Chapter 28 Who Is More Favored
hand. This made her feel as though the old emperor was planning to break them apart! Yonghua Palace, the queen's residence—ordinary women naturally wouldn’t be allowed in there! And now, the old emper...Chapter 28 Who Prefers Whom
Yun Qianyue looked at Rong Jing, her expression cold.
Rong Jing also stared at Yun Qianyue. Through the beaded curtain, they were like people separated by thick clouds and mist.
"Do I have to erase all my memories of living for fourteen years before you can recognize me Do I only become myself after you rescued me from Ye Tianqiong's hands that day in the palace Do you insist on binding me, making me solely devoted to you, with you occupying every thought and vision in my mind Are you determined to抹殺我以前生活的全部 because of your demands" Yun Qianyue spoke again, her voice devoid of warmth. "Wouldn't you feel more at ease if this world didn't have Ye Tianyi"
Rong Jing pursed his lips and remained silent.
"Unfortunately! Although I've lost my memory, I haven't forgotten the people connected to my past life. Unfortunately, this world does indeed have Ye Tianyi, who seems deeply entangled with me. What should I do" Yun Qianyue looked at Rong Jing, her gaze landing on his poetic and picturesque features as she suddenly spoke in a soft voice, "Rong Jing, if you can't tolerate the slight disturbance that arises from my feelings towards Ye Tianyi, wouldn’t it be even more difficult for you to handle greater disturbances once I regain my memory If this is so, what reason do we have to continue"
Rong Jing suddenly stood up.
"Tell you something: I may have lost my memory, but I'm not losing my mind! I've always been clear about what I’m doing!" Yun Qianyue angrily threw out these words and turned around to leave without wanting to say more.
The moment she moved her feet, Rong Jing had already reached the door. He grabbed her arm tightly, his grip so strong that it stopped her from leaving in any way.
Yun Qianyue halted in her steps and said without turning back, "Why are you holding me Let go!"
Rong Jing remained silent, his thin lips pressed firmly together. The knuckles of the hand gripping Yun Qianyue's arm turned pale as he continued to tighten his grip, seemingly afraid that if he let go, he wouldn't be able to hold her again.
"Do I have to break your fingers for you to release me" Yun Qianyue looked back at him with raised eyebrows and a cold gaze. "Go ahead then! Even if you break them, this hand will still grab onto you and won’t let go." Rong Jing's voice was hoarse.
Yun Qianyue stared at Rong Jing and noticed an unusual pale complexion on his face under the sunlight. She looked at him coldly, "Why don't you let go Haven't you been mocking me and getting angry with me for trying to make me leave Isn't leaving exactly what you want"
Rong Jing pursed his lips, silent as he stared at Yun Qianyue.
Yun Qianyue turned her face away from Rong Jing and looked up at the sky. The sun was blazing bright, casting a strong light that felt warm on her skin, almost scorching. Yet, his hand holding hers was cool, even through her clothes she could feel a chill to the bone. Perhaps only then could she understand how deep his feelings for her were. How cold his hands were reflected how deep his heart was.
She couldn't help but question her own feelings towards him for the first time. Rong Jing wanted more than just affection, far beyond what she considered as love. Could she give it to him
Could she
Even without Ye Tianyi's interference, could she give it to him
The past few days of being together felt like a dream, beautiful yet fragile, about to shatter at any moment. Now, it had finally shattered!
"What are you thinking" Rong Jing suddenly straightened Yun Qianyue's body with his hand and looked at her with eyes clouded over.
Yun Qianyue gazed at Rong Jing; the man before her was so young, with a jade-like face and finely drawn eyebrows. She recalled their first meeting: "A person like jade on the roadside, a prince incomparable." Since then until now, whenever she saw him, no other words came to mind but these. Even when he was angry or jealous, even when his tongue was sharp, or his thoughts deep, he remained Rong Jing — the esteemed Crown Prince of the Rong王府, revered by all.
But what about her
She was just a soul from another world!
A soul that had lost its memories of survival in this world!
The gap between them wasn't only the difference in reputation and social status, but also in their sealed-off memories, the unwritten rule against marriage between the Yun and Rong households, the old emperor's heavy hand, and most importantly, the disparity of thought from two different time periods. Her deep-rooted beliefs were understanding, tolerance, and trust; what were Rong Jing’s A complete possession of her soul.
