Six

Follow this king

As the time to depart approached, Li Xuan rewarded Jing Yongfu with a string of cat's eye chess beads. Accompanying the gift was a note: "The little girl feels a sense of familiarity at first sight, presenting you with a small trinket." She offered no further words, simply putting it on her wrist. Li Xuan was adept at winning people's hearts; even if the gift might not be of practical use, it would leave a good impression on the recipient. Moreover, this gift carried its own significance. No matter how sharp the cat's eye might be, when fashioned into chess-like beads, it remained a mere chess piece. Jing Yongfu was well aware of this, but she understood even better that it could be sold for money. No matter how sharp the cat's eye might be, when fashioned into chess-like beads, it remained a mere chess piece. Jing Yongfu was well aware of this, but she understood even better that it could be sold for money

Jing Yongfu pondered for a moment and replied, "I am not sure, Your Highness." Such a question undoubtedly makes things explicit

The clear sound that has persisted for several days has gained warmth, "Can you play the piano?" She can now almost be certain that he is toying with her

He stood up and walked over to take a look, and that long fingernail pointed at her nose: "What is this?"

Li Fei's thin, cold lips curled upwards, and now she found his smile somewhat frightening

Li Fei was solely focused on painting landscapes, expressing her feelings through the flute. Occasionally, when she asked Jing Yongfu a question, she would respectfully respond, "Yes, Your Highness." This was because she valued her life as much as her intellect. Li Yi would groom her, merely shaping her eyebrows, while Li Fei would style her; although it was not yet clear what she desired, if he wanted something, it would undoubtedly be more severe than just her eyebrows.

With the luxurious display of the prince, a hundred horsemen would clear the way, and wherever he went, the area would be secured first. Then, under the watchful eyes of the crowd, beautiful carriages and charming women would follow the handsome prince as he made his grand entrance. If looks could kill, Jing Yongfu would have been killed a thousand times each day.

Let us forgo those empty formalities; from now on, it shall be this way

She retorted, "When does the prince wish for His Highness to return?"

The laughter of King Di occasionally echoed across the picturesque Rongguang Lake, so much so that that evening, he happened to encounter King Pei, Li Xuan, at the Chunhua Pavilion by the lake.

Jing Yongfu took a deep breath, as if weighing his words, and moved closer to the carriage door

Jing Yongfu pretended not to hear and turned to pay his respects: "I have met the prince."

If the ladies have not yet arrived in the capital for three days, Jing Yongfu can be considered the most envied and hated person by women throughout the Xie Kingdom. On that day, while enjoying a stroll with Sima Qiudi, she was subjected to countless gazes from young girls, each with a different expression. At that time, she felt a sense of pride and vanity. Indeed, a flamboyant large orange was accompanying her; although she was not a beauty and lacked quite a few eyebrows, when the person beside her was replaced by Prince Di Li Fei, it was no longer just the attention of young ladies that she attracted. The charm of Prince Di transcends age and gender, captivating everyone.

"Your Highness, I truly cannot do it," she said, presenting the pen with both hands

After he left, Li Fei coldly asked her in the carriage: "Was it when you left the Easy Mansion that Fifth Brother returned to the capital?"

Li Fei said coolly: "Brother Wang, you do not know? She is a newcomer to the Crown Prince's residence, and she is quite interesting!"

Color

On the first day, indulging in food and drink

Prince Pei, Li Xuan, used gifts to bribe, while Prince Di, Li Fei, used beauty to entice. The former, Jing Yongfu, could accept without refusal, while the latter avoided it with urgency. She contemplated recent matters at the Rongyi Residence and decided to write in advance—this was also agreed upon with Li Yi, as his return journey was determined by Jing Yongfu. After drafting the crown prince's memorial, she suddenly chuckled; was this not precisely Li Yi's decision? Otherwise, he would not have instructed Xue Tongyi to convey the message to send Madam Ruo to the royal capital. She contemplated recent matters at the Rongyi Residence and decided to write in advance—this was also agreed upon with Li Yi, as his return journey was determined by Jing Yongfu. After drafting the crown prince's memorial, she suddenly chuckled; was this not precisely Li Yi's decision? Otherwise, he would not have instructed Xue Tongyi to convey the message to send Madam Ruo to the royal capital

Xue Tongyi said, yet suddenly laughed and said: "If that is the case, Miss Ping is also a dangerous person! Because I cannot see through what you are planning either"

Li Xuan's expression changed instantly. Even though he often pressed his warm face against Li Fei's, he only received a lukewarm politeness in return. Yet now, this aloof person was showing favor to a young woman who seemed to have sprung up from nowhere.

