Gu Qingtong was about to signal to Lüguo when a tall man stepped in, walking to Gu Qingtong’s side, blocking the light outside and casting a shadow.
“Your Highness?” The shopkeeper was stunned, then immediately knelt down, “This humble one pays respects to Your Highness, may Your Highness live ten thousand years.”
Gu Qingtong realized this was the Rui Prince Yuan Zherui the shopkeeper had mentioned, and hurriedly paid her respects: “This commoner woman Gu Qingtong greets Your Highness…”
“Gu Qingtong?” Yuan Zherui frowned upon hearing her name but supported her.
Gu Qingtong was surprised to have her arm grasped by him and looked up.
“It’s you?” Yuan Zherui looked at her more clearly as she raised her head.
At the same time, Gu Qingtong also saw the man’s appearance clearly. He had an innate noble aura, handsome and heroic, wearing a purple robe, with a jade-like face and golden crown, highlighting his high status.
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His eyes seemed to penetrate one’s heart, wise yet with a somewhat terrifying charm.
Gu Qingtong knew her father was a former prime minister, so these princes and noble gentlemen recognizing her was nothing special. She simply lowered her eyes and remained silent.
“Return all of my calligraphy and paintings. If a single piece leaks out, you can forget about keeping your head,” Yuan Zherui shouted sternly.
The shopkeeper, though reluctant, valued his life more and tremblingly retrieved the paintings.
Yuan Zherui’s face was dark as he ordered his men to collect them, then specifically picked out the painting Gu Qingtong had been looking at: “Miss Gu, since you like it, this painting is a gift to you. Though it has some flaws, please don’t mind.”
“How could this commoner woman dislike a gift from Your Highness?”
“No matter. When I have time, I’ll paint your favorite wood peony for you.”
“…” Gu Qingtong was surprised he knew she liked wood peonies and stared at him, speechless.
Yuan Zherui laughed: “Don’t worry. Since I’m giving you a painting, I’ll naturally want something from you in return.”
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