"Throw out?" Zhao Yingying sneered, "How is that possible?"
Seeing Zhao Yingying's confident expression, Qiu Shuang felt much more at ease.
Zhao Yingying was silent for a moment before saying again, "Since the painting has already been bought, there's no need to keep it. Just throw it away."
Qiu Shuang nodded, but she felt extremely regretful. If only she could get her hands on that painting, how wonderful that would be!
While Qiu Shuang went out to arrange this matter, Yun Chang had already returned to the Marquis's mansion by carriage. As soon as she stepped through the mansion gates, she encountered Xia Huanyu, who was coming towards her.
Xia Huanyu seemed to be looking for her, his eyes anxiously fixed on her. "Chang'er, you're finally back. I was just about to go look for you."
Yun Chang glanced at Xia Huanyu and then turned to walk towards the house.
Xia Huanyu quickly followed her, "Chang'er, where did you go? I've been looking everywhere for you, do you know that?"
Yun Chang's footsteps did not stop, and her voice was as cold as the weather in mid-winter. "The Marquis is looking for me. Is there something?"
A hint of embarrassment flickered across Xia Huanyu's face. "Chang'er, I sent you that painting. It's because..."
"I told you, I don't care for that painting. Also, there's no one else here. The Marquis can address me as Princess." Yun Chang interrupted him, her voice carrying a trace of coolness.
Xia Huanyu's expression changed immediately upon hearing this. He quickly said, "I'm sorry, Chang'er. I know my methods are foolish, but you know I truly like you."
Yun Chang curved her lips into a smile. "Like? Heh heh."
"What are you laughing at?" Xia Huanyu frowned, looking at her with displeasure.
Yun Chang retracted the smile from the corner of her lips. After a moment of silence, she said softly, "Then let me tell you, liking does not equate to love. I don't know why you've suddenly become so enthusiastic towards me, but you should know that your liking for me can only be a one-sided affair. I have never had that kind of feeling for you."
"You're lying," Xia Huanyu scoffed, his eyes full of disdain. "I think you simply don't want to marry me, so you're using this method to reject me. Don't worry, when I get married, it will be the day I break off our engagement. At that time, I will marry Zhao Yingying, and I will take you, this Princess, as my wife."
Yun Chang merely curled her lips coldly at this.
That woman, Zhao Yingying, actually wanted to use her? Did she really think she was stupid? The painting had already been dealt with by Hong Jin for her.
Seeing that Yun Chang was not speaking, Xia Huanyu continued, "I don't care what you do. I will proceed according to the original plan. If there are any discrepancies, I will personally kill Yun Wenjing. You don't need to stop me anymore!"
Yun Chang inwardly let out a cold laugh. This person even brought up Yun Wenjing. He was truly the epitome of shamelessness.
Yun Chang did not wish to argue with him and simply said coldly, "May the Marquis leave. Forgive me for not seeing you out."
Xia Huanyu did not expect Yun Chang to be so heartless, not even bothering to ask him to stay. He felt a surge of闷气, but dared not act out, for fear of angering Yun Chang and thus losing her agreement. He had no choice but to leave dejectedly.
"Miss, this Marquis is too much! He actually threatened you like this, he deserves to die!" Hong Jin said indignantly.
Yun Chang smiled and patted Hong Jin's shoulder. "There's no need for you to be angry. Xia Huanyu is a lunatic, he's not worth bothering about. Keep a close watch on Zhao Yingying, and I'll go discuss this with Father and Mother."
"Yes, Miss." Hong Jin nodded and quickly followed Yun Chang.
When Yun Chang found Zhao Shi and Yun Hongyuan, they had just returned from their meal.
"Chang'er, why are you back so late today? Did you go shopping?" Zhao Shi said, pulling her arm as she saw Yun Chang return.
"No, no, I just went to feel my grandmother's pulse, that's why I'm back late," Yun Chang quickly shook her head.
