Chapter 8

"They are merely the people of the Red Chamber," Zhong Lian's voice seemed to come from afar, compelling her to listen. "Why should the young lady care? Such people are only for the amusement of gentlemen. If a gentleman were truly taken in, it would be fine to deal with him. Moreover, His Majesty will not be deceived; it is merely a night of indulgence.

As for men's clothing, it was her first time putting it on: the binding of hair like a man, the attire and trousers of a man, and the footwear of a man, as if a carefree young lady from a secluded chamber were dressing as a man to go out.

"Look at you all peering over here, wanting to come in... is it a woman disguised as a man?" The man laughed, sizing up Feng Wuyan from head to toe, finally resting his gaze on her face. Not a great beauty, but at least she felt reassured. "Madam, are you here to catch someone in the act? That wouldn't be good. If you upset your husband, you won't have it easy either, right? It would be better to turn a blind eye." Zhong Lian immediately slapped him back. "You have no right to speak recklessly here!" "You—" "Madam, are you here to catch someone in the act? That wouldn't be good. If you upset your husband, you won't have it easy either, right? It would be better to turn a blind eye." Zhong Lian immediately slapped him back. "You have no right to speak recklessly here!" "You—"

She merely looked back at him

Zhong Lian obviously breathed a sigh of relief, then ran to whisper a few words to the coachman before following Feng Wuyan as they walked through the streets of Jincheng

Hubemin was taken aback for a moment, looking at her, then glancing at Feng Wuyan dressed in male attire

He took a bite, furrowed his brow, and casually tossed it aside. "If you don't like it, just throw it away; why bother considering her feelings."

Am I a beast? he said with hatred. What does it signify to instinctively shout a refusal like this?

Because his will was violated, he could not allow it? If he were more obedient, would he soon grow tired of it? Feng Wuyan thought with a hint of confusion

She smiled faintly, yet tears surged forth, wetting her face

Feng Wuyan gritted her teeth and took it, glancing at her with a hint of discomfort as she licked her lips twice. She truly had never eaten such a thing in public before. Accepting the other person's kindness didn't seem too difficult, she thought

He paused slightly when he looked at her

In the past, she always believed that her thoughts were different from those of Sixteen; she was much stronger. ... Now, in comparison, the determination of Sixteen, who insists on being the favored concubine, is indeed much more powerful than hers ... ... As for the favored concubine ... ... ... the man who will love Sixteen will be this ... ... Emperor ... ...

Long Tianyun

He slightly tilted his eyebrows and eyes, fixating on her expression. His large hand moved to cover her heart, and he said softly: "Wuyan, your heart is beating so fast"

Feng Wuyan, I warn you, no matter what you wish to express, you are never to use such examples again! Your heart, your person, will belong to me until death!

Zhong Liandu carried the dishes over and, upon seeing Long Tianyun had already come out, quickly bowed and said, "Master." She promptly added the reason for her return, "This servant was worried that the young lady might go hungry, as she had little appetite during the day"

He turned to gaze at her dark eyes, which glistened with a thin sheen of moisture, for a long while, seemingly oblivious to her grip on the knife. He cupped her cold cheeks and leaned down to press his lips against hers

Feng Wuyan smiled faintly. "Having stayed in one place for so long, I was truly ignorant. I had never heard of a woman being able to support multiple lovers; today has truly opened my eyes." She slightly bowed, "Zhong Lian, I must thank you for trying to broaden my perspective. I can understand why the girls of Jincheng disguise themselves as men; it really does allow our mindset to be more expansive, and such a mindset is indeed the starting point."

He said coldly: "Feng Wuyan, you are truly greedy"

"Are you referring to... the multicolored print?" He seemed struck by a heavy hammer, "Wait a minute! Have you tried it?"

"What a good reason." Long Tianyun must be smiling or not. By sending over the meal to interrupt him, any anger he has will dissipate; as long as it is not a major issue, it will be difficult to reignite the flames next time.

It is evident that it has frozen ... ... Do you like candied hawthorn?

"It is exactly the same as what Xizi said." He smiled and asked, "Did Xizi stay with you all night last night? What did you do?"

Long Tianyun raised his eyes and fixed his gaze on him

Oh? Who is bullying whom? Who bit me until my mouth was full of blood? What is wrong with me? Feng Wuyan, the person I have in my grasp, unless I do not want them, they cannot escape from me. If you do not speak, I will take it as you are being unreasonable, and I will never let go. Feng Wuyan glared at him. After a long while, she reluctantly said in a low voice: "I finally understand why the high officials in the capital like to take fallen women as playthings, because the disparity in status is so great that there is no chance to resist."

