Chapter 13 Beauty in a Painting

Chapter 13: A Beauty Steps into the Portrait

An unremarkable, unmarked small carriage quietly exited through the side gate of the Crown Prince's residence, maintaining a low profile.

The carriage traveled on and soon entered a garish, lively street lined with willows and bright flowers.

It was not yet evening, and the street exuded a lazy quiet. The thick, cloying scent of perfumed powder hung in the air, suggestive and lingering—too strong to be pleasant.

Past noon, guests who'd been carousing all night emerged from the buildings with unsteady steps, brushing past the welcoming courtesans and young men at the entrances. The jingling of ornaments accompanied their sweet, flirtatious chatter.

The carriage stopped in front of one such establishment.

This particular brothel offered both female courtesans and male attendants. A man and a woman stood at the door to greet guests. Seeing arrivals, they immediately put on fawning smiles and warmly stepped forward.

"Please come in, customer! This gentleman looks unfamiliar—is this your first visit?"

Feng Lan kept a stern face, raising a hand to block their approach. His upright demeanor radiated an air that kept others at a distance. "No need to welcome us. Just wait there."

They were used to all sorts of guests, so the two tactfully retreated.

Only then did Feng Lan gesture toward the carriage. "Young Master."

A hand as white and smooth as jade extended from the carriage.

The two greeters' eyes instantly lit up. What a beautiful hand!

What must the owner of such hands look like?

They eagerly awaited a glimpse, staring unblinkingly. However, when the person inside stepped down, they couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment—

The person wore a broad hat with a veil. White gauze hung down from it, completely obscuring his face.

Still, his figure was pleasing to the eye, and his attire clearly indicated wealth. The greeters' smiles became genuinely sincere.

The veiled figure was, of course, Jiang Yanzhou.

Peering through the gaps in the veil, his expression was complex.

He truly hadn't expected to find himself visiting a brothel. Really, while it was part of the historical scene, he had absolutely no interest in it.

There were so many interesting things on the streets he hadn't explored yet. Who would have thought his first step would be into a place like this?

The scent of cosmetics was overpowering, almost suffocating.

It was daytime, which was somewhat better. By nightfall, with guests coming and going, the place would truly become a proper den of iniquity.

Upon entering, the madam swayed her hips as she approached. Feng Lan prevented her from getting too close to Jiang Yanzhou, tossing a piece of silver instead. "Where is Wei Wuyou, Young Master Wei?"

Catching the silver, the madam beamed with delight and didn't hesitate, as if accustomed to people seeking Wei Wuyou. After all, Young Master Wei was famous, and many wished to see him.

As for the silver, the madam wouldn't pass up easy money.

"This way, esteemed gentlemen. Young Master Wei always favors the third floor. You're in luck—it seems he's painting right now. You'll get to feast your eyes!"

Jiang Yanzhou stepped onto the stairs, avoiding the fragrant drapes hanging around. Upon reaching the third floor, the madam knocked on a door. "Young Master Wei?"

A muffled response came from inside. "Come in!"

The madam pushed the door open with a smile. "Then I'll leave you to chat. I'll take my leave now."

As the door swung open, Jiang Yanzhou immediately held his breath.

The smell of alcohol was overwhelming!

Even through the veil, he couldn't help but instinctively raise a hand to block it.

The window in the room was open. A person by the desk casually pulled a painting from the table, lazily crumpled it into a ball, and tossed it carelessly into a corner where discarded papers had already piled into a small hill.

He swayed unsteadily, lifting a wine pot to take a sip, then leisurely glanced toward the door.

Wei Wuyou was indeed a handsome man. Even this slouched, boneless posture carried a decadent, romantic air. His every movement seemed poetic and picturesque.

Fortunately, only Wei Wuyou was in the room; there were no inappropriate scenes.

Wei Wuyou had a mouthful of wine, lazily sweeping his gaze over the newcomers before chuckling. "Strange. So many distinguished guests seek me out today. Don't tell me you're also here to persuade me to take an official post?"

Jiang Yanzhou took a moment to adjust his breathing before slowly walking further in, curious. "Also?"

Wei Wuyou clasped his hands together, amused. "The Prince of Jin. For some reason, he suddenly remembered me and paid a visit."

