Chapter 71: Another Sensation

Qianyue is sleeping now; no one should disturb her." Rong Jing withdrew his gaze and told Cai Lian, who was about to push open the door to report.“Yes!” Cai Lian responded immediately and hurriedly w...Chapter 71: Another Sensation

The shopkeeper was afraid that Ye Qingran would kill him, but didn't expect him to leave after throwing down the only silver he had. He exhaled in relief and shook the bag of silver coins in his hand before turning around nervously towards a customer who had been turned into a statue for so long but finally came back to his senses. Then he walked shakily to the counter, picked up an abacus and account book, and started counting.

He quickly finished calculating and instructed one of the apprentices, "Young Marquis Qingran paid 45 taels of silver; there's still a shortfall of 1767 taels. You run to Duke De's Mansion to get it back."

"Yes!" The apprentice immediately answered and took Tian No. 1 room's menu out of Drunken Fragrance Building.

The shopkeeper wiped the sweat off his forehead, thinking that he was indeed useless as an old man; he couldn't withstand any stimulus or fright!

"Wasn't the person who just came in Prince Hermit Jing and Miss Shanyue" Someone asked clearly, seemingly unwilling to believe it.

"I think so!" Another person responded uncertainly.

"That man was dragged inside by Miss Shanyue. It's said that Prince Hermit Jing never allows anyone within three feet of him; how could that man be Prince Hermit Jing Besides, just looking at the way he looked, even a courtesan from the Pure Lady Building wouldn't compare to him!" Someone else added.

"So it wasn't Prince Hermit Jing Then who was it" Another person inquired.

"Could it be Young Master Rong Feng I saw his portrait at Ink Treasure Pavilion earlier and he looks somewhat similar to the man from just now." Someone else picked up the conversation with some hesitation.

"That must be it! Prince Hermit Jing wouldn't act so intimately with Miss Shanyue; today, Young Master Rong Feng was asked by Emperor Taiqing for a marriage between him and Miss Shanyue during the Martial Champion Conference. The conference ended very early today, it's not surprising that they came together." Another person immediately guessed logically.

The crowd nodded continuously, thinking about how the two people had come in as if they were twisted into one like a braid when they entered; their hearts were shocked by what they saw. In broad daylight, only Miss Shanyue could act so unrestrained! Who among the noble ladies would dare to be so intimate with someone while holding onto each other's arms It must have been Young Master Rong Feng.

"But wasn't it Prince Hermit Jing’s carriage outside just now" A person who came in later asked doubtfully.

The crowd was stunned and looked at the person.

His face turned red, and under everyone's curious gaze, he timidly said, "I didn't originally plan to come in. I saw Prince Hermit Jing’s carriage parked outside Drunken Fragrance Building earlier, so I followed behind."

The crowd was enlightened; one of them hurriedly asked, "So do you know if the man just now is really Prince Hermit Jing"

"Probably, right" The person hesitated uncertainly because he had never seen Prince Hermit Jing before.

Everyone thought that Prince Hermit Jing hadn't left his residence for ten years and wouldn’t even come to a bustling place like Drunken Fragrance Building for meals. Even people from the same Rong王府 (Rong Mansion) haven't been allowed to see him in ten years; very few people have seen Prince Hermit Jing in this holy capital city. Looking at each other, they couldn't determine whether that person was really Prince Ren.

"I heard that those who have seen Young Master Rong Feng and Prince Hermit Jing think the two look somewhat alike." Someone else added.

“I bought a painting of Young Master Rong Feng from Ink Treasure Pavilion earlier, let’s compare it to see if we can tell!” A young woman with delicate features blushed as she took out the painting after hesitating for a long time.

"There's a portrait of Young Master Rong Feng! Come and take a look everyone!" Someone called out.

“Come and have a look! Hurry up!” Everyone shouted and surrounded the young woman.

The scroll was quickly opened, revealing Young Master Rong Feng standing on a high platform. He wore white robes that fluttered in the wind, his features clear-cut and handsome; as the breeze blew past, his sleeves billowed gently, immediately capturing everyone's attention.

