This statement caused a public uproar. People gazed at the graceful woman on stage, who lay with an elegant posture like a celestial crane on water, while those who knew my family whispered as they watched.
Although the customs of the Great Qi Kingdom were considered relatively open, they could not compare to the gender equality tradition of Nanrui. In Qi Kingdom’s perception, a proper young lady should be like Su Hui: elegant, reserved, and empathetic, who would never openly express her desires.
The queen’s expression showed some anger, while the emperor looked troubled. “This matter—”
Suddenly, the Second Princess of Nanrui clapped and said loudly: “Good! I never expected Qi Kingdom to have such a bold and uninhibited woman. Your Majesty, this is a beautiful thing. Why not fulfill the wishes of these two lovers?”
“Princess Zhaoyue speaks wisely,” Yan Huo said, putting down his wine cup. “I heard that Your Majesty promised to grant the Qi Kingdom champion one wish. Surely, Your Majesty would be pleased to fulfill this lady’s wish?”
With the support of the royal families of Nanrui and Xiliang, the situation suddenly favored Miao Yin. The Qi Emperor was in a dilemma, and the Crown Prince added: “Miss Xue shows great courage. This son also requests that the Emperor fulfill this marriage.”
With public opinion unanimous, the Qi Emperor could no longer refuse and ordered Su Quan to summon her elder brother. The elder brother and Xue Miao Yin exchanged a tacit glance, declaring their intentions to marry before the Qi Emperor.
The Qi Emperor allowed the marriage under everyone’s watchful eyes. My younger sister cheered, and my father laughed heartily in amazement. My mother appeared dazed, and it took time to bring her back to her senses, still unable to believe this unexpected blessing.
The major life event of my elder brother had finally been resolved. Despite a bumpy process, the outcome was satisfactory. After the competition, my brother sent Miao Yin back to the Cao residence, hosted a feast at home, and, after a couple of drinks, collapsed at the table, giggling foolishly.
Fifteen days later, An Jin’s horseback hunting competition was approaching. Despite this, An Jin showed little interest and was busier than ever with official duties. I also consulted Doctor Liu about my father-in-law’s eye condition, who confirmed that slow recuperation was necessary and could not be rushed.
With the eye illness added to his leg injury, my father-in-law could no longer manage the bookstore, forcing me to take over. Consequently, the time An Jin and I spent together diminished, and even our daily routine was neglected, leaving me feeling melancholic.
Being “taken care of” felt excessive at times but was missed when absent. I felt conflicted; however, seeing An Jin’s exhaustion daily made me reluctant to complain. Instead, I focused on painting in the bookstore during my idle time, often resulting in erotic paintings. Que’er was shocked when she discovered this, thinking I was aiming to become the “Thirteenth Master of Erotic Paintings.”
I wondered, why not? After painting beauties for years, a qualitative leap seemed necessary. However, creating erotic paintings required imagination, as one could not use existing figures without permission. When I shared this idea with Chen Hua Ou, he was surprised but agreed it had potential. He secretly lent me popular erotic painting albums for reference.
With few customers in the bookstore, I took the opportunity to secretly study the erotic painting albums lent to me by Chen Hua Ou, hiding them under the cover of “Ritual and Music.” The more I looked, the more I felt the erotic painting market had unlimited potential. Even crudely drawn and aesthetically unpleasing erotic paintings could gain popularity in Yanfeng, indicating a desperate hunger for such art. I imagined that if I painted, I could stand out, create a new school of erotic art, and elevate my painting career. This thought excited me, causing my heart to race.
Suddenly, a slender, elegant hand gently knocked on the rosewood table before me, pulling me from my thoughts. “What are you looking at?”
I looked up dazedly. “Yan Huo, what a coincidence.”
After a moment, I realized it was indeed him. He laughed lightly, resting his elbow on the bookshelf, his brown eyes curved like honey. “What are you so engrossed in?”
Fortunately, my album was concealed by the “Ritual and Music” book cover. I remained calm, closed the album, and stood up gracefully. “I’ve been interested in musical instruments lately and study them when bored.”
By the way, about the competition—thank you.” He smiled gently, yet showed indifference. “It was just a small favor. The victory doesn’t mean much to Xiliang. If I could help you, it was my pleasure.” I owed him this favor; he cleverly made me feel uncomfortable being cold towards him, and I became more at ease. I laughed awkwardly. “Since Your Majesty is rarely visiting Yanfeng, why not look around?” “What, are you wary of me again?” he smiled bitterly. “Every time I try to get closer, you become vigilant and want to keep your distance. Aren’t we friends? I won’t harm you.” I lowered my head. “I’m sorry. I’m used to keeping my distance from dangerous people.” “Have I become dangerous now?” he raised his eyebrows, half-smiling. “You said you were happy being with me.” “That was in the past,” I explained the gap between us. He stared for a moment, then turned away. “Sorry, I was being rude. I will keep to the boundaries of friendship.” “Thank you,” I sighed in relief. “I heard from the painting doll that you plan to try a new character painting,” he said sincerely. “Would you paint a portrait of me?” I almost choked. The new character painting the doll mentioned—wasn’t it an erotic painting? Was Yan Huo actually volunteering to be the male protagonist?
“You—are you sure you want to be in my painting?” I casually looked him over. Slender and proportionate, he would likely be eye-catching in the painting.
Yan Or nodded happily. “Having Thirteen paint me is something I’ve long hoped for.”
“No problem,” I said. “After finishing, I’ll give it to the painting doll to pass on to you. Consider it repaying this favor.”
“Aren’t you going to paint based on my actual appearance?” he seemed confused.
“No need,” I shook my head. “This new painting style isn’t about realism, but about capturing the essence.”
He smiled knowingly, though it was unclear whether he truly understood my meaning. Most likely the latter.
He seemed in good spirits, and his gaze turned to the “Ritual and Music” book on the table. He picked it up. “I didn’t expect you to be interested in musical instruments—huh?”
I watched helplessly as he opened the cover. There’s nothing more embarrassing than being caught by your first love looking at an erotic book.
Chapter Thirty-Seven: Revenge
Yan Or’s face turned red, hard to tell if it was from shock or embarrassment.
He silently closed the book and placed it on the table. “So this is what interests you.”
“It’s a misunderstanding,” I said. Any explanation now seemed weak.
If I were him, I wouldn’t believe that eagerly looking at an erotic painting was for artistic pursuit.
“No need to explain,” he looked at me with profound sympathy. “It seems you’re not doing well, Thirteen.”
I felt my face twitch. Did he misunderstand?
“I didn’t expect An Daren to look so sturdy, but actually—” he trailed off, shaking his head. “Gold is not pure; no one is perfect.”
I was certain he had misunderstood. An Jin’s dignity needed my defense.
“Your Majesty, you’re mistaken. My husband is in excellent health—”
“You’ve suffered so much,” he interrupted, his face full of feigned compassion. “Every family has its own troubles. Don’t worry, I won’t ask more.”