She did not doubt his feelings for her but lacked the confidence to give him what he wanted. Love was always like wisps of smoke and clouds to someone as detached as she was. Currently, all she could offer was something deeper than affection. But now, facing this Rong Jing, it seemed even that was beyond her reach...
What should I do if I can't give him what he wants
"What are you thinking" Rong Jing suddenly spoke in a soft voice, like clouds and smoke.
Yun Qianyue pursed her lips, and a determined look suddenly appeared in her eyes. If she couldn’t give him what he wanted, it was better not to give anything at all. She had never been someone who would compromise herself just for the sake of others. She always knew exactly what she wanted. In her previous life, out of fear that she might break her innermost beliefs, she swore never to cross that line and allowed him to remain in her heart. Why couldn’t she do it again in this lifetime
Rong Jing suddenly let go of Yun Qianyue, turned his back on her without looking at her, his voice restrained and controlled, "Leave now!"
Yun Qianyue looked at Rong Jing’s figure and an inexplicable emotion rose in her heart.
"I can’t help feeling frustrated even though I’m not angry. Just like how you can’t erase the connections you’ve made with others just because you lost your memory. Even if you’re by my side, I still don’t feel at ease or comfortable; I can’t stop myself from getting jealous. So now that I’m jealous, are you saying you want to take back your affection for me" Rong Jing suddenly sneered, "Yun Qianyue, how cruel of you."
Yun Qianyue’s body trembled.
"If we strip away the layer of the Prince of Honor王府 and this dazzling exterior, I’m just a normal man. Whether it was in the past or now, I’ve never pretended in front of you; I am who I am. You should know that I have always been genuine to you. Haven’t you known all along Do you want me to suppress my feelings, hide them, and not show any anger or jealousy when I’m with you Am I supposed to change into someone who cares deeply, is domineering, and petty just because it scares you" Rong Jing sneered again.
Yun Qianyue pursed her lips without speaking.
"You’ve never put me in your heart, have you You’ve never taken things seriously, right Even if you say that I’m more important to you than others are, it’s still a feeling that keeps me outside of the door of your heart. You also hide your thoughts deeply from me, just like how even these days we share a bed and you’re moved by my embrace, yet I can touch you but not reach into your heart." Rong Jing sneered again, "Have you ever considered marrying into Honor王府 or marrying me Have you ever thought about our future together You said that this isn’t just a game for you, but are you sure it’s not You say that I don’t trust you, yet when have you ever trusted me"
Yun Qianyue didn’t speak, her lips pressed into a straight line.
"I’m willing to kill the emperor for marrying you. I dare to say it and do it. I’m willing to go against all conventions, no matter who you are; even if it means sacrificing everything, I still want to marry you. I don’t mind waiting for you to fall in love with me, however long that might take. But you’ve sealed off my right to wait within the boundaries you set for yourself, using a huge lock to shut down any possibility of stepping outside your limits while also not allowing me to enter them. How am I supposed to wait then" Rong Jing continued sneering, "Now what reason do you have again for not liking me Since you’re so rational about distinguishing between love and dislike, I hope that when you meet the Seventh Prince, you can be equally clear!"
Yun Qianyue’s body shook.
"Don’t say another word to me. Leave right now!" Rong Jing didn’t look at Yun Qianyue once more, turning and entering the room as he walked in; the sound of the crystal curtains ringing out clearly as his white moonlight-colored brocade robe drew a cold arc. His warm voice turned cold and heavy, "Xiangge, get the carriage ready. Qingshang, come inside to pack up Miss Yun’s things for her return!"
Xiangge and Qingshang had been hiding in the shadows all along; they were originally delighted by Yun Qianyue’s unexpected return but now that their master and Yun Qianyue had a falling out, both of them turned pale as they looked at each other.
"Didn’t you hear" Rong Jing asked again.
"Prince, the carriage has just arrived. Shall we send Miss Yun back tomorrow instead" Xiangge tried to keep Yun Qianyue here.
"Today!" Rong Jing’s tone left no room for refusal.
Xiangge immediately stopped speaking and looked at Yun Qianyue; seeing her standing still, the sunlight on her face revealed an unusual paleness compared to usual, with her purple robe like it was dusted with frost, making her look as if she were shrouded in mist. Even at noon when the sun was strong, there wasn’t a trace of warmth around her. He turned his head towards Qingshang and hoped that Qingshang had some solution.