"The man who just came in isn't Young Master Rong Feng!" Someone said as soon as they saw the painting.

"Indeed, although that person resembles this portrait in appearance, he is obviously even more handsome, as if he stepped out of the painting. However, this portrait depicts Young Master Rong Feng with a heroic and elegant demeanor that sets him apart from others, clearly not the same person who entered together with Miss Qianyue."

"That's right, they are not the same person!" Everyone agreed. Such handsome men were rare, like poetry and paintings; though frail and sickly, they exuded elegance and grace beyond comparison to the figure in this painting. If the man in this painting was a swift sword, killing with one stroke, then that other man was an unparalleled divine saber honed by time, capable of searing into one's soul.

"So is that person Prince Jing" Someone cautiously asked.

Everyone nodded, thinking of such composure and charm fitting none other than Prince Jing.

"Unfortunately, there’s never a portrait of Prince Jing available in the market!" The petite and delicate girl who had just taken out the painting remarked.

"Who is Prince Jing He stands on high above everyone else. We mere mortals would be insulting him even by mentioning his name; how could anyone possibly capture a glimpse of his true form Even if it were the best painter in the world, they wouldn’t dare to draw him. Naturally, there’s nowhere you can purchase such a painting," one person rebuked.

Everyone nodded again in agreement.

"If that person truly was Prince Jing just now, then isn't Miss Qianyue supposed to marry Young Master Rong Feng Why would she be seen with Prince Jing like that" Someone asked out of confusion.

No one could answer this question; it was a mystery they couldn’t solve! Furthermore, their minds were still reeling from the shock, unable to believe they had actually seen Prince Jing and witnessed such an unprecedented scene at Drunken Fragrance Tower. The sight had deeply shaken everyone's hearts.

"Could Miss Qianyue have discovered that Young Master Rong Feng wasn't what she expected and fallen for Prince Jing instead So she treated him like that and brought him to the Drunken Fragrance Tower" One person carefully spoke, fearing he might get beaten up if he said something wrong, so he moved slightly farther away while voicing his opinion cautiously. "After all, Miss Qianyue does anything without restraint."

"That's possible too. But Prince Jing doesn't seem like someone who would be coerced by Miss Qianyue. When they entered the tower, Miss Qianyue let go of Prince Jing to assist the shopkeeper; he didn’t take advantage of the opportunity to leave!" Another person pointed out.

"Then it could be that Prince Jing was threatened by Miss Qianyue," another immediately found a reason for this behavior.

"Maybe! After all, Miss Qianyue is truly unrivaled among women; there's nothing she wouldn't dare to do." Someone else quickly agreed. In their minds, Prince Jing could only be threatened by Miss Qianyue because he was untouchable and would never act improperly or out of line in public.

"Exactly! That must be it!" Everyone nodded in agreement. They all swiftly accepted this explanation while simultaneously resenting Miss Qianyue for her treatment of Prince Jing, even as they envied him. How could the deity-like figure that everyone revered be treated so badly If Miss Qianyue were present at the moment, everyone would probably rush over to give her a thorough lecture.

The woman carefully put away Rong Feng’s portrait and kept it safely in her bosom.

Everyone continued their discussion with enthusiasm, gathering together once again to speak about today's events. They naturally started from Miss Qianyue requesting the emperor for an arranged marriage at the Military Top Rank Competition to Miss Qianyue kidnapping Prince Jing and bringing him to Drunken Fragrance Tower afterward. The two incidents combined seemed to provide endless topics of conversation.

The shopkeeper stood by the counter, listening intently without a word. His old face kept changing expressions as he thought that within an hour, Miss Qianyue's public request for an arranged marriage at the Military Top Rank Competition would likely be transformed into her abduction and coercion of Prince Jing after the competition. Furthermore, once this rumor spread, it would undoubtedly overshadow everything else.