Jiang Yanzhou stated with certainty, "It seems he failed to persuade you."

Wei Wuyou laughed. "Correct. So you won't succeed either. If you wish to sit, make yourself at home. If you still intend to persuade me, you may leave."

Wei Wuyou observed Jiang Yanzhou's attire and then Feng Lan, guessing they were from some official's household.

Wei Wuyou loved painting people and could read a bit of character from one's bearing. Feng Lan's posture didn't resemble that of an ordinary guard; it seemed tempered in the army. Combined with the Prince of Jin's visit this morning... Wei Wuyou had correctly guessed their purpose.

Had the Prince of Jin, finding himself unable to persuade, sought a new lobbyist from somewhere?

Jiang Yanzhou didn't leave. He found a chair and sat down. "Just because he failed doesn't mean I will."

Wei Wuyou picked up the wine pot. "Go back and tell the Prince of Jin—"

Jiang Yanzhou interjected, "I am from the Eastern Palace."

"Pfft! Cough, cough, cough!"

Wei Wuyou choked spectacularly on his wine. All his composure, elegance, and nonchalance was shattered by this messy fit of coughing.

He stared at Jiang Yanzhou in shock. "Cough, you—cough!"

Jiang Yanzhou thought about pouring him some tea but, looking left and right, found none in the room. He obediently sat back down. "Are you alright? No need to rush. Catch your breath first."

Though choked, Wei Wuyou's surprise lasted only a moment. He slowly coughed to calm down, his alcohol-fogged mind beginning to turn again.

What on earth had happened at court? How could it be that overnight, both the Prince of Jin and the Crown Prince sought him out? Were they that short of people?

Moreover, the Crown Prince seeking him was even more baffling.

Although he detested the Wei family, outsiders didn't know the reason for his melancholy. On the surface, he was still a member of the Wei family.

His time as an official was brief, and he hadn't accomplished any great deeds for the country or the people. Why would the Crown Prince come to him?

Could it be that he had drunkenly revealed some inner thoughts recently, and someone learned he actually despised the aristocratic factions?

That couldn't be. If that were true, the Prince of Jin wouldn't have come to see him.

Wei Wuyou slightly straightened his liquor-sodden frame.

"My apologies, I lost my composure... What message does His Highness the Crown Prince wish to convey?"

"You guessed correctly earlier—it is to invite you to leave your seclusion and serve as an official," Jiang Yanzhou's voice, clear as a mountain spring, seemed to cleanse the murky air of the room. "To serve as a true official of the Daqi court, one who cares for the nation and its people, who reforms the old and ushers in the new."

A true court official...

When studying, they all recited "To ordain conscience for Heaven and Earth, to secure life and fortune for the people." Anyone who embarked on the imperial examination path started with a heart full of fervent passion and hope.

Wei Wuyou had also once believed he could do something for the Qi Dynasty, for this world. But in the end?

He was no sage, just a mere mortal, bound by shackles he could neither break, nor shake, nor understand, and tormented by them.

He wanted to accomplish things—that was not wrong. He was filial—that was not wrong either. Wei Wuyou had trapped himself in the ancient conundrum of choosing between loyalty and filial duty.

He let out a boozy sigh, mocking himself, "But I am a Wei."

Jiang Yanzhou: "Is it because your mother is fixated on the Wei family?"

Wei Wuyou's eyes widened instantly: "How could you know that!?"

Although his mother's identity wasn't a secret, her fixation on the Wei family shouldn't be known to outsiders. After all, in others' eyes, he returned to the Wei family after earning his official title because he was drawn to their wealth and prestige.

Yet today, this person had seen right through it!

Jiang Yanzhou knew because Wei Wuyou's final testament had clearly detailed years of pain and inner conflict.

Many of a person's beliefs are not easily changed, especially when matters are intertwined with emotions. To simply argue right and wrong would be easier said than done.

If Jiang Yanzhou dared to debate his mother's views with him, he'd likely get thrown out.

Therefore, Jiang Yanzhou had long thought of a different angle.

He didn't answer how he knew, only saying, "I imagine your mother, out of concern for family ties, hopes you can contribute to the Wei family. But Young Master Wei, what truly constitutes 'for the Wei family'?"

