Chapter 47
With such high ambitions, Gu Xiyan naturally prepared meticulously, determined to paint this picture well.
She even began to fantasize: if the Princess of Duan liked it, the Prince of Duan would like it too. Perhaps even the nobles in the palace would appreciate it. Perhaps…
She quickly stopped herself. She could not think too much, or she would start believing she was ascending to immortality!
She sketched the draft and checked the pigments on hand. These had been purchased several years ago, and there was not much left. Painting for the Princess of Duan would likely require more than what she currently possessed.
After thinking for a moment, she went to the Old Madam’s quarters to report the matter.
Smiling, she said, “This granddaughter-in-law thought that if I do not purchase enough new pigments now and merely make do with what I have, I might run out halfway through. If I then have to buy more temporarily, since they will not be from the same batch, the colors will inevitably differ slightly. This would definitely affect the appearance of the painting, and by then, it would be difficult to remedy.”
The Old Madam agreed deeply. “Although I do not understand painting, I know from making clothes in the past that if fabrics are not dyed in the same vat, there will always be some color difference. I suppose pigments for painting follow the same principle.”
Having said this, she instructed the Second Madam to tell the external steward to purchase some as soon as possible.
However, the Second Madam remembered something. “During the New Year, Eldest Sister-in-Law invited a court painter to come to the house to paint. A complete set of painting tools was prepared, and quite a lot of pigments were left over. They are all properly stored in the western warehouse. Since Yuanliu’s wife needs to paint now, why not use those?”
Hearing this, Gu Xiyan’s heart skipped a beat. She certainly knew about this. The pigments belonging to Princess Ruiqing were top-quality, intended for imperial use, and indeed a large batch—likely enough to last for several years.
She had never used such high-quality materials in her daily life. If she could obtain some, it would greatly benefit her.
The Old Madam said, “They are just some pigments. Who still cares about them? Just take them and use them. Why ask her?”
The Second Madam remained silent. The Fourth Young Mistress beside her also smiled apologetically, not daring to say anything.
After leaving the Old Madam’s room, the Fourth Young Mistress ordered a maid to fetch them. However, Gu Xiyan felt it was inappropriate and decided to go to Princess Ruiqing’s quarters to pay respects and mention the matter personally.
Princess Ruiqing smiled. “I almost forgot about this. Since you need to use them now, it would actually be better to purchase some new ones that suit your preference. However, regarding the ones I have stored, you can look through them and choose whatever suits you.”
Gu Xiyan hurriedly thanked her and prepared to take her leave.
Who would have thought that Princess Ruiqing would suddenly say, “You have visited me less frequently recently.”
Hearing this, Gu Xiyan was slightly startled, fearing that Princess Ruiqing had detected something. She smiled and said, “As a widow without employment, this niece-in-law should not always go out visiting. Those who understand reason know that this niece-in-law misses her Elder Sister-in-Law. Those who do not understand might gossip endlessly.”
Hearing this, Princess Ruiqing understood Gu Xiyan’s meaning. Clearly, after her previous outburst, Gu Xiyan feared damaging her reputation and being disliked by her.
So she smiled and said, “We are all one family. What is there to know or not know? You think too much.”
Gu Xiyan paused, feeling that Princess Ruiqing’s words were like spring breeze and rain, gentle and pleasant.
The Fourth Young Mistress had also said she thought too much, but that was kicking someone when they were down, speaking easily without bearing the burden. The same phrase “you think too much” from Princess Ruiqing was affectionate and gentle.
She could feel the difference.
Pursing her lips and lowering her head, she smiled and said, “Thank you, Elder Sister-in-Law, for your guidance. This niece-in-law will slowly change in the future.”
Coming out from Princess Ruiqing’s quarters, Gu Xiyan felt warm inside. She vaguely understood that this opportunity was introduced to her by Princess Ruiqing, who intended to give her a hand up.
The feeling of being appreciated, promoted, and earning dignity through one’s own talents was truly wonderful.