Zhao Shi nodded upon hearing this and then asked, "How is Grandmother's health? Is she well?"
Yun Chang nodded and smiled, "Grandmother is in good spirits now and can go out to bask in the sun."
Seeing Zhao Shi's relieved expression, Yun Chang smiled and then added, "Mother, is Grandmother's health improving? I heard that Grandmother has been feeling dizzy lately. Has she fallen ill?"
"It's nothing serious, just an old ailment," Zhao Shi said with a smile. "Don't worry, your grandmother is fine. I've already arranged for the imperial physicians to see her every day. They only come during the day, and she sleeps soundly at night, so it's not a problem."
Yun Chang smiled, "That's good then."
Grandmother's health had always been frail, and Yun Chang knew that she did not want her to worry. However, Grandmother had been running around for her during this time, which made her feel quite guilty.
"Your grandmother mentioned you a few days ago. Why haven't you visited her recently? Your grandmother is all alone, and it must be lonely," Zhao Shi frowned, somewhat reproachfully.
"Mother, I've been too busy to get away these past few days. Besides, Hong Jin is taking care of Grandmother, so I don't need to worry about her. Grandmother must have been missing me during this time, right?" Yun Chang said with a smile.
"You..." Zhao Shi also chuckled at this.
They chatted about other things for a while longer before retiring to their respective rooms.
When Yun Chang woke up the next morning, the sky was still overcast. She stood by the window, gazing outside, her eyes darkening slightly. It was already bright daylight, yet Yun Chang had not slept well at all, her dreams were a jumble.
Yun Chang sighed. She had been too tired these days and needed to recuperate properly.
Yun Chang stretched, then put on her clothes, preparing to get out of bed.
"Miss, are you getting up? I'll help you wash up," Hong Jin pushed the door open and entered. Seeing Yun Chang dressing, she quickly walked over.
Yun Chang nodded slightly and smiled. "Alright, Sister Hong Jin. First, go prepare breakfast for me, and then call Hong Xiang in. Tell her to prepare some money to send to Xia Huanyu."
Hong Jin was stunned. "Miss, will the Marquis accept it? After all, that painting is..."
Yun Chang raised her eyebrows and sneered, "Don't tell me you're reluctant to part with this money and expect me to pay? If that's the case, I'll have Hong Xiang pack her things and go back."
Hong Jin was startled by Yun Chang's words and quickly shook her head. "No, no, Miss. I'll have Hong Xiang prepare it right away."
Yun Chang curved her lips into a smile. "That's more like it. That's the right attitude. My kind Sister Hong Jin wouldn't bear to see me suffer, would she?"
Hong Jin blushed and glared at Yun Chang. "Miss, you're teasing me again!"
"Hahahaha..." Yun Chang burst into hearty laughter.
Not long after, Hong Xiang entered with a tray and handed a purse containing banknotes to Yun Chang. "Miss, this is what Xia Huanyu asked me to give you. He said he has already cleared the accounts and it's twenty thousand taels in banknotes. He wants you to send it to him as soon as possible."
Yun Chang frowned slightly upon hearing this. Xia Huanyu had cleared the money so quickly, which caught her by surprise.
"Miss, shall we send the money over now?" Hong Jin glanced at the banknotes on the table and couldn't help but swallow. She urged Yun Chang.
Yun Chang hummed in agreement and stood up to walk towards the door. Hong Jin quickly followed. "Miss, I'll go with you. That way, we can avoid being seen by the Marquis."
What Hong Jin said made sense. After all, that painting was too important to Xia Huanyu. Now that the painting was in Xia Huanyu's hands, who knew what kind of trouble it might stir up. Although Yun Chang was not afraid, she did not want to attract unnecessary trouble.
Yun Chang nodded and let Hong Jin follow her.
Yun Chang, with Hong Jin, left the courtyard and took a carriage towards the Prime Minister's mansion.