Chapter 31: Gift of a Brush

The Eastern Palace.

Continuous drizzle. The Crown Prince, Ning Tan, impatiently pushed away the maid massaging his shoulders and stood up, saying, "Cui An!"

Outside the screen, a young vermilion-clad eunuch responded, dragging his voice, "I am here, Your Highness."

Ning Tan looked frustrated, "It's been ten days already. How long do I have to stay confined here?"

"In the past few days, due to the birthday celebration of Princess Deyang, several officials from the Imperial Censorate jointly submitted a memorial accusing Your Highness. The Emperor is still angry," Cui An explained.

Cui An continued, "The Empress Mother said to let Your Highness stay in the Eastern Palace to avoid trouble."

Ning Tan sighed, "No, that was days ago. Why is the stubborn Imperial Censorate still holding onto it?"

"The Empress Mother tried to suppress the matter, but unfortunately, someone leaked the news, spreading rumors among the common people," Cui An said, glancing at Ning Tan, and continued, "They say Your Highness forced noble women, indulged in lust, and ruled incompetently. Public resentment has been growing, giving the Imperial Censorate a reason to target Your Highness."

"This is outrageous! Who spread such nonsense?" Ning Tan, irritated, couldn't help but ask, "I am the future emperor. Even if I haven't chosen the right person, what's wrong with enjoying the company of a beautiful woman from time to time?"

Cui An bowed slightly, "His Majesty is in good health now, Your Highness, please choose your words carefully."

Ning Tan snorted, his patience wearing thin, thinking, if he couldn't leave the Eastern Palace, perhaps he could have a batch of beauties brought in for entertainment. He had grown tired of the ones in the palace.

He asked, "What about the matter of the Crown Princess? Any progress?"

"The Empress Mother did mention it, but General Yu has some concerns..."

"What?" Ning Tan interrupted, Cui An added, "Not just General Yu, after the incident in the Buddhist hall, prominent families in the capital are unwilling to marry their daughters to the Eastern Palace."

"Outrageous!" Ning Tan, furious, grabbed a wine cup from the table and threw it at Cui An, blaming him for the trouble caused by a fake princess.

The cup hit Cui An's shoulder, splashing dark tea stains.

As if unaffected, Cui An calmly said, "Your Highness, calm down. The rumors in the streets are suspicious; someone must be manipulating them."

"I don't care who is manipulating it. This matter must be resolved quickly!" Ning Tan, panting, sat back, murmuring, "And the tough nut, Yu Yuan, I refuse to believe I can't handle him!"

Now that he had lost credibility in the court, and there were no capable advisors by his side, Cui An, who belonged to the Empress, was the only one left. Although the Empress was his mother, her constant meditation in front of the Buddha made it difficult for him to understand what she was really thinking.

He needed to find a way to bring the Yu family under his control as soon as possible.

Seemingly sensing his thoughts, Cui An's lips twitched slightly, and he reminded, "I heard that the four counties in Luozhou are facing a disaster. The court is planning to send relief supplies."

Ning Tan gave him a disdainful look, muttering, "Why mention this now? I have no interest in discussing state affairs at the moment."

Suddenly, he stopped in his tracks.

"I have an idea." Ning Tan's narrow eyes flashed with calculation. He beckoned Cui An over and whispered something to him.

After a secret conversation, he asked, "Remember?"

Cui An closed his eyes, concealing the scorn in his gaze, and nodded, "I will take care of it."

Satisfied, Ning Tan leaned back in his chair, a sinister smile playing on his lips.

If the plan succeeded, not only would he deal with Yu Yuan, but his two daughters would also have to come to the Eastern Palace and kneel down, begging for mercy.

Thinking about the Yu family's daughter he had not been able to enjoy yet, a surge of heat rose in Ning Tan's lower abdomen.

"Wait a moment."

He stopped Cui An, "What about that fake who tried to seduce me? The one surnamed Zhao, bring her into the palace."

Cui An halted, "This woman is disliked by Princess Deyang for her improper conduct. She cannot be given the status of a virtuous lady."

"Then let her be the lowest-ranked concubine, just a fake, I can play with her as I please," Ning Tan impatiently clicked his tongue. Once the real one of the Yu family arrived, she wouldn't be needed anyway.

Lightning tore through the night sky, illuminating the city's buildings in a ghostly white glow.