The shopkeeper thought about this with some anxiety but wasn’t sure whom he was worried about.

At that moment, the main characters being discussed—Prince Jing and Miss Qianyue—were riding in a carriage heading towards Cloud Manor.

Sitting alongside them in the same carriage was Nanling Rui, Crown Prince of Southern Liang. However, Nanling Rui wasn’t permitted to enter the carriage. He knew his place well and didn't encroach on Jing’s forbidden three-foot radius, instead sitting side by side with Xiang Ge at the front of the carriage. As a crown prince, he felt no loss of dignity in doing so; rather, from when they got into the carriage, he had been trying to cozy up to the taciturn Xiang Ge.

Xiang Ge ignored him completely as if there were nobody beside him. Nanling Rui didn’t mind and continued talking animatedly, mostly about his romantic affairs, which sounded quite amusing when coming from him.

In the carriage, Miss Qianyue and Prince Jing sat facing each other against opposite sides of the walls.

From the moment they got into the carriage, Miss Qianyue had given Prince Jing a hard kick. He didn’t dodge it either but accepted it fully. She kicked him again; he still did not move out of the way. After three consecutive kicks, Miss Qianyue stopped and glared at him, "Why don't you dodge"

She was angry when she kicked him, so naturally, her strength was considerable! He never dodged or retaliated—how could he not She had already been prepared to fight him if he dared!

"I feel relieved!" Rong Jing casually uttered.

"If you hadn't provoked me, would I be angry" Yun Qianyue was annoyed.

"Alright, it's my fault then!" Rong Jing sighed and asked in an extremely soothing tone as if he were indifferent, "Have you thought of how to handle today's incident Or have you figured out how to explain things to Grandpa Cloud when you return"

Yun Qianyue頭疼 at the mere mention of it. She said irritably, "What’s there to handle or explain It doesn’t concern you!"

"Hmm! Considering our friendship is worth only half a tael of silver between us, indeed I don't need to worry about you now. However, Rong Feng currently resides in the Glory王府, and as his uncle, it’s my duty to be concerned about his affairs. Why not tell me your thoughts" Rong Jing looked at Yun Qianyue with eyes that seemed to hold some emotion.

Yun Qianyue glared at Rong Jing; the more she wanted to act like a turtle and avoid talking about Rong Feng, the more he brought him up. He kept calling him Uncle as if he were afraid she would forget him. She glared at him for a long while before suddenly gritting her teeth and saying, "My idea is that you should be prepared to greet me with morning and evening rituals every day."

Rong Jing narrowed his eyes, "What does it mean"

Yun Qianyue snorted, "Aren't you the first wonder of Heavenly Saint Don’t tell me you don’t know what this means!"

"I don’t!" Rong Jing replied.

To avoid being a man who breaks his word and speaks without thinking, changing his mind from morning to evening, speaking nonsense, or making false promises to deceive others and play with their feelings, I've decided that what I say goes. Therefore, I intend to marry Rong Feng. When I return, I will try to persuade my grandfather and father, then convince the emperor and empress to agree to it, so I can happily marry Rong Feng and become his wife," Yun Qianyue said seriously.

Rong Jing looked at Yun Qianyue with deep eyes, as if he were about to pull her into a vortex of emotions. After a moment, he closed his eyes, silent.

Yun Qianyue stopped talking too. She believed that once words are spoken, they can’t be taken back; people of character should take responsibility for their actions. It’s just about greeting this black-hearted guy with morning and evening rituals and calling him Uncle, right And bowing and offering incense at the Glory王府 every year after he dies. She could endure it, and once she got used to it, it wouldn’t seem difficult anymore. Besides, Rong Feng is really a good kid, and he seems interested in her too; missing this chance might mean no more chances. Naturally, she should seize it.

With that thought, the gloom in her heart from leaving the Martial Champion Assembly dispersed, revealing clear skies. She exhaled deeply, her eyes brightening as she firmly said, "Yes, I’ll do just that; this is my idea!"