Wei Wuyou was stunned: "What?"

If the late Duke of Wei had any awareness in the afterlife, he'd probably wish to slap each of his disgraceful descendants.

No one had ever spoken to Wei Wuyou from this perspective before. For a moment, he found it unbelievable, yet also felt as if the mountain that made it hard to breathe, weighing on his heart, had its soil loosened a little.

Wei Wuyou couldn't help but take a sip of wine to steady his nerves.

The veil made it hard to see clearly. Jiang Yanzhou lifted it slightly to better observe Wei Wuyou's expression.

He pressed on: "Now, the Wei family is full of treacherous ministers and sycophants. If they are not brought to justice someday, they will inevitably harm the nation's foundation. But if you remain—you, a pillar of the state, who also bears the surname Wei—if you establish your own household and family, it too would be a Wei family."

"Wouldn't that count as re-establishing a Wei family with a clean reputation?"

...Could it really be thought of that way!?

Wei Wuyou wasn't experiencing a sudden enlightenment; he was blown away by this thunderclap of a rebellious idea.

The key was, perhaps because he had struggled in vain for so long, he actually found this damn argument somewhat reasonable!

Wei Wuyou's sense of righteousness, propriety, and filial piety were still mounting a desperate last stand: "This is... sophistry. Yes, sophistry."

What his mother cared about was, of course, the current Wei family, especially his good-for-nothing biological father, who was all smooth talk and no substance.

Jiang Yanzhou blinked beneath the veil: "But I believe allowing the Wei family to prey upon the people is the true corruption."

"The Emperor is determined to reclaim power. A clash with the great families is inevitable. The Wei family will either collapse or become national traitors. Which outcome would you prefer to see, Young Master?"

Wei Wuyou took a deep breath, his person and heart both teetering on the edge.

He knew this person was right. Even if the Emperor might not win, if imperial authority truly lost, wouldn't the Wei family still be sycophants?

He gulped down another large mouthful of wine, nitpicking: "I, you... You won't even show me your true face. That shows you yourself know asking me to oppose the Wei family isn't some respectable, above-board endeavor."

Jiang Yanzhou was also surprised. Wei Wuyou's eloquence was quite good too, able to find fault like this?

He asked: "So if I show you my true face, would that be enough?"

He wore the veil to conceal his identity because he couldn't very well let people see the Crown Prince's consort visiting a brothel. And there were no other outsiders here now.

With that, Jiang Yanzhou raised his hand and lifted the thin gauze of the veil, revealing a face more dreamlike and illusory than the light silk itself.

The critical words Wei Wuyou had been about to utter died on his lips the moment he saw Jiang Yanzhou's appearance.

*Thud.* The wine pot fell to the floor.

After a stunned moment, he leaped up, fumbling clumsily to grab a brush: "Wait, you wait! I want to paint you! No, I mean, may I please paint a portrait of you?!"

These past days, no matter how he painted, it never felt right. Countless discarded paintings piled up. He wanted to paint a celestial being from the heavens, but all he managed were mortals soiled by worldly cares.

He had spun his own cocoon, his eyes able to see only mortal guests.

But the instant Jiang Yanzhou lifted the gauze, that fleeting glimpse of his eyes, limpid and soulful—wasn't this exactly an immortal being?!

Who was spreading rumors outside that he was the foremost beauty in the capital? Were they blind? The person before him was the true one!

Jiang Yanzhou hadn't expected that coming to persuade Wei Wuyou would grant him the honor of entering his painting.

Wei Wuyou's authentic ink works were priceless masterpieces with starting bids in the hundreds of millions.

Jiang Yanzhou felt somewhat flattered. Under Wei Wuyou's eager and sincere gaze, he hesitated, then nodded.

Did he truly deserve to be in the painting of Wuyou the Recluse?

Wei Wuyou gave him no chance to reconsider. He shouted a "Splendid!" and, ignoring the wine pot rolling on the floor and the spilled wine, began to splash ink and wield his brush with wild abandon amidst the scent of alcohol.

Once he started painting, time flew by unnoticed.

Xiao Yunlang returned home in the afternoon and removed his court robes. Feng Yi took the garments from his master, saying, "Young Master went out today and left a message saying he was going to find Wei Wuyou."

