Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
He had only recently met Su Yingxue, yet he had already bestowed upon her sincerity and trust.
Perhaps it was her resilience and broad-mindedness that was very attractive.
Su Yingxue stepped out under the moon and happened to encounter Chu Jinlingâs painting in the garden.
He had a very good sense of leisure and elegance. Amidst the flowers and under the moonlight, he was boiling wine with green plums in the pavilion. His brush was slowly outlining the graceful figure of a woman.
Su Yingxue had walked behind him, but he had not noticed it.
Perhaps he was too engrossed in his painting.
Su Yingxue wanted to greet him but was afraid of interrupting.
When he finished his stroke, he sighed at the painting. âSigh, I didnât do well again. Sisiâs eyes are very beautiful!â
Chu Jinling looked disappointed as he took down the painting.
Su Yingxue took it and examined it. âItâs quite good!â
âAuntie!â
Chu Jinling looked pleasantly surprised. âYou havenât left yet? What have you been talking about with my cousin for so long?â
âDiscussing his illness.â
Su Yingxue replied as she carefully examined Chu Jinlingâs painting.
It had to be said, that Chu Jinling, the Ninth Prince, was the least competent in the struggle for the throne, but when it came to music, chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry, and literature, no prince could surpass him in these refined pursuits. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om
His depiction of Lin Sisi wielding a spear, clad in armor, with her hair billowing in the wind, was truly lifelike. It was as if the valiant girl were right before their eyes.
Su Yingxueâs eyes held a hint of regret. âSuch a good painting, yet Sisi canât see it.â
âI had someone deliver a painting to her.â
Chu Jinling muttered, then grimaced. âBut 1 couldnât let her know it was from me, so I had to have it sent to the military camp. However, there was an annoying junior officer who happened to visit Sisi that day and made her think he painted it. She was so grateful to him. It infuriated me!â
Su Yingxue couldnât help but laugh at this story.
If it werenât for Noble Consort Xiaoâs people keeping an eye on Chu Jinling and prohibiting him from approaching Lin Sisi, he would have surely burst out and given that officer a beating when he found out his painting was being falsely claimed, right?
How pitiful.
Su Yingxue took the painting to keep it safe. âIâll deliver this painting to Sisi for you.â
She would never claim Chu Jinlingâs painting as her own.
âYou can give it to her, but just say you painted it.â
Chu Jinling sighed heavily. âSheâll miss me when she sees the painting, but Mother has forbidden me from seeing her again. If Mother finds out, she wonât spare Sisi. I canât protect her, and 1 donât want to cause her any more trouble.â
Chu Jinling picked up the wine jug from the stone table and took a sip.
Su Yingxueâs heart ached a little as she watched.
âAlright, I know what to do.â
After all, she was just an outsider. Perhaps this was all she could do.
âHey, wait! Auntie, when you go to see Sisi, if you have time, please help me prepare these for her.â
Chu Jinling handed her a piece of paper listing a few snacks.
âThese are all Sisiâs favorites. Sheâs currently training in the military camp and canât often indulge in them. Help deliver them to her. Iâve also listed where to buy these delicious dried fruits. Since Iâm calling you Auntie, Iâm counting on you.â
Chu Jinling winked at her, clearly being a bit cheeky.
But Su Yingxue looked into his clear eyes and nodded. âOkay..â