Rong Jing still had his eyes closed and didn’t move an inch against the carriage wall, seemingly deaf to everything.

Yun Qianyue ignored Rong Jing and started listening with interest to Nan Lingrui’s rambling outside. Occasionally, a smile appeared on her lips, showing that she was in high spirits, and it grew when something amused her.

About half an hour later, the carriage arrived at the entrance of Cloud Manor.

Xian Ge pulled back the reins with a voice somewhat colder than usual, "Miss Qianyue, we have reached Cloud Manor!"

Yun Qianyue knew why Xian Ge's attitude had changed; she’d probably heard what Yun Qianyue said earlier. Not minding it, she reached out to open the curtain and was about to get off when Rong Jing’s voice sounded softly, "I hope you can have your way."

"Of course!" Yun Qianyue turned her head to glance at Rong Jing; seeing him still with his eyes closed, she pursed her lips and lifted the hem of her skirt, gracefully jumping out of the carriage.

The curtain fell. In an instant, Rong Jing opened his eyes in the carriage, his gaze deep.

Nan Lingrui had already stepped down from the carriage too, opening a fan with a “snap” and looking debonair.

Yun Qianyue seemed to hear someone gasping. She steadied herself and raised her head to see that many people were gathered at the entrance of Cloud Manor. A dark mass, both men and women, young and old, with only Yun Meng, Jade Bracelet, Green Twig, and Yun Xianghe familiar faces; everyone else she didn’t recognize. There were approximately two hundred people. Several carriages were parked nearby, laden with items that appeared to be necessities like clothing, food, and lodging.

At present, most gazes were fixed on her and Nan Lingrui. Those looking at Yun Qianyue were mostly men, their expressions ranging from puzzled, scrutinizing, admiring, silent, etc., while those looking at Nan Lingrui were predominantly women, with glances that were bright, bashful, surprised, or scrutinizing.

Yun Qianyue swept everyone with a calm gaze, thinking these must be Cloud Manor’s collateral branches; she didn’t expect them to arrive so soon.

"Miss Qianyue, you're finally back!" When Uncle Meng saw Yun Qianyue return, he immediately greeted her and upon noticing Nan Lingrui's hesitation in his steps, asked in surprise, "Miss, who is this"

"He is the Prince of Nan Liang! He came to visit Grandfather!" Yun Qianyue replied.

"Oh, it’s Prince Rui! Old servant greets you, Your Highness!" Uncle Meng was taken aback and looked at Nan Lingrui closely before turning back to Yun Qianyue. Seeing no unusual reaction from her, he suppressed his doubts and bowed respectfully towards the prince.

Nan Lingrui nodded. "No need for formalities!"

Uncle Meng stood up straight and ignored Nan Lingrui, quickly walking to Rong Jing's carriage, bowing respectfully before it. "Lord Shizi is said to be suffering from the cold. He has been kind enough to bring Miss back home despite his illness. Old servant thanks Lord Shizi for this kindness. Would you like to come down and rest in the house for a while The old王爺 mentioned that he wanted to have lunch with you after you escorted Miss back today morning!"

Uncle Meng finished speaking, all eyes at the gate turned towards where the sound came from but only saw a black carriage. Everyone, regardless of age or gender, had an expression of anticipation in their eyes as they thought about how Lord Shizi was sitting inside.

"That’s right! Lord Shizi, you’ve escorted my sister back so kindly; please come down and have some tea!" Yun Xianghe chimed in at this moment. She just returned from the palace and had been waiting at the gate for Rong Jing to escort Yun Qianyue home.

Yun Qianyue glanced at Yun Xianghe, seeing her gaze fixed on Rong Jing’s carriage, she coldly harrumphed inwardly.

"It seems that Lord Shizi is highly respected. I’m even envious of him! How about it Do you want to come down and have a cup of tea with us Don’t forget the vats of Orchid Wine I prepared just for you!" Nan Lingrui swept his eyes across the crowd, then said with a smile.