Xiao Yunlang was in the midst of removing the jade pendant from his waist when he paused: "Wei Wuyou?"

Feng Yi: "Yes, that one from the Wei family. He's been frequenting brothels lately, which is really rather disgraceful..."

Xiao Yunlang turned sharply, his gaze piercing, enunciating each word: "Brothels?"

Feng Yi was startled and hurriedly confirmed, "Yes."

The rare relaxed and casual expression Xiao Yunlang had upon returning home from duty vanished completely. He adjusted his armguard and asked, "Jiang Yanzhou went to a brothel to find him?"

His voice sounded unhurried and measured, but for some reason, each word carried an indescribable weight, feeling heavier and heavier.

"Correct," Feng Yi thought for a moment and, under the intangible pressure, added a thorough account, "The establishment he's at wasn't originally very famous, but since Wei Wuyou started going frequently, admirers have increased. And it seems... they operate somewhat as a male brothel; that aspect of their business is more prominent."

Xiao Yunlang: "..."

After listening, he loosened his tight, confining clothes and said nothing.

Feng Yi picked up on something and clammed up, not daring to add another word.

The atmosphere wasn't exactly heavy, but it was incredibly strange.

Xiao Yunlang went about his business as usual, going out to the courtyard to see about the meal. He'd been swamped for a while and was finally able to head home early today. He picked up his blade, planning to practice his forms and work out the kinks.

He just kept glancing at the sky from time to time and asking about the hour.

Xiao Yunlang's broadsword was forged from high-quality dark steel. It looked slender and light, but was deceptively heavy, its style broad, powerful, and domineering.

He started off well enough, but as daylight faded and the soft evening light spilled into the courtyard, the Crown Prince's sword wind became increasingly fierce and violent. The whooshing sound it made was terrifying.

Feng Yi stood nearby, watching the interweaving sword shadows, his neck feeling cold.

Xiao Yunlang's gaze was fixed on the gleaming blade.

When it first occurred to him that Jiang Yanzhou might prefer men, Xiao Yunlang felt a moment of surprise, but he quickly got over it.

He held no prejudice against those who favored men. As long as both parties were willing, it was their private affair.

After all, Jiang Yanzhou wasn't interested in him.

Xiao Yunlang suddenly remembered their first meeting, when Jiang Yanzhou stared at him unblinkingly, as if looking at some rare object, afraid of missing a single glance.

It was probably just observation, nothing more... right?

But going to a brothel.

And a male brothel at that.

"..."

Finally, the whooshing stopped abruptly.

Xiao Yunlang turned toward the sun almost below the horizon and sheathed his sword: "Saddle my horse."

Feng Yi immediately went to carry out the order without hesitation, his movements even more efficient than usual.

The Crown Prince going to a brothel to pick up the Crown Princess... others might dare say it, but he didn't even dare hear it!

Who would have thought it would actually come true??

Feng Yi stayed silent, not daring to speak.

*

Seeing it was getting late, Jiang Yanzhou prepared to bid farewell to Wei Wuyou.

He could tell that Wei Wuyou was still hesitating. This was something Wei Wuyou indeed needed time to think over and understand.

However, Jiang Yanzhou called out twice, but Young Master Wei was completely immersed in his painting and couldn't hear any outside sounds.

Feng Lan heard Jiang Yanzhou's gentle voice and looked at the entranced Wei Wuyou, ready to step in to help.

He had sharp ears; he could hear the brothel getting livelier, with more guests clearly arriving. All kinds of people might show up, and Jiang Yanzhou really couldn't stay any longer.

Even a speck of dust on the Young Master's robes was a travesty; how could they let his eyes be sullied by such filth?

Just as Feng Lan was about to speak, he heard a commotion outside the door, and the noisy human voices quickly fell silent.

Feng Lan frowned and turned his head, looking toward the entrance.

Footsteps sounded from the doorway, growing closer and more powerful with each step.

Feng Lan immediately moved to block Jiang Yanzhou, and narrowed his eyes at the door.

