She Came to Heal, Stayed to Conquer

At this moment, at the palace banquet in the Food Official Hall.

Han Lei was meticulously capturing Zhao Zun’s demeanor, with everyone present holding their breath, fearing they might disrupt Han Lei’s creative process.

Finally, amid everyone’s anticipation, Han Lei set down her brush and examined her work with satisfaction.

Then, she cautiously reversed and unfurled the artwork, presenting it to everyone.

As the painting was fully revealed, the entire hall plunged into silence.

In this era, paintings were all done with brushes and ink. No matter how well they were painted, without the support of shadows, they remained mere flat images without any sense of dimension.

No one present had seen pencil sketches before, and they were instantly shocked by this unique technique.

The Zhao Zun in the painting seemed to come to life; his gaze was deep and bright, as if piercing through time and space to lock eyes with each person in attendance.

His face was handsome and resolute, with a faint smile at the corner of his lips, as if engaging in a silent dialogue with the viewers.

The Empress was the first to break the silence, nodding slightly with a glimmer of admiration in her eyes.

"This painting is truly vivid, an astonishing sight!"

Everyone present echoed her sentiment, lavishing praise on Han Lei’s superior artistry. Zhao Zun, in particular, gaped in awe.

He never imagined himself being depicted so vividly on paper.

An indescribable surge of emotion and joy filled his heart, as if he had found someone who truly understood him.

When the painting reached Zhao Zun’s hands, he carefully scrutinized his likeness, every detail stirring waves of emotion within him.

Zhao Zun raised his gaze to Han Lei, eyes shimmering with gratitude and admiration.

"Girl, your art is truly admirable. This painting holds extraordinary significance for me."

Once he finished speaking, disregarding the many still waiting their turn to view the painting, he carefully folded it and tucked it away as a precious treasure.

It seemed he was preserving a precious memory—a memory of himself, of Han Lei, of this delightful moment.

However, just as Zhao Zun’s words of admiration fell, a starkly discordant voice arose.

"Miss Han’s painting is indeed decent, but to me, as the Commandery Princess, it seems rather plain. If you can perform some more astonishing talents to please everyone, perhaps then I might regard you differently."

Princess Changle’s words carried provocation and disdain, as if she wished to trample on Han Lei’s dignity.

"Girl, don’t mind her."

Zhao Zun glared at Princess Changle with disgust and pulled Han Lei behind him. But Han Lei peeked out from behind him.

Han Lei smiled indifferently and said, "Talents are not meant to be flaunted or to please others; they’re a way to express one’s inner feelings. I have done my best to infuse my emotions into the painting. If the Princess finds it insufficiently impressive, it simply indicates that she lacks the appreciation."

After speaking, Han Lei deliberately made a face at Princess Changle, seemingly to provoke her.

Seeing Zhao Zun protectively shielding Han Lei behind him, Princess Changle’s jealousy surged. Han Lei’s defiance further fueled her anger.

She hadn’t anticipated that Han Lei would respond to her taunts so composedly, and seeing Han Lei make faces at her in defiance, she was tempted to scratch her face with long nails.

At this moment, the Empress broke the awkward atmosphere.

"Changle, mind your manners. If Miss Han is unwilling, don’t force her. Go back and sit!"

"Yes, Empress."

Princess Changle bowed to the Empress, turned to glare at Han Lei, and reluctantly returned to her seat.

Seeing Princess Changle sit properly, the Empress smiled slightly and continued speaking gently.

"Since tonight is the New Year’s Eve palace banquet, it should be lively. The Emperor hasn’t returned yet, so we can’t let the banquet fall flat. Is there anyone else willing to perform some songs and dances to add festive cheer to the occasion?"

As soon as the Empress finished her words, a chorus of agreement rang out from below, adding merriment to the palace banquet.

Then, Han Lei stepped forward from behind Zhao Zun and bowed to the Empress.

"Empress, since it’s to enliven the atmosphere, this young woman knows how! I’ll play a piece of music to cheer everyone up and wish them a Happy New Year!"

"Oh? Miss Han, what do you mean by playing music?" The Empress was intrigued.

Han Lei smiled mysteriously. "The Empress will know soon enough."

"Very well, we’ll rely on Miss Han. We all eagerly await."

The Empress nodded with a smile, casting a glance at Princess Changle.

Receiving the glance, Princess Changle’s face instantly showed a smug expression.

She thought to herself: Aunt truly proves herself as the master of the palace, with deeper wisdom. She spoke of pleasing everyone while Aunt mentioned adding atmosphere. With just a few light words, she had Han Lei willingly go on stage to perform.

Princess Changle’s gaze at Han Lei became more disdainful.

No matter how Zhao Zun protects Han Lei now, she remains a Commandery Princess of noble birth. With her Aunt’s help, once Uncle returns and issues a decree, Zhao Zun will belong to her.

At that time, there will be no happy ending for that vile woman.

With this thought, Princess Changle’s heart lightened considerably.

She folded her arms and leaned leisurely against her chair, waiting to see Han Lei make a fool of herself on stage.

Meanwhile, Han Lei pulled a small ukulele from the spacious sleeves of her gown.

Ha! Young and aspiring people from Huaxia; who among them hasn’t been compelled by their parents to take up a few extracurricular classes during their childhood by their parents, learning various talents?

Livening up the atmosphere; this is her forte! Let this group of antiques enjoy a puff of Hawaiian breeze!

Han Lei chuckled coldly, cast a deep glance at the Empress, and returned to the center stage boldly once more.

The grand hall again fell silent, all eyes fixed on Han Lei.

This heavenly looking Miss Han, who had just displayed extraordinary painting skills, had everyone curious to see what talent she’d showcase this time to astonish everyone.

Han Lei plucked the strings, tested the sound, and was about to begin the performance.

"Wait."

Suddenly, an abrupt voice echoed in the silent hall, and everyone turned to see that it was Prince Xiaoyao Zhao Zun.

Only to see Zhao Zun turn around and whisper something to Ping Chuan behind him. Ping Chuan then called for a palace maid and whispered instructions.

Soon, the palace maid retrieved a pipa from the musicians and brought it to Zhao Zun.

Zhao Zun took the pipa, held it, and then, single-handedly lifting his chair, moved to the central stage of the hall.

What is Prince Xiaoyao doing?

Everyone present looked at Zhao Zun in shock, except Han Lei, who smiled knowingly.

Zhao Zun, originally a warrior, holding a pipa single-handedly, resembled Mo Lihai of the South Heavenly Gate, yet his muscular image formed a stark contrast with the classical pipa.

After setting up his chair on stage and sitting with the pipa, Zhao Zun turned to Han Lei with a smile, raising his eyebrows, his gaze filled with affection.

"Since the girl wants to play music, how could I not accompany her? Let’s begin!"

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