Di Wang Li Fei, whose beauty surpasses that of peach and plum blossoms, possesses a peculiar and reclusive nature. This is the imperial judgment written by Xie Wang Li He Yu. The information obtained by Jing Yongfu from Xue Tongyi of the Rongyi Mansion is largely similar. Li Fei, who is only younger than Li Yi, is known for her looks, which have also contributed to her solitary disposition. Since childhood, she has not enjoyed companionship with others and, upon reaching adulthood, has been unwilling to take a consort or concubine. However, Li Fei is exceptionally gifted, proficient in the five arts, and her swordsmanship has earned her the praise of her master, Pang Long, the leader of the Iron Sword Alliance, one of the great figures in the martial world of the Xie Kingdom.

Li Xuan's gaze had already scrutinized the young woman beside Li Fei when he entered, and at this moment, he observed her even more closely

On the third day, the cruise ship startled my dreams

Ah? My apologies. Li Xuan said to Jing Yongfu, "In the Rongyi Mansion, talented individuals emerge one after another. You are so young yet able to reside in the Rongyi Mansion, you must possess extraordinary qualities."

Jing Yongfu was thinking rapidly in his mind, yet he heard Xue Tongyi urgently defending his master: "Your Highness said that the young lady has been wronged. Once the major matters are decided, everything will follow the young lady's wishes. Your Highness also mentioned that with the young lady's broad-mindedness, she certainly will not be bound by empty fame"

Is this a good thing

I apologize for troubling you, Mr. Xue

However, Jing Yongfu was not precise with her words, and Li Fei suddenly reached out her hand, pointing with two fingers at the pale yellow spot on her forehead, her long nails almost touching her skin

Xue Tongyi questioned: "The Iron Sword Alliance is indeed one of the two largest martial arts factions in our Xie Kingdom, but no matter how strong the people of the Green Wilderness are, they cannot be compared to a regular army. Moreover, Pang Long and King Di only have a master-disciple relationship; he rarely comes to the royal capital, and given King Di's temperament, he would not get close to anyone."

Li Xuan had long known that Li Yi was not dead but had only sustained minor injuries, and that Xuanyuan Buer had captured those useless servants and left them in Ziliu, yet he sent a fourteen-year-old girl back to the royal capital. This girl was quite peculiar, even her name was strange, as she was called Dafu. The day after her arrival in the royal capital, she was arranged by Xue Tongyi to meet Prince Di. What followed was even more astonishing; she actually became friends with the young master of the Sima family. Prince Di, Li Fei, who was already an oddball among others, also seemed to be attracted to her and frequently interacted with her. Rather than allowing Li Xuan to believe that these two were 'kindred spirits,' it would be more reasonable to suspect that a significant conspiracy was brewing, which was why he specifically came to meet her. However, upon meeting, he could not discern anything unusual; she was merely an ordinary girl. Even more strangely, this very girl was to be taken in by Li Fei. The term 'to take in' used by a prince or a lord carries many implications; was she to be taken as a maid or as a concubine?

Li Fei recalled the events of the afternoon, and could not help but smile, yet remained silent

After speaking, she opened the car door and jumped down without a care. In the astonished gaze of the guards, she ran for a while and then turned back, shouting, "Thank you once again, Your Highness!"

Li Fei leaned closer to her, and that handsome face was more lethal than any weapon. Jing Yongfu blinked his eyes and suddenly said with a smile: "In fact, the prince has already sent it."

Sigh... she sighed, indeed it is best not to say too much, "Your Highness, I cannot."

Li Fei glanced at the string of beads on her wrist and said, "Since you are able to accept things from Third Brother, you will not refuse what belongs to this prince, will you?"