This time, the madam's laughter drifted all the way from the stairs to outside the door. It seemed she had scored a big customer. Without even knocking, she pushed the door open: "Young master, please look, it's right here—"

The newcomer wore a seemingly unremarkable dark robe, but the fabric shimmered with a subtle luster, made of fine cloud-patterned satin. He wore a mask, and even though it concealed his face, it couldn't hide the imposing aura surrounding him.

Feng Lan took one look at that mask and was completely stunned, his hand loosening from the sword at his waist.

The newcomer entered the room and at a glance saw Jiang Yanzhou, who was blocked by Feng Lan, curiously peeking out a little to see what was happening, his face completely uncovered.

The madam laughed so hard her eyes were nearly invisible, bowing and scraping to the masked man: "Young mas—"

With a *thud*, before the madam could lift her head to clearly see the people in the room, the door was ruthlessly slammed shut.

The madam, who nearly had her nose hit: "..."

Forget it, for the sake of money.

The madam just snorted and then happily scurried away, still laughing.

This masked man had thrown gold to clear the place as soon as he arrived. Such extravagance! Oh my, the business Young Master Wei brought to the building could rival what they earned in several years.

The masked man didn't let the madam catch a single strand of Jiang Yanzhou's hair. He stepped closer. Feng Lan was hesitating whether to address him when he heard Jiang Yanzhou say: "Your High—" He caught himself and quickly swallowed the title, omitting it, "...what brings you here?"

The masked gentleman's footsteps halted.

He clasped his hands behind his back and tilted his head slightly, as if observing. No one knew his expression. After a moment, he raised his hand and removed the mask, revealing a handsome face with distinct bone structure.

Jiang Yanzhou's fingers tightened: How could this be? This is still a brothel! Why did Xiao Yunlang come here!

Although he was here on official business with a clear conscience, a Crown Prince and a Crown Princess meeting in a brothel...

Just this scene alone would be enough for unofficial historians to wildly fabricate stories!

Xiao Yunlang held the mask: "How did you recognize me?"

Jiang Yanzhou made a sound of surprise, as if finding his question strange: "Well... I just recognized you."

He pondered for a moment and confirmed: "No matter what you look like, I can always recognize you."

Xiao Yunlang's grip on the mask tightened slightly.

These words were truly heartwarming. If someone else had said them, they might have sounded like insincere flattery for the occasion.

But Jiang Yanzhou's eyes were clear and cool. He didn't have any extra expression, yet he could make his words worth their weight in gold, making them utterly believable.

He wanted to say, "I came to see," but for some reason, the prepared words in his mind refused to come out.

He paused and changed his words: "I came to pick you up."

Jiang Yanzhou had no idea that the ruler's thoughts had taken eighteen twists and turns before arriving at this sentence. He was a bit surprised. There were other advisors in the residence; surely Xiao Yunlang didn't personally go to pick up each one when they returned late.

The Crown Prince had a myriad of state affairs to attend to daily; how could he have that much time?

But today, he made a special trip to pick him up. Was it because... the location was special, being a brothel?

It would be a bad look if word got out that a member of the household staff—no, the Crown Princess—was seen at a brothel.

Jiang Yanzhou felt he had to clear his name. “I did spend quite some time here,” he explained, “but all I did was talk business with Young Master Wei. Nothing else, I assure you, Your Highness.”

Xiao Yunlang thought to himself that he wasn’t actually worried—he had just come on a whim. With an inscrutable nod, he replied, “Mm.”

Jiang Yanzhou glanced helplessly at Wei Wuyou and sighed. “I was about to take my leave, but it seems Young Master Wei becomes completely deaf to the world once he starts painting.”

Only then did Xiao Yunlang spare a glance for the other living person in the room.

Wei Wuyou remained utterly unaware of his surroundings, still moving his brush with rapt concentration, lost in his artistic trance. Xiao Yunlang walked over and rapped his knuckles sharply against the table.

He knocked loudly without making the table shudder.

But Wei Wuyou seemed deaf to it.

Xiao Yunlang raised an eyebrow, flicked his fingers against Wei Wuyou’s wrist, and Wei Wuyou’s arm immediately went numb. The brush slipped from his fingers, but Xiao Yunlang caught it mid-air with a deft twist, not allowing a single drop of ink to stain the painting.

