've ordered the Ministry of Justice to investigate the incident at Qing Shan Temple thoroughly. However, we still haven't identified who was behind it. It may take some time to uncover the truth. As for your lost martial arts, you can always start anew. Don't keep a long face over it. Today is your chance to witness the prowess and spirit of the Heavenly Saint's finest young men. I hope it will lift your spirits."
"Your Majesty, please do investigate thoroughly—I nearly lost my life back there," Yun Qianyue replied, a flash of irritation in her tone. She forced a brighter expression, "I will regain my martial skills. By the time the Martial Arts Champion Tournament comes around next year, I'll be right there competing with everyone else. That's the only way to truly appreciate the fighting spirit of the Heavenly Saint men, rather than just watching from here and feeling envious."
"Oh? You wish to compete?" The emperor raised an eyebrow, half-smiling at her.
Yun Qianyue lifted her chin, "Of course! As long as my imperial uncle permits it!"
"Qianyue, don't be so reckless!" Yun Wang snapped softly.
Ignoring him, Yun Qianyue kept her hopeful gaze fixed on the emperor.
The emperor chuckled, nodding, "Very well. If you can regain your lost skills by then, I'll grant you permission to compete in the tournament. How's that?"
"Really? You can't take it back!" Yun Qianyue's joy was unmistakable, her face lighting up. Boldly, she stepped closer to the emperor, extending her pinky finger like a child and saying, "Pinky promise!"
"Qianyue! That's highly improper!" Yun Wang's heart skipped a beat. He was used to her boldness, but he hadn't expected her to show such utter disregard for decorum.
The emperor blinked at her extended pinky before bursting into laughter, shaking his head.
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The Dandy's Duchess
ChickLit"The Dandy's Duchess" tells the story of the youngest and most talented general of the National Security Bureau, who sacrifices his life for his country and finds his soul transported to another world, where he is reborn as Yun Qianyue, the only leg...
