Chapter 496

Hu Xiaotian feigned flying rage, angrily nodded, and as he passed Zhan Peng's side he gave him a fierce glare: "You'd better remember that." Leaving a threatening remark, he then left.

Zhan Peng watched Hu Xiaotian's retreating back, secretly amused; their cooperation tonight had been fairly tacit, and even if Wen Boyuan had heavenly abilities, he wouldn't guess the inner details.

Wen Boyuan came up to Zhan Peng, reached out and lightly patted his shoulder, full of appreciation: "Excellent, pay him no heed; if he dares to give you trouble in the future, just tell me."

Zhan Peng respectfully said: "Thank you, General Wen."

Wen Boyuan said to Zhao Chongwu: "I have a few things I want to say to Zhan Peng alone."

Zhao Chongwu immediately stepped aside.

Wen Boyuan lowered his voice to Zhan Peng: "Keep an eye on his every move; if you notice anything amiss, come report to me immediately."

"Yes!"

Hu Xiaotian slept soundly that night, dozing until broad daylight, until Zi Juan came knocking to urge him awake; only then did he rouse from his dream, still feeling a hint of resentment—just moments ago he had been enjoying a lovely dream, embracing left and right, princess on the left, demoness on the right, basking in the blessings of many beauties, bliss like that of an immortal; alas, upon waking he found himself still alone.

Zi Juan's visit was also at Princess Anping's behest; although Hu Xiaotian felt indifferent about the painting contest, Long Xi Yue did not see it that way—once a woman falls for a man, she regards his honor and disgrace as more important than her own.

Hu Xiaotian told Zi Juan to go first, then after washing up and eating his fill, he leisurely made his way to Princess Anping's small courtyard; the snow had lessened somewhat, having fallen overnight. The ground was covered with over a foot of snow, rooftops, eaves, even the rockeries and groves—all piled thick with snow, a world of pink-carved jade.

Hu Xiaotian's fur cloak had been casually taken by Xi Yan, who now wore a fox-fur jacket; he held a wooden board. When he arrived, Princess Anping was in the courtyard admiring the snow—actually waiting for him.

Hu Xiaotian approached Long Xi Yue, putting on airs: "Xiaotian pays respects to the Princess, Thousand Years, myriad myriad years!"

Long Xi Yue said: "Why have you come only now?"

Hu Xiaotian said: "Last night I was overly fatigued, I didn't notice and actually fell asleep; if Zi Juan hadn't come to call me, I'd probably have slept until noon."

Hearing this, Long Xi Yue couldn't help but feel anxious: "You haven't forgotten about the painting contest with Wen Boyuan, have you?"

Hu Xiaotian deliberately slapped his forehead, feigning sudden realization: "If you hadn't said so, I would have almost forgotten."

Long Xi Yue said: "You don't even keep such an important matter in mind; with less than an hour and a half until noon, how could you possibly make it in time?"

Hu Xiaotian said: "If we can't make it, we can't; at worst I'll lower my head and admit defeat—it's not something shameful."

Long Xi Yue said: "How can that be? You can't concede before the match even starts." She cared more about Hu Xiaotian's honor than he did himself.

Hu Xiaotian loved this beautiful, pure princess to the utmost; where could one find a girl who devoted herself wholly to him? Though he knew many women, and not a few were pretty, none combined beauty and wisdom like Long Xi Yue, nor were many so single‑minded toward him, free of any ulterior motive. Murong Feiyan also cared for him deeply, but her personality was a bit stronger and she lacked gentleness. Of course every girl has her own temperament, yet deep down a man still prefers the compliant, gentle type.

Such a disposition in Long Xi Yue more readily arouses a man's protective feelings toward her.

Long Xi Yue whispered: "Come in with me."

Hu Xiaotian followed her into the room; Long Xi Yue pointed to the desk, and following her gaze he saw a portrait already completed on the desk—undoubtedly of Long Xi Yue herself. She had worried Hu Xiaotian might lose to Wen Boyuan, so she had stayed up late painting this self‑portrait as a backup.

Seeing the painting, Hu Xiaotian instantly understood Long Xi Yue's intent and whispered: "You want me to take this portrait to the contest?"

Long Xi Yue nodded, looking a little embarrassed; using such means to beat Wen Boyuan seemed hardly fair, but for her lover's reputation she naturally didn't dwell on that. Her painting style was fresh and graceful; this portrait was absolutely a masterpiece. Hu Xiaotian admired it a while, feeling loath to put it down, and smiled: "I'll keep this painting, but I still want to face him myself."

Long Xi Yue whispered: "Then how can we still make it in time?"

Hu Xiaotian reached out, lifted her chin, and lightly kissed her lips. Long Xi Yue's pretty face flushed crimson; she spat: "We're about to run out of time, you're not the least bit anxious—are you really going to lose to him? Who knows how they'll mock you then."

Hu Xiaotian laughed: "As the saying goes, the emperor doesn't rush and kill the eunuch; today it's the eunuch who isn't rushing and will kill my precious princess."

Long Xi Yue said: "Still spouting nonsense—didn't you say you wanted me to be your model?" She remembered Hu Xiaotian's words clearly.

Hu Xiaotian nodded repeatedly: "Yes, yes!"

