Chapter 279 - The Fire Caused by a Painting (2/2)

She had not only mentioned the princes but also the Princess Royal. Everyone remembered that Princess Anping was a daughter that the Princess Royal had recently acknowledged. She was no longer the Mo Xuetong whom they used to look down upon. Even though You Yue’e despised Mo Xuetong, she had to admit that Mo Xuetong had a natural elegant disposition. Her current dressing gave her a neutral beauty.

While they were squabbling, someone had already started to praise Bai Yihao’s painting. The person said, “Sir Bai’s paintings are indeed great. The force behind the brush is strong and it is rare amongst those our age.”

Bai Yihao put down his brush and wiped his hands with a handkerchief his servant handed him. Then, he lifted his head leisurely and looked at Mo Xuetong in the eye. After a short pause, he smiled at her gently. Even though there was a crowd between them, the burning sensation was very clear.

Mo Xuetong turned away hurriedly. She pretended to be speaking with Luo Mingzhu to avoid his gaze.

She did not wish to have trouble brought upon her once more because of his tender gaze. She did not know what he wanted for he always looked at her tenderly when there were others around. It was as if there was love swirling in his eyes and he looked at her with much more emotion than when he looked at others. However, Mo Xuetong knew that he was making use of her, and that he would hurt her!

The Fifth Princess hated her mostly because of Bai Yihao. He was also the main reason why the n.o.ble ladies had so much against her. Mo Xuetong even regretted asking Bai Yihao for help when she first entered the city. If she had not been so forward then, she might not have needed Bai Yihao’s help and she would not have been entangled with him after that.

His eyes were too clear and cold.

Everyone else could only see the tenderness in his eyes. However, Mo Xuetong could see his ruthlessness and plots.

She would avoid him as far as she could!

Bai Yihao could not help but allow a hint of laughter to enter his eyes when he saw how Mo Xuetong pretended not to see him and to speak with someone else. His lips curled up and he turned around with a helpless smile. A warmth appeared on his lips that even he did not notice.

The painting had already been hung up to dry. There were many who crowded before the painting and exclaimed over his skills.

“How can there be a painting without poetry? I heard that the princess is talented at making poetry. Why don’t you compose now one to embellish Sir Bai’s painting?” You Yue’e did not like Mo Xuetong. She was from a little village. She heard from rumors that Mo Xuetong was stupid and awkward. Mo Xuetong had only been in the capital for a few days and she did not believe that the little duckling could become a beautiful white swan!

You Yue’e used to get along pretty well with Mo Xuemin and she liked how gentle and gracious Mo Xuemin was. She even wanted her elder brother to marry Mo Xuemin, which was why she had specially introduced Mo Xuemin to You Yuecheng. She would also take Mo Xuemin with her whenever there was a gathering. It could be said that she was the main reason for Mo Xuemin’s good reputation.

However, the fact was that Mo Xuemin’s reputation had ended up in tatters in the end and that not even the largest blanket could s.h.i.+eld her from her embarra.s.sment. She could only marry into the Duke Zhenguo’s manor because of the Empress’ edict. She even heard recently that Mo Xuemin had ignored her mourning period and was in a rush to marry into the Duke Zhenguo’s manor. Anyone would feel embarra.s.sed when they recalled that she was once a friend with a woman like that.

One of the most embarra.s.sed people was You Yue’e. She was the one who introduced Mo Xuemin to the other n.o.ble ladies. There were already rumors that birds of the same feather flock together. You Yue’e got along so well with Mo Xuemin, so she had to be vicious and shameless.

All of this happened because of Mo Xuetong. If not for her, Mo Xuemin’s reputations would not be in tatters. If not for her, she would not be implicated by Mo Xuemin. She was implicated by Mo Xuemin wherever she went. There were some n.o.ble ladies who had said outright that they were not willing to hang out with her. How could You Yue’e not hate Mo Xuetong!

You Yue’e tried to make things difficult for Mo Xuetong and to her, Mo Xuetong was like a thorn in her side.

“The Princess’ poem together with Sir Bai’s painting would make good artwork. I heard that the Princess recently composed a poem for the Princess Royal. I wonder if we can have the honor for the Princess to showcase her literacy accomplishments today?” w.a.n.g Xiuxiu said with a soft smile as she twisted her handkerchief.

She sounded as if she were praising Mo Xuetong. However, when one listened carefully, one would realize that if Mo Xuetong could not produce a good poem today, it would mean that she was looking down on everyone present today. There were some famous people present today who were not afraid of the n.o.bility and wealthy. So what if she was the Princess Royal? They did not care. Anyone who took them lightly, even if it was the Princess Royal, meant that they looked down on them.

Anyone who looked down on them would be kicked out by these truly famous people from the Qin gathering. Being kicked out by these people would mean that she would be too embarra.s.sed to attend any other sort of banquet in the future!

She was forcing Mo Xuetong to compose a poem. And it had to be a good poem that was fit for purpose!

The painting had ignited a fire. Mo Xuetong had once again been placed on a stage by Bai Yihao. She was placed on the fire. They were all certain that she could not compose a good poem.

This time was the second time he had used her to create trouble. Even though she was mild-tempered, she could not hold back anymore. Furthermore, she had never thought to be her usual mild-tempered self all the time. Some people were like that. If you continued to be soft, and be easily bullied, they would step on you all the time. Then, they would stand on the highest branch to make themselves stand out and for others to respect and admire them.

“Then we have to see Sir Bai’s work.” Since she could not refuse, then there was no need to. Mo Xuetong pursed her lips into a smile and turned to look at Bai Yihao’s painting.

Their quibble had attracted attention. When others heard that Princess Anping was going to compose a poem for Sir Bai’s painting, there was a furor. Everyone moved away so that Mo Xuetong could see the painting.

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