"No need. My body isn't feeling well today, another day perhaps." Rong Jing’s faint voice came from inside the carriage. "I have more fine wine at my residence; if Your Highness wants to drink, you can come and find me in the future."

“Alright!” Nan Lingrui agreed readily.

The crowd heard this and their faces showed disappointment again.

"That’s alright too! Our house was rather disorganized today. Once everything settles down, we will invite Lord Shizi over." Uncle Meng glanced at the parked carriages and people at the gate before smilingly addressing Rong Jing.

“Alright.” Rong Jing replied briefly without further ado, then instructed Xian Ge, "Head back home."

"Yes, my lord!" Xian Ge looked at Yun Qianyue before immediately getting into the carriage and driving off smoothly.

"My younger sister really has excellent skills. She actually made Lord Shizi treat her specially and personally escort her." Not having seen Rong Jing yet, Yun Xianghe watched his carriage disappear from sight then turned to look at Yun Qianyue, her beautiful eyes showing uncontainable jealousy as she sharply said, "My younger sister is truly making a big splash today. The Empress and I heard about your heroic act in the military examination hall. You actually petitioned the emperor for a marriage order on your own! It's truly unprecedented!"

"There are many unprecedented events; as long as you keep living, you might see even more." Yun Qianyue spoke calmly without any hostility but immediately shut Yun Xianghe up.

Yun Xianghe’s face paled. Who wouldn’t know about the phrase "a thousand-year-old tortoise and a ten-thousand-year-old turtle" It was an indirect insult to her! She forcibly suppressed her anger, pretending not to understand Yun Qianyue's meaning, and continued smilingly saying, "At that time, the Empress and I were holding our breath for you. You also know your identity; how could you behave so recklessly Your actions never consider consequences. If the emperor is enraged, wouldn’t everyone in the Yun王府 suffer as a result"

"Isn't there no 'what if'" Yun Qianyue looked at Yun Xianghe’s smiling face indifferently and said carelessly: "Moreover, one needs to be qualified for being implicated. Some people might not even qualify for it. I would only drag my grandfather, father king, and elder brother into trouble; others such as minor daughters would most likely face two fates: either exile or sale to a pleasure house."

Yun Xianghe’s expression changed.

Suddenly Yun Qianyue smiled, looking at Yun Xianghe extremely gently. Her clear voice suddenly softened and she said softly, "Therefore, my elder sister should pray every day that I don’t encounter any trouble. If something happens to me, it would be over; some people might find living worse than death!"

Yun Xianghe glared angrily at Yun Qianyue, her almond eyes widened, wanting to lash out but considering the many people around and her usual image of a lady who cherished sistership and propriety, she couldn’t bring herself to. She could only suppress her anger and forced a smile: "Thank you for reminding me, dear sister; I will pray three sticks of incense every day to protect you..."

She didn’t finish her sentence, but the meaning was clear—praying that Yun Qianyue would ascend to heaven soon!

"Indeed. I hope all the gods in heaven can hear my elder sister's prayers and let me become an immortal after a hundred years!" Yun Qianyue’s smile widened as she said to Yun Xianghe, "The King of Hell avoids me; the netherworld won’t accept me. Just wanted to inform my elder sister ahead of time, so don't pray for me every day near the King of Hell's ears or he might take you down to hell out of anger."

Yun Xianghe's anger reached her heart as she looked at Yun Qianyue, finally breaking into a forced smile with a voice full of gritted teeth: "You can rest assured! Even King Yan doesn’t like me and won't."

"Oh! So my sister finds us equally detestable people. That's good!" Yun Qianyue seemed to have suddenly understood the situation, nodding her head. Seeing Yun Xianghe in a state of rage, she smiled before turning away, too lazy to pay attention to her anymore and took steps towards the mansion.

The crowd stared at Yun Qianyue dumbfounded as she walked lightly into the mansion.

Yun Meng also remained stunned for a moment. When he came back to his senses, he saw that Yun Qianyue had already walked far away and hurriedly shouted: "Miss Qianyue, wait! You still have some matters left unsettled!"