Feng Wuyan replied without changing his expression: "Because I want to know how much the collectors in Jincheng appreciate the prints of Feng Twelve, and moreover, it would be convenient for me to buy some miscellaneous items."

Originally, Zhong Lian had taken a few steps back and was about to turn and leave when she heard these words, and immediately came to a halt

Your Majesty's surname... how can it be casually borrowed from others... You, the wound in your mouth, should be treated first..." she said with difficulty, instinctively gripping the jade knife at her waist

However, this outfit of men's clothing indeed gives her a fleeting illusion of the vibrant youth of a gallant young man, which can slightly brighten one's mood. What exactly is Zhong Lian's role in that palace? She seems to be well-versed in the art of soothing people's hearts.

Long Tianyun let out a sound and said casually, "She knows now." After a pause, he added, "Go ahead. If you haven't disturbed her, let her continue to sleep. Remember, stay close at all times."

As the blood on his lips formed beads and flowed into her tear-soaked lips, her gaze wavered for a moment, and she even convulsed uncontrollably for a brief moment. Following that, her eyes met his, and despite any reluctance, she remained steadfast in her true feelings.

At the beginning, she thought too simply, believing it was merely a difference between the Biren and the Jin people, with the Biren being more assertive: she thought it was just a momentary indulgence, that she had the initiative to let go or hold on: she believed her heart was as hard as iron, ... and that she could easily face the end

Feng Wuyan quietly took a deep breath, the familiar hilt of the knife felt through the waist pouch slightly calming her. She turned to look at Zhong Lian and softly asked, "Did you bring me here to see her in her fallen state? But it wasn't her choice, was it?" Her voice was so soft that the underlying tremor was barely discernible.

She asked softly, "Does Your Majesty like me?"

This is Feng Shier's woodcut print, "The Fish Leaps Over the Dragon Gate"

His actions came to an abrupt halt

What are you taking her to the brothel for

Feng Wuyan curiously asked: "Why do women from Jincheng often dress in male attire?"

A group of engravers gathered to study. "This engraving technique is indeed the skill of Feng Twelve, but why have I never seen it printed as an image?"

Why was the image burned? Is it because you are tired of me?

"You seem to value Zhong Lian's intentions quite highly." He looked down at her from a superior position, his gaze finally resting on her male attire. His eyes were intense yet carried a hint of darkness, and with a slight curve of his lips, he said: "Your male attire is so enticing, why wasn't I the first to see it? How many people have seen it?" His fingers meticulously and earnestly began to undo her hair. A cascade of dark hair fell like clouds over her shoulders and waist, and then, he took the opportunity to bury his face in her hair, gently biting her earlobe. With a slight curve of his lips, he repeated: "Your male attire is so enticing, why wasn't I the first to see it? How many people have seen it?" His fingers meticulously and earnestly began to undo her hair. A cascade of dark hair fell like clouds over her shoulders and waist, and then, he took the opportunity to bury his face in her hair, gently biting her earlobe.

Upon hearing this, Xi Zi was taken aback. Wasn't Zhong Lian's remark implying that the woman the Emperor slept with last night was of lowly status? When did Zhong Lian become so bold?

Zhong Lian is afraid that she might encounter something inappropriate while staying in his residence, so he deliberately asked her to leave early to avoid any embarrassment

Long Tianyun's gaze shifted to her action of gripping the knife, staring for a moment before taking two steps to shorten the distance between them

Long Tianyun smiled again, leaned closer to her ear, and whispered: "Are you planning to leap over the dragon gate? How much silver do you intend to gather to escape? Where do you think you are going? Dream on. The moment you leave that shop, I will have someone buy that print." Feeling her body tremble, he gently tugged at her waist belt, earning her a focused gaze.

Yesterday, when she wanted to have a serious conversation with him, she was still contemplating whether... whether to attempt to establish three agreements with him: that they would be devoted to each other until their hair turned white and their teeth fell out, at which point the agreement would automatically end; in the next life, they would part ways, and by then he could find another woman, while she would not have to face it.

If the young lady does not mind, I would be honored to extend my hospitality. Fine wine is easy to find, but a kindred spirit is hard to come by. As a humble printmaker, I rarely encounter someone like you who understands woodblock printing; it would be a disservice to myself to let this opportunity pass... Speaking of Feng Twelve, wait a moment, young lady." He rummaged through his backpack and carefully pulled out a book, not thick, only about sixty pages, with landscape paintings printed from woodblocks, each painting bearing a seal of Feng in the lower left corner.

His gaze flashed with anger as he grasped her chin, forcefully sealing her lips. Feng Wuyin's resistance was like a gnat shaking a tree, far less than one ten-thousandth of his strength, yet it still made him aware of her rejection. Enraged, he did not retreat but advanced instead, encircling her waist with one hand, throwing her onto the table, pressing her head back, and fiercely kissing her between her lips.

