Zhao Yingying quickly explained, "Cousin, I wanted to invite you to visit my studio, but you were unwilling. After thinking about it, I still invited you over."
Yun Shang frowned even tighter upon hearing Zhao Yingying's words. She was indeed unwilling to come, but Yun Xi had asked her to, which made her feel compelled to.
"So that's how it is!" Yun Shang tugged at the corner of her mouth, revealing a sarcastic smile. "Zhao Yingying, don't forget, you are merely my cousin. Regardless of whether I like it or not, you are my cousin. And I am now the legitimate daughter of the Minister's Mansion, while you are the illegitimate daughter of a merchant family. Do you understand the difference in our statuses?"
Yun Shang's voice was filled with mockery and sarcasm, causing a surge of anger within Zhao Yingying.
What did Yun Shang mean by this?
Was she looking down on her? Looking down on the illegitimate daughter of a merchant family? But her mother was the legitimate granddaughter of the current Prime Minister, and her father was the second son of the Minister. What right did Yun Shang have to look down on a merchant family?
Her mother and father were the legitimate granddaughter and grandson of the current Prime Minister.
And her mother's maternal uncle was a first-rank guard in the Minister's Mansion, wielding significant military power. If she could forge a connection with the Minister's Mansion, her status within it would be solidified.
Moreover, Zhao Yingying believed that her mother and father would absolutely not want her to marry a commoner as a concubine.
Yun Shang watched Zhao Yingying's flushed face with a slight sense of satisfaction, though she revealed none of it. She merely snorted, "Since that is the case, then please invite me in!"
"You, you..." Zhao Yingying was choked with anger but dared not act out due to Yun Shang's status.
"What about me? Are you not letting me in?" Yun Shang raised an eyebrow. "If that's the case, then please proceed. I still have to accompany the Prince to a banquet at the brothel!"
"You..." Zhao Yingying's face turned red with anger, but she could only swallow her fury.
Yun Ling smiled. "Xi'er, go ahead. Remember, no matter what happens, tell me."
Yun Shang smiled. "Yes, this servant obeys."
After Yun Shang entered the art gallery, Zhao Yingying stomped her foot hard and turned to glare at Su Yuzhi. "It's all your fault. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have had to endure this humiliation!"
"How could it be my fault?" Su Yuzhi quickly distanced himself. "You were the one who provoked Princess Yun Shang. If you hadn't provoked her, why would she be angry?"
"If you hadn't provoked Princess Yun Shang, why would she be angry?" Zhao Yingying roared.
"How was I supposed to know Princess Yun Shang was so formidable that her words alone could make you so upset!"
Zhao Yingying took a deep breath, trying to suppress her anger. "Forget it, I won't argue with you. It's not your fault anyway. Don't overthink it, and focus on your tasks."
"Alright!" Su Yuzhi nodded. "I'll be going now. You should also go back and rest early. Don't go out late tomorrow morning, or it will delay important matters."
"Yes, I know. Take care!" Zhao Yingying smiled as she saw Su Yuzhi out, and then her smile vanished.
Yun Xi's face was somber all the way, and only when she entered the art gallery did her expression soften.
"Yun Xi, what's wrong today?"
"Sister, do you think I should get revenge on Zhao Yingying?" Yun Xi asked in a low voice.
Yun Shang pondered for a moment and said, "No rush. After we go to the painting pavilion, we'll retrieve that painting first. After we've seen the painting, we'll make plans. For now, just bear with it. Don't act rashly, lest you alert the enemy. I will help you think of a solution."
"I understand." Yun Xi replied, secretly cursing Zhao Yingying as shameless for dragging her here when she knew Yun Shang disliked painting, and for publicly humiliating Yun Shang just now. It was outrageous!
Yun Shang noticed Yun Xi's expression and knew her guess was correct. Zhao Yingying must have deliberately provoked her. But what exactly did Zhao Yingying want?
Yun Shang had never been able to fathom Zhao Yingying's intentions.
Soon, Yun Shang arrived outside the painting pavilion. Most of the paintings here were Zhao Yingying's works. Yun Shang had seen them, and they were all excellent.
"Princess Yun Shang, which painting do you like?" Zhao Yingying's tone remained respectful.
Yun Shang scanned the pavilion and finally her gaze fell upon a man in flowing white robes. "I'll choose this painting."
"All right!" Zhao Yingying quickly responded.
Yun Shang's gaze lingered on the painting. He was clad in simple white, with a dark green sash around his waist that accentuated his slender build. Every movement exuded grace. His eyes seemed capable of capturing souls, drawing one in with a single glance. His face was as exquisite as a sculpture, and his black hair was tied up high with a purple-gold crown. His handsome face, paired with the white attire, made him appear ethereal and transcendent – a true portrait of masculine beauty.
It had to be admitted, this painting was indeed very beautiful.
"Princess Yun Shang, please wait a moment. This servant will fetch this painting for you immediately." Zhao Yingying said, then entered the pavilion. After a short while, she emerged carrying a brocade box.
Yun Shang extended her hand, and Zhao Yingying placed the brocade box into it. She gently opened the box, revealing a jade pendant inside. The pendant was oval-shaped and intricately carved with lifelike plum blossoms.
"This is my personal jade pendant. Please accept it, Your Highness." Zhao Yingying's voice held a hint of flattery.
Yun Shang smiled and picked up the jade pendant, examining it closely. Carved on it was a blooming plum blossom, its shape resembling snow yet not snow, white with a hint of yellow. It emitted a soft glow under the sunlight, clearly a priceless treasure. Yun Shang inwardly marveled at Zhao Yingying's generosity for being willing to give away such a valuable item.
Yun Shang tucked the jade pendant into her sleeve and said with a smile, "How can I accept such a valuable gift? If word of this gets out, it might harm your reputation."
Hearing this, Zhao Yingying sneered inwardly. Reputation? Her reputation was already ruined; one more instance wouldn't make a difference!
Zhao Yingying smiled and said, "Your Highness, please rest assured. No one will know of this. Besides, Yu Zhi and I have already pledged ourselves to each other. What more do you have to worry about?"
Yun Shang raised her eyes to look at Zhao Yingying.
Zhao Yingying quickly added with a smile, "Your Highness need not worry. Yu Zhi has already promised me that he will marry me as his legitimate wife, so there will be no other woman in this world who can be with Yu Zhi."
Yun Shang lowered her eyes, concealing the coldness within them. "Since that is the case, then I will not be polite."
"You are too kind, Your Highness. As long as you are willing to help me achieve my wish, let alone this painting, if you ask for the stars in the sky, I would not hesitate to pluck them down for you." Zhao Yingying vowed fervently.
Yun Shang smiled at this but remained silent, simply waiting by the side.
"Princess Yun Shang, why aren't you speaking? If you want this painting, I can go to the studio now and ask someone to paint it, and have it delivered to you. Is that acceptable?" Zhao Yingying looked expectantly at Yun Shang.
"Mm." Yun Shang said with a smile, "Alright."
Yun Xi listened to the conversation between Zhao Yingying and Yun Shang, trembling with anger. Her lips moved several times, but no sound came out.
She wanted to see what tricks Zhao Yingying was trying to play.