Chapter Eighty-Two: This Misunderstanding Has Escalated

As the brush tip drifted away, the faces of those people surfaced once more in his mind. Memories of Hua Rong learning all manner of music, chess, calligraphy, and painting from childhood came flooding back in succession.

“What is happening? Could it be that by inheriting his body, I’ve also gained some of his abilities?”

Though he himself had never studied these things as a child, the memories still offered him a spark of inspiration.

Hua Rong strove to maintain composure, and after half an hour of struggle, finally completed the first painting. When the brush was set down, Hua Rong folded his hands, drew a breath to his lips, then let it sink into his dantian, as though he had just accomplished a great feat.

“It’s done. It’s more or less like this.”

He gazed at the painting, surprised at the exquisite craftsmanship that even he hadn’t anticipated. “It seems that learning a skill from childhood is indeed a way to make a living in the future.”

For the first time, Hua Rong truly envied himself. The figures in the portrait were lifelike, yet Jun Yeli, with a slight frown, shook his head.

“Your painting technique seems different from before.”

“Well, I did say I’m out of practice. But the likeness is there, seven or eight parts true. If you want to use this portrait to find someone, it won’t be difficult.”

Hua Rong patted his chest in assurance, though inwardly he couldn’t help but think, “To have painted this well, you should light incense in thanks—after all, this is my first time painting a portrait in my life!”

The key was that it actually resembled the subject!

The more he looked, the happier he became, even feeling a little smug—defeated by his own outstanding talent.

Jun Yeli merely sighed and shook his head, but after examining the painting, he nodded. “Good. You’ve done well today. If you’re tired, go to bed early and rest.”

“That’s not necessary. Everything is settled now, so I’ll take my leave.”

To stay here overnight would be to put on a show for the entire harem. Who knew if the other women had caught wind of it? She had to hurry back before nightfall, or it would surely lead to misunderstandings!

With such thoughts, Jun Yeli could say nothing more to make her stay.

Seeing that he was absorbed in studying the painting, Hua Rong quickly hitched up her skirts and darted to the door, disappearing in a flash.

A sudden gust of wind startled the little eunuch napping at the entrance. “Good heavens, what just flew by? Could it be an assassin?”

But when he looked more closely, he saw a graceful figure hurrying away in the distance—it was clearly Hua Rong.

No one knew what had happened inside for her to leave with such hurried little steps. Steward Li couldn’t help but chuckle. “Consort Rong truly is extraordinary—faced with His Majesty’s favor, she’s still shy enough to flee. It turns out this is what the Emperor likes!”

As he spoke, Steward Li stroked his long beard, a lewd smile creeping over his face.

The evening glow was still bright, and before Steward Li’s amusement had faded, a cold voice sounded behind him. “What are you muttering to yourself about now?”

Turning around, Jun Yeli’s warmth from the mountaintop had vanished, replaced once more by his usual chill.

“Your Majesty, when did you come out?” Steward Li shivered, hurriedly clasping his hands and stepping forward to bow.

“Enough nonsense. Quietly assign some men to search the capital for the people in these portraits. If you find any trace, report to me at once.”

After handing over the portraits Hua Rong had painted from memory, Jun Yeli acted as if nothing had happened and left without another word.

Yet, gazing at the vast chamber, filled with gold, silver, and jade, all the endless luxury still felt empty, as if something essential was missing.

“How ironic—this lavish palace can’t compare to a simple mountain cottage. It seems I truly can’t live without you.”

Lying in bed, Jun Yeli couldn’t help but recall all that had happened in the cottage. Though it was full of twists and turns, the warmth and coldness of human emotion within had its own joys.

He could not suppress the smile at his lips. Perhaps it was the fatigue of the day, but at last he shed his weariness and gradually drifted into sleep.

At Xuanji Palace, Hua Rong had not even reached the door before she was besieged by a wall of attendants, their greetings rolling in like waves.

“My lady, what did you and His Majesty do at the Nine Dragons Hall yesterday? Why were you gone so long?”

“Were you making a baby? But that shouldn’t take so much time—were you perhaps whispering sweet nothings? I hear the Imperial Garden is beautiful; who knew His Majesty was so romantic!”

“And so enthusiastic, too. This afternoon His Majesty sent someone to collect your clothing, so you must have been busy all day as well!”

Their laughter grew ever louder, echoing almost to the palace gates, leaving Hua Rong flushed with shame.

To conceal their private departure from the palace, Jun Yeli had released false news, even closing off some scenic spots to pretend he and Hua Rong were enjoying a lovers’ retreat.

All this, Hua Rong learned only now from their chatter.

Her face turned pale. “No! Did the Emperor really announce that?”

After spending a day and night alone with the Emperor, the other women would no doubt imagine an entire volume of invisible crimes committed.

“This is truly the end—what can’t be avoided on the first can’t be avoided on the fifteenth.”

Just as she’d enjoyed a rare day of freedom, she was welcomed back by this storm.

Hua Rong felt her legs go weak, swaying as if she might collapse. Fortunately, Su Xin caught her just in time. “My lady, what’s wrong? Was it too intense last night?”

The words were innocent enough, but the implication was clear, and the little maids burst into gales of laughter.

“Enough, stop laughing and help me inside. Or soon enough someone will come with a knife to the door!”

Whoever it was, Hua Rong knew she mustn’t leave the palace for some time, lest blood be spilled.

Once seated on the bed, seeing her maids still unable to contain their mirth, Hua Rong could only sigh and admonish them, “From now on, pay close attention to everything I eat and drink.”

“Why so cautious all of a sudden? Are you preparing to conceive?” Su Xin rubbed her chin, her innocent question leaving Hua Rong speechless.

“Never mind what you think. Just remember to be thorough.”

“Don’t worry, for the sake of your future imperial heir, I won’t let even the smallest clue slip by!”

Seeing Su Xin’s earnestness, Hua Rong could only sigh helplessly. “If only you were always this clever in your duties...”