An hour passed quickly, and everyone finished admiring the lotus flowers and headed towards the "Yingzhou Hall" on the North Island.
Seeing that Lanqin was engrossed in the beautiful scenery, Baoqin smiled and said from the side, "Your Majesty, it's getting late. Everyone has gone to Yingzhou Hall, and the Emperor is still waiting there. Shouldn't we go ashore?"
Lanqin was slightly taken aback before remembering the time. Looking around, she realized there was no one left.
"Quick, let's go back quickly..." Lanqin said in a panic. Yuxiao quickly helped Lanqin sit down, and together with Baoqin, they rowed hard towards the East Island.
After Lanqin and the other two returned the wooden boat, they were the last to enter Yingzhou Hall.
The room was already full of people. Fourth Master and Madam Nian naturally sat at the head of the table, while the others had already begun painting. Seeing that Lanqin had returned late, Fourth Master looked at her with obvious concern. Finding that Lanqin was unharmed, he smiled and nodded.
Knowing she was late, Lanqin slowly walked up to the Fourth Prince and Lady Nian, bowed, and said, "Your Majesty, I am late. I hope Your Majesty will forgive me..."
Fourth Master offered a helping hand, but Madam Nian rushed forward, smiling as she said to Lanqin, "Sister, you said you'd be back in an hour, but I didn't see you just now, and I was so worried..."
Lanqin sensed Nian's instigation and smiled as she looked up at Nian, saying, "I forgot the time for a moment, that's why I'm late... Thank you for your concern, sister..."
Nian covered her mouth with her hand, smiled and glanced at Lanqin, coldly saying, "I thought it was some beautiful scenery that caught my attention, which is why so many people are worried about my safety... But I've always been free and unrestrained, and I'm used to doing whatever I want. As long as you return safely, that's all that matters..."
As she spoke, Lady Nian leaned against the Fourth Prince, gave him a charming smile, and said in a coquettish voice, "Isn't that right, Your Majesty?" The Fourth Prince was a little embarrassed, but he remained stiff and did not push Lady Nian away. He coughed awkwardly twice and turned to Lanqin.
"Did Consort Xi enjoy any beautiful scenery?" Fourth Prince changed the subject, and Lanqin smiled gratefully.
Lanqin smiled and said, "Your Majesty, I have seen the most beautiful lotus flowers..."
Lanqin emphasized the word "most beautiful," which piqued the Fourth Prince's curiosity. He reached out and led Lanqin to a seat. Madam Nian, standing to the side, raised her eyes slightly, as if issuing a warning. Lanqin pretended not to notice and obediently sat down next to the Fourth Prince.
"The most beautiful lotus? What does it look like? I'm very curious..." the Fourth Prince asked Lanqin with a smile.
Lanqin smiled without saying a word, then winked mischievously at the Fourth Prince and whispered in his ear, "The beauty I cannot describe is probably not even a fraction as beautiful as that lotus flower, so please allow me to paint it so that everyone can admire it together..."
The Fourth Prince laughed heartily, then waved for someone to prepare a painting table and chairs for Lanqin. Lady Nian had expected the Emperor to be angry at Lanqin's late return, but to her surprise, Lanqin had made him laugh heartily with just a few words. Now, with the table and chairs laid out, she wondered what other tricks were in store. She was filled with jealousy but could not express it.
With Fourth Master's permission, Lanqin came down and started painting with the others. Although Lanqin's painting skills were not outstanding, the lotus flowers she saw today were different from those of the others. The beautiful scenery could not be seen from the viewing platform. Lanqin was particularly confident. She picked up her brush and began to draw on the paper stroke by stroke, following her memory.
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