Wang Degui read through the list of jewelry and silks, and finally, he handed the cloud-patterned sandalwood box to Ning Wanyin, saying: “This is His Majesty’s favorite dragon-patterned ink; there’s only one pair in the entire palace. His Majesty uses one, and the other is given to you.”
Ning Wanyin wore a perfectly measured expression of flattery and gratitude, saying, “How could I, this concubine, deserve such a generous gift from Your Majesty?”
“His Majesty’s favor is a blessing for you, Ning Meiren.” Wang Degui replied with a smile.
Then he added, “His Majesty has chosen Ning Meiren tonight. Ning Meiren should prepare to serve the Emperor in the bedchamber.”
After Wang Degui left, Ning Wanyin, as usual, gave rewards to everyone in Lingxue Pavilion.
“Lian Rui, prepare to wash and groom. Today, we’ll have a pear blossom-scented bath. Also, pick out a pair of pearl hairpins…” Ning Wanyin instructed.
Ning Wanyin always prepares very seriously for the matter of serving the Emperor, never being perfunctory.
This is the duty of a favored concubine.
A moment later, Ning Wanyin wore only a pear-colored white nightgown, her black hair half-tied up, adorned only with two pearl hairpins, exuding a lazy and carefree air.
Apart from that, she had no other adornments whatsoever, appearing completely bare-faced.
She sat quietly by the window, practicing calligraphy.
Lian Rui was grinding ink for her master.
When Helian Qi entered, he saw this scene.
He was used to seeing her glamorous and alluring appearance, so this fresh and graceful look, with a touch of languid ease, was a refreshing surprise.
Actually…
This seemingly casual elegance was all carefully planned.
There was no incense burning in the room, so as not to mix with the pear blossom scent on her body.
The red gauze lanterns that were originally placed in the room had been replaced with glass lamps. The window was half-open, and the lotus pond a little further away was reflected in the half-open window, creating a picturesque scene.
In the foreground, she was painting with ink; in the distance, the lotus leaves stood gracefully.
The elegance and refinement complemented each other perfectly.
The Emperor had bestowed upon Ning Wanyin precious ink, so of course, she had to use it. Painting is an elegant pursuit, and something too ornate is unsuitable. She should also change her attire from time to time to give His Majesty some fresh impressions.
“Your Majesty…”
The footsteps caught Ning Wanyin’s attention. She immediately stopped writing, looked at the person who had arrived, and bowed.
“This concubine was unaware of Your Majesty’s arrival and has failed to greet you properly…”
“I heard you were painting, so I deliberately didn’t let anyone disturb you…” Helian Qi walked straight to Ning Wanyin.
Lian Rui bowed and tactfully withdrew.
Suddenly, only two people remained in the room.
Helian Qi’s gaze fell on Ning Wanyin’s newly copied ink bamboo painting, and he instantly felt a slight pain in his eyes.
“It’s such a waste that the dragon-patterned ink has fallen into your hands…”
Ning Wanyin thought to herself, “Didn’t you know my worth when you gave this to me?”
But on the surface, her eyes instantly reddened, “This concubine is crude and incompetent…”
Helian Qi’s original intention was to reward her, not to scold her. Seeing her looking aggrieved, he changed the subject, “You’ve improved quite a bit compared to before. I’ll paint one for you…”
Helian Qi picked up a brush from the brush holder, dipped it in ink, and personally taught Ning Wanyin how to paint.
“Your Majesty treats me so well…” Ning Wanyin suddenly looked up, her eyes sparkling with surprise.
The two of them were very close. As he bent down slightly to paint, she looked up and was almost whispering in his ear.
A faint, delicate fragrance wafted from her, like the cool scent of pear blossoms. Her skin, as white as snow, was translucent and flawless, especially her pair of bright, sparkling eyes.
Helian Qi was momentarily stunned by her gaze, leaving a stain on his brush as he put it down.
Painting requires a calm mind; one should not paint if one’s mind is wandering.
“Come to Qianxin Palace tomorrow to serve me with a brush and ink. I will teach you to paint.”
Helian Qi put down his brush and then directly embraced the petite woman who was almost within reach, placing her in an empty space on the side of the desk.
“Your Majesty…” Ning Wanyin exclaimed in surprise.
Her unfinished words were sealed by a kiss.
You can support this lovely translator and your favorite series by buying me a cup of Ko-fi ( ˘▽˘)っ♨
I will really appreciate it. ♥️♥️♥️
Sam Williams On TYMIMA Chapter 152