I obey your command

So, Feng Wuyan, you are so weak

He seems to understand why she is fond of the Biyu clan from a century ago. She can live on her own, and a woman who is battered can also survive, without becoming anyone's parasite

After several thoughts churned, it felt as if I had traversed from the mortal realm to hell, and when I finally regained my composure, I experienced a slight sense of dizziness

Long Tianyun experienced for the first time the feeling of being wronged, where one must still be cautious and restrained even when others have hurt them

Although such an idea may seem fanciful, it is perhaps not entirely impossible that such a man exists

The stars and the moon intertwine, bringing a touch of hazy warmth to the originally inky night.

Zhong Lian looked over, momentarily taken aback, then smiled and went to buy two candied hawthorns, sharing one with Feng Wuyan. "Today, allow this servant to shamelessly invite the young lady first."

"Master, it was not easy to obtain this." That Hu something must have been seen by the master as well. "Most of the engravers carve Buddhist images, illustrations, or text; without certain skills, it is difficult to engrave a single piece of work, let alone compile it into a book, making the publishers willing to distribute it. Last year, Miss Feng released her first collection of prints, printing only one thousand copies. The woodblock prints were destroyed after printing to prevent counterfeiting, making them hard to obtain. I have been talking so much that my lips are chapped, and only then did Master Zhou agree to part with it.

"I also like your body," he looked at her, seemingly speaking to himself: "Love is like madness." Then he smiled at her and said: "Now, I can possess you immediately, again and again, without growing weary. I remember that you once found joy in it, didn't you?"

He stepped forward and said casually: "No, that is protection. Why not take the surname Long? Why is Yan Ben preferable? Would you rather borrow his surname than take mine?"

Xizi complained, "The men's clothing that Zhong Lian borrowed from me this morning was actually for Miss Feng."

Zhong Lian lowered her head

Last night, he was just a step away from accurately guessing her true thoughts. Feng Wuyan desired the one husband-one wife system of the Biyu clan from a hundred years ago, which is why she was so fond of the one husband-one wife system. He could provide that. At the same time, he could take whoever he wanted; other women were merely playthings in his eyes, a fleeting pleasure, and their status did not equate to that of an important wife, which was not in conflict.

The dim yellow candlelight suddenly brightened, and Long Tianyun, who was carelessly lighting the candle flames beside the table, immediately revealed his true form. Even though the candlelight only illuminated half of Long Tianyun's body, the man's presence still existed strongly and profoundly in the room.

Feng Wuyan stood there motionless with a smile on her face and softly said, "My Gui water has not yet come to an end"

Xizi could not imagine. "Is it not about killing someone, or is it about committing suicide?"

No! she shouted

She exclaimed, "Are you sending someone to follow me?"

Unintentionally, she caught a glimpse of the half-burned painting on the table, and in her heart, she finally understood the reason for the man's appearance after not seeing him for quite some time

After the servant left Miss Feng last night, I delivered the medicine to the master, but did not see that beauty take the medicine. What if something happens...

I am planning to try it in the next few days, focusing primarily on mountains and rivers, which is relatively simple. The colors should be understated and easy to modify. Feng Wuyan asked, "Do you think this is feasible, my lord?"

Zhong Lian's expression changed abruptly upon hearing this, and she looked towards Feng Wuyan. However, her instinct of loyalty compelled her to follow the order and step back. With her eyes lowered, she quietly closed the door.

"If you are willing, let me go and be with other men..." she said with a slight tremor in her voice, but it was not out of fear

Long Tianyun, upon hearing this, carefully gazed into the emotions reflected in her eyes. His expression finally improved somewhat as he leaned down to suck away the tears on her cheeks, disregarding her stiffness, and kissed her face and the tears on her eyelashes.

Feng Wuyan's gaze met his, her left hand tightly gripping something on the table whose nature she could not discern. Her senses felt somewhat dulled, and she was now relying entirely on instinct to cope. She said woodenly: "Yes, I am enjoying myself. His Majesty will return to the palace sooner or later, and I do not wish to enter the palace. You know how much I have enjoyed engraving these days.

Long Tianyun lowered his eyelashes, casually wiped his lips, and a slight expression of pain flickered across his face

A fierce expression that had never appeared on his handsome face emerged as he picked her up and strode to the bed, throwing her onto the mattress.

Wait...! Wait a moment? What is going on? What is the starting point? Zhong Lian's heart began to race. She had another purpose for having Feng Wuyan change into male attire... This morning, Feng Wuyan appeared calm and had a normal appetite. If there was indeed something unusual, it was just that her eyes seemed to be tinted with rouge. In fact... it was much better than she had anticipated, almost completely beyond her expectations, and entirely different from the lifeless and perpetually despondent concubines in the palace.

