After her transformation and rebirth, she manipulates the innocent and ruthless to overthrow the wor

The emperor narrowed his eyes slightly, scrutinizing Wen Ming with piercing eyes, his tone carrying a hint of amusement and probing:

"You're so brave."

Wen Ming kept his head down the whole time, but his body remained motionless, like a silent mountain.

He knew this was his only chance to speak in the hall, and he could not back down even a step.

Shen You stood to the side, her back soaked with cold sweat, secretly worried for Wen Ming.

The emperor pondered for a moment, then a meaningful smile appeared on his lips:

"Since you have presented me with such a fine gift, I cannot refuse Pei Lang's request."

He paused, his gaze sharp as a knife. "Tell me, what exactly are your ulterior motives?"

The hall was completely silent, as if even the air had frozen.

Wen Ming took a deep breath, slowly raised his head, his gaze firm and composed:

"I painted this for my beloved."

Everyone in the hall was taken aback upon hearing this, even the emperor raised an eyebrow slightly, seemingly quite interested in these words.

Wen Ming continued:

“In the past, I was a humble commoner, destitute and impoverished, and even contemplated suicide. But she was like the bright moonlight, gentle and warm as jade, illuminating my path and comforting my cold body. Without her, I would never have been able to create this painting. Therefore…”

He paused slightly, his voice low and full of emotion, "This humble subject places this painting in the night..."

"Because in the eyes of this humble man, she is like the bright moon in the night, pure and flawless."

Upon hearing this, Shen You trembled slightly. She instinctively wanted to turn around, but Shen Quemin sternly rebuked her.

She could feel Wen Ming's gaze falling on her back like moonlight, but her heart ached as if it were being cut by a knife.

Upon hearing this, a hint of amusement flashed in the emperor's eyes, and he slowly said:

"Oh? You're quite the devoted lover. I'm curious, who exactly is this person you love?"

Wen Ming lowered his head, his voice as soft as the whisper of the wind, yet every word was clear:

"Your Majesty, she is already married."

The emperor frowned slightly, his tone tinged with regret:

"It's a pity that such a good match has been ruined."

Wen Ming's voice was deep and earnest, each word like a pearl, each sentence filled with emotion:

"I am a humble man of limited talent and virtue, and I am unable to marry her. I only wish that she may live a carefree, peaceful, and tranquil life."

However, these words stung Xiao Ran like needles. She sneered inwardly, her fingertips turning white from the pressure.

Freedom? How could one be free in the imperial palace? With those high walls and deep courtyards, where every step is a precaution, how can one find true ease?

Worry-free? How could the Crown Princess be worry-free? Amidst the power struggles, open and covert attacks, where is there any peace and happiness?

Peace and tranquility? The moment she married into the imperial city, she was destined to be forever separated from peace and tranquility. The loneliness behind the prosperity and the shackles beneath the glory had already bound her firmly for life.

Xiao Ran raised her eyes, her gaze as cold as frost, and swept her gaze coldly over Wen Ming and Shen You in the hall.

She knew that today was the last time they would see each other.

Wen Ming's bold suggestion was simply to express his feelings without any regrets.

However, this affection came too late and could only turn into a sigh, vanishing with the wind.

"He is indeed a devoted lover. Well then. Since he was recommended by Pei Lang, then I shall..."

The emperor sighed, his gaze distant, as if he were looking through the candlelight of the hall into some past event. He pondered for a moment, then slowly spoke:

"I hereby appoint you as a Hanlin Academy Attendant, in charge of court paintings, to create portraits for me and the harem. I hope you will use your brush and ink to convey your feelings and your paintings to express your thoughts, so as not to fail my trust or the person in your heart."

"Okay?"