The Emperor's heart is won, she sits on the Phoenix Throne! The Divine Physician's Eldest

"It was painted specifically for decoration, and it won't be delivered." Song Siyao refused directly.

Wen Yuan's eyes darkened. "Then, Princess Youfeng, could you paint a portrait of me specially?"

“I have other paintings here. If Your Highness likes any, I can give you one,” Song Siyao politely declined.

“I like anything Princess Youfeng paints,” Wen Yuan said with delight.

"Hongshao, go to the study and fetch a painting," Song Siyao instructed.

"Yes, princess."

A short while later, Hongshao brought the painting.

Song Siyao handed the painting to Wen Yuan, who unfolded it and saw that it was a painting of war.

The painting depicts two countries at war, and judging from their clothing, they are the Yan and Zhou states.

War raged, and lives were lost.

"What is the meaning behind Princess Youfeng's gift of this painting?" Wen Yuan asked, puzzled.

“Your Highness, look at it against the light,” Song Siyao said.

Wen Yuan held the painting up to the light, and instantly the painting changed.

What was once a war between the two countries has now transformed into peace, with each country operating as a trading hub. People living on the border can now live and work in peace and contentment, and travel freely between the two sides.

What a peaceful and harmonious world, a prosperous and peaceful era.

Wen Yuan looked at Song Siyao, his face full of amazement, "Princess Youfeng's painting skills are simply divine. Two scenes are captured in one painting, seemingly one, yet each is divided into two. I have only heard of such painting skills before, but I have never seen them before. To see them today is truly an honor. Wonderful! Absolutely wonderful!"

Song Siyao remained calm. "Your Highness, the key point is not the painting technique, but the content of the painting."

"Does Princess Youfeng mean that if we do not cherish the hard-won peace we enjoy today, war will break out between Yan and Da Zhou in the future, causing immense suffering and death among the people?" Wen Yuan asked.

"Your Highness is mistaken. When the Great Zhou and Yan Kingdom were at war, the people suffered greatly. If we look at the problem from a different perspective, we can achieve peace between the two countries, and the people of both the Great Zhou and Yan Kingdoms can live a good life. Look at a piece of paper; it can contain both war and peace. In the vast land of the Nine Provinces, what is it that cannot be encompassed?"

Song Siyao's words had a hidden meaning, which Wen Yuan understood immediately.

His expression was serious. "Princess Youfeng has really put a lot of thought into this. I understand. As long as I am here, I will do everything in my power to protect the peace between Yan and Da Zhou."

"Your Highness is very kind." Song Siyao knew that Wen Yuan was not a warlike person.

"Did Princess Youfeng paint this especially for me?" Wen Yuan asked, a hint of anticipation in his eyes.

Song Siyao answered frankly, "This painting was created for the people of the Great Zhou and the Yan Kingdom. I hope Your Highness will cherish it."

"Okay, I will cherish it and dedicate the rest of my life to it."

Wen Yuan's gaze was firm.

Then, he changed the subject, "Princess Youfeng, you see, we both have the common people in our hearts, and we are both willing to do our best for peace between our two countries. We are kindred spirits. Although we serve different masters, I still hope to be your friend. The time I've spent with Princess Youfeng has made me even more determined to be your friend. I will be setting off for my country in a couple of days. Would Princess Youfeng be willing to accompany me for a walk tomorrow?"

Song Siyao did not refuse, "Okay."

Accompanying the envoy was a task given to her by Emperor Changlong.

Moreover, Wen Yuan was about to return home, and she didn't want to cause any unnecessary trouble at this crucial juncture.

If she doesn't accompany him, and Wen Yuan goes out alone, or finds someone else to accompany him, it will cause even more trouble if something happens.

Wen Yuan didn't know what Song Siyao was thinking; he only knew that Song Siyao had agreed.

This would give him the opportunity to get close to Song Siyao.

Moreover, it was a time when the two of them were alone.

Thinking of his soon-to-be-realized wish, Wen Yuan couldn't help but smile.

“Princess Youfeng, it’s settled then. I’ll come to pick you up tomorrow.”

“Okay,” Song Siyao said.

Wen Yuan bid farewell to Song Siyao and left the Zhenbei Marquis's residence.

"Princess, I have a feeling that Prince Chu's real intention is not to enjoy the scenery," Hongshao said to Song Siyao after Wen Yuan's figure had disappeared.

Song Siyao said indifferently, "What he cares about is not important. What matters is that he left Da Zhou safely. As for everything else, it's all just wishful thinking."

How could someone as intelligent as her not see Wen Yuan's feelings for her?

However, this intention was mixed with too many interests.

Since Wen Yuan didn't point it out, she didn't say anything either.

All she wants is peace between the two countries.

"Princess, will it just be you and Prince Chu going out tomorrow?" Hongshao was still a little worried.

"Of course not. I promised to accompany him on the trip, but I didn't say I would be traveling alone with him." Song Siyao instructed Hongshao, "Go and pass on the message..."

Hong Shao smiled after hearing this, her eyes sparkling. "Yes, Princess."

She knew that her princess would never give Prince Chu any chance to approach her alone.

The next day.

Looking at himself in the bronze mirror, Wen Yuan repeatedly straightened his clothes and asked the attendant beside him, "How do you think I look?"

"Your Highness is handsome and elegant; any woman who sees him would fall in love with him." The attendant flattered him.

"Princess Youfeng has seen me so many times, how come she hasn't secretly fallen for me?" Wen Yuan asked.

"This..." The attendant didn't know how to answer.

"Alright, you wouldn't understand this kind of thing even if I asked you." Wen Yuan's tone suddenly turned serious. "Have all the things I ordered been arranged?"

"Your Highness, rest assured, everything has been prepared according to your instructions. As long as Princess Youfeng accompanies you into that place today, she will definitely be yours." The attendant said confidently.

Wen Yuan was delighted to hear this.

He looked at himself in the mirror again, and was very satisfied. Then he stepped out of the room, got into the carriage, and headed straight for the Marquis of Zhenbei's residence.

However, when Wen Yuan appeared at the gate of the Marquis of Zhenbei's residence and saw the scene before him, he was dumbfounded.