It even stirred some ambition within her. She even envied those scholars who went to the capital for the imperial examinations. Even if they studied hard for ten or twenty years, as long as they forced themselves to work hard, there was always a glimmer of hope. Or rather, the chance to change their fate was in their own hands.
As a woman of the inner quarters, she did not have such opportunities. Now that she could stand out through her minor skills, she was naturally grateful.
Just as she was pondering this, she saw Lu Chenglian walking toward her.
She paused for a moment but quickly realized that this was Princess Ruiqing’s residence. It was perfectly normal for him to come and pay respects to his mother.
She did not say much, only calmly performed a slight curtsy.
Lu Chenglian, however, stopped, tilted his head slightly, and examined her.
Gu Xiyan could not maintain her composure. She could not bear that gaze. “What does Third Master mean by this?”
Lu Chenglian asked, “Did you go to the Prince of Duan’s Residence today?”
Gu Xiyan replied, “Yes.”
Lu Chenglian asked, “Did Ling Heng see you?”
Hearing this, Gu Xiyan felt it was baffling, but she still answered, “Indeed, I briefly encountered the Young Heir from a distance.”
Lu Chenglian asked, “Just a brief encounter?”
Hearing this, Gu Xiyan understood his implication.
However, she pretended ignorance, raised her eyebrows, and smiled at him. “Third Master’s question confuses this concubine. Why ask this suddenly?”
As she smiled, her skirt swayed with the wind. The dense pleats of her gold-woven patterned satin skirt fluttered open, appearing magnificent and lively.
Her smile was also beautiful and vibrant, like a butterfly dancing in the wind.
Lu Chenglian struggled to shift his gaze and said, “Young Heir Ling Heng has an unrestrained nature and has never been one to strictly observe etiquette. If you happen to meet, so be it. But usually, you should keep your distance to avoid tarnishing your reputation.”
Gu Xiyan never expected him to say this.
Raising her eyebrows, she looked at him in surprise and saw his jaw slightly tense and his thin lips tightly pursed. Clearly, he was extremely displeased.
Gu Xiyan almost laughed out loud. His jealousy was so obvious it could not be hidden, like a jealous husband catching his wife in adultery. But what relationship did he have with her? Was it his place to be jealous on behalf of Lu Chengyuan?
Tilting her head, she smiled at him. “Reputation? What is Third Master talking about? This concubine happened to meet His Highness the Young Heir outside the Prince’s Residence gate. At that time, maids and older women were present, and Fifth Sister-in-Law was there too. What did this concubine have to worry about? On the contrary, right now—”
She spoke in a light tone, looking at Lu Chenglian with a smile. “If people see us together now, this concubine’s reputation will truly be ruined. Third Master should better avoid such situations.”
Lu Chenglian turned his face slightly and looked at her coldly.
She was doing it intentionally. Clearly, she intended to make him uncomfortable, and thus she would feel satisfied.
He curled his lips, his voice slow and deep. “You are right. Stay away from me as soon as possible. This is good for both you and me.”
Hearing this, the smile on Gu Xiyan’s face gradually faded, and even some anger arose.
She looked at him mockingly, thinking that indeed, the reason he had suddenly cooled toward her was because he feared she would tarnish his reputation.
Although he was a man, he also needed a clean reputation to marry a wife from a noble family. This was the calculation in a man’s heart.
No wonder this person was detestable. If he had such thoughts early on, why did he have to provoke her? After provoking her, he simply threw her aside, leaving her in an awkward position.
Gu Xiyan bit her lower lip and glared at him fiercely. “No wonder Third Master calculates so well. Now you can finally speak human words. I wonder where you were before!”
Lu Chenglian met her glare, and his heart suddenly stalled.
Her eyes were bright, showing a mix of grievance and complaint. Being looked at by her like this, who could withstand it?
For a moment, he wanted to lower his head and say something soft.
But he ultimately remembered how she had perfunctorily treated him.
If she did not take the initiative to mention it and speak from the heart, he could not lower his head.
He wanted to be dignified, flick his sleeve, sneer, and leave. However, his gaze seemed to be held by something, unable to move away, and unwilling to move away.
Thus, at this moment, neither was willing to speak first. Both held anger and resentment, yet neither was willing to leave just like that.
Qiusang kept her head lowered, pretending to see nothing, but her face was as red as if it were on fire.
Although she did not fully understand, she vaguely sensed that her mistress and the Third Master were in a standoff. Although neither spoke, the suppressed breathing and the intense urge to pounce and bite each other were palpable!
The wind rustled the bamboo beside the corridor, making a slight whispering sound, and orioles chirped crisply in the distance. But Qiusang’s heart hung high, almost breathless.
She felt something brewing silently. The atmosphere around them became scorching hot. She even felt that in the next second, the earth might crack and mountains might collapse, and something she should not witness might happen.
She was隐隐afraid, yet hopeful. She wished for a devastating breakthrough rather than this stifling tension.
If it continued like this, she, as a maid, would not be able to bear it first!
But just then, as if something snapped, the original tension suddenly vanished.
Then, she heard her mistress say, “Third Master’s words are reasonable. As a widow, this concubine should indeed care about her reputation. There is nothing more to say now. It is best to keep our distance as soon as possible.”
These words sounded light and casual, but Qiusang detected a hint of gritted teeth in the tone.
She looked over cautiously and saw her mistress standing coldly and beautifully, head held high. “Qiusang, let’s go.”
Speaking thus, she flicked her sleeve vigorously, stepped forward, and walked away quickly.
Qiusang paused, looking at Lu Chenglian.
At this moment, the Third Master’s expression was extremely heavy. His gaze was locked tightly on the retreating figure of their mistress.
At this moment, she could vaguely feel that the Third Master cared for her mistress. When a proud person has someone on their mind, they become awkward.
But there was a knot between them, a dead knot that did not seem solvable.
Qiusang opened her lips, wanting to say something, but felt she should not. Finally, she swallowed her words, lifted her skirt, and ran after her mistress.
She had not expected Gu Xiyan to walk so fast, like the wind. By the time she finally caught up, they had reached the corner of the corridor.
Panting, she said, “Madam, please walk slower.”
Hearing this, Gu Xiyan suddenly stopped.
Qiusang could not stop in time and nearly crashed into the pillar at the turn.
She was almost in tears. “Madam, let us slow down. Be careful not to let others see—”
As she spoke, she raised her eyes, and her voice abruptly stopped.
She saw tears filling Gu Xiyan’s eyes, ready to spill over.
Her heart tightened painfully. Carefully, she asked, “Madam?”
Gu Xiyan knew she had lost her composure.
She had actually let go, no longer caring about this man, even finding him dull.
Now, her heart was set on painting, hoping to earn some fame and establish a foundation for herself.
Everything was going smoothly.
But seeing him today, with his handsome features, heroic eyebrows, and those dark eyes that seemed to see into her heart…
She was like a cat smelling fish. The thoughts in her heart began to stir uncontrollably again.
How could a person be so spineless!
Gu Xiyan took a deep breath, picked up her handkerchief, and covered her nose. Her voice muffled, she said, “It is fine. I am okay now.”
Qiusang asked, “Huh?”
Gu Xiyan tilted her face back, holding back her tears. “I am covering my nose. If I cannot smell it, I will not crave it.”
Qiusang was confused, becoming even more bewildered.
Gu Xiyan gripped the handkerchief. “Who cares about the Third Master? I do not care at all! What is good about men outside? You know their faces but not their hearts. Who knows what thoughts they hide? The Princess is better. Now that I have gained the Princess’s appreciation, I should serve her well. Look, who in the residence dares to look down on me now!”
These words were directed at Qiusang, but also at herself.
She must be dignified. She must be dignified.
She could not be like before, inexplicably displeasing a patron and losing a deal that was already in hand.
Qiusang had nothing to say. She felt her mistress’s mind twisted in hundreds of ways, which ordinary people could not understand.
Was this how women trapped by love behaved?
The master and servant returned to the courtyard in silence. Just as they rested, Daimao arrived, followed by several older women carrying large gold-traced boxes.
Gu Xiyan dared not be negligent and hurriedly welcomed her.
Daimao smiled and said, “The Fourth Young Mistress ordered us to search for old pigments in the warehouse. We have found them. She intended to bring them herself, but since this servant came to report, she brought them along.”
Gu Xiyan listened and said, “Thank you for your trouble, Miss.”
Daimao said, “The Fourth Young Mistress also said that Madam should check them first. If anything else needs to be purchased, just say so. Do not worry about anything; we will prepare everything properly.”
Gu Xiyan understood these were polite words, merely for listening, but she still smiled and thanked her again.
Daimao added with a smile, “When this servant left earlier, the Old Madam instructed that since Madam has accepted the Princess’s commission, you do not need to pay morning and evening respects. Just focus on painting.”
This naturally suited Gu Xiyan’s wishes. She indeed had no mind to pay respects and only wanted to paint.
After exchanging a few polite words and chatting with Daimao, who was much more attentive and even flattering than before, Gu Xiyan felt like laughing but also understood. Everyone in the world is like this. If she were in Daimao’s position, she might not be able to avoid vulgarity either.
Finally, after sending Daimao away, she inspected the delivered items. She saw that brushes of all sizes were complete, including large, medium, and small dyeing brushes, as well as crab-claw and whisker brushes. All were usable.
In addition, various pigments, including ochre, cinnabar, orpiment, and titanium white, were all prepared. Taking ochre alone, there were multiple colors such as ochre brown, ochre yellow, and ochre red. This was far better than what was sold outside, where such fine distinctions were not made!
Gu Xiyan loved them so much she could not put them down. Thinking that with these pigments, her painting would surely gain much color, she decided that painting quickly was the most important thing now.
That Lu Chenglian was not even as pleasing as a patch of rouge!
Thus, for the next two days, she hardly left her room, staying inside to sketch drafts. By the third day, she finally completed a rough draft. She first showed it to Princess Ruiqing and the Old Madam. Both found it appropriate, so she sent subordinates to deliver the draft to the Prince of Duan’s Residence.
The subordinates returned quickly, having received rewards and looking very pleased. They said the Princess of Duan liked it very much and urged them to proceed as soon as possible. After discussing, Gu Xiyan went to the Prince of Duan’s Residence again that day to paint in detail.
On this second visit, there were fewer formalities. The Princess of Duan held her hand, smilingly instructing that a studio had been specially arranged for her in the pavilion in the garden. She was told to make herself comfortable and ordered the stewardess to accompany her well, telling her to ask for whatever she needed.
This painting pavilion was located on the west side of the garden, leaning against a pink wall. The room was bright and clean, with a nanmu painting table set up. Various tools were arranged on the table, and a chaise lounge for resting was placed nearby.
Gu Xiyan examined it carefully and was very satisfied. Opening the window here offered a panoramic view of the garden scenery—winding corridors, water pavilions, flowers, trees, springs, and rocks. It was refreshing and the perfect place for concentrated painting.
Seeking quiet, no one else went up to the painting pavilion. She only brought Qiusang, Chunjin, and two older women to paint with her.
For three consecutive days, she came in the morning and left in the evening. Upon returning to the Duke’s Residence, she would report the day’s events to the Old Madam, who praised her endlessly, feeling that she had brought honor to the residence.
That noon, after eating and drinking enough, the warm weather made one sleepy. The two older women, being somewhat aged, rested in front of the pavilion. Chunlan was in the corridor, chatting and playing with cats with other maids. Only Qiusang stayed by her side, occasionally serving tea and water.
Gu Xiyan was also somewhat tired, but thinking of her draft, she suddenly felt inspired. She decided to add a few more strokes. Setting up her easel on one side of the bamboo grove beside the pavilion, she gazed at the full garden scenery and began to paint in detail.
At this moment, Chunlan called out cheerfully, “Madam, mulberries have been sent from the residence!”
Hearing this, Qiusang, who had been dozing off nearby, instantly perked up. “Mulberries?”
At this transition between spring and summer, mulberries were rare and not easily obtained.
Gu Xiyan held her paintbrush and smiled. “Go ahead. Eat some mulberries and rest for a while. It is better than trying to sleep here and failing.”
Qiusang looked somewhat embarrassed. “Then let me get some for Madam to eat.”
Gu Xiyan added a fine stroke with her brush and said, “No need. You enjoy them yourselves. I have never liked eating them.”
Qiusang thought about it and agreed. In previous years, her mistress had indeed not liked mulberries.
So she smiled and said, “Madam, I will go over first. If you need anything, just ring the bell.”
Gu Xiyan did not take it seriously and merely said casually, “Go ahead. If you are late, there will be no mulberries left.”
Hearing this, Qiusang hurriedly ran over.
Watching her like this, Gu Xiyan could not help but smile. Actually, Qiusang had been with her for many years, and they were like sisters. In the past, Qiusang would always help her plan and strategize, speaking with an affected air of experience.
But now, hearing about good food, she was afraid of running slowly.
Sighing with a smile, Gu Xiyan ignored her and focused on outlining the rocks before her. Unknowingly, everything around her seemed to fade away as she immersed herself in the painting.
When the final stroke was finally completed, she looked at the few strokes she had temporarily added and felt very satisfied.
As the saying goes, “Articles are formed by heaven, and skilled hands obtain them by chance.” This stroke of hers was truly brilliant, and she felt quite proud.
Just as she was looking, she inadvertently realized something was wrong.
At this time, the sun was setting in the west, casting sparse bamboo shadows onto her painting. As the wind blew, the bamboo shadows swayed on her artwork.
However, within those bamboo shadows, there was one shadow that did not move.
It was a person, a figure who was very tall and slender.
Gu Xiyan paused for a moment, with a vague guess in her heart. She slowly raised her head to look.
Thus, she saw Lu Chenglian.
She did not know where this man had come from. He wore a dark green round-collared arrow-sleeved martial robe, with a jade belt cinching his waist tightly. Below, the wide robe embroidered with hidden gold patterns spread out.
He looked very noble and imposing.
Gu Xiyan was somewhat dazed, completely unaware of why he was here or how long he had been watching her.
Recalling her demeanor while immersed in her painting—frowning one moment, smiling the next, sighing, then contemplating—that foolish appearance—
Gu Xiyan was furious.
There were some private aspects of herself that she never wanted men to know about, such as when she passed gas or her posture when she urgently needed to urinate!
Of course, this included her various strange expressions while painting, oblivious to others.
Biting her lip, she glared at him.
Seeing her like this, Lu Chenglian raised an eyebrow and stepped closer.
Gu Xiyan’s heart panicked. This was the Prince of Duan’s Residence. If people saw them, it would be disastrous.
She hurriedly looked toward the painting pavilion and saw several maids under the corridor sharing mulberries, chatting and laughing. A few others were playing a game with grass stems.
Fortunately, no one noticed this side, and no one saw Lu Chenglian.
Gripping her paintbrush tightly, she looked at Lu Chenglian again and asked in a low, gritted-teeth voice, “Third Master, why are you here?”
Lu Chenglian lowered his eyes to look at her. “I wanted to talk to you.”
Gu Xiyan said, “If you have something to say, you can report it to the Old Madam. Everything can be discussed properly.”
Lu Chenglian looked at her face full of defensiveness and caution, mockery rising in his eyes. “But I just want to talk to you in private. Is that not allowed?”
Gu Xiyan said stiffly, “We have nothing to talk about.”
Lu Chenglian said, “You are truly cold-hearted!”
He said this with a hint of resentment.
Gu Xiyan was almost laughed into anger by him. “How am I cold-hearted?”
But as soon as she said this, she suddenly realized that she should not be talking to him about this. What was the use of such idle chatter!
