Chapter 81: The Clever Are Always Shameless

Qi Feng chased after him like an annoying fly. Yu Hualiang was so irritated that, if not for the fact he couldn’t beat him, he would have long since given him a good thrashing! This fellow was tall and strong, with a powerful arm, and always had two bodyguards by his side—he really was not someone to provoke.

Since he couldn't afford to offend him, Yu Hualiang could at least avoid him. As Qi Feng continued to pester him, Yu Hualiang suddenly ducked into an alley and pressed his forehead, pretending as if he were about to faint.

This frightened not only Qi Feng but also the Seventh Prince. He was about to rush forward to check if Yu Hualiang was alright, but Qi Feng got there first, supporting him anxiously. “Brother Hualiang, are you alright?”

Yu Hualiang feigned a severe headache, groaning as he instructed, “Ah, the pain is back.”

Qi Feng, alarmed, turned to his two attendants. “Go quickly and fetch a physician!”

After the two “bodyguards” hurried off, Yu Hualiang groaned a few more times. “This won’t do... Qi Feng, could I trouble you to buy me some wine? The doctor said drinking wine can temporarily relieve my headaches.”

Qi Feng stood up, anxious. “Wait here, I’ll go right now!”

Yu Hualiang stopped him. “Hey, hey, hey!”

“What is it, Brother Hualiang?”

“The doctor said I can only drink the East Wind Song from the Mi Ji Wine Shop at the southernmost edge of the city,” Yu Hualiang added, deliberately making things difficult.

Qi Feng hesitated; Changfeng Street was in the north, and getting to the far south would take half a day at best. He frowned, reluctant to go.

Yu Hualiang let out a gentle sigh, tilting his head with a look of disappointment, his voice soft. “Is it too much trouble?”

Qi Feng’s heart suddenly skipped a beat at the sight of him like this—he didn’t know why, but he found Yu Hualiang’s expression particularly attractive. All his complaints vanished, and he declared, “No, no, no! I’ll go right away. You rest here for now!”

Yu Hualiang smiled at him. “Thank you, Young Master Qi.”

That smile warmed Qi Feng all over, and he couldn’t help but run toward the southern part of the city.

The Seventh Prince watched with growing frustration. When he heard Yu Hualiang softly beg for help, he wanted nothing more than to pin him against the wall and kiss him. This man always managed to tug at his heartstrings, and he was far too careless about protecting himself. The Seventh Prince glared, thinking he’d better bring him back sooner rather than later.

Once Yu Hualiang saw the foolish Qi Feng run off, his “illness” vanished. He held his paintings and hurried away.

The Seventh Prince was momentarily stunned by the scene, laughing to himself that Yu Hualiang had learned some tricks.

He followed Yu Hualiang as he crossed bustling streets and made his way toward a small village outside the city. Along the way, Yu Hualiang greeted everyone politely, as if he had known them for years.

The Seventh Prince observed the smile on his face and realized that Yu Hualiang was far happier now than he had been at his side.

Seeing him like this, the Seventh Prince felt a smile slowly emerge on his own face.

After passing several thatched cottages, Yu Hualiang finally stopped in front of a courtyard.

The Seventh Prince glanced at the house; though it was better than the one they’d stayed in when they had trouble in Fanhe, it was nothing compared to the courtyard Yu Hualiang had lived in at the prince’s residence.

Humming a tune, Yu Hualiang called out at the door, “I’m back, Ah Liu! Come open the door!”

A familiar face ran out from the thatched cottage—it was indeed Ah Liu. He smiled, “Hualiang! Why are you back so early today?”

He took the paintings from Yu Hualiang, who shook out his sleeves and sighed, “Don’t ask. I don’t know what day it is—both Madam Wang and Qi Feng came looking for me.”

Ah Liu suddenly dropped his head, frowning unhappily. “So... how did Hualiang respond to them?”

Yu Hualiang could tell he was jealous. He lifted Ah Liu’s chin and smiled, “Of course I told them I already have someone I love, and I will marry no one but him in this life.”

As he spoke those words, Yu Hualiang suddenly looked up at the sky with a low, sorrowful voice.

Ah Liu’s eyes shimmered with tears; he embraced him, scattering the paintings across the ground.

Yu Hualiang exclaimed anxiously, “The paintings!”

Ah Liu refused to let go. Yu Hualiang stroked his head, saying, “Alright, the paintings are ruined—how am I supposed to support you now?”

Ah Liu finally loosened his hold, grumbling, “There used to be gold bars, but who knew... they’d be stolen! If I ever find out who the thief is—!”

“Enough... what’s lost is lost. As long as you’re safe, that’s all that matters. I’m still here, aren’t I? Have you cooked?”

Ah Liu beamed, “You’re so good, Hualiang. Today I made your favorite—old hen stew.”

“Hm? But we only have a few hens left!”

The Seventh Prince’s face was icy cold—he understood one thing: as long as Ah Liu lived, Yu Hualiang’s heart would never be his.

Qi Feng returned with the wine and found the two bodyguards holding an old doctor captive, while Yu Hualiang was nowhere to be seen.

“What are you doing? I still have patients to see!” the old doctor protested.

The bodyguard replied, “No, you must wait until the young master returns before you can leave!”

The old doctor coughed in frustration. “Cough, cough... this is kidnapping!”