In fact, it is not necessary at all

She wanted to burst into laughter

Perhaps it would be better to set a limit... she said softly

It is still not enough; she needs more time, she thought. Feng Wuyan desperately suppressed the tearing sensation that surged to her heart and made every effort to control the dizziness.

Suddenly, he let out a muffled sound, pushing her delicate body aside with force; his strength was too much, and she uncontrollably fell backward

By the time Feng Wuyan had finished her conversation with him, the three of them emerged from inside, and the sky had begun to darken slightly. Hu Bomin's face was beaming, resembling a child as he danced with joy to see them off at the door

This is clearly Your Majesty's intention for Zhong Lian to speak on your behalf

In this back-and-forth exchange, both of their breaths were slightly hurried, and they were panting softly, staring at each other. His gaze swept over her slightly trembling body, the disparity in strength almost leading to a major disaster.

To kill? Zhong Lian is an extremely loyal person; she does whatever Long Tianyun asks of her and only says what needs to be said. This is something Feng Wuyan has always sensed. Now, Zhong Lian has openly indicated in front of her that she could kill a woman... She should be grateful for Zhong Lian's intentions towards her, but their thoughts are too different, after all... Is she wrong, or is Zhong Lian wrong? She is truly confused. She should be grateful for Zhong Lian's intentions towards her, but their thoughts are too different, after all... Is she wrong, or is Zhong Lian wrong? She is truly confused.

As his hand touched her neck, Long Tianyun was instantly overwhelmed by anger: in that moment, just that fleeting moment, he had many thoughts—how could Feng Wuyan betray him and be with another man! No, it couldn't be; she was just that kind of person, how could she steal someone away? Was it that Hu who had forced her with an aphrodisiac? He dared! No, he was certain that Zhong Lian had been with her all along, this matter was false!

The emperor? That truly is... adding insult to injury

Zhong Lian quietly observed the man beside her, then glanced at Feng Wuyin, who had a faint smile on her lips and a hint of joy in her slightly swollen eyes. Zhong Lian was pondering whether it was the man's exceptional charm that could bring joy to a woman in distress, or if the woman was simply too engrossed in her own predicament.

Xizi remained calm and collected, cautiously glancing at His Majesty and then at the departed Zhong Lian. Perhaps he was not particularly clever, but he was adept at reading people's expressions.

Do not be too overbearing! She slowly gritted her teeth

In an instant, a trace of hostility appeared in Long Tianyun's eyes

It is a pity she is a woman; if she were a man, she would surely be able to lead a faction.

Perhaps she had inadvertently revealed this thought in front of Zhong Lian. Today, earlier than usual, Zhong Lian appeared holding a new set of men's clothing, stating that she would not be going to the temple but would instead come to see the print exhibition in this shop.

So it is Miss Yan. I am Hu Bomin. Although I am not well-known, what I take the most pride in is my ability to paint and engrave without needing to collaborate with an artist. I have seen Feng Shier's woodblock prints of Buddha images, landscape paintings, and seasonal illustrations. While they are exquisite beyond compare, I always feel that there is room for improvement... but where exactly?

Upon seeing this, Feng Wuyan felt a sharp pang in his heart, and several times he opened his mouth to speak, only to hear him say again: "Don't tell me this was not your intention"

Feng Wuyan's face turned pale, and a sense of rejection arose in his heart, yet he was still forcibly embraced by him. ... Clearly, they had been accustomed to sleeping separately from the beginning, so when did he start to enjoy holding someone while sleeping ... ? ... Last night, he must have held another person while sleeping, right ... ? No, he hadn't slept at all that night. ... ... ... Hadn't slept at all, huh ...

When Feng Wuyan was on the ship, she thought that she could not stay in Jincheng forever. Therefore, during her time in Jincheng, her primary focus was to visit a print exhibition and the stone carvings of portraits

Long Tianyun looked at her

Her heart skipped a beat, and she turned around nonchalantly to walk towards the building

The sky is still bright, if the young lady is not tired, shall we take a walk

Last night, did she really sleep? She was constantly tormenting herself, splitting herself in two; one half told her not to care, while the other half kept thinking about what he might be doing with that woman at that very moment... Perhaps due to the mental strain, she felt a slight drowsiness under the familiar warmth and the scent of the sea. She gently closed her black eyes, murmuring to herself: "If only I had been born a hundred years ago..." As her lips parted, blood finally fell into her mouth, and she immediately closed them again, revealing a self-mocking bitter smile.

Where does she even get such ideas? He likes her and has feelings for her; this is entirely different from him being involved with other women. How can she not understand such a simple truth? Or does she simply not want to understand?