"What matters" Yun Qianyue stopped.

"These are all the collateral branches of our mansion who came to seek refuge. The Old Prince and the Prince both said that since Miss is now in charge of the household, these people will reside within the Yun Mansion from today on, also becoming part of the household personnel. They asked Miss Qianyue to arrange for this matter." Yun Meng immediately reported.

Yun Qianyue firmly rejected: "I have no time now!"

"Miss, how could you be too busy! Although the Emperor let you attend classes at the Upper Study Hall, it’s only until noon. You still have free time in the afternoon, not to mention that today is early yet." Yun Meng immediately shook his head and hurriedly added: "This was ordered by the Old Prince. These people have been waiting outside for a long while now, waiting for you to return to arrange their accommodation! The Prince isn’t back from the palace, and the Crown Prince is attending Princess Qingwan in the palace, so he can't come back either. The Old Prince is getting old; how could you let him worry about such matters again Moreover, recently, the Old Prince’s health hasn’t been good. With only you taking charge of the household now, who else would manage it"

What a pain! She had to take care of this matter no matter what! Yun Qianyue frowned.

"If my dear sister truly doesn’t want to handle it, I’d be willing to do so on your behalf!" Yun Xianghe immediately seized the opportunity and said with a smile. It was just perfect that Yun Qianyue didn't want to manage the household; she had been hoping for this moment! She would ensure that Yun Qianyue met her end if it wasn’t enough to quell her inner resentment.

"How can I let you trouble yourself, my dear sister Your hands are still probably unable to even hold an account book!" Yun Qianyue sneered inwardly and turned back, glancing at Yun Xianghe coolly without any mercy.

Previously, she didn't want to manage the household because she didn’t wish to exhaust herself as in her past life. She hoped that, this time around, she would be able to treat herself better. However, now she understood that as long as she existed with this identity, she wouldn’t have peace. Therefore, for a peaceful future, she realized completely that she could not afford to remain lazy any longer. Moreover, after today’s events of requesting an imperial decree for her marriage, the old emperor, other three royal families, all officials in court, and many others were now watching her closely. She didn’t want to be restricted by anyone else; thus, she needed to have abilities at hand. At present, without martial arts skills, the only thing left within her grasp was Yun Mansion.

Yun Xianghe no longer held back when she heard this and angrily said: "Wasn't it you who crippled my hands Do you still dare talk about it"

"That’s also contingent upon the reason. Why did I cripple your hand Your hand liked my face, but my face detested your hand so much that it didn’t want to be touched by yours; thus, my hand helped my face to incapacitate yours." Yun Qianyue still looked at Yun Xianghe with a faint smile and slowly reminded her, "Big sister, this is the entrance. Remember to maintain decorum—otherwise people will think our Yun Mansion's young lady is a shrew!"

Yun Xianghe’s anger instantly froze.

Nan Lingrui finally couldn’t help but burst into laughter.

Hearing Nan Lingrui’s loud laugh, Yun Qianyue remembered she had forgotten the Loafer Prince. Although she detested Yun Xianghe, Yun Xianghe was still a woman of Yun Mansion; how could she let this Nan Lingrui see such an entertaining scene Her face turned cold: "Prince Lingrui, aren’t you here to pay respects to my grandfather Why are you still standing at the entrance" Finished speaking, without waiting for Nan Lingrui's response, she chided Yun Meng: "Uncle Meng, hurry and invite Prince Lingrui into the mansion! Have you lost your mind He’s the Crown Prince of Southern Liang; don’t let others say that our Yun Mansion doesn't know how to host guests!"

Nan Lingrui twitched at the corner of his mouth, knowing that Yun Qianyue was trying to get him to leave.

"Yes, Miss is right!" Yun Meng immediately bowed and respectfully addressed Nan Lingrui: "Prince Lingrui, please come in! The Old Prince doesn’t know you’ve come to Yun Mansion. He will definitely be very pleased when he sees you; follow me inside."

