In the study of the Left Chancellor's residence, on the north side is a rosewood table with upturned ends and a meander pattern, symbolizing the arrival of auspicious energy from the east.
On each side was a red lacquered display case inlaid with mother-of-pearl, filled with precious vessels from various countries, all gifts bestowed by His Majesty.
Since the downfall of Right Chancellor Yao Zhengqi, Left Chancellor Mu Chengye has become second only to the emperor! He is the most trusted and trusted minister of the current emperor, so it is no wonder that he is so favored.
At this moment, Prime Minister Mu and Councilor Liao were sitting in rosewood armchairs inlaid with enamel, discussing matters.
Liao, the councilor, sat at the lower end and asked, "Has the Left Chancellor made any progress? What kind of job should be found for the Second Prince?"
Upon hearing this, Mu Chengye pressed his brow with a headache. In the past few days, Yao'er had been nagging him whenever she had the chance, begging him to find a lucrative job for the Second Prince.
He sighed deeply: "Yao'er is too deeply in love with the Second Prince. His cold treatment of her for only a few days has made her panic and rush to please him!"
"Very well, this matter need not be rushed. The Second Prince has broken his leg in the fall from his horse, and he won't recover anytime soon. I will submit my petition after he has recovered somewhat, and it won't be too late to find him a job escorting grain supplies."
The mission to transport grain to the border was destined to be unsuccessful.
Liao, the councilor, narrowed his swollen eyelids slightly.
"Wouldn't it be inappropriate to send the Second Prince?"
But he received a cold glance from Mu Chengye, who said with a warning in his voice, "That's none of your business."
Liao, the councilor, felt cold sweat seeping from his forehead.
Second Prince, you'd better pray for your own good fortune!
He quickly changed the subject: "Yes, yes... I misspoke! I wonder if the Left Minister has heard of that plaster that's all the rage in the capital lately, it seems to be called... 'warm baby'?"
Mu Chengye was looking for a copy of "A Comprehensive History of Ancient and Modern Times" on the bookshelf when he heard this. He paused for a moment before saying, "Of course I've heard of it. This medicine is very popular now, so I'm afraid few people don't know about it."
That day, Yao'er came back crying, seemingly because of this ointment, so he inquired about it carefully.
"It's said that this was the work of the eldest son of the Shangguan Siye family. Strangely, I've never heard of this boy having such abilities before," Liao Canzheng said, scrutinizing the Left Chancellor's face. Seeing that he was interested in the topic, he continued, "Shangguan Siye is quite fortunate to have such a capable son. Now, silver is flowing into his pockets like water!"
Mu Chengye found the book he was looking for, and upon hearing this, he gave him a half-smile.
"What, are you envious of someone having a good son?"
How could one not be envious? That's a fortune in silver!
Liao, the councilor, sighed deeply: "If Yi Xuan were even half as good as him, I would be laughing in my sleep." He then seemingly unintentionally probed the Left Chancellor.
"Has Prime Minister Mu used that ointment? Does it really have such miraculous effects?"
"I've never used it before. I've never heard of such a special remedy. If it's harmful to the human body..."
Mu Chengye put down the book in his hand, picked up the teacup, took a sip, and looked at Councilor Liao with an ambiguous expression.
Before he could finish speaking, Liao, the councilor, understood. He stood up, cupped his hands, and said, "I understand. I will take care of it immediately!" He then took his leave.
After he left, Madam Mu brought in ginseng soup and frowned, saying, "Yao'er hasn't smiled these past two days, she's been looking worried all day. I suppose she's been quite upset by Shangguan Siye's daughter."
Upon hearing this, Mu Chengye slammed down his teacup, the saucer hitting the rosewood burl wood table with a dull thud. He let out a cold snort.
"I will avenge Yao'er for the injustice she suffered!"
Beneath the dim yellow light, a pair of gloomy and murky eyes were visible.
——
At the racecourse last time, Tianyun promised to paint a new portrait of the boy, but did not say when.
So this time it was Xiao Ziwu's turn to rush.
He doesn't urge you directly; he just looks at you with his dark, moist eyes without saying a word, as if he can directly penetrate the softest part of your heart.
It seemed as if a beast's tail was growing behind it, swaying from side to side.
Tianyun placed her small, nail-painted hand on her chest, struck by his clear, unfathomable gaze.
I'll draw it for you during my lunch break today!
The boy nodded slightly, a hint of satisfaction finally appearing in his light-colored pupils.
A chilly afternoon wind blew, and fine snowflakes blanketed the entire palace. The palace was bustling with activity, with eunuchs and palace maids hurrying about.
Only the Linhua Hall was quiet and desolate, as if it were isolated from the world.
Chang Lai set up his easel and was somewhat surprised: "This is the first time I've ever seen someone paint vertically like this." Can one paint well like this?
Lingqi sensed the skepticism in his tone and retorted, "There are many things you haven't seen yet!"
There was no tape to hold the Xuan paper in place, so we had to manually hold it down around the edges. Chang Lai and Ling Qi were responsible for holding down one side of the paper.
The young man stood with his sword in his arms, listening to Tianyun's instructions and doing whatever he was told.
"Place your left hand on the hilt of the sword, and don't let the hem of your dress cover the sword tassel. Let it hang down. Look at me, or you might draw it crooked later." The girl gently scared him.
"Yes, yes, that's it! Don't move!"
Throughout the long painting process, he heard the two people acting as tape tools occasionally exclaiming "Wow!" and "Tsk tsk!" in amazement.
The boy frowned impatiently, his mind piqued by their sudden outburst, and he just wanted to go over and see how the girl's painting was going.
However, if he made the slightest movement, the girl would threaten him with a sharp cry: "Oh dear, Your Highness, why did you move? I've drawn this crookedly."
The boy stopped moving and thus failed to notice the cunning glint in the girl's eyes. How adorable! Her impatient, furrowed brows, yet obedient demeanor, was just like the cat she had in her past life, haughty yet still spreading its snow-white belly to let her pet it obediently.
Their gazes were strikingly similar, both seemingly looking down at her—
Ah, woman, I'll indulge you one last time.
Little do people know that once you compromise, it will happen countless times in the future.
As she was drawing, the girl suddenly exclaimed, "What long legs!"
Chang Lai was surprised to find that his prince's fair earlobes had instantly turned pink.
The boy's restless gaze eventually fell upon the girl who was painting. She was bathed in the glow of the sunset and was carefully sketching on the paper. Her amber almond eyes were like melted maple syrup, occasionally glancing over with a hint of sweetness.
My gaze unconsciously lingered on her...
The young man thought he had seen things discreetly, unaware that Chang Lai had already seen through everything. The little eunuch pursed his lips, his inner voice screaming, never expecting to see His Highness staring at him like this in his lifetime!
"It's finished! Your Highness, come and take a look. Do you like it?" The girl put down her paintbrush and called him over.
The boy, who was secretly looking forward to something, showed no sign of it on his face. He casually sheathed his sword and strolled over as if he were taking a leisurely walk in his own backyard.
Chang Lai's lips twitched suspiciously. "Stop pretending, Your Highness. I can see right through you."
He looked at the painting.
The girl looked at him.
She asked in a low voice, "Why isn't Your Highness speaking? Is it because you don't like it?"
Xiao Ziwu snapped out of his daze, his eyes darkening slightly as he said, "Yes, I like it."
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