Jing Yongfu raised one hand to shield his forehead: "Da Fu is embarrassed and has nowhere to hide." He thought that she was looking at him in front of her, as if she were painting him. So that's how it is, this is truly an unfortunate misunderstanding

Oh, is it a good thing

Oh? A brilliance as bright as the stars inadvertently radiated from Li Fei's eyes

Then I shall show my shortcomings!" Jing Yongfu began to doodle. Drawing people is certainly more demanding than drawing landscapes, but the only thing she can draw is people, at least she has done so before. She has created twenty dynamic illustrations of martial arts training for Sister Shui.

What the prince has sent isーー

... ...

King Mondi personally summoned her, and Jing Yongfu once again arrived at the royal residence. The first task she was asked to undertake was to completely change her appearance, shedding the unique image that Li Yi had crafted for her. Under the guise of Li Fei's maid, she transformed herself into a somewhat beautiful woman.

Xue Tongyi's face flushed slightly: "Yes, because in a few days, His Highness will send Lady Ping and the family of the Ping residence to the capital..."

On the second day, the folk art performance began.

"The pen is in your hand." Li Feidan's phoenix eyes slanted, shooting out a dazzling brilliance.

Xiao Kuaihuo? Jing Yongfu suddenly felt a stir in his heart, sensing that something was amiss, but upon careful consideration, he found no clues. Meanwhile, Li Xuan interjected from the side: "Indeed, we should enjoy the moment. Sixth brother, let us not just talk; the dishes are getting cold."

Jing Yongfu stood up as soon as he appeared, standing aside to listen to his pleasantries. There are certain individuals who can capture everyone's attention within just a few moments of their entrance, and the King of Pei is undoubtedly one of those individuals

Thank you, Your Highness. Jing Yongfu lowered her head and said, "I am just a simple girl who is used to a carefree life. Being able to come to the capital and see the world is already enough for me. When I grow old and my hair turns white, I will surely look back on this time of my youth with great joy."

Although Jing Yongfu had no connection to the art of painting, she was nonetheless influenced by Lady Ruo, and thus possessed the ability to critique artworks. However, misfortune soon befell her

Prolonged silence easily induces drowsiness, especially in the warm afternoon sunlight, where the rippling water acts as a lullaby. Jing Yongfu gradually becomes drowsy while leaning against the boat's pole, repeatedly struggling on the edge between reality and the invitation of the Dream Lord.

After studying the materials, Jing Yongfu said to Xue Tongyi: "King Li leads the army, King Pei controls the connections, while King Di appears to be an outsider observing from the sidelines, yet in reality, he holds the power of the grassroots forces."

"Daring Daifuku, may I ask Your Highness whether these eyes should look at you or not?" Although King Di is as beautiful as an immortal, Jing Yongfu is not swayed by beauty.

"Yes, Your Highness," she shivered slightly, leaned closer to take a look, and offered a few words of praise, "A beautiful painting, with bold strokes and rich ink, the colors of the water are vivid and flowing, especially the distant mountains and light clouds, with just a few delicate strokes, highlighting the long-lasting charm of the water."

Li Xuan, dressed in an exquisitely tailored and flamboyant royal blue python robe, left the guards outside and entered alone, greeting with a warm "Sixth Brother" as he blended into the Night Banquet of King Di

Although Jing Yongfu assisted Li Yi in obtaining the throne of the Xie Kingdom, she was unwilling to witness the Xie Kingdom grow strong and unify the world, and even less willing to see the Xie Kingdom attack the Jing Kingdom. Despite the injustices from her biological father, she remained a Jing person, never forgetting for a single day that the Jing Kingdom was her homeland. There is a somewhat harsh reality: in terms of her lineage, Jing Yongfu was still a princess of the Jing Kingdom, even if this princess was famously known as a fool throughout the world.

After Jing Yongfu paid his respects to him, he苦笑道: "The young lady has no special abilities; today, the Sixth Prince has already tested them all one by one"

Xue Tongyi was taken aback for a moment, then cupped his hands and said: "In that case, I will report the facts to Your Highness."

Jing Yongfu sighed: "It is precisely because one cannot discern his obvious ambition for usurpation that he is the most dangerous. Because you do not know what he is truly thinking"

Jing Yongfu blinked and asked, "What else?"

The fingernail gently swayed in front of Jing Yongfu's nose, lingering for quite some time before retracting. She looked at him, and he looked at her. After a long while, Li Fei finally turned her head away from Jing Yongfu, her flowing long sleeves sweeping past her eyes, her repressed and trembling slender figure, after a long time, finally erupted with a sound reminiscent of a zheng string being plucked.