Qingshang thought today might not be going well but also wanted to try keeping Yun Qianyue here; Miss Yun’s return indicated she cared about the Prince, while the Prince’s behavior these days showed how much he valued her. As people who grew up with the Prince, they understood this best. She couldn’t think of any way right now and seeing Xiangge look at her, could only force herself to say: "Prince, it is almost noon; we should be having lunch soon. Miss Yun hasn’t…"
"When did you start talking so much Are you also thinking about leaving with her for Cloud王府" Rong Jing interrupted Qingshang.
Qingshang immediately fell silent.
Rong Jing didn't speak anymore.
The courtyard was quiet, no one spoke further.
Yun Qianyue remained still, her expression unreadable.
About a tea time later, the sound of Rong Fu’s voice came from outside the Purple Bamboo Grove: "Prince, Sixth Princess has arrived at the mansion! She says she wants to see you; does Prince want to meet with her"
Xiangge and Qingshang lifted their heads sharply and looked into the room.
Yun Qianyue suddenly began walking towards the exit.
Rong Jing stood by the window watching Yun Qianyue leave without speaking.
Xiangge waited for a while; seeing that Yun Qianyue left Purple Bamboo Garden and entered Purple Bamboo Grove, but Rong Jing didn’t retract his earlier words, he lightly touched his toes and followed her out. Of course, he had to have the carriage prepared before Miss Yun reached the main gate so she wouldn’t have to walk back to Cloud王府 like this.
Qing Shang hurriedly entered the room to pack up Cloud Qianyue's belongings.
"Young Master, may I ask if you wish to see Princess Liu" Rong Fu waited for a while but didn't hear any sound from inside and試探性地詢問again.
Rong Jing seemed not to have heard him; he merely stood by the window. His jade-like face appeared even colder now, as though no amount of sunshine could melt it away.
Rong Fu sensed the chill emanating from Purple Bamboo Courtyard and didn't dare speak again.
Soon after, Qing Shang finished packing up all Cloud Qianyue's clothes into a bundle. She hesitated for a moment when she saw the sachet that Cloud Qianyue had embroidered halfway on the soft couch before looking at Rong Jing and asking softly, "Young Master, should I also send this sachet back to Miss Shallow Moon"
Rong Jing turned around to look at the sachet. The moon-white silk fabric was intricately embroidered with half a mandarin duck pattern, the stitches fine and the lines smooth. Although it was her first attempt at embroidery, it did not fall short of any skilled seamstress's work. Even though it was only half a mandarin duck, it looked incredibly lifelike. He gazed silently for a moment before turning away, his tone neutral, "Send it back to her."
"Yes!" Qing Shang walked over and picked up the sachet, intending to tuck it along with the embroidery thread and pattern samples together when she noticed another design on the reverse side. She couldn't help exclaiming, "Young Master, how is Miss Shallow Moon able to embroider a pattern on the back as well"
Rong Jing turned around once more to look at the sachet again. Sure enough, there was indeed an embroidered design on its reverse side, just like the half mandarin duck design from earlier, with equally meticulous stitches and smooth lines but with a different motif. His gaze softened momentarily when he saw it.
"This seems to be peach blossom embroidery... This is my first time seeing someone use this double-sided embroidery technique! Even Lady Yun's craftsmanship might not match up. Miss Shallow Moon, who just started learning embroidery for one day, was able to create such a design on both sides of the sachet. It’s truly令人驚歎。
Rong Jing remained silent.
"Young Master, Miss Shallow Moon actually cares deeply about you. You..." Qing Shang lifted her head and looked at Rong Jing. Seeing that he didn't interrupt her, she mustered up courage to persuade him further, "You can’t be upset with her just because she helped the Seventh Prince today. Now that Miss Shallow Moon has lost her memory, if the Seventh Prince treats her well, wouldn’t you be pushing her towards him"
Rong Jing suddenly turned his back and continued looking out of the window, but this time he didn't snap at Qing Shang.
