I then proceeded to pour out everything, starting from my first painting at thirteen, explaining how I secretly painted beauties, how the Eastern Palace had me paint for his dancers, and how I accidentally got into a fight with the princess. An Jin’s brow furrowed, then gradually relaxed, and then furrowed 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 always steal paintings so smoothly?”
I understood the implication and stood stunned for a moment.
He sighed, his expression finally softening, reaching out to pull 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, which trembled slightly at the end.
“I am indeed angry. Very angry.” His chest heaved as if suppressing his emotions. “Not just at you, but more at myself.”
I hugged his waist, rubbing back and forth, 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 still let you get hurt.”
I shook my head vigorously. “It’s my fault for being too self-confident, thinking I could solve every problem.”
“It’s my fault for not protecting you.”
“It’s my fault for being too impulsive.”
“My fault for being negligent.”
I quickly shook my head: “It’s my fault. I was wrong. Punish me however you want!”
An Jin looked down at me, his lips curving slightly. “Really anything?”
I was speechless, vaguely feeling I’d walked into another trap.
An Jin chuckled softly. “Remember, never go out alone in the future. If you must go out, tell me first, and it’s best if I accompany you.”
I nodded repeatedly, then cautiously asked, “What’s the punishment for hitting a princess? How will I be dealt with?”
An Jin thought for a moment.
“I remember a drunk who insulted the Eastern Palace was beheaded.”