Ah... you are truly capable

Feng Wuyan came to a halt

Miss

That... no matter how you look at it, she seems to be a young lady, right? In Jincheng, women often dress in male attire to walk around, and after seeing it for a while, one can somewhat recognize them.

She turned her head in astonishment to look at him, hearing him close his eyes and say: "I didn't sleep last night, I'm tired"

His expression was peculiar as he chuckled softly, "Just because of what you said, I will spare him. I have always wondered, the number of eunuchs in the previous dynasty was rather excessive; how could those emperors not be aware of such private matters? Do you think Xi Zi is beautiful?" Upon seeing Feng Wuyan's pale face, which bore a look of confusion as if he did not understand his words, he spoke gently, "You truly saved his life. Then, what about that person with the surname Hu? Spending most of the day in a room with a man, did you find joy in him, feeling quite pleased?"

I understand your intentions. Your Majesty will not be deceived. " As Feng Wuyan spoke these words, she wanted to laugh out loud, but merely squeezing out these phrases had already exhausted her strength. If she were to truly laugh, she did not know whether she would become even weaker and unable to move.

Behind her was a lit candlestick! He was momentarily stunned, and with quick reflexes, he protectively shielded the back of her head, pulling her back forcefully. The heat of the flame rushed across the back of his hand, and one could imagine that if she pressed down on the candlestick, the small flame could easily ignite her hair.

He continued to pull open her male clothing, finding it troublesome to remove easily, so he forcefully tore it apart. The torn garments fell to the ground, relieving him somewhat of his frustration

The candlestick accidentally fell over

Isn't it already good? ... How ... . ... As soon as she faces it, even with just a little deeper thought, she still trembles uncontrollably ... It must be that she hasn't worked hard enough ... ...

Speaking of which, why is this carving of the fish leaping over the dragon gate not printed?

Indeed, as soon as he appeared, Xi Zi immediately stepped forward

Long Tianyun stepped directly out of the courtyard and caught a glimpse of a beautiful jade-like figure leaning against the wall as if waiting for someone

As soon as the door was opened, a wave of darkness greeted me.

Long Tianyun glanced at him. "Are you holding something back in your heart?"

Why did you stay in Feng Wuyan's room all night yesterday

He... isn't he a eunuch? What could a eunuch do after spending a night with me?

Perhaps due to the presence of foreign ships docked in Jincheng, a multitude of peculiar and strange items have begun to appear in the city: as a result, several shops in Jincheng have initiated a novel venture, establishing what is known as an auction. The highest bidder wins, and the items for sale include calligraphy and paintings, while exhibitions are held from time to time, providing peers with opportunities to engage in discussions and exchanges, thereby subtly advancing the development of artistic culture.

Feng Wuyan, you are seeking death

Feng Wuyan and Zhong Lianting were momentarily stunned upon hearing such an unbelievable matter, but by the last sentence, Zhong Lian quickly regained her composure and said: "Naturally, it is different. My girl is from out of town and has never even heard of these astonishing tales. Thanks to your reminder, I will make sure to bring it back."

She and he are like people from two different worlds, and this thought suddenly arose in Feng Wuyuan's mind

"To guard oneself like jade? It really seems to be the case," Long Tianyun muttered to himself. "Isn't it unfair? She wants to shake me off, even if it hurts like hell, she still wants to get rid of me"

Why does the young lady want to sell the print? She mentioned in the morning that she would go to the auction house in Jincheng to take a look, and as soon as she turned around, Feng Wuyan immediately took out the print.

He looked at her stiffly and said lightly, "This is much more pleasing to the eye, isn't it?"

"Do not mind it, I am not sad," she said with a smile. "A woman's tears come inexplicably, and both the body and willpower cannot control them. Therefore, do not be deceived by a woman's crying in the future. You see, it is probably like this. I am well aware of this flaw of mine. Although I like Your Majesty, I have come to understand that I cannot remain in solitude. Can Your Majesty tolerate me finding satisfaction with other men while I also have feelings for you?"

Suddenly, Feng Wuyan smiled and softly said: "Thank you, I understand."

Stubborn and headstrong, she might really say it out loud, but right now he does not want to hear it. Long Tianyun felt a heavy blockage in his heart. These days of coldness have only pushed her further away, and with everything he has heard throughout the day, even if she stepped out of the auction house, directly dealing with that man with the surname Hu would hardly quell the turbulent anger within him.

