“Feiwu.” Xia Zhiyuan’s tone suddenly lowered. Feiwu spun around and returned to Xia Zhiyuan’s side, cozying up to him. Xia Zhiyuan reached out and grabbed her chin. Her bright eyes were smiling, but then filled with tearful pain.
Xia Zhiyuan had used force. She frowned, desperately trying to pry his hand away, but he contemptuously pushed her aside. I could see the red mark on Feiwu’s chin, gradually turning purple. I felt pain for her; such a beautiful woman, and he could do this.
Xia Zhiyuan’s smile remained unchanged, yet seemed somewhat sinister. “People who are too clever are very annoying.” Feiwu knelt pale-faced at his feet, barely holding back her tears, not uttering a word. Xia Zhiyuan turned to me and said: “Feiwu has offended the Young Master, I hope you can forgive her.”
I was frustrated because the Eastern Palace’s actions reminded me of the Seventh Princess—siblings sharing a capricious temperament.
I cleared my throat and said, “Your Highness, now is the most picturesque time of day. If we delay, it may hinder my performance.”
Xia Zhiyuan pulled Feiwu up, gently straightening her clothes and hair, contrasting his previous dark mood. Feiwu kept her head down, silent. After tidying her up, he kissed her face. “Alright, go.”
Holding the qin, I sat cross-legged on the fur carpet and plucked the strings. Liu Qi brought a tea tray for the Eastern Palace and offered me a cup.
Due to the earlier incident, Feiwu stood among the white cranes on the shore, attempting to dance, but her movements were stiff. I couldn’t paint, so I took a cup of hot tea to comfort her. She was having a hard time in her thin white gauze dress, turning blue-faced in the cool wind. After drinking hot tea, she gradually danced more smoothly.
I hurried to paint, completing the work in just one hour, breaking my fastest painting record. Xia Zhiyuan held Feiwu in his arms, looking at the painting I presented. “Very delicate.”
Xiao Wu looks beautiful in this painting, doesn’t she?” Feiwu nodded reluctantly. I explained that the painting still needed coloring and post-processing, and the Eastern Palace waved his hand, indicating he was willing to wait.