Li Fei approached and gazed at her face, responding in a way that did not answer the question: "If it weren't for these eyes, you would just be an ordinary girl. But it is precisely these eyes, sparkling like stars, that make it impossible for one to ignore you."

Isn't this out?" Li Fei said with a faint smile, "Come, let Fei introduce an interesting person to Brother Wang. Ping girl, come over.

"Well said!" Li Xuan said with a hint of complaint, "The Sixth Brother should come out more often, not only to share the burden of state affairs with our father, but also, if not for our father, at least for his own sake to get some fresh air. Staying cooped up in the residence all day, I truly worry that the Sixth Brother might get depressed."

Jing Yongfu sighed, feeling a sense of lamentation in his heart. It would be easy for Li Fei, with her skills, to prevent her from getting off the carriage, but blocking her was a normal person's reaction, further confirming that he was no ordinary person

A profound strength emanated from her wrist. Li Fei held her with one hand while using the other to force her hand to grasp the pen, issuing an irresistible command: "Draw!"

Jing Yongfu feigned sadness: "Indeed, it is quite possible that I will be expelled from the Easy Residence by His Highness the Crown Prince tomorrow. To have the Sixth Prince not abandon me during these past few days is already a blessing for this young lady"

Yes, Your Highness

However, she could never have imagined that Li Fei would make such a big stir. Her actions not only mirrored those of Sima Qiudi, but even surpassed the brilliance of all the nobles in the royal capital. It can be said that when Di Wang moves, the entire royal capital is abuzz with activity

It is rare that today the Sixth Brother also thought of coming here, which is in perfect harmony with Brother Wang's thoughts. Li Xuan joked, "It would be even better if we could think of the same place every time!"

Alright! Your Highness!

Li Xuan questioned, "No way? Miss Ping might be a master of subtlety!"

Li Fei is laughing heartily. Jing Yongfu, feeling dejected, thinks to himself, the painting is terrible, it's one thing to be mocked, but how can he still laugh so loudly!

Jing Yongfu explained: "Returning to the prince, the circle above represents the head, the vertical line is the torso, the slanting strokes above represent the two arms, and the slanting strokes below represent the two legs"

The outfit consists of a close-fitting dress in emerald green, layered with a white, knee-length, open-front coat with trim. The shoes are made of white satin with golden threads, and the overall appearance of the attire exudes a delicate and graceful charm reminiscent of a fragile young girl. The headpiece is a small and exquisite jade fan, which captivated Si Ma Qiudi when she later saw it, leaving her unable to look away. Without any rouge, there is only a light touch of pale yellow on her forehead, resembling a half-blooming lotus flower. Gazing into the bronze mirror, even Jing Yongfu could hardly believe that the light beauty reflected was indeed her.

Li Fei withdrew her hand and smiled again, her distinctly melodious voice tugging at Jing Yongfu's heart

You come to draw

Li Fei still spoke clearly and said: "Brother Wang, you are busy running around for our father all day long. If you and I were to think of the same place every time, then you wouldn't be Brother Wang."

Today is the third day, and Li Fei took her to enjoy the scenery of Rongguang Lake. This is her second visit to Rongguang Lake, and her mood is vastly different from the last time. ... Although the attendants accompanying her have increased a hundredfold, and her treatment has risen by more than one level, the man beside her is even more ... . ... There is nothing to compare. Yet she would rather sit at the bow of the boat with the big orange, recklessly dipping her bare feet in the water, and then watch the orange ripen.

Few people in the entire royal capital could still tread after the clearing of Di Wang, and Prince Li Xuan was one of them. In terms of presence, Li Xuan lacked the grandeur and sharpness of Li Yi, and when it came to appearance, he could hardly compare to the dazzling brilliance of Li Fei. However, Li Xuan possessed a warmth that felt like a gentle spring breeze, leaving a lasting impression on those who met him. If one were unaware of his background, it would be easy to be swayed by his elegant and unpretentious demeanor, which is also a primary reason for Li Xuan's extensive connections in the Xie Kingdom.