"No rush," Nan Lingrui stubbornly persisted with a smile, winking at Yun Qianyue: "Miss Qianyue has just returned home from the palace and isn’t going to my grandfather’s place I’ll accompany her."

"Prince Lingrui, didn't you see that I’m dealing with family matters now Within a short time, there's no way for me to go to grandpa. You should come in first!" Yun Qianyue knew this guy was hoping to stay and watch the show; naturally, she wouldn’t allow it.

"No problem then. I’ll wait for you. This prince has plenty of time." Nan Lingrui smiled and shook his head while glancing at the sky, urging Yun Qianyue: "Hurry up with your matters! Your clansmen have been waiting for a long while now. Look at this overcast weather; it's going to rain soon. You can’t let them come from afar only to be rained on here!"

Yun Qianyue also looked up to see the sky, which was gray and ominous of an impending downpour. She withdrew her gaze and looked at Nan Lingrui, who gently shook his rattan fan as if he had no intention of leaving. She frowned.

"Prince Lingrui, please follow old me into the mansion! Our miss is handling household matters; how can it possibly offend your ears" Yun Meng quickly said. After all, Nan Lingrui was the Crown Prince of Southern Liang. Even though Southern Liang was a vassal state to Heavenly Saint but had changed much from a century ago. Now its power rivaled that of Heavenly Saint’s; thus, he dare not offend him and spoke with utmost respect.

"It's fine, this crown prince isn't afraid of sully my ears!" Nanyingrui shook his head and laughed as he waved at Yun Meng. "You go inform the Cloud Old Viceroy that I've arrived first. In a moment, Moon兒 (Moonie) and I will come to visit him."

In such a short while, Nanyingrui's reference to Yun Qianyue had changed from Miss Qianyue to Moon兒 (Moonie).

"Are we that familiar" Yun Qianyue immediately turned black as she coolly looked at Nanyingrui. Moon兒 (Moonie)

"Yes, of course! Today in Drunken Fragrance Tower, I witnessed a moment so unforgettable it will be talked about for generations to come. If we weren't close, how could there have been such eye contact" Nanyingrui met Yun Qianyue's blackened face and smiled with hidden meaning. His eyes seemed to be saying that if she wanted him not to tell others of the incident, he would need some sincerity.

Yun Qianyue successfully picked up on Nanyingrui’s deeper message; she recalled biting Rong Jing's ear in Drunken Fragrance Tower but being interrupted by him. She narrowed her eyes and looked at Nanyingrui with danger. She had long said that not many people could threaten her. Rong Jing was darker than her, so she couldn’t outdo him and could only accept defeat. The Cloud Old Viceroy’s threats were because he was her grandfather; respecting the elders and cherishing the young was a virtue she learned from day one in school. Yun Mumihan's threats she could tolerate as he was her brother, but no one else! Nanyingrui wasn't any different!

"Since Prince Yingrui isn't in a rush to see Grandpa, then there’s no need to worry about the time lost. With this weather, it might rain soon. Prince Yingrui should quickly return to the Nan Liang Imperial Palace and visit another day! You don’t want to be caught in the rain trying to get back, do you There's no room for you at Cloud王府 (Palace) now." Yun Qianyue finished her words without waiting for Nanyingrui’s response and directed it to Yun Meng. "Uncle Meng, show him out!"

Nanyingrui was stunned; he hadn’t expected that Yun Qianyue would not be intimidated by him. He blinked his eyes. "Did I hear wrong"

"You didn’t mishear! I’m glad you want to share your unforgettable moment with everyone in the world. Anyway, my sensational events aren't just a couple; one more won’t make a difference." Yun Qianyue gave Nanyingrui her rare smile.