Qing Shang sensed hope and grew bolder. Still speaking cautiously, she said, "You were injured while saving Miss Qin; though Miss Shallow Moon was jealous, she understood that you had no choice back then and didn’t hold a grudge against you. Later when you stayed in the water, Miss Shallow Moon pulled you out of the water disregarding propriety because she cared about your safety. Afterward, she waited until late at night for the Seventh Prince to leave before going up Cloud Mist Mountain; these past two days she has been staying with you in Purple Bamboo Courtyard ignoring everything else while learning needlework and embroidery skills just for you. Now she is even putting effort into this double-sided embroidered sachet... All of this shows that Miss Shallow Moon cares about you deeply, isn’t it Even if she helped the Seventh Prince today to send off Fifth Miss when she was in trouble, she did so because Fifth Miss had no idea how to handle the situation and made her angry."
"Young Master, you should be clear about Miss Shallow Moon's feelings for you. Not even I can’t see it after spending days with her; I don't believe you couldn't have noticed it either. Today when she came back, she was only upset because of you. If you said a few kind words or softened her as usual, she wouldn't be angry anymore. Now that you’re making her leave like this, I can’t understand."
"Young Master, Miss Shallow Moon hasn’t left the王府 yet; why don’t you go and bring her back If you really want to send her away, half a day has passed without her leaving until Uncle Fu told her that Princess Liu had arrived. At this rate, if she ends up with the Seventh Prince due to this misunderstanding, it’ll be too late for regrets later on!" Qing Shang spoke in one breath but seeing Rong Jing still unmoving, she was so anxious she wished she could grab him, yet didn't dare.
Rong Jing continued silently looking out of the window with his back turned. Qing Shang couldn’t see his expression.
After waiting another while, she pleaded, "Young Master, you’ve always been restrained by your cold poison illness all these years, but now that your health is much better, can’t you give up because Miss Shallow Moon treats the Seventh Prince differently"
"Do I seem like giving up to you" Rong Jing suddenly spoke, his voice still devoid of emotion.
Qing Shang silently nodded; she indeed thought he was giving up. Currently, Young Master was actually in the most advantageous position. Being so clever, how could he not know what was best for him As long as Miss Shallow Moon stayed with him now that she had lost her memory, even if the Seventh Prince were special to her, it wouldn’t matter.
"The ice doesn't form in a day," Rong Jing sighed suddenly.
"I don't understand!" Qing Shang looked at Rong Jing; although she was insightful, she really didn't get it today. Young Master had always kept Miss Shallow Moon very closely since he came out of the house after his decade-long illness. No matter whether it was Prince Taizi or Fourth Prince, nor even Lord Yan and Prince Feng who were connected to her in some way, let alone the Seventh Prince who now held a special place for her due to her lost memories; no one could get close to them. Yet they quarreled just when Miss Shallow Moon seemed to have developed feelings, giving the Seventh Prince an opportunity which was extremely disadvantageous!
"A drop of water can penetrate stone over time too. I still act too hasty!" Rong Jing didn't turn his head but looked into the distance with a vague gaze, "Grandmaster Yin once gave me this phrase: ‘holding back is letting go; letting go is holding back’. But I failed to understand it. It seems like I have fallen into obsession! Fortunately, it’s not too late!"
Qing Shang silently repeated the phrase ‘holding back is letting go; letting go is holding back’, but still didn’t comprehend.
"Go now and send her clothes and that sachet back. Say nothing," Rong Jing waved his hand, his sigh turning into a usual calm tone, "Also visit the Seventh Prince's mansion on your way and pass along this message: ‘I said earlier, the two jars of Holy Spirit Spring Water you brought to our house today are delicious. Such good wine shouldn’t be given away in future as who knows if the brewer will stop making it after that He won't be able to drink it himself then’."
"Yes! I’ll go right now!" Qing Shang was stunned for a moment and seemed to understand slightly, turning around to leave.
Rong Jing didn’t speak further. Watching as Qing Shang’s figure disappeared, he rubbed his forehead before looking at the Purple Bamboo Grove, asking, "Is Uncle Fu still there"
"Young Master, I’m still here. I was waiting for your response; Princess Liu is currently outside the gates waiting," Rong Fu immediately replied, though his voice sounded slightly trembling.
"Uncle Fu, how many years have you been the chief steward at the Rong王府" Rong Jing asked.
When Rong Fu was startled, he hurriedly replied: "Thirty-three years!"
"It has indeed been a long time!" said Rong Jing again.