A sudden wind rose, and heavy rain was imminent.

...

In the early morning, the rain cleared, revealing a blue sky. Puddles reflected tree shadows and floating clouds in front of the steps.

Yu Lingxi sat in front of the dressing table, lost in thought. Suddenly, Hutao, who was combing her hair, said, "The young miss's complexion has been getting better lately, fair and rosy, as beautiful as blooming peach blossoms."

The speaker had no intention, but the listener had other thoughts. Yu Lingxi remembered the scenes from yesterday in the secret room. The fragmented and bizarre memories surged like a tide, burning her cheeks.

For two years in the Regent's Mansion, she had always pleased Ning Yin, and Ning Yin had enjoyed her. Occasionally, when he was in a good mood, he would patiently tease her until her cheeks turned red. But yesterday was vastly different...

Where was the difference? Yu Lingxi couldn't say.

She only knew that, after leaving the meditation room through the long bamboo path, she couldn't bring herself to look at the disarrayed robe on Ning Yin.

Fortunately, it rained that day, and the drizzle wet the clothes, avoiding arousing suspicion.

Ning Yin said that this poison would have another outbreak. The first two times had already taken half of her life. She didn't know what the third time would bring... Did she have to go to him again?

In her past life, she endured being a caged bird for two years, treasuring her life. She didn't mind the constraints of worldly etiquette. She just refused to succumb to the effects of the medicine, walking the same path as in her previous life.

In her previous life, serving him physically was a necessity. What harm was there in mixing things up this time?

Thinking about this, Yu Lingxi regained her composure and said, "Hutao, go get me some herbs to reduce heat and dryness, and detoxify. The more, the better."

Hazelnut held the comb, blinked, and said, "Miss, are you feeling unwell? Medicine can be poisonous; you can't drink it indiscriminately."

"It's hot recently, and I feel restless. I need to reduce heat," Yu Lingxi casually made up a reason. Though she didn't know the antidote, it was better than doing nothing.

Hutao put down the comb and left. In less than a tea time, she returned.

"Miss, Miss Zhao from the Zhao family has arrived and wants to see you."

Hutao asked for instructions, "Miss Zhao is currently standing guard outside. Elder Miss Yu Xinyi asked me to inquire if you want her bound and brought to apologize, or if you want her directly executed?"

Zhao Yuming?

Yu Lingxi's thoughts sank. Before she could settle the score with her, Zhao Yuming had delivered herself to the door. At the mansion gate, Yu Xinyi sat boldly on the steps with her large blade, the unsheathed sword standing on the ground.

Behind Yu Lingxi, two rows of guards held their weapons or ropes, ready for action.

Zhao Yuming was frightened by her imposing manner, her face pale, looking delicate and frail. When she saw Yu Lingxi coming out, Zhao Yuming's eyes lit up, and she whispered, "Cousin Lingxi..."

Hearing her deliberately soft voice, Yu Lingxi felt disgusted.

"Sui Sui, why did you come here?" Yu Lingxi asked.

Yu Lingxi stood up, blocking her younger sister, and said coldly, "No need for you to intervene. I'll take care of her for you."

Yu Lingxi calmly glanced at Zhao Yuming and said, "Sister, I have something to ask her."

In the waterside pavilion, Yu Lingxi sat down directly without acknowledging Zhao Yuming.

Zhao Yuming stood awkwardly on the side and said softly, "Cousin Lingxi, I know there have been many misunderstandings between us..."

"Misunderstandings?" Yu Lingxi glanced at her, "During the Spring Search, everyone's horses were poisoned and startled. Only you and Zhao Xu were unharmed. Is that a misunderstanding?"

Zhao Yuming opened her mouth to argue, but Yu Lingxi didn't give her a chance, "During Princess Deyang's birthday banquet, I was cautious everywhere but still fainted and fell into Zhao Xu's hands. Is that also a misunderstanding?"

"It was a palace maid who mistook you for me and brought you out of the princess's mansion. It really has nothing to do with me."

Zhao Yuming teared up, "I suffered on your behalf and was mistreated by the Crown Prince. How can you bear a grudge against me, cousin?"

Listening to her twisting the truth, Yu Lingxi couldn't help but want to laugh.

She didn't understand why she didn't see through Zhao Yuming's duplicity in her previous life.

