After returning to the capital to farm, the abandoned concubine made a comeback.

Lin Qin returned to her palace, opened the letter, and saw her delicate handwriting on the paper. It was from Young Master Sima, inviting her to go boating on the lake the next day.

Although this young master Sima is dashing and debonair, he is also a man of deep thoughts. His frequent attempts to curry favor with her at the banquet today are probably not for good reason.

Lin Qin sneered and threw the letter into the brazier. The flames devoured the paper and burned away the plans in her heart.

The following day, Lin Qin arrived at the royal garden as promised.

Young Master Sima had been waiting for a long time, dressed in a moon-white brocade robe, which made him look even more handsome.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, the two strolled along the lakeside.

"Madam Lin looks even better than before; she is truly a beauty that could topple kingdoms," the young master Sima praised with refined manners.

Lin Qin smiled slightly, neither confirming nor denying.

She knew that Young Master Sima had invited her out today not just to enjoy the scenery and chat.

As expected, Young Master Sima quickly got to the point: "Madam Lin, I have a favor to ask of you."

"Oh? Young Master Sima, please speak freely." Lin Qin pretended not to know.

"To be honest, I have long admired Madam Lin, and today I dare to ask Madam Lin to paint a portrait of me." As he spoke, Young Master Sima stared intently at Lin Qin.

Lin Qin sneered inwardly; this young master Sima was indeed up to no good.

He knew there was a banquet in the palace today, yet he still invited her out, clearly wanting her to miss the banquet and fall out of favor with the emperor.

"Young Master Sima is too kind. I only know a little bit about this subject. How could I dare to show off my limited knowledge in front of you?" Lin Qin politely declined.

"Madam Lin, you are too modest. Your painting skills have been praised even by the Emperor. I am truly fortunate to have the opportunity to witness your artistry today," Young Master Sima continued to persuade.

Lin Qin thought to herself, "This young master Sima really won't shed a tear until he sees the coffin."

She wanted to see what tricks he was up to today.

"Since Young Master Sima is so kind, I will gladly accept." Lin Qin agreed.

Young Master Sima was overjoyed and immediately ordered his men to prepare writing brush, ink, paper, and inkstone.

Lin Qin took the paintbrush, but did not start painting immediately. Instead, she looked up at Young Master Sima.

"Young Master Sima, what kind of portrait would you like?" Lin Qin asked.

Young Master Sima paused for a moment, then smiled and said, "I would naturally like to ask Madam Lin to paint the most beautiful portrait."

Lin Qin smiled slightly. "Alright, then I'll make a fool of myself." With that, she flicked her wrist and began to sketch on the paper with swift, flowing strokes.

Young Master Sima watched with great interest, secretly pleased with himself.

He set this trap today to embarrass Lin Qin in front of the emperor and cause her to lose his favor.

However, he was unaware that Lin Qin had already seen through his scheme and was preparing to turn the tables on him...

"Young Master Sima, what do you think of this painting?" Lin Qin put down her brush and handed the painting to Young Master Sima.

Young Master Sima took the painting, stared at it intently, and his expression changed drastically...

"What...what did you draw?!"

Lin Qin smiled and said, "Of course, it's your most beautiful portrait."

"This...this is clearly a pig!" Young Master Sima roared in exasperation.

Lin Qin shrugged, looking completely innocent: "Young Master Sima, didn't you say you wanted the most beautiful portrait? I think this painting best suits your temperament."

Young Master Sima was so angry that he trembled all over, pointed at Lin Qin, and couldn't say a word for a long time.

Seeing this, the surrounding guests whispered among themselves, their eyes filled with mockery as they looked at Young Master Sima.

Lin Qin ignored Sima Gongzi's anger and turned to walk towards the banquet hall.

She knew that this show had only just begun...

"The Emperor has arrived—" the eunuch's shrill voice rang out, and the banquet hall fell silent instantly.

Surrounded by a group of palace maids, the emperor slowly entered the banquet hall.

His gaze swept over the crowd and finally landed on Lin Qin.

"Lady Lin, I have heard of your exceptional painting skills, and I have specially prepared this banquet today to invite you to paint a portrait of me." The emperor's voice was majestic and solemn.

Lin Qin curtsied slightly: "Your Majesty, I obey."

The emperor nodded, signaling Lin Qin to begin painting.

Lin Qin walked to the painting table, picked up the brush, but did not start painting immediately. Instead, she looked up at the emperor, a barely perceptible glint in her eyes...

"Your Majesty, I dare to ask you to answer a question first."

Lin Qin smiled charmingly, a hint of mischief in her eyes: "Your Majesty, what do you consider to be beautiful?"

The emperor was taken aback, clearly not expecting Lin Qin to ask such a question.

He pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "Beauty is naturally pleasing to the eye and refreshing to the mind."

“Your Majesty is absolutely right,” Lin Qin nodded slightly, then changed the subject, “But I believe that beauty is not uniform, but rather each beauty has its own unique charm.”

After saying that, Lin Qin said no more, picked up her brush, dipped it in ink, and began to paint on the white canvas.

She did not follow the traditional court painting method, but instead used modern painting techniques, boldly employing color and lines to create a unique painting.

Curious, the crowd gathered around, watching the pattern gradually taking shape on the canvas and discussing it animatedly.

Some people think Lin Qin's painting style is too unconventional, while others find it novel and interesting. Some have even begun to marvel at Lin Qin's skills.