A look of shock appeared on Rong Fu's face. He hastened to say, "This old servant shouldn't have come to disturb the Young Master today, but Princess Liulang came to the residence many times. This time her attitude was firm and this old servant couldn’t stop her, so..."
"Is it that you can’t stop her or that you don’t want to" Rong Jing interrupted Rong Fu.
Rong Fu immediately stopped talking.
"Wasn't it your grandfather who instructed you" asked Rong Jing again.
"N-no, it wasn’t the Old Duke, but this old servant..." said Rong Fu as he quickly shook his head.
"Not Uncle Fu, think clearly before you speak!" Rong Jing suddenly gave a cold laugh. "Now my grandfather doesn't spend time in idleness to enjoy life like an elder should, yet even meddles with the secular affairs of the Shunrong王府 and also my private matters. It looks as if he is still vigorous despite his age. If I no longer manage this Shunrong王府 tomorrow, then I'll hand it over to him to run!"
Rong Fu immediately fell silent.
"Why did Fifth Young Lady know that Seventh Prince came to visit She didn’t appear for the half an hour that he stayed here or during the two sticks of incense time that he waited at the gate. Why was she so conveniently following me and Miss Shyuan out just when we left the residence How can she, who is usually timid and afraid, dare to invite Seventh Prince to celebrate Qiqiao Festival with her today Do you really think that she doesn’t understand any etiquette or social customs Can there be truly ignorant women in Shunrong王府" Rong Jing’s voice was calm as always. "You should know my rules, then why are you reporting Princess Liulang's visit to the residence today"
Rong Fu trembled and his old face turned deathly pale like paper. He immediately knelt down to apologize: "Forgive me, Young Master! This old servant was indeed following Old Duke’s instructions, but he did it for your own good. Miss Shyuan is really... if she stays with you any longer, it would be disadvantageous for you!"
"What has ever been advantageous to me Tell me," Rong Jing’s voice couldn’t tell whether he was happy or angry.
"The Emperor has always been wary of Shunrong王府 and yourself. Moreover, Miss Shyuan is precisely the kind of person she is. Even though ancestral precepts were abolished now, she remains the only legitimate daughter of Shunrong王府. How could the Emperor let her go The Emperor might have already suspected it. Anyone with common sense can see that you like Miss Shyuan; how could the Emperor not know No matter how much you love Miss Shyuan, can our Shunrong王府 really withstand a royal attack Defend against the Emperor Our ancestor relied on royal covert agents to conquer the world back then... this you also know, royal covert agents are everywhere in the country..." Rong Fu’s voice trembled as he said: "Even if you have exceptional abilities and Shunrong王府 is rich enough to rival a kingdom, what use would it be Can one person overturn Heavenly Saint Dynasty's century-old foundation If the Emperor takes action, not only will Shunrong王府 be destroyed, but Yun王府 will suffer the same fate..."
"So that’s why my grandfather wants me to marry Princess Liulang" Rong Jing raised his eyebrows.
"The Old Duke didn’t ask you to marry Princess Liulang; he only asked you and Miss Shyuan to stay away from each other... Although Miss Shyuan is spirited, she’s the legitimate daughter of Yun王府. There has always been an unwritten rule between Shunrong王府 and Yun王府 that they can’t intermarry. If you break this rule, it’s unimaginable what consequences would follow..." Rong Fu said in a trembling voice: "Even if you’ve made plans for these years, a centipede still dies without losing its legs. Young Master, think carefully!"
"Did my grandfather make all of these things known to you" asked Rong Jing with raised eyebrows.
"No, Old Duke knew that Fifth Miss likes Seventh Prince and only instructed me to stop the prince when you left the residence with Miss Shyuan. That was also done with her consent. As for Princess Liulang’s visit just now, I was in Old Duke's courtyard at the time; a guard reported it to me which the old duke overheard. He ordered me to come here. Apart from these two things, Old Duke didn’t say anything else, and that earlier speech was merely my audacity," Rong Fu shook his head.
"Hmph!" Rong Jing answered indifferently, then fell silent.
Rong Fu knelt on the ground, quietly waiting for instructions from Rong Jing.
After a moment, Rong Jing suddenly asked, "Uncle Fu, who do you think likes me more, Miss Shyuan or I"
Rong Fu was stunned and replied without hesitation: "Of course Miss Shyuan likes you more!"