"Do you know I like spicy food, and during the banquet, the only person I wouldn't guard against was Xue Cen. That day, during the Princess's birthday banquet, I saw you chatting with Xue Cen for a long time."

Yu Lingxi stood up and stared at Zhao Yuming, "Do I need to make it clearer? The pickled plums with pepper and salt that Xue Cen carried with him were the ones you swapped in my cup that day, right?"

Zhao Yuming twisted her handkerchief, her face changing color with guilt.

Yu Lingxi knew she had guessed correctly.

After returning from the banquet that day, Yu Lingxi reflected for a long time. Princess Deyang's anger at the prince's infidelity indicated that she was unaware of the prince's intentions. It was impossible for her to tamper with Yu Lingxi's food and drink...

So, the person who targeted her could only be someone from the Zhao family. During the banquet, Yu Lingxi did not eat anything of unknown origin, except for the exception of the pickled plums with pepper and salt that Xue Cen had given her.

Now, it seemed that she had guessed right.

The two plums in the cup.

Considering why Zhao Yuming had engaged Xue Cen in conversation and why she had tried to distract him before, all the doubts were easily resolved.

Even in the past...

In her previous life, the cup of fragrant tea she had at the Zhao residence, she also smelled the exact same tea fragrance at Princess Deyang's birthday banquet.

In her previous life, her uncle had already gained the position of Minister of Revenue by currying favor with beautiful women and pleasing Ning Yin. With such a wealthy Zhao family, why would they serve her with aged tea that had been used four years ago?

Perhaps there was only one reason: the tea was aromatic enough to mask the bitterness of the poison.

Thinking about this, Yu Lingxi chuckled. She laughed at herself for being cautious of Ning Yin and fearing the madman in her past life. In the end, the one who killed her was a seemingly gentle and kind "good person."

If it was indeed the work of the Zhao family, she would never tolerate it!

Zhao Yuming had been carefully observing Yu Lingxi's expression. Feeling uneasy, she said, "Everything was arranged by Zhao Xu. I thought he just wanted to teach you a lesson, I never expected him to have such intentions..."

Seeing Yu Lingxi smirk, Zhao Yuming's voice lowered, and she tearfully said, "I know whatever I say, you won't believe it. I've been assigned to the Eastern Palace as a lowly maid. In a few days, I will enter the palace to serve the Crown Prince. I can't leave the palace for the rest of my life, let alone compete with you for anything..."

Thinking of her humble identity as a "maid," Zhao Yuming's eyes held intense unwillingness, choked up, "I came to see you today, not to seek your forgiveness. I just want to clarify something before entering the palace. How did Zhao Xu... die?"

At this time, she still wanted to fish for information?

Yu Lingxi calmly said, "If it wasn't for fearing punishment, why don't you go and ask him yourself?"

Zhao Yuming trembled; Zhao Xu was already dead. When Yu Lingxi said, "go and ask him yourself," was she implying...

The Yu Lingxi in front of her was calm and transparent, no longer the naive and easily fooled girl from the past. What had she experienced in these short six months?

Just as she was thinking, a stone flew from somewhere and hit Zhao Yuming's face. Zhao Yuming immediately screamed, covering her bleeding face and taking a step back. Another stone came flying; she couldn't care less about pretending and fled in panic.

Yu Lingxi felt relieved and amused, and most of the heaviness and gloominess in her heart dissipated.

After a while, she looked towards the rockery, "Are you a child, Wei Qi?"

Only he, a carefree and whimsical person, would throw stones at others. The young man in black clothes emerged from behind the rockery, strolled through the winding path, and casually tossed the stones in his hand.

With the damp wind after the rain, his ink-black hair floated gently behind his ears. Squinting his eyes, he said nonchalantly, "I don't like her face, so I thought scratching it would be better."

Yu Lingxi was slightly stunned, and memories that had been deliberately suppressed suddenly resurfaced.

In her previous life, Ning Yin had scratched Zhao Yuming's face. Was it possible that he didn't dislike her but detested that someone with a similar appearance as hers existed?

"What is Miss thinking about again?" Ning Yin had walked into the waterside pavilion, staring at Yu Lingxi's expression.

Yu Lingxi moved her lips and smiled.

It was a genuine, carefree, and self-deprecating smile. In an instant, her eyes and brows bloomed like spring flowers. Ning Yin, holding a stone, looked at her figure, which was now laughing with a hand covering her mouth. In his ink-colored eyes, there was a hint of amusement.