Zhong Lian moved her lips slightly, gritted her teeth, and followed suit into the room

The young lady should have told Young Master Hu that her surname is Long, not Yan, Zhong Lian gently reminded

How wonderful it is to be in the harem, who would dare to covet his women? He closed his eyes. After being an emperor for a long time, some matters become too convenient, and instead, he is reluctant to easily speak of leaving this position

He took several steps back in succession, speaking in a hoarse voice, "Never attempt to harm me when I am completely defenseless, unless you wish to end up in the same predicament as I am now." As he spoke, blood flowed from his lips, and he carelessly wiped it away, unable to stop it for a moment.

Long Tianyun called out to her again. "From now on, do not let her wear men's clothing without my permission."

Feng Wuyan saw his face full of enthusiasm and thought about how no one could discuss such matters with her when she was in the capital. After a moment of contemplation, she nodded and followed him inside

This is Zhong Lian's intention. Moreover, if I have not tried it, how would I know whether I like it or not

"Shut up!" Long Tianyun said harshly. The moment he thought of her description, his violent emotions surged up. Knowing it was merely a description, his anger still overwhelmed his reason in an instant. He fixed his gaze on the subtle expressions on her face. ... Her eyes were fearless, yet they were silently drowned in tears. The corners of her mouth were as tense as when they first met, but trembling; this trembling was not out of fear, but rather ...

Grandfather... the harem consists of the empress and favored concubines, and there is no need to... remain chaste as jade...

"Alas, I cannot squeeze in," the young man beside me sighed regretfully

Although it is not difficult to accept the goodwill of others, one must also remember to maintain a distance from Zhong Lian. Feng Wuyan added this point in her mind. She replied calmly, "I fear offending Your Majesty; Lord Yan should not mind."

Currently, the prints are all monochromatic. No matter how remarkable they are, they are created using only red and black ink. Have you ever considered separating the plates and colors, and cutting woodblock prints?

Feng Wuyan fully understood the feeling of striving for perfection. For a printmaker, in addition to talent and skill, the most important aspect is the continuous process of reflection. When she encountered someone of the same kind, her mood lifted slightly, and she couldn't help but say: "Would it be better to change to a separate plate and color printing?"

Because she was on the boat at that time, she heard "Do you want to eat fresh fish?" and was inspired to carve. Now, the only prints she has on hand that can be exchanged for money are the ones carved on the boat

Feng Wuyan changed the subject and, with a hint of confusion, said: "Zhong Lian, you seem very familiar with this place." Although it appeared that they were just shopping, in reality, Zhong Lian had been guiding her along a route as if she were trying to recognize the way to a specific location.

What is there to catch? If a man is determined to come, who can stop him? Feng Wuyin turned to Zhong Lian, her voice still light and weak, but her expression was indifferent, her shoulders straight and upright, completely ignoring the people from the Red Mansion. I am leaving, I want to go back

She is recovering very quickly. Moreover, no one owes anyone anything; it was she who went astray and accidentally fell too deep, and now she is in the process of coming out.

You say, having no intention to assassinate me, yet you continue to hold onto her carving knife, what does this mean

He stared at her for a long time, suddenly let out a sneer, and lay down beside her

What is that

In an instant, Zhong Lian's face contorted.

She looked at the building that was clearly bustling with business, with guests coming and going, and then turned back to look at Zhong Lian. Inside, there were prints.

She did not expect Feng Wuyan to recover so quickly, so quickly that... Perhaps in Feng Wuyan's heart, His Majesty does not count for anything at all

Hmm?

A sweet and cloying scent wafted through the air, and he finally turned his gaze, landing on her left hand. He took the candied hawthorn from her hand and asked in surprise, "Why is your hand so cold?"

Until last night

Your Majesty, you are the sovereign of the world, and it is inevitable to have romantic affairs outside. I also... I also admire Your Majesty's physique... However, you will eventually return to the palace...

Although she is merely a woman, her skills in printmaking far surpass those of others. He sighed, "It is a pity that I have not had the chance to meet her, so that I could seek her guidance... By the way, Miss, you are also a woodblock printer; how should I address you?"

Your Majesty has been watching her closely

Thus, here, she is nameless and faceless, unwilling to acknowledge herself as Feng Twelve, lest it provoke others to take advantage of her. Moreover, she is still waiting to receive her payment

Boss Tan mentioned that a collector had acquired it through various means, intending to send it overseas, but due to unforeseen circumstances, had to reluctantly sell it. The woodblock print of the Buddha statue by Feng Twelve is typically printed in a thousand copies, after which the original is destroyed. This time, being able to see an unprinted woodblock is indeed a rare fortune. Boss Tan stated that it should be held for three days before making an offer

Zhong Lian was taken aback, her astonishment tinged with a hint of confusion

She left after finishing playing the piano, what medicine should she take

He let out a sound and suddenly wanted to kiss her slightly pale lips

Look, Miss, last year Feng Shier compiled a single-volume collection of prints. Although it has only a few pages, each piece is a masterpiece of exquisite craftsmanship. The prints were limited to one thousand copies, and since then, they have been out of print. I went through great difficulties and paid double the price to have a friend from the capital bring it back for me

The dragon Tianyun behind her had a gloomy expression

If Feng Wuyan were a boy

Indeed, it is truly regrettable... I, I was also thinking about it...

