无翼乌工口里番无色无摭挡

These mere four or five paintings, what do they even mean?

In one of the study rooms of that residence next to the Imperial Mausoleum, there are many, many such paintings piled up.

During his time guarding the mausoleum, apart from reading and practicing martial arts, his spare time was spent painting.

Every painting depicted the same girl.

In the cold nights of spring, during the lazy afternoons of summer, and on the snowy mornings of winter.

He sat upright in the study, holding a brush, meticulously capturing that girl’s every frown and smile, her coy joy.

That focused side profile of his brought a lingering pain to Li Yuanyuan’s heart. She thought she was just a pawn, and staying by Prince of Yu’s side was only to monitor his every move. Little did she know, her heart was no longer steadfast. Every time she saw his entranced expression while looking at the painting of the girl, her feelings became increasingly complex.

Her tragic early childhood experiences made Li Yuanyuan believe she had a heart as cold as iron, incapable of having feelings for anyone.

But during the better part of a year spent at the Imperial Mausoleum, as she watched the Prince of Yu miss another woman daily, she gradually realized her heart was falling inch by inch.

She had fallen in love with the Prince of Yu.

But she didn’t know if she really loved him as a person, or if she loved his loneliness and deep affection.

As the Prince of Yu meticulously arranged the paintings at this moment, she quietly asked, “Is it worth it?”

“What did you say?”

“Your Highness has given too much for her. You’ve lost the once easily attainable position of Crown Prince and were exiled to the Imperial Mausoleum to suffer. When you came back to save her, you were injured and spent more than two months imprisoned in the Court of Judicial Review.”

“These matters are none of your concern.”

“Whatever Your Highness does, this concubine has no right to interfere. It’s your own business if you’re willing to sacrifice your life for the one you love. But…I don’t think it’s worth it because Jiang Ning doesn’t care about you at all.” Li Hongyuan was resting his chin on his hand, looking at the girl in the painting, as if he hadn’t heard her.

Li Yuanyuan took a step forward: “Today she came to see you, but it was only because this concubine asked her that she came. You’ve been imprisoned here for more than two months; has she ever cared about you? I am not jealous of her; I just feel sorry for Your Highness who’s been burdened.”

“So what if that’s the case?”

Li Hongyuan casually replied, “This Prince just likes her, and is willing to do these things for her.”

“Even if she doesn’t have you in her heart, even if she treats her bodyguard better than you, are you still content?”

“This Prince has known all along.”

“What?”

“This Prince has always known that she doesn’t like me, and that’s fine.

Anyway, she is my woman now, and as long as I like her, I will naturally protect her.”

“But Your Highness, have you forgotten your dreams and ambitions? Is it worth it for a woman who doesn’t care about you?”

“This Prince is willing.”

Li Hongyuan picked up the food box that had been left on the floor and opened it.

Inside, various snacks and braised foods were neatly arranged, and there was even a small bottle of wine.

Seeing the wine, Li Hongyuan’s gaze seemed to drift away.

Truth be told, he had been in the Prison of the Court of Judicial Review for over two months, visited by many people who brought him various gifts, but never had anyone brought a jug of wine.

The last time he drank wine, he was careless and overstepped with Jiang Ning due to jealousy.

He hadn’t had a proper drink since then.

He hadn’t expected Jiang Ning to bring a jug of wine.

Does this mean that she has forgiven him for that incident?

Li Hongyuan took out the wine jug, poured himself a cup, and casually picked up a piece of dried meat and placed it in his mouth.

The dried meat was tasty and tender, perfect for accompanying a drink.

It warmed the eater’s heart.

Li Hongyuan was a bit surprised.

Did she make this herself?