At this time, Sai Yue Zhai’s Chen Hua sent a message through someone, saying that due to the Three Kingdoms Competition, many business opportunities had emerged, and asked if I was willing to return to my old profession.
Since the “Twilight Double Beauty” painting, I had been busy handling marital issues and various internal and external conflicts and had stopped painting for a long time. The little savings I had were already spent by my sister. If my big brother won the competition, we would need to prepare a betrothal gift. Miaoyin being from the queen’s family meant the gift couldn’t be shabby, so I needed to find a way.
Anjin had mentioned he could solve this, but I didn’t want to trouble him, so I planned to earn some silver and agreed to take on new commissions. Hua Ou was very happy and immediately arranged a time to discuss details.
Our arranged time was the day before my brother’s competition. Que’er seemed unhappy after hearing about this. In the past, she would be more excited than me about such opportunities, always eager to get a share, but this time she looked unwilling.
I finally got angry. “Please tell him that we really have no need to meet.” As I turned to leave, Hua Ou quickly grabbed my arm and persuaded me: “Madam, just give me some face and meet with Zheng—His Majesty. His Majesty still thinks of you fondly. Even if Madam no longer has feelings for him, shouldn’t you make things clear and let him give up?”
I refused and was determined to leave. Hua Ou blocked me, her entire face wrinkling like a steamed bun, looking pitiful. I hardened my heart and ignored her.
What could I do? My husband was a jealous jar with many ears and supernatural abilities. If someone were to be drowned in vinegar, it wouldn’t be you, would it?
Just as we were at an impasse, Mo Qu walked over, clasping his hands formally and saying: “Madam, I am under my master’s orders to ensure that my master sees you. If Madam insists on leaving, I’ll have no choice but to press your acupoints and carry you in.”
I glared at him. As he was about to make a move, I helplessly shouted, “Stop! I’ll walk in myself.”
