Jiang Huaiyu was not surprised by his response. After pondering for a moment, he said, "Then, there's only one last way..."
"What method?" Ling Mo asked, sounding curious.
"I apologize."
"Apologize?"
Jiang Huaiyu explained, "Princess Songyi is your enemy because you have hurt her dignity and damaged her authority. In that case, you should apologize before she gets angry and let the world know that you did not offend the princess on purpose, but had unspeakable difficulties."
Ling Mo pressed on, "Then what is this so-called predicament?"
Jiang Huaiyu pondered for a moment, then looked at Ling Mo, whose brows were furrowed, and said, "Ling Mo, I can understand the conflict in your heart. But you must know that there are always many things in this world that are beyond our control. The princess's invitation is certainly an honor, but if you go against your principles, I'm afraid you will suffer even more in the future."
Upon hearing this, Ling Mo sighed and said, "I understand, Huaiyu. However, I really don't know how to explain to the princess in a way that will neither hurt her feelings nor break my principles."
Jiang Huaiyu smiled slightly, a sly glint in his eyes: "Actually, why don't you tell the princess that you made a vow years ago not to paint for the public good, and that it's inconvenient to break that vow?"
Ling Mo stared wide-eyed at Jiang Huaiyu in surprise: "Miss Jiang, what you say is absolutely right. How come I didn't think of that reason? But if the princess asks about the origin of the vow, how should I explain it?"
Jiang Huaiyu gently patted Ling Mo's shoulder and said, "You don't need to worry about that, I have a way. Just tell the princess what I say, and leave the rest to me."
Jiang Huaiyu smiled and looked at Ling Mo, saying in a serious tone, "Young Master Ling Mo, I, Jiang Huaiyu, will never forget your great kindness. It would be my honor if I could help you overcome this tribulation."
Ling Mo smiled slightly, cupped his hands, and said, "Miss Jiang, you flatter me. I am but a mere painter, how could I dare to accept such praise? However, everyone has a heart, and how could I not be grateful for your kindness?"
Jiang Huaiyu gently shook his head and said, "Young master is too modest. Your talent is truly admirable. It is my good fortune to have met you."
The two remained silent, and for a moment, the atmosphere in the room became somewhat awkward.
Jiang Huaiyu looked at Ling Mo with concern and worry in her eyes. Ling Mo seemed to sense her gaze, smiled slightly, and said, "Miss Jiang, you seem a little tired. Why don't you rest for a while? I'll be here to protect your peace."
Upon hearing this, Jiang Huaiyu smiled slightly and said, "With you protecting me, young master, I am naturally at ease. Then I will respectfully comply and rest for a while."
After saying this, Jiang Huaiyu slowly lay down under Ling Mo's protection. Her brows were slightly furrowed, as if she was enduring physical exhaustion. Seeing this, Ling Mo felt a pang of guilt and said, "Miss Jiang, it's all my fault for dragging you into this."
Jiang Huaiyu gently shook his head and said, "Young master, please don't say that. It is my honor to share hardships with you. However, I am indeed a little tired."
Ling Mo silently stayed by Jiang Huaiyu's side, looking at her tired face, and couldn't help but feel a little emotional. He picked up his paintbrush and gently painted Jiang Huaiyu's sleeping face, as if he wanted to freeze this beautiful moment forever.
After a while, Jiang Huaiyu slowly woke up and saw Ling Mo painting. She couldn't help but smile and said, "Young Master, are you painting me?"
Ling Mo put down his paintbrush and smiled, "Miss Jiang, your sleeping face is so beautiful it's breathtaking. I couldn't resist painting it."
A blush rose on Jiang Huaiyu's face as she said, "Young master, you flatter me. I am but an ordinary woman, how could I be worthy of your painting?"
Ling Mo said, "Miss Jiang, you have misunderstood. In my eyes, you are the most beautiful woman in the world, and no painting can compare to your real face."
Upon hearing this, Jiang Huaiyu's heart skipped a beat. She looked at Ling Mo with gratitude in her eyes.
...
The next day, when the sun was high in the sky, the old woman brought in food and pushed open the door. She was startled to see Jiang Huaiyu still lying in bed, unconscious. Her brows furrowed, and her face showed worry.
The old woman placed the food on the table, turned to look at Ling Mo, and said seriously, "Come here, I have something to ask you."
Ling Mo walked over, stood in front of the old woman, and respectfully asked, "Grandma, is there anything I can help you with?"
The old woman's eyes widened, and she said in a serious tone, "Look at Huaiyu, she's six months pregnant, and you're making her stay up all night. What kind of logic is that? As her husband and the father of her child, don't you know how to care about her health?"
Ling Mo lowered his head, looking guilty, and replied, "Grandma, I know I was wrong. I was indeed a little negligent last night and didn't pay attention to Huaiyu's health. I will definitely take better care of her in the future and let her rest well."
The old woman sighed and said, "Young man, let me tell you, as a husband, you are responsible for your wife; as a father, you are responsible for your children. You are young now, and perhaps you cannot fully understand this responsibility yet, but you must understand that this is a heavy responsibility in your life. You cannot let her and the children be harmed because of a moment of negligence."
Ling Mo smiled wryly, nodded earnestly, and said, "Grandma, I will remember your teachings and will take better care of Huaiyu and the child in the future."
Looking at Ling Mo's expression, the old woman's eyes revealed a hint of relief, but she also said seriously, "Young master, words alone are not enough. You must prove your determination with practical actions. Starting today, you must follow Huaiyu's schedule and go to bed early at night. You can't let her stay up late anymore."
Ling Mo nodded again and said, "Grandma, I understand. I will do as you say and make sure Huaiyu lives a comfortable life."
The old woman finally smiled and patted Ling Mo's shoulder: "Good child, now that you understand, I'm relieved. Go and take care of Huaiyu, and feed her later."
The old woman gave him some more advice, telling Huaiyu to take care of his health and not to overwork himself. Ling Mo smiled and agreed, looking at the old woman with gratitude in his heart.
Before long, Jiang Huaiyu slowly woke up, feeling a long-lost vitality surging within her.
She slightly opened her eyes and saw the bright sunlight streaming through the thin curtains into the cozy little room. She murmured softly, "It's already noon?"
As soon as she finished speaking, she suddenly realized that Ling Mo was not by her side.
"Miss Jiang, you're awake." A voice came from outside, and then Ling Mo walked in carrying a steaming bowl of wontons. He saw Jiang Huaiyu awake and a relieved smile appeared on his face, but a trace of worry flashed in his eyes.
Jiang Huaiyu looked at Ling Mo, her eyes full of doubt: "Young Master Ling, where did you go? Why weren't you inside just now?"
Ling Mo gently put down the bowl in his hand, sat down by Jiang Huaiyu's bedside, and explained softly, "Miss Jiang, you have been unconscious for a long time. I was worried about your health, so I have been waiting outside. Grandma just cooked some wontons for you, hoping that you could eat something after you wake up."
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