Long Xi Yue said: "What do you want me to do?"

Hu Xiaotian said: "Actually there's something I haven't told the Princess: there are two kinds of modeling—one is posing clothed for a painting, the other is stripping completely naked, which is called a nude model."

"Ah!" Long Xi Yue covered her lips, unable to bear the shame: "No way, I can't do that."

Hu Xiaotian deliberately teased the beautiful princess: "Then I couldn't paint anything at all—I must have a nude model to bring forth my work; if clothed, the garments would hinder my thought and creativity, and my creative power could never reach its peak."

Long Xi Yue spat: "Who are you fooling? You're obviously trying to trick me."

Hu Xiaotian laughed: "I'm speaking the truth—actually the human body is the most beautiful artwork in this world; with your splendid figure, if you don't leave a few nude artworks in your youth, that would truly be a pity."

Long Xi Yue, face red, said: "Hu Xiaotian, you're really lewd—that would practically be a spring..." She had meant to say "spring palace picture," but the words caught in her throat, and she fiercely glared at Hu Xiaotian.

Hu Xiaotian burst out laughing, then lowered his voice: "That certainly isn't a 'spring palace picture'; when I have time I'll paint it for you and you'll understand."

Long Xi Yue frowned, embarrassed.

Hu Xiaotian said: "Time's getting late; if we don't start painting now we really won't make it."

Long Xi Yue vigorously shook her head: "No, I… I won't be the model—it's mortifying."

Hu Xiaotian said: "Then I won't compete—I'm going to lose anyway."

Long Xi Yue, torn between options, stamped her foot: "You wicked person, deliberately teasing me."

Hu Xiaotian laughed: "If we ever get another chance, like that night we were alone together in the Kongkong Valley, would the Princess allow Xiaotian to help you preserve an image of your youth?"

Long Xi Yue's pretty face flushed crimson; she turned away, and after a while finally nodded. She felt a pair of strong arms embrace her from behind, then Hu Xiaotian's cheek pressed against hers; Long Xi Yue closed her eyes, slowly turning her face toward him, and Hu Xiaotian's burning lips met her soft lips. Their hearts melted in an instant; they wished time would freeze forever at this moment, never to part.

For a moment Hu Xiaotian felt as if he possessed the whole world—rights, ambitions, success or failure all seemed unimportant; he had already attained the most beautiful emotion mortal life could offer. Yet reality would not let them indulge in this bliss; Hu Xiaotian suddenly sensed a salty tang at his lips—it was Long Xi Yue's crystal tear. He thought he had offended her, gently released his arms, and whispered: "Sorry, I couldn't help myself."

Long Xi Yue shook her head, then threw herself back into his embrace, arms locked tight around his neck, her pretty face buried in his solid chest, silently sobbing; her delicate frame trembled like a startled bird, and Hu Xiaotian gently stroked her shoulders, using the motion to calm her.

"Besides this heart, I have nothing else to give you…" Long Xi Yue lifted her pretty face, streaked with tears.

Hu Xiaotian shook his head, seized her hands, kissed her lips, and whispered low: "I want it all—your skin, your bones, even every single hair of yours."

Long Xi Yue broke into laughter through her tears at his words, then punched his chest: "You're hateful!"

Hu Xiaotian said: "Wash your face, let's begin—shall I paint your portrait?"

Long Xi Yue timidly asked: "Can we do it without taking off our clothes?"

Hu Xiaotian laughed, reached out with a big hand and gently pinched her jade buttocks: "Today I'll make an exception and paint a clothed model."

It was already past the si hour when Zhan Peng, who had gone to scout the situation, returned to report to General Wen: "General Wen, Lord Hu is at the Princess's, painting her portrait."

Wen Boyuan said: "Oh? He can paint too?" He picked up his brush and began inscribing on his already‑finished portrait.

Zhan Peng glanced at the scroll; Wen Boyuan's painting skill was indeed outstanding—even a layman like Zhan Peng could instantly recognize the figure as Princess Anping, rendered with vivid spirit. Zhan Peng sighed inwardly, having long heard that Wen Boyuan studied under the painting master Liu Qing Shan, and now it was clearly true; Hu Xiaotian would likely lose this time. Losing wouldn't matter much, but to have to learn to bark like a dog in front of so many people would be utter humiliation—how could he ever show his face again after word got out?

Wen Boyuan said: "So you mean his painting isn't finished yet?"

Zhan Peng replied: "Not finished; he's still painting in the courtyard."

"What?" Wen Boyuan stopped his brush, giving Zhan Peng a puzzled look.

At this time, Wu Jing Shan walked in from outside: "Is General Wen here?"

Wen Bo Yuan hurriedly rose to greet: "Good morning, Sir Wu!"

Wu Jing Shan said with a smile: "It's not early anymore; it's almost noon. This old man came specially to have a look—has General Wen's painting been finished?" He walked up to the desk, picked up the painting Wen Bo Yuan had finished, and clicked his tongue in admiration: "Indeed, a masterful painter! This painting captures both form and spirit, fully embodying the divine essence—wonderful! Truly wonderful! Seeing this painting feels as if seeing the princess step out of the canvas; General Wen's painting skill has reached the pinnacle of perfection." (To be continued~^~)