“How did he know?” I asked, surprised. “Did you tell him?”
Que’er shook her head. “Not me. Anyway, he already knows, and the madam is lying… The master is furious.”
The doctor was quickly summoned to examine me and Yuanxiao. I had only superficial injuries, with no damage to muscles or bones.
Yuanxiao’s injuries were more serious than they appeared, but with timely medication and rest, he would recover. The doctor looked at me with sympathy, then regarded An Jin with contempt, treating him like a wife-beater who had even struck the dog, illustrating one cannot judge by appearances.
An Jin ordered Que’er to collect the prescribed medicine and was about to leave without acknowledging me.
Panicking, I rushed to block the door.
His cold gaze pierced through me. “Move.”
“No!” I shook my head, smiling ingratiatingly. “Brother Jin, don’t go. I was truly wrong this time!”
He remained silent, just staring at me.
Under his gaze, I felt uneasy and called out more obsequiously: “Husband…”
His eyebrow twitched.
I began to explain everything, starting from my first painting at thirteen, detailing how I secretly painted beauties, how the Eastern Palace commissioned me for dancers, and how I accidentally fought with the princess. An Jin’s brow furrowed, then gradually relaxed, only to furrow again.
“Why didn’t you consult me?”
I mumbled, “I was afraid you’d be angry about me painting and following you.”
He smiled ambiguously. “Do you think that’s why you could steal paintings so smoothly?”
I stood stunned, realizing the implication.
He sighed, his expression softening as he pulled me into his embrace. “Silly monster. It’s fine that you like painting and consider it your career. But why didn’t you discuss something as dangerous as meeting the Crown Prince? Look at the state you’re in…”
Nestled in his chest, I couldn’t see his expression, only hearing his voice tremble slightly.
“I am indeed very angry. Not just at you, but more at myself.”
I hugged his waist, trying to comfort him like Yuanxiao.
His hand gently patted my back. “I’ve been protecting you since childhood. When we married, I swore to protect you for life. But now… I let you get hurt.”
I shook my head vigorously. “It’s my fault for being too self-confident, thinking I could solve every problem.”