She felt his palm move to the back of her neck, pressing intermittently as if attempting to make her relax... She recalled the boat on the river, the beauty from last night, and the number sixteen... To her surprise, she found herself in the big pot of porridge... It should have been a situation that elicited both laughter and tears, yet at this moment, she was too stiff to smile.

He got onto the bed, his arms propped on either side of her cheeks, leaning down.

Long Tianyun was nearly driven to madness by the imagination evoked by the last few characters

Zhong Lian said softly: "The beauty who came last night is indeed from here"

Not only do I appreciate carving, but I also enjoy observing it. In my home in the capital, I have collected various woodblock prints. Just in Jincheng, I feel as if I am in my element, as if I have returned to my true homeland: if I were to enter the palace, I would find it hard to breathe... Speaking of which, I have always regretted not being able to meet the woodblock artist of the spring palace prints on the ship...

"I obey your command." Zhong Lian said, respectfully retreating in front of him

"Truly salty." He licked it, and a sharp pain immediately shot through his tongue. ... This little pain, in fact, was nothing ... ... He stared at her and said: "I have never licked anyone's tears like this before."

As the two individuals stepped out of the shop, the streets of Jincheng were enveloped in the glow of the setting sun, as if brilliant golden light had descended upon the mortal realm. A gentle breeze surged into the street, directly brushing against Feng Wuyán's face. With her eyes half-closed, she felt as if this breeze had entered her heart as well. She let out a soft breath and suddenly burst into a laugh, saying, "It seems quite nice after all"

Only when he was satisfied, even her cool lips had warmed up, did he smile and say: "Now this color suits you, look at how unattractive your lip color was just now." He suddenly asked: "Is it because I am the emperor?"

Feng Wuyan politely replied: "Indeed."

Long Tianyun cast a faint glance at him

Say

In that moment, Feng Wuyan straightened his back, tightly closed his mouth, and without intending to kiss deeply, he let the blood from his lips gradually stain her tender lips like red grease.

Hubemin scratched his head. "It must be the chaotic tales brought back by those sailors from overseas, saying that women abroad are as passionate as men of wealth, keeping numerous lovers and other such examples... The girls in Jincheng have become wild after hearing this for so long. However, no matter how wild or brave they are, they only dare to dress in men's clothing and go out; who would dare to imitate those absurd stories... Of course, young ladies are different, right?"

Zhong Lian still kept her head down and replied softly: "I wish to let the young lady see that the people in the brothel are merely lowly beings who serve with their beauty, and they are not worth anything."

How long will Your Majesty take? - Illustration - Book

As soon as she entered the shop, she encountered like-minded individuals, and the discussion was lively—this was something she was quite unfamiliar with. In the capital, she had never communicated with the engravers; even if there were interactions, they were often from individuals like Qian Fengyao, who harbored ulterior motives towards her. Who could she blame? There was a time when she pondered this question, but later she realized that when her own father made it clear that his daughters could be sold at a price, it was only natural for those with greedy eyes to view her as a commodity to be priced, rather than as a professional engraver.

Even with any imagination blocked, a strong sense of discomfort surged in her throat, tearing at her heart. While he was entangled with someone, her vision turned white, trembling uncontrollably, wanting to bury herself deep underground, wishing to see nothing and think of nothing

Zhong Lian could not help but ask, "How did Young Master Hu see through my family's young lady's disguise as a man?" She prided herself on her exceptional skills, so how could she be seen through so easily?

Feng Wuyan immediately shut his mouth

Feng Wuyan coughed lightly and said, "My surname is Yan"

Fortunately, it is not.

Zhong Lian led her into the alley that extended all the way through to the other end, pointing at the building across the street.

Xi Zi continued, saying: "I only remember them saying that whatever exists is correct. Miss Feng felt distressed because of this, so seeing her in such a pitiable state, I stayed with her a little longer."

Zhong Lian wanted to speak but hesitated

Young Master

Feng Wuyan instinctively avoided it

"Why are you back so late?" he said with a smile, interrupting her thoughts. He walked in front of her, his gaze fixed on her face, though it was unclear what he was looking at. "Did you have fun outside?"

She did not respond

He stared at her blankly, suddenly turned his head to look around, and said excitedly in a low voice: "Miss Yan, let us go inside to talk... Please do not misunderstand, I have no other intentions. Inside is a place where literati and elegant guests come to paint when inspired, and there are also some engraving tools. I am truly too curious; your whimsical ideas on printmaking are simply fascinating. Could we perhaps discuss them further?" I am truly too curious; your whimsical ideas on printmaking are simply fascinating. Could we perhaps discuss them further?