Jing Yongfu obediently followed behind, secretly lamenting that if Li Yi were to see her being so arrogant in front of him, she could only suffer in front of Di Wang. Should he take pleasure in her misfortune or reflect on his own skills in managing people, which seem to be inferior to those of his brother? In fact, Li Yi had a request of her, while she had no desire for him. On the other hand, Di Wang was interested in her, yet he had no demands of her. The situations are completely different.

At a splendid banquet, the three individuals each harbored their own thoughts, with only a superficial joy prevailing throughout.

His hand gradually moved down, and his fingertips lightly brushed against her nose. She immediately felt a heavy breath. It is known that Li Fei possesses exceptional martial arts skills; with just a little more force, he could split her nose in two.

Li Xuan pondered over Jing Yongfu's words. However, Li Fei casually remarked, "If Fifth Brother does not want you, this prince will take you in."

I am unaware of the reason for the prince's summons; what urgent matter requires my presence

Whether you believe it or not, with this statement, I can have your eyes gouged out

Am I?" Jing Yongfu chuckled, "Harmless, harmless, absolutely harmless! As a young woman, having too much ambition is quite unfortunate. Moreover, I am not a member of the royal family or nobility; I am merely a passerby in the whirlpool of power.

Jing Yongfu wisely lowered his gaze and replied, "Yes, Your Highness."

"Little girl, are you still afraid?" Suddenly, her chin was lifted by his two fingers

Jing Yongfu looked at the plain white drawing paper in front of her with a grimace, then glanced at the palace-made brush in her hand, thinking to herself, it is not that I want to mistreat you, but rather that King Di has compelled me to ruin you. After lamenting over the paper and brush for a while, she looked at the calm and composed Li Fei in front of her and gritted her teeth, asking: "Is it possible to draw a person instead of a scene?"

Li Fei finished painting a watercolor, and upon raising her eyes to see her own appearance, she threw down her brush, completely waking herself up

Xue Tongyi said with embarrassment: "Although Miss Ping is young, living in the residence is indeed somewhat inconvenient. On one hand, there are no maids to attend to you here; on the other hand, the many scholars in the residence also feel quite uncomfortable. Therefore, His Highness instructed me to arrange another place for the young lady to stay."

"There is indeed a certain degree of discernment." This was a cold remark from Li Fei

Hehe... low laughter emanated from the carriage

Li Fei smiled and said leisurely: "To be able to paint this king like this, to have the courage to paint it like this, there is no second person in the world."

In the year of the dance ladle? Joyful?" Li Fei pondered, then suddenly laughed and said, "How could I have forgotten, you were originally just a little joyful girl.

The sense of oppression that Li Fei felt from Jing Yongfu was even stronger at close range, yet she did not evade it

The poor Jing Yongfu could only respond: "Yes, Your Highness."

"I almost forgot, there is some good news to share with the young lady," Xue Tongyi changed the subject.

Jing Yongfu pondered and said: "Your Highness, if he is willing to publicly announce that he is marrying a woman named Da Fu, I will bear this empty title." Since she had to bear an empty title, she intended to drag Li Yi into this as well. She wanted the entire Xie Kingdom, and even the whole world, to know that the Crown Prince of Xie Kingdom was marrying a woman named Da Fu from the Jing family. She was betting that Li Yi could not afford to lose face in this matter

Li Fei began to savor the tea

Jing Yongfu was taken aback. Although Li Fei had not given her any gifts over the past three days, the daily changes in her attire and the expenses for food, drink, and entertainment were no less than the pearls sent by Li Xuan

The young lady will move into her new residence as a concubine of the crown prince

Come and see my painting!

She was putting on a show, when Li Fei's cold voice sounded from behind: "If your eyebrows were as sparse as before, you would still have a unique charm like this!"

Is the prince testing me? If he truly intends to gouge out Da Fu's eyes, would he still point his finger at his forehead?" Despite saying this, Jing Yongfu still broke out in a cold sweat on his back. It would be safer to say, "Yes, Your Highness" from now on

When will he return

Who is this young lady

Li Fei relinquished her seat, and the attendant presented flower tea. He held the teacup and cast a sidelong glance: "Why aren't you drawing yet?"

Li Fei still had tea in her mouth, and she almost spat it out with a "puff". After swallowing, she asked, "So soon?"