Nanyingrui looked up at the sky and finally accepted that Yun Qianyue wasn’t intimidated by him. If he lingered, not only would there be no show to watch, but he might even find it difficult to enter Cloud王府 (Palace). After weighing his options, Nanyingrui immediately abandoned any thoughts of watching a good show, "Alright, I’ll first visit the Old Viceroy. You can join me when you’re done! I’ve heard that your alcohol tolerance is quite high; this Prince still wants to drink with you!"

After saying his words, Nanyingrui stepped into the palace as if entering his own home and didn't even need Yun Meng’s guidance.

"Prince Yingrui, I’ll guide your way!" Yun Meng was stunned when Yun Qianyue so easily sent away a clearly interested-in-a-show Nanyingrui. He quickly walked forward after recovering from the shock.

"No need, no need! This Prince knows my way around!" Nanyingrui waved at Yun Meng.

"Uncle Meng, let me guide Prince Yingrui! I’m on my way to Grandpa’s quarters anyway!" Yun Xianghe quickly stepped forward and opened her mouth. She was angry inside; she couldn’t understand why all the fine men lately were showing special interest in Yun Qianyue. Although she knew that this Nan Liang Crown Prince had a reputation for being promiscuous, wouldn't it be an opportunity to get close to him Given today's news from the crown prince’s palace about his anger at being asked by Cloud Qianyue to marry her, and his subsequent smashing of the study room, she might not have much chance of joining the crown prince's household. But she was confident in her beauty, so if this Nan Yingrui came knocking, she intended to seize the opportunity.

Yun Qianyue rolled her eyes; she couldn’t understand how Yun Xianghe latched onto anyone and everyone. First it was her against Concubine Feng that day when she saw Night Tianqing with a pitiful look, then Rong Jing coming to pick her up and greeting him before even seeing his face, and now Yun Xianghe wanted to greet Nanyingrui who had come into the palace. She really couldn't stand her!

"Oh Who's this beauty" Hearing Yun Xianghe’s words, Nanyingrui stopped in his tracks and turned around to look at her.

When Yun Xianghe saw that Nanyingrui acknowledged her, she was delighted. She hurriedly walked up two steps before him, bowing with a proper ladylike demeanor. "Greetings, Prince Yingrui! I am Yun Xianghe, the eldest daughter of Cloud王府 (Palace)!"

"Oh, yes, I know you." Nanyingrui looked at Yun Xianghe and smiled knowingly.

"Prince Yingrui knows me" Yun Xianghe's eyes were full of joy as she stared at Nanyingrui. Was it possible that her talents and beauty had made him look at her differently

"Yes, I know all about you! This Prince heard a funny story recently. It was said that the concubines in Cloud王府 (Palace) were bullying Moon兒 (Moonie). Then, that step-mother was demoted to servant and locked up for reflection in Cloud王府’s宗祠 (Ancestral Hall), while the stepsister had her arm removed. This incident made waves across the nation! This Prince has always been curious about it and today I finally get to meet the eldest daughter." Nanyingrui smiled at Yun Xianghe.

Yun Xianghe’s joyful expression turned rigid.

Yun Qianyue turned away, thinking that this Nan Yingrui was truly vicious! Yun Xianghe's heart must have shattered. But it was her own doing; Nanyingrui wasn’t a good person to begin with. She had seen Rong Jing and Nanyingrui both smiling while being mean.

"Your Highness seems a bit off today, beauty is the most important thing for young ladies. You must be tired from returning from the palace; it's best if you go home and freshen up before coming out again. You originally were very beautiful, now this way your looks are reduced by eight points, truly damaging your beauty. I’m incredibly familiar with even the Heavenly Saint Imperial Palace, how can a small Cloud王府 (Palace) be any different No need for you to guide me." Nanyingrui looked Yun Xianghe up and down as if she were an inferior piece of art, ignoring her rapidly changing face colors and continued walking forward, waving his jade fan with grace.

—Interlude—

Xiaosuo looks at the sky, feeling a bit depressed lately…love with Lan Yi, the head of the prominent family Lan at first sight and could not control himself. He engaged in inappropriate behavior out of infatuation. Although he planned to propose marriage on...