The Eastern Palace sent someone to inquire about my painting schedule. I sent a message requesting to paint at White Crane Plain outside the palace, citing the crowded nature of the palace. The Eastern Palace agreed.
Entering the palace would be like entering his territory, where making me disappear would be easy.
But White Crane Plain was busy, and he would have to restrain himself due to public scrutiny. Moreover, I was familiar with the terrain and had a good chance of escaping if danger arose.
“Appearance is nothing more than a crude shell, Madam Feiwu need not mind.” Feiwu let out a cold laugh. “I didn’t expect the Thirteenth Young Master to be such a sissy, with a voice like a woman’s.” I was angry, but fortunately my veil hat concealed my expression, allowing me to maintain my composure. “Voice is nothing more than a passing cloud in the sky, Madam Feiwu need not mind.” “Feiwu.” Xia Zhiyuan’s tone suddenly lowered. Feiwu spun around and returned to Xia Zhiyuan’s side: “Your Highness…” Xia Zhiyuan reached out and grabbed her chin. Her bright eyes were smiling, but the next moment they were filled with tearful pain. “Your Highness…” Xia Zhiyuan had clearly used force. She frowned, desperately trying to pry his hand away, but he contemptuously pushed her aside. From my angle, I could clearly see the red mark on Feiwu’s chin, gradually turning purple. I felt pain for her. Such a beautiful woman, and he could actually do this… Xia Zhiyuan’s smile remained unchanged, but 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 indeed unhappy, but not for Feiwu’s sake. Rather, I was frustrated because the Eastern Palace’s actions reminded me of the Seventh Princess. So 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 smoothly pulled Feiwu up from the ground, gently straightening her clothes and hair. Feiwu kept her head down, not daring to make a sound. After tidying her up, he kissed her face. “Alright, go.”