"So she likes me better, huh" Rong Jing suddenly laughed. His laughter was light yet deep, mocking and cold, leaving Rong Fu momentarily dumbfounded. He had never heard the Young Master laugh like this before; it seemed as if there were countless emotions swirling within his chest. Where was that calm and composed young master who remained unruffled even when Mount Tai crumbled Suddenly, he felt an ominous premonition.
"I’ll tell you: I like her more! For ten years or longer," Rong Jing stopped laughing and said calmly.
Rong Fu was instantly bewildered with disbelief written all over his old face.
"Uncle Fu, you don’t need to continue serving as the head of household in Shunrong王府 tomorrow! You are an elder by my grandfather's side; from today on, focus solely on taking care of him. Also tell Grandpa that if he continues meddling with my affairs from now on, I will no longer manage this Shunrong王府! Let him consider how many more years he has to live and for how long he can continue managing. After his death, if I don’t take over the management of Shunrong王府, it will decline into ruins," Rong Jing gave a cold laugh. "Doesn’t he want to go to sleep with just a handful of earth Would that make him worthy to face the ancestors and forefathers of Shunrong王府"
"Young Master..." said Rong Fu, his body sagging.
"Shunrong王府 has been around for over a hundred years. I decide whether it prospers or declines! From now on, Fifth Miss will take charge of the household affairs within Shunrong王府’s inner quarters," ordered Rong Jing with an expressionless face: "Soon you’ll hand over your authority to her. The position of chief steward will be transferred to Rong Xi."
"Young Master, Fifth Miss is timid and fearful; Master Xi is only ten years old..." Rong Fu was completely shocked.
"How dare she be timid and yet intercept the seventh prince's carriage right at the front gate of Rong王府 in my presence I see that her courage surpasses everyone else's. What does it matter if Rong Xi is only ten years old The offspring of Rong王府 are not children anymore when they reach ten."
When Rong Jing finished speaking, he didn't hear any response from Rong Fu. He narrowed his eyes and asked, "What’s wrong Uncle Fu, do you have objections to my decision"
Rong Fu hurriedly shook his head. Today, he had said everything that needed to be said, but ultimately, the decision still depended on Young Master Shi. No one in this manor, including the Old Prince, had the ability to interfere with Young Master Shi's affairs. "Old servant... old servant follows Your Highness's arrangements! Everything is up to Your Highness’s judgment. Old servant has long wanted to serve the Old Prince, but out of fear that no one could support Your Highness in the manor, I did not dare to interfere with Rong王府 matters since then."
"Hmm, if it's so, you may go!" Rong Jing waved his hand.
"Yes!" Rong Fu stood up and shook as he made his way towards the courtyard of Old Prince Rong.
Rong Jing lingered at the window for a moment longer before slowly turning back to sit on the soft sofa, closing his eyes in fatigue.
At this time, by the entrance of Rong王府, Xian Ge had already prepared a carriage and was waiting there.
Yun Qianyue left the inner courtyard of Rong王府, bypassing the front hall, and immediately spotted Princess Six standing at the gate of Rong王府. She wore an elaborate princess dress made of brocade, with red hairpins and jade pendants adorning her. From afar, she looked like a delicate flower bud wrapped in splendid embroidery, giving off an aura of elegance and grace, similar to that of Qin Yuceng's refined demeanor. Even though she was young, the regal background and her mother’s favor from Emperor Ming made it impossible for others to underestimate her. As Yun Qianyue looked at Princess Six with a calm expression on her face, her steps remained unhindered.
Princess Six also noticed Yun Qianyue right away. She found that today, Yun Qianyue was different from usual; instead of walking in an unsteady manner, she now moved gracefully and steadily, more composed than any noblewoman in the capital city. Moreover, her slim waist and purple dress emitted a cold yet dazzling radiance that one could hardly look at directly. It was the first time Princess Six realized how beautiful Yun Qianyue truly was. Walking out of Rong王府's inner courtyard under the sunlight, she resembled an elegant hostess welcoming guests. Even though she wore a noble princess attire, her aura of nobility and refinement surpassed it. A hint of jealousy flashed across her gentle face.
When Yun Qianyue reached the main gate, she walked straight to the carriage where Xian Ge quickly pulled back the curtains for her. Unlike before when she would jump in without any decorum, she now slowly stepped up into the carriage and let the curtain fall behind her, not even glancing at Princess Six.