"I was thinking, I used to be a big fool." Yu Lingxi sat on a stone bench, supporting her chin, casually wiping away the tears that had welled up in her eyes.

Ning Yin looked at her for a while before nodding faintly, "Quite foolish. You should have killed that woman."

He was still the same, either killing or on the path to killing.

But strangely, Yu Lingxi didn't find it terrifying.

She shook her head, looked up at Ning Yin, and spoke with a soft and determined voice, "Death is a simple matter, but what I want is more than that."

She wanted to join forces with the handsome madman in front of her and crush both Zhao Yuming and the decadent Eastern Palace.

"Why is Miss always looking at me?" Ning Yin met her gaze calmly, gently curling his lips.

Thoughts surged in Yu Lingxi's mind—about her past, her present life, and the evolving perceptions that were gradually being overturned and reshaped.

"Wei Qi, I used to be very afraid of someone."

She lowered her gaze and chuckled softly, "But now, it seems like I understand him a bit."

The stone in his hand fell to the ground, and Ning Yin raised an eyebrow slightly.

"That wild man?" He squinted his eyes like black ice.

"What?" Yu Lingxi didn't catch on.

Ning Yin said coolly, "Miss was afraid first and then understood. It's that wild man who taught Miss the skill of pleasure."

Yu Lingxi hurriedly pounced forward, covering Ning Yin's annoying mouth.

"What nonsense are you talking about?" Yu Lingxi's ears turned as red as falling petals.

She had just been contemplating seriously on how to help him conquer the palace and the Eastern Palace, and he was only concerned about being jealous!

Being covered by her hand, Ning Yin blinked innocently, then gently opened his lips and punished her soft and tender palm with his teeth.

It was both painful and itchy. Yu Lingxi withdrew her hand, giving him an annoyed look.

"Eat lychee, a reward from the palace."

There was no one else here, so Yu Lingxi pushed the lychee fruit plate on the stone table towards him, attempting to stop his mouth from biting randomly.

After pushing, she realized that Ning Yin probably didn't have a favorable impression of the palace. Fortunately, Ning Yin remained unfazed. He picked up a handkerchief from the tray and wiped his hands clean before picking a green-hanging lychee.

When he lifted his hand, Yu Lingxi noticed the apricot-white ribbon still tied to his left arm and couldn't help but be stunned, "Why are you still wearing this ribbon? Give it back to me."

But Ning Yin withdrew his hand, leaned against the water pavilion's pillar, and leisurely peeled the lychee, saying, "Miss stained my clothes yesterday, so consider this ribbon as compensation."

He then revealed the fair and slender fingers, which were stained with lychee juice, and deliberately pinched and kneaded the tender lychee flesh. He then brought it to his lips, rolled his tongue, and the juice overflowed, sweetening his eyes as he squinted.

The breeze ruffled the small pond, unable to dispel the heat on Yu Lingxi's cheeks.

She simply didn't look at Ning Yin, asking with a bit of irritation, "You came to find me, is there something you want to say?"

Ning Yin took out a brocade box from his bosom and placed it on the stone table in front of Yu Lingxi. The slender fingers, stained with lychee water, pointed to it, indicating that she should open it.

"What is it?" Yu Lingxi glanced at him, somewhat curious.

Upon opening it, she found a brush with a plum blossom pattern.

The handle of the brush was intricately carved with lacquer patterns, not as exquisite as the works of famous brush makers, likely made by an amateur.

With his hands behind his back, Ning Yin rolled the lychee flesh from one cheek to the other with his tongue, "Earlier, I accidentally broke Miss's brush. I promised to compensate with a better one."

"You made this?"

Suppressing the laughter at the corner of her mouth, Yu Lingxi held her chin with one hand, and the other delicate fingertip gently swept across the brush hair, giving it a careful examination.

The brush tip was ink-black, very resilient, neither like goat hair nor horse hair, possessing an indescribable cool and smooth sensation.

"What kind of hair is used for this brush?" Yu Lingxi asked curiously.

"Hair."

Yu Lingxi thought she had misheard.

"What?"

"My hair."

Ning Yin repeated, picking up the lychee with a beautiful flicker of his eyes, "Miss likes my hair, right? I cut off two inches, picked out the finest and softest tips, coated them with lacquer to make the brush tip, spent the whole night picking."

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