“Brother, I learned a lot from Big Brother Mu today and also practiced martial arts with Sister Hongyan. I’m exhausted after a whole day. Can’t we draw another day? Besides, with all these red spots on my face, what’s there to draw? If you want to paint, you should paint someone like my elder sister or one of those stunning beauties from the capital. If you paint me, people might think your taste is questionable. Ah, it feels so good to be home—finally, I can get some sleep.”
Hearing Leng Mingye suddenly speak and act this way, Wan Qing panicked inwardly. She had been so busy with her own affairs that she hadn’t dealt with Guiniang and those who had seen her at the Chunxiang Pavilion. Could he have already discovered that she was the one who had slept with him?
Outwardly, she feigned exhaustion and helplessness, looking at him with tired eyes before flopping onto the bed ungracefully, closing her eyes to rest.
“Little fool, sit up. I’ll finish the drawing soon. How can I paint you lying down like that? Besides, who dares to question whom I choose to paint? This elder brother just enjoys painting his little fool—is that so wrong?”
No sooner had she lain down than someone took issue with her lack of propriety. Leng Mingye’s handsome face darkened slightly as he stepped forward, lightly patting her shoulder and almost pulling her upright before returning to his painting.
“Brother, if you paint me, people might think you fancy me. But Qing’er has neither beauty nor figure. If you fell for me, it’d break many girls’ hearts.”
Seeing no way to refuse, Wan Qing sat up reluctantly, kicking her legs idly while daring to tease him.
Before she could finish, Leng Mingye set down his brush.
“What nonsense are you spouting? I’m just curious about painting your face—what does it have to do with other girls? And who would dare criticize a brother’s affection for his sister? Now, sit still—it won’t take long. Who knew that beneath those red spots, my little fool is quite the beauty?”
He sighed, pressing her back into place before resuming his work, his slender hands moving deftly across the paper as he praised her.
“Really? I’m a beauty like this? Let me see. Wow, Brother, you’ve painted me so beautifully—it’s exactly how I look without the spots! But…”
Unable to refuse, Wan Qing let him continue. When he finally set the brush aside, she leaned in to examine the portrait, feigning admiration despite her inner panic. The painting depicted her without the red spots. She turned to him with a thoughtful expression.
“But what?”
Her unexpectedly mature critique made Leng Mingye step closer, curious.
“But my face isn’t as pretty as hers. Mine is longer, and my eyelids are just ordinary single lids, not the alluring phoenix eyes others have. And these eyebrows—oh no! I ruined the painting! Look, Brother, let’s call it a day. Tomorrow, when I’m well-rested, you can paint me again, alright? I’m so sleepy.”
Seizing the moment, Wan Qing pointed out flaws in the portrait, then pretended to smooth the paper—only to “accidentally” tear it in two. Seeing Leng Mingye’s brows furrow with displeasure, she hastily crumpled the ruined artwork into a ball and tossed it aside before yawning and pulling the covers over herself.
“…Fine. I’ll return tomorrow.”
His eyes darkened with frustration as he glanced at the discarded painting. With a resigned sigh, he turned and left.
*Heh, trying to compare my likeness to someone else? I need to visit the Chunxiang Pavilion tonight—otherwise, tomorrow will be trouble.*
Once sure Leng Mingye was gone, Wan Qing slipped out in disguise, returning only after freeing Hongyan from her sealed acupoints at the Ning Manor.
“Phew, I hope tomorrow brings good news.”
Back in bed, she reassured herself that Qingfeng—skilled enough to handle Guiniang and Sun Changshun—would succeed. Unbeknownst to her, while she slept soundly, Qingfeng had indeed gone to the Chunxiang Pavilion as instructed.
Meanwhile, in the Ji Manor, Leng Mingye sat at his desk, sketching Wan Qing’s likeness once more—this time, flawlessly matching her true appearance.
“Master…”
Qingfeng’s voice sounded at the door just as he finished.
“How did it go?”
Setting down the brush, Leng Mingye asked coolly.
“Master, your orders have been carried out. Guiniang was nearly attacked, but the assailant escaped. However, we traced their whereabouts…”
Qingfeng reported his findings.
“Someone from the Ning Manor?”
Leng Mingye’s lips thinned, his icy gaze sharpening with a faint, knowing smile.
“Our pursuit led us to the Ning Manor before losing track.”
Qingfeng confirmed.
“Good. Keep guarding Guiniang. Bring her here tomorrow—I have questions for her.”
Dismissing Qingfeng, Leng Mingye studied the portrait before him, his smile turning predatory. Though his expression was calm, his eyes held a storm of violence.
The next morning, Wan Qing slept late, only stirring when the sun was high.
“Little fool, rise and shine. I have something to ask you. Half a month ago, someone at the Chunxiang Pavilion stabbed me. Guiniang claims the girl who entered with Xianglan was you—that she resembles the portrait I drew yesterday. What do you say to that? Don’t you owe me an explanation?”
Leng Mingye’s voice greeted her as she emerged, his entourage in tow. Beside him stood Guiniang, who eyed her nervously.
“Brother, half a month ago, I did go out with Xianglan. But she drugged my tea, and I woke up in a carriage leaving the city. I’ve never been to the Chunxiang Pavilion. Guiniang, are you certain it was me?”
Wan Qing’s heart raced, but she maintained composure, stepping forward to confront Guiniang directly.
“Your Highness, the girl’s face was identical to Lady Wan’s. This old woman wouldn’t mistake it. But Lady Wan is a noble—how could she…?”
Guiniang hesitated, glancing between them.
“Guiniang, you’ve seen the world. Surely you know of disguises—like face-changing arts. Whether you believe me or not, I’ll show you. Xia Tao, come here. Brother, Guiniang, wait outside. I’ll show you someone.”
Realizing Qingfeng had failed, Wan Qing improvised. She ushered Xia Tao inside, using herbs and pigments to alter her maid’s appearance.
“Dismissed. Let’s see what tricks this girl has up her sleeve.”
Suppressing his anger, Leng Mingye waved the others away, waiting at the door. He’d hear her explanation—one way or another.
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage