chapter 6

After autumn set in, Lady Boyang hosted a banquet at home, inviting the nobles to eat crab, admire chrysanthemums, and compose poems. The Crown Prince was there as well.

Zhen Yuting-who I’d stolen the spotlight from at the last poetry gathering-switched to painting this time. The chrysanthemums she painted were so light and elegant.

The Crown Prince praised her. “Miss Yuting’s paintings don’t fall short even compared to a national master.”

While politely thanking the Crown Prince, Zhen Yuting cast me a lofty look, as if to say, Look-if I so much as lift a finger, the Crown Prince comes running.

Following her gaze, the Crown Prince looked at me too. This time, I wasn’t wearing the Magnolia Earrings he’d given me. Instead, I’d changed into jewelry and clothing from the Empress. The Crown Prince’s expression instantly dimmed with a hint of loneliness-after all, he also knew how tightly I guarded that pair of earrings.

“Hanyu, can you paint?” the Crown Prince finally couldn’t help asking. “My aunt said your literary talent is exceptional.”

I lifted my head and smiled faintly. “No. In front of Sister Yuting, I’d only be making a fool of myself.”

Zhen Yuting was thoroughly pleased. When the guests dispersed, she climbed into her carriage with her chin held high and nearly missed her step.

The sky was crisp and clear. The Marquis of Dingguo and I went fishing in the countryside and brought back quite a few fresh, lively fish.

The Marquis of Dingguo had someone send a basket to the Crown Prince. Along with it went a calligraphy copybook the Crown Prince had been searching for bitterly these past few days.

The next day, the Crown Prince sent it back.

It turned out the steward had been careless. What had been delivered wasn’t the copybook at all, but a painting-Autumn Harvest Painting.

The steward knelt on the ground. “The Marquis instructed me to fetch the wrapped scroll from the study. This servant was blind and took the wrong one.”

The Crown Prince wasn’t angry. “No matter. I’ve come today to trouble you with a visit because I wanted to ask about the origin of this painting. It truly is a superb work.”

The Marquis of Dingguo smiled. “My daughter Hanyu painted it after returning from fishing that day-the scene of a farmhouse harvest outside the city. I’ve made the Crown Prince laugh.”

The Crown Prince looked delighted. “The Marquis is too modest. Miss Hanyu’s skill can stand alongside the great masters. I was fortunate to see it today-what a feast for the eyes. If there’s a chance in the future, I must ask Miss Hanyu for a lesson or two.”