Xian Ge looked towards the manor but saw no sign of Qing Shang. He softly said to Yun Qianyue, "Miss Yun, Qing Shang is packing your clothes for you! Shall we wait for her"
"She can send them over later. Drive on!" Yun Qianyue instructed.
Xian Ge nodded and didn't delay any longer. He whipped the reins, causing the carriage to leave Rong王府's main gate.
"Wait!" Princess Six suddenly blocked in front of the carriage.
Xian Ge was forced to pull back on the reins.
"Yun Qianyue, you didn't bow when you saw me and ignored me. What's your attitude" Princess Six glared at the closed curtains inside the carriage with an unusually stern expression for her gentle nature.
"From childhood to now, I've met you countless times. Did I always show respect by bowing each time" Yun Qianyue said indifferently.
Princess Six was left speechless.
"Drive on!" Yun Qianyue ordered Xian Ge; she didn't have the patience to deal with Princess Six's antics.
Xian Ge glanced at Princess Six, then pulled back on the reins and stepped back as if he wanted to go around her. But Princess Six suddenly grabbed the bridle of the horse, angrily shouting, "Yun Qianyue, are you refusing to marry Crown Prince Imperial Brother because you have eyes only for Young Master Jing Are you willing to risk your head to break our ancestral rules"
Xian Ge's face darkened. He coldly said, "Princess Six, please release the bridle or I won't be polite!"
"You can try cutting off my hand for all I care!" Princess Six refused to let go of the bridle.
Since the founding emperor, members of the royal family had not only been well-educated but also skilled in martial arts. Male members learned inner strength and martial arts, while women, though not mastering inner strength or combat skills, still trained in horseback riding and archery. Therefore, even if Princess Six was gentle and elegant, she wasn't defenseless.
Xian Ge turned to look inside the carriage; he naturally couldn’t draw his sword and cut off Princess Six’s hand! After all, she was a princess and Emperor Ming's daughter who enjoyed favor from him. Her three daughters were also favored by the emperor. Since Qing Wan had lost her mind and Qi Qi often fell ill, only Princess Six remained in good graces with the emperor.
"So what if I am Or not What does it have to do with you" Yun Qianyue said coldly.
"If I am, do you think you're worthy of Young Master Jing If not, then at least you still know your place!" Princess Six's delicate and gentle face was resolute. Having visited Rong王府 multiple times without seeing Young Master Jing even once, and failing to get help from Rong Linglan, she heard that Yun Qianyue had moved into Purple Bamboo Courtyard and hadn't come out in days. She couldn’t wait any longer; today being the first time she saw her leave, she wouldn’t let this opportunity go by without demanding a clear answer.
"Does Princess Six mean to tell me only you are worthy of Young Master Jing" Yun Qianyue laughed coldly upon hearing that.
Princess Six was stunned.
"If you think so, go ask the Emperor for a decree and force him to marry you off! If the emperor consents and Young Master Jing agrees to marry you, I will certainly prepare generous gifts to congratulate you," Yun Qianyue laughed coldly again before ignoring Princess Six. She angrily ordered Xian Ge, "Drive on! If one woman can stop your carriage, then it seems the rule that no one except those of our family or close friends may come within three feet of Young Master Jing should be abolished!
String Song's expression changed, and without hesitation, he waved his hand. A gust of wind swept past, instantly clearing the Sixth Princess from in front of the carriage. As his palm wind passed by, the reins that the Sixth Princess had grabbed were cut clean through. He used a whip to circle around as a replacement for the reins. All these actions took place within an eyeblink; the carriage did not linger any longer and left the doorsteps of the Rong王府門口。
The Sixth Princess stepped back two steps to steady herself, only to see that the carriage was already far away. She was both angry and frustrated but could do nothing about it.
At this moment, Qing Shang came out of the residence with a package in hand, trailing behind by one step. Seeing that the carriage had already gone far, she sighed helplessly and was just about to use her light-foot technique to chase after it when she was caught by the Sixth Princess. She was forced to stop and look back at the Sixth Princess.