Qi Feng approached with the wine, asking, “What happened? Where’s Ding Liang?”

The bodyguard explained, “Young master, by the time we came back, Young Master Ding had already left.”

“Hey, hey, hey!” The old doctor, recognizing Qi Feng as a decent young master, complained, “Qi Young Master! You asked me here—who am I supposed to treat?”

Qi Feng handed the wine to the bodyguard and, realizing Yu Hualiang had ditched him, looked awkwardly at the old doctor. “Doctor Li, I apologize—my attendants were careless. The patient has gone. I’m sorry for the trouble.”

Doctor Li’s face fell, but he didn’t dare be rude to the Qi family’s young master. “No matter, no matter... If there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave. Many patients await me at the clinic.”

Qi Feng nodded and bowed. “Safe travels, Doctor Li.”

The bodyguard asked, “Young master, should we continue the chase?”

Qi Feng suddenly recalled Yu Hualiang’s pleading expression, his face reddening. He shook his head vigorously. “Chase! I must secure this marriage today—can’t let that old woman get ahead!”

“Let’s go!” Qi Feng took two steps, suddenly noticing the silence behind him. He turned, startled.

His two bodyguards had collapsed on the ground, as if asleep, and standing nearby was a handsome man in luxurious purple robes.

Qi Feng retreated a few steps, stopping once he felt safe. He pointed at the man. “Hey! Who are you? What are you up to?”

The man said nothing, merely tossed him a token. The token was exquisitely crafted, made of purple jade with a dragon engraved on the back, and the front bore two large characters: Xian Zhang.

Qi Feng immediately understood everything. He was so terrified he dropped to his knees. “Long live the Seventh Prince! Long live, long live!”

The Seventh Prince’s gaze turned cold and aloof, regarding him as one might an ant.

He said, “I have a task for you…”

A few days later, the Wen Chuan Painting Society received a major client. The entire society shut its doors, for this client requested a portrait.

From the society master down to apprentices and even those who stoked the fires or handled chores, everyone tried their hand at the portrait, but none satisfied the client.

With no other option, Qi Feng sought out the strongest painter in Jincheng: Ding Liang.

Normally, Yu Hualiang kept a low profile, painting only simple works. To ordinary eyes, he seemed unremarkable.

But to experts, Yu Hualiang’s works could only have been achieved after twenty years of dedicated practice. Yet he was barely in his twenties—meaning he must have started painting at age five or six to reach such heights. Despite his talent, he refused to promote himself at the society, likely due to past grievances.

Qi Feng was determined to recruit him, offering the best terms, but he hadn’t expected that Ding Liang would be connected to the Seventh Prince.

Though merely a painter, he had inspired the Seventh Prince to orchestrate an elaborate scheme to invite him—clearly, he was very important to the prince.

Qi Feng recalled the prince’s expression at the time; it was obvious he regarded Ding Liang as more than just a friend.

“Hey? Hey!” Yu Hualiang waved his hand before Qi Feng’s eyes.

Qi Feng snapped back, facing the confused Yu Hualiang. “Anyway, I beg you—please save our painting society!”

Yu Hualiang was skeptical. “You have so many painters. None of them could please the client?”

Qi Feng shook his head, frowning. “No. I’ve surveyed all of Jincheng, and I’m afraid only you, Brother Hualiang, can save us.”

Yu Hualiang narrowed his eyes, grumbling. “Who is this person? Is it a portrait or a matchmaking? So picky!”

Qi Feng glanced around, then whispered in his ear, “Royalty!”

Yu Hualiang was startled. Hearing the word “royalty,” he broke out in a cold sweat. “Which prince?”

Qi Feng eyed him suspiciously. “Why so nervous? Do you know the princes?”

Yu Hualiang wiped his brow, covering up. “No, no.”

The Seventh Prince had instructed Qi Feng not to reveal that it was him. Qi Feng sighed, “It’s not a prince, but an official whose daughter is a consort in the palace.”

“Oh, oh, oh.” Yu Hualiang let out a sigh of relief and smiled. “Alright, I’ll help you.”

Qi Feng relaxed, urging, “Let’s hurry, then.”

“Wait.” Yu Hualiang crossed his legs lazily. “I have a condition!”

Qi Feng grew impatient. “Ah, Brother Hualiang! Whatever your condition, I’ll agree!”

“Are you sure?”

Qi Feng nodded repeatedly. Yu Hualiang said, “From now on, you’re not allowed to pester me or call me brother-in-law. I won’t join your society, so don’t force me!”

Qi Feng thought he had some serious request, but since learning of his connection to the Seventh Prince, even if Yu Hualiang wanted to, he wouldn’t dare.

“Let’s go, don’t keep the client waiting.” Qi Feng prodded. Yu Hualiang was about to leave when Ah Liu suddenly called out.

“Hualiang, dinner’s ready. Where are you going?” Ah Liu stood in the doorway, eyes shining with tears.

Yu Hualiang felt a sudden ache in his heart at the sight. He stepped forward and hugged Ah Liu tightly. “Just going to take a job. I’ll be back soon. Don’t wait—eat by yourself.”

Ah Liu clutched his clothes, unwilling to let him go. Yu Hualiang patted his back. “Don’t worry, I’ll be back soon.”