The important thing was to make him leave immediately, to get far away. She was a chaste widow, following rules and striving for progress. She could not let him tarnish her reputation.
She wished she could drive him away immediately. “Leave quickly. Do not stay here. If people see us later, I will not be able to explain myself.”
Lu Chenglian looked at her evasive manner and became even more annoyed.
He gently ground his teeth. “What is there to fear? After eating mulberries, there are cats and dogs to tease, and after teasing cats and dogs, there are other things.”
Gu Xiyan understood immediately. Her eyes widened. “You did it on purpose!”
Presumably, he was very familiar with the Prince of Duan’s Residence and likely knew the people here. Using a small trick to approach her would be easy for him.
Perhaps the mulberries were part of his scheme, deliberately distracting her maids and leaving her alone!
Also, because she had become familiar with the bamboo grove here in recent days and there were usually no outsiders, she had let her guard down, allowing him to exploit the loophole!
Lu Chenglian turned his face slightly, but his gaze remained fixed on her face. “Yes, I did it on purpose.”
Gu Xiyan was so angry she nearly snapped the paintbrush in her hand.
She had already decided to ignore this person, yet he insisted on ruining her reputation. Those who did not know would think they were enemies!
She said hatefully, “Third Master, why do you keep provoking me? Are you uncomfortable seeing my life going smoothly? Do you insist on making me suffer?”
She was truly distressed, so her voice trembled as she spoke.
Lu Chenglian looked at her coldly. She seemed aggrieved, mist forming in her eyes. Her watery eyes were truly beautiful, beautiful enough to intoxicate one’s heart.
But how did she handle matters? Burning bridges after crossing the river, fake affection!
He sneered. “What, do you feel distressed seeing me? Then do you not feel distressed seeing others? Running to the Prince of Duan’s Residence day after day, are you very happy in your heart?”
Gu Xiyan became even more annoyed. “Your words are truly ridiculous. Let alone that this was originally the intention of Her Highness the Princess and the Old Madam. Even if it were my own intention, what does it matter? My affairs have nothing to do with you!”
Lu Chenglian asked, “Nothing to do with me? Then who do you want it to have something to do with?”
Gu Xiyan said, “It has nothing to do with you—”
Suddenly, laughter came from that side. It turned out that several servant women had come to deliver items and were chatting excitedly.
She abruptly stopped speaking.
Although the bamboo grove shielded her current location from being seen by those servant women, she absolutely could not make any sound.
Holding her breath, she dared not exhale.
Fortunately, those servant women passed by quickly.
In their conversation, they even mentioned Gu Xiyan, this “Young Mistress of the Duke’s Residence,” praising her for being talented and beautiful. They remarked, “So young and good-looking, it is difficult for her to maintain her chastity.”
Hearing this, Gu Xiyan felt so ashamed that her face felt as if it were bleeding.
Those servant women did not know that behind the bamboo grove, the chaste widow they spoke of was having a private meeting with her brother-in-law, a lone man and a lone woman, in an ambiguous situation!
She glared at him resentfully. “Are you determined to kill me before you are satisfied?”
Lu Chenglian looked at her silently and said hoarsely, “Come with me.”
Gu Xiyan said, “I will not go!”
Lu Chenglian, however, raised his hand and grasped her wrist without room for refusal, pulling her toward the depths of the bamboo grove. “Come. We need to clarify things.”
Gu Xiyan only felt the skin he touched burning hot. Struggling to pull her hand back, she said, “We have nothing to talk about!”
Lu Chenglian said, “Everything has a beginning and an end.”
Gu Xiyan hated, “If there is no beginning, where does the end come from!”
Lu Chenglian suddenly turned his head, his dark eyes locking deeply onto hers.
Gu Xiyan could not help but pause.
Those eyes were too dark, too cold, making Gu Xiyan feel as if she were looking into a cold pool under the moonlight.
Then, she heard his hoarse voice. “These past days, I have not been well. I want a result. It can be an end, or it can be a beginning.”