"Are you Qing Shang, a maid serving Prince Jing" The Sixth Princess looked at Qing Shang. Her concern for Rong Jing wasn't any less than Qin Yuning's; naturally, she had inquired from Rong Linglan about who served by Rong Jing's side long ago. It was not strange that she recognized Qing Shang based on her attire.
"Yes!" Qing Shang was surprised that the Sixth Princess knew her but thought it wasn't surprising considering how frequently the Sixth Princess had visited recently.
"Where are you going" The Sixth Princess looked at the package in Qing Shang's hand.
"To deliver clothes to Miss Qianyue!" replied Qing Shang.
"Doesn't Yun Qianyue live in the Rong王府 anymore Has Prince Jing cured her of her illness" The Sixth Princess was delighted, thinking that Yun Qianyue must be returning home from the Rong王府. If she had known earlier, she would not have stopped her.
"Yes!" Qing Shang nodded.
"Does Prince Jing like Yun Qianyue..." Seeing no one else around except for herself and Qing Shang and a guard at the gate, the Sixth Princess試探性地問道。
"Your Highness, I don't understand what you're asking," Qing Shang裝作不懂地回答。
"Does Prince Jing like Yun Qianyue" The Sixth Princess lowered her voice and asked with a hint of nervousness.
Qing Shang found it somewhat amusing. She could hardly say anything direct, such as "Prince Jing likes Miss Qianyue more than just liking her" or "Prince Jing doesn't like Miss Qianyue." She shook her head and said, "I don't know!"
"How can you not know" The Sixth Princess frowned.
"Our prince always treats Miss Qianyue with propriety. There has never been any impropriety between them. Prince Jing looks after Miss Qianyue out of gratitude for the medicine he received from the previous Duke Yun and the Emperor's order to cure her weak constitution. I really don't know what Prince Jing thinks about it or whether he likes Miss Qianyue." Qing Shang shook her head.
The Sixth Princess looked at Qing Shang with suspicion, but found her words reasonable and thus nodded. She then asked again, "What about Miss Qianyue Does she..."
"Your Highness, I am just a maid. I don't understand the matters between masters," Qing Shang打斷了她的話。
The Sixth Princess's face was not very pleasant but didn't want to cause trouble since Qing Shang served Rong Jing. Especially today, wanting to see Prince Jing, she immediately stopped herself and took off a jade bracelet from her wrist to give to Qing Shang with gentle words, "I wish to see Prince Jing today; can you help me get in As long as you bring me in, I..."
Qing Shang immediately stepped back, not even looking at the jade bracelet offered by the Sixth Princess. She shook her head firmly and said, "Your Highness, this favor I cannot grant. My prince's rules are that no one can enter Purple Bamboo Garden without permission. If you want to see my prince, find your own way."
The Sixth Princess hadn't expected such a small maid to not even look at her valuable jade bracelet and became angry.
"Your Highness, I have other matters to attend to; please excuse me!" Qing Shang ignored the Sixth Princess and left for the Yun王府 with light-foot technique. She truly couldn't help the Sixth Princess; in her view, ten Sixth Princes were not worth one Miss Qianyue.
The Sixth Princess watched as Qing Shang left without a second glance, feeling aggrieved after being treated this way by Yun Qianyue and now even a small maid was treating her like this. When had she, a princess, ever been made to feel so humiliated She felt angry and resentful.
"Princess, why don't we return to the palace This isn't going to work anyway; with Qing Wan Princess losing her mind and Seventh Princess constantly sick, the Emperor favors our Lady most. You are his favorite daughter now. Rather than coming here every day only to be denied a meeting with Prince Jing, perhaps we should look into getting help from the Emperor or Lady instead. After all, you are a princess; marrying into the Rong王府 would not shame Prince Jing. The Emperor might even agree!" Ling'er, her close attendant, approached and suggested softly.
The Sixth Princess's eyes lit up, "You're right!" With that said, she turned to walk towards her carriage.
Ling'er immediately followed the Sixth Princess.
From morning till noon, carriages had been coming and going incessantly at the gates of the Rong王府. Now it was finally quiet.
Someone might be crying now, right This is not torture but an inevitable part of their emotional development. Ladies, trust my integrity; I am your mother figure in this story. (づ￣3￣)づ╭～ed an ancient tree on the brink of death, waiting for winter’s frost to fall upon it before he would die, never to return."Letting you come here to chat with me, yet you’ve been silent all along. Neve...