Jiang Yanzhou stared, mesmerized by the effortless grace of the move.

So martial arts could truly be this pleasing to the eye!

Xiao Yunlang held the brush and glanced down, meeting the eyes of the figure in the painting.

Red plum blossoms dusted with snow, fingertips brushing fallen petals—a celestial being startling the moonlight by the Jasper Pool.

The painting was not yet finished, but its spirit had already emerged.

Even Xiao Yunlang felt a momentary daze.

Wei Wuyou shook his hand, hissed twice, and finally snapped out of his trance. He looked somewhat bewildered at the unexpected guest who had appeared in the room.

“And you are…?”

He had served as an official many years ago, but his rank had not been high enough to attend court. At that time, Xiao Yunlang was still in his princely fief, so Wei Wuyou had never met him.

Because of this painting depicting Jiang Yanzhou, Xiao Yunlang gave him an uncharacteristically pleasant look. “Xiao Yunlang.”

Wei Wuyou was startled and quickly bowed in greeting. “Your humble subject, Wei Wuyou, pays his respects to Your Highness, the Crown Prince!”

The Crown Prince had actually come in person!

Seeing him in the flesh was far more impressive than hearing about him. He was a handsome young lord fit for a portrait—but if *this* was Xiao Yunlang, then who was that celestial youth in the painting?

To have the Crown Prince personally come to fetch him…

Which advisor was he? There had never been any rumors in the capital about such a figure.

If one spoke of mysterious figures, Jiang Yanzhou of the Jiang family could be considered one—but it absolutely couldn’t be him. Everyone knew how much the Crown Prince despised the Jiang family and how at odds he was with the Crown Princess.

Xiao Yunlang gave an indifferent “Mm,” set down the brush, and said, “When this painting is finished, please send it to my residence. I’ll see you’re paid.”

This wasn’t about money!

But since he had used someone else’s likeness, it was only right to send the first painting over. Wei Wuyou bowed his head. “As you wish.”

Jiang Yanzhou finally had the chance to bid farewell, but as soon as he opened his mouth, what came out was a muffled “Mmph.”

Because Xiao Yunlang had reached out and placed the veil back over his head.

The Crown Prince’s hands looked forceful, but his touch was surprisingly gentle. He even carefully adjusted the gauze for Jiang Yanzhou. Through the thin veil, Jiang Yanzhou’s features became hazy, leaving only a faint outline.

Like viewing flowers through mist, or the moon reflected in water.

The light gauze brushed against Xiao Yunlang’s well-defined knuckles.

Perhaps it was because he had seen the painting, or perhaps a touch of poetic whimsy had struck him today, but for a fleeting moment, he thought—this looked just like a bride waiting for someone to lift her wedding veil.

Jiang Yanzhou instinctively lowered his head when the veil was placed over him. Now, holding the gauze, he lifted his face. “Thank you.”

Xiao Yunlang clasped his hands behind his back, as if he hadn’t been thinking anything at all. “Mm.”

“We must take our leave today,” Jiang Yanzhou said to Wei Wuyou. “Please give my words some thought. If you come to a decision, I will be waiting at the Crown Prince’s residence. Just inform the gatekeeper that you’re looking for Jiang Yanzhou.”

Wei Wuyou nodded repeatedly. Right, look for Jiang Yanzhou, look for Jiang…

Wait, who?

Jiang Yanzhou, the Crown Princess!?

Wei Wuyou looked up in shock, but the door was already open. Xiao Yunlang and Jiang Yanzhou were gone. By the time he rushed out and leaned over the upstairs railing, he could only see the two of them walking side by side out of the brothel.

Jiang Yanzhou—the biological son of Jiang Linque—was going against his own family to serve the Crown Prince?

Their relationship didn’t seem as hostile as the rumors suggested. Xiao Yunlang had come in person, barely speaking to him, which showed he hadn’t come for Wei Wuyou’s sake—he had come to fetch Jiang Yanzhou.

He trusted Jiang Yanzhou and was willing to use him.

Would Xiao Yunlang dare to employ someone from a powerful family?

Then could someone like him, marked by the Wei family, also have a chance to do something for the people?

Wei Wuyou stood frozen in place, his heart roiling with turbulent waves, unable to move for a long time.