Do not mention her

No one can deceive her; only she can deceive herself

After finishing playing the piano, she left? Zhong Lian was astonished. ... How could that be possible? Those courtesans enter the residence precisely to stay overnight and serve people ... . ... She instinctively raised her face, just in time to meet Long Tianyun's sharp gaze.

"That's different. Zhong Lian treats me very well, and sometimes I also want to..." Feng Wuyan casually glanced around and pointed to the vendor selling candied hawthorn, "I want to invite you to eat it, but I have no money and would need you to pay. How embarrassing that would be for me."

The room was quiet, with only the sound of breathing remaining. Feng Wuyan stared straight ahead, his lips slightly parted, silently taking a breath, and then forcefully curved the corners of his mouth upward

I don't even want him to touch it!

Grandfather, didn't you already ask that repeatedly this morning? Because I saw her... Grandfather, you have blood on your lips..." Xizi thought it was Feng Wuyan's blood, feeling pity for the poor woman, and quickly took out a clean handkerchief.

He did not see her, but he heard her words. After a moment, regardless of whether she had fallen asleep, he lowered his voice and replied: "What was good a hundred years ago? It is only good now"

Zhong Lian smiled and said, "If there is anything you wish to purchase, just instruct the maid. Why must the young lady go to such great lengths?"

She looked down at the candied hawthorn she had been holding in her left hand

"Miss, I will go to the kitchen to bring the dishes over." Zhong Lian bypassed Feng Wuyan to light the candlestick first

If I were to die, you would not be able to leave either! With too much force, the bleeding from the wound on his tongue intensified for a moment, and it flowed out again, landing on her cheek

He partially concealed his deep, dark eyes, smiling faintly. "Feng Wuyan, regardless of my identity, as long as I still want you for a day, you will have only one choice."

Under the moonlight, the gray stone bricks glimmered faintly with weak reflections, as if Zhong Lian had waited a lifetime to hear His Majesty's response

He paused in thought and stared at her. "Separate editions and colors? What is that?"

With a loud bang, it felt as if an explosion had occurred beside his ear. Feng Wuyán's vision instantly turned white, and he felt dizzy to the point of nearly losing his balance. His right hand instinctively tightened around the jade knife in his waist pouch.

He calmly hinted to her that it would be best not to speak the truth, as some words, once spoken, could lead to disaster. If it were intentional, that would be one thing, but if it were unintentional, what would that signify

Feng Wuyan slowly regained her senses, looking at the people from the Red Mansion who had unknowingly crossed the street to stand before them.

Feng Wuyan was just about to say, "No need, I am not hungry," when suddenly—"Leave."

Feng Wuyan looked at the already dimming sky, then looked at her, and nodded. "Alright." Now she was at the mercy of her host; since the house belonged to someone else, if they did not want her to leave, she would not leave.

"It's fine," she thought her tone was quite normal, and then smiled, saying, "It was Zhong Lian who sent me."

On Feng Wuyan's face, there were originally only tears, but at this moment, they mixed with bright red, creating a shocking sight. Feng Wuyan paid no attention to her own face and couldn't help but tremble as she said: "Could you... stop the bleeding first?"

She smiled broadly. "I am truly flattered. I also like you; you occupy my thoughts constantly. However, today, behind that shop, I couldn't help but engage in a fleeting encounter with Young Master Hu. I kissed his face, touched his body, and left my scratches on his back. I made him—"

Xizi hurriedly said: "From now on, this servant will never lend again. The clothes that Zhonglian borrowed from this servant are all new and have never been worn... Master, there is something this servant is unsure whether to say or not."

Long Tianyun listened absentmindedly while flipping through the album: the images were in black and white, yet vividly lifelike, possessing a distinct charm of woodcut artistry. After all, he was a prince, and the person who contributed half of his bloodline had talent in this regard, indicating that he certainly had a certain level of appreciation for the art. Feng Wuyan's prints leaned towards neutrality, lacking the soft traces of femininity, embodying the roughness of the Bi people and the delicacy of the Jin people. The Empress Dowager focused solely on spring palace paintings, which highlighted the differences in perspective caused by gender, resulting in a certain shortcoming in her role as a printmaker. Feng Wuyan's prints leaned towards neutrality, lacking the soft traces of femininity, embodying the roughness of the Bi people and the delicacy of the Jin people. The Empress Dowager focused solely on spring palace paintings, which highlighted the differences in perspective caused by gender, resulting in a certain shortcoming in her role as a printmaker.