Zhu Ling stood aside, quietly watching Lin Qin paint.

Lin Qin felt a warm current surge in her heart as she felt Zhu Ling's gaze, and her paintbrush moved more smoothly and freely in her hand.

Time passed by, and Lin Qin's painting gradually came to an end.

Everyone held their breath, anticipation filling the air.

Finally, Lin Qin put down her brush and displayed the painting to everyone.

The painting is not a traditional landscape of flowers and birds, nor is it a portrait of emperors and generals; rather, it is an abstract painting full of modern sensibilities.

Bold color clashes and fluid lines combine to create a refreshing work of art.

"What is this?" someone couldn't help but ask.

"This is the beauty in my heart." Lin Qin smiled calmly, her gaze firm.

The crowd looked at each other, unsure of how to respond.

Some people find the painting too avant-garde and incomprehensible; others are moved by the emotions it conveys and are full of praise for it.

The emperor's gaze remained fixed on the painting for a long time.

"Madam Lin, this painting of yours..." the emperor began slowly, his tone carrying a hint of inquiry.

Lin Qin smiled slightly, about to explain, when she heard a sharp voice: "Your Majesty, this painting..." The Empress's phoenix eyes narrowed slightly, "Your Majesty, this painting... isn't it a bit too... audacious? Such a shocking work is inappropriate for a court banquet." Anyone could tell from her sarcastic tone that the Empress was deliberately picking a fight.

The painter beside her received a glance from the Empress and immediately understood. He quickly stepped forward, pretending to give a detailed critique, but in reality, he was preparing to find fault.

The atmosphere at the banquet instantly froze. Everyone held their breath, afraid that they might be drawn into this war without gunpowder.

The painter Fang originally intended to take the opportunity to belittle Lin Qin's paintings in order to highlight his status as the chief court painter and to curry favor with the Empress, but Lin Qin spoke first.

"Master Fang's 'Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix' is one of my favorite paintings. The phoenix is ​​so lifelike, it seems to fly out of the painting. My painting skills are far inferior to Master Fang's. I am making a fool of myself today, and I hope Master Fang will give me some guidance." Lin Qin's tone was sincere, and her face showed just the right amount of humility, as if she really was asking Master Fang for advice.

As soon as these words came out, everyone was shocked.

Everyone looked at each other, wondering what Madam Lin was really up to.

Just a moment ago she was acting like she was the best in the world, why is she suddenly so humble now?

The painter was stunned. He had intended to take the opportunity to mock Lin Qin, but he did not expect Lin Qin to "counterattack" him, which left him speechless for a moment.

Even Zhu Ling, who had been observing coldly, couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. This woman was becoming more and more interesting.

Seeing that her plan had failed, the Empress's face grew even more gloomy. She glared at the painter Fang and signaled him to speak quickly.

The painter was terrified by the Empress's gaze, and fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.

He opened his mouth, but found that he couldn't say anything. He could only stand there awkwardly, caught in a dilemma.

Lin Qin took in everyone's reactions, a subtle smile playing on her lips.

She slowly walked to the painting, pointed to a detail in it, and said, "Artist Fang, look..."

Lin Qin pointed to a seemingly chaotic patch of color in the painting and asked, "Painter Fang, what do you think of the use of color in this area?"

Sweat dripped from the painter's forehead. He stammered for a long time but couldn't come up with a coherent explanation.

He couldn't understand this painting at all!

How to evaluate?

Agreed?

Against one's will!

It's hard to say?

Not only did he offend the Empress, he also made himself look ignorant!

Seeing his expression, Lin Qin chuckled inwardly, but remained outwardly calm, and continued, "Actually, this painting of mine is not a random scribble, but rather... cough cough, it was inspired by the guidance of the immortal in my dream."

"A fairy in a dream?" Everyone gasped. So this painting was commissioned by a deity?

The emperor, equally surprised, asked with great interest, "Oh? Which immortal is it?"

Lin Qin smiled mysteriously, "This... Your Majesty, I dare not speak presumptuously."

The Empress sneered from the side: "Playing tricks!"

Ignoring the Empress's sarcasm, Lin Qin continued, "The immortal once told me that true beauty lies not in form, but in meaning. This painting, seemingly chaotic, actually contains the profound principles of heaven and earth, the harmony of yin and yang..."

Lin Qin began to spout nonsense with a straight face, combining modern art theory with ancient metaphysics, leaving everyone confused yet feeling that it was profound and unfathomable.

The emperor nodded repeatedly, his eyes full of admiration: "Wonderful! Wonderful indeed! Madam Lin is truly... insightful and ingenious!"

"Reward her!" The emperor waved his hand and immediately bestowed upon Lin Qin a pile of rare and precious treasures.

Everyone was filled with envy. The banquet venue was filled with a festive atmosphere, with singing and dancing, and toasts being exchanged. It was a lively and joyous occasion.

However, amidst the laughter and chatter, Lin Qin seemed somewhat distracted.

Her gaze kept drifting to the window, a faint worry etched on her brow.

The excitement belonged to them; she had nothing.

She was preoccupied with her business; today's banquet had made her miss many things...

On the surface, all is calm, but beneath the surface, turbulent undercurrents are brewing.

Lin Qin took a deep breath, suppressed her unease, and put on a smile again.

She raised her wine cup and bowed gracefully to the emperor: "Your Majesty, I have another request..."