Love Lock

Chapter 65 Chang Le's Provocation
At this moment, at the palace banquet in the Food Official Hall.

Han Lei meticulously depicted Zhao Zun's expression, and everyone present held their breath, afraid of disturbing Han Lei's creation.

Finally, amidst everyone's anticipation, Han Lei put down her paintbrush and examined her work with satisfaction.

Then, she carefully turned the painting over and unfolded it, presenting it to everyone.

The moment the painting was fully unfurled, the entire hall fell into silence.

In this era, paintings were made with brushes and ink pigments. No matter how well the painting was done, without the support of shadows, it was just a flat painting and had no sense of three-dimensionality.

Those present had never seen pencil sketches before, so they were immediately amazed by this unique drawing style.

Zhao Zun in the painting seems to have come to life; his eyes are deep and bright, as if they can penetrate time and space and meet the gaze of everyone present.

His face was handsome and resolute, with a faint smile on his lips, as if he were exchanging glances with the person appreciating the painting.

The Empress broke the silence first, nodding slightly with a hint of appreciation in her eyes.

"This painting is so lifelike, it's breathtaking!"

Everyone present echoed her sentiments, praising Han Lei's superb painting skills. Zhao Zun, on the other hand, was completely dumbfounded.

He never imagined that he could be depicted so vividly on paper.

An indescribable feeling of emotion and joy welled up in his heart, as if he had found someone who could truly understand him.

When the painting reached Zhao Zun, he carefully examined himself in the painting, and every detail stirred his emotions.

Zhao Zun looked up at Han Lei, his eyes shining with gratitude and admiration.

"Girl, your painting skills are truly admirable. This painting holds great significance for me."

After saying this, he carefully folded the painting, disregarding the many people behind him who hadn't yet seen it, and then put it into his pocket like a precious jewel.

It was as if he was treasuring a precious memory, a memory about himself, about Han Lei, and about this beautiful time.

However, no sooner had Zhao Zun finished praising him than a discordant voice emerged.

"Miss Han's painting skills are indeed quite good, but in my opinion, they are rather bland. If you could perform some more amazing talents to please everyone, perhaps then I would look at you with new respect."

Princess Chang Le's words were laced with provocation and disdain, as if she wanted to trample Han Lei's dignity underfoot.

"Girl, ignore her."

Zhao Zun glared at Princess Chang Le with disgust and pulled Han Lei behind him. Unexpectedly, Han Lei poked her head out from behind him.

Han Lei smiled calmly and said, "Talent is not for showing off or pleasing others, but a way to express one's inner feelings. I have done my best to incorporate my emotions into the painting. If the princess doesn't find it amazing enough, it just means you don't know how to appreciate it."

After saying that, Han Lei made a face at Princess Chang Le as if she wanted to deliberately annoy her.

Princess Chang Le was already seething with jealousy when she saw Zhao Zun shielding Han Lei behind him. Han Lei's retort only fueled her anger.

She hadn't expected Han Lei to handle her provocation so calmly. Watching Han Lei make faces at her defiantly, she felt an urge to scratch Han Lei's face with her long fingernails.

Just then, the Empress spoke up, breaking the awkward atmosphere.

"Chang Le, don't be rude. If Miss Han is unwilling, don't force her. Go back and sit down!"

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Princess Chang Le curtsied to the Empress, then glared at Han Lei before reluctantly returning to her seat.

Seeing that Princess Chang Le had sat down properly, the Empress smiled slightly before continuing to speak softly.

"Since today is the New Year's Eve palace banquet, everyone should be in a lively atmosphere. His Majesty has not yet returned, so we can't let the banquet be dull. I wonder if anyone would like to come up and perform some songs and dances to add some festive atmosphere to the banquet?" As soon as the Empress finished speaking, a chorus of agreement arose from below, and the chattering of the crowd indeed made the banquet more lively.

At this moment, Han Lei stepped out from behind Zhao Zun and curtsied to the Empress.

"Your Majesty, since the purpose is to liven things up, then this humble woman will perform a piece of music to cheer everyone up. Happy New Year to everyone!"

"Oh? Miss Han, what is playing music?" The Empress asked with interest.

Han Lei smiled mysteriously, "Her Majesty the Empress will find out soon."

"Alright, then we'll have to trouble you, Miss Han. Let's all wait and see."

The Empress smiled and nodded, her eyes glancing intentionally or unintentionally at Princess Chang Le.

Upon receiving the Empress's gaze, Princess Chang Le immediately revealed a smug smile.

She thought to herself: "My aunt truly lives up to her title as the mistress of the harem; her skills far surpass hers." She had said she wanted to please everyone, while her aunt had said it was simply to enhance the atmosphere. In this way, with just a few light words, she had actually persuaded Han Lei to go on stage and perform.

Princess Chang Le looked at Han Lei with a hint of disdain.

No matter how much Zhao Zun protects Han Lei now, she is still a princess of noble status. With her aunt's help, once her uncle returns and the imperial decree is issued, Zhao Zun will be hers.

Then that bitch will get her comeuppance.

Thinking this, Princess Chang Le felt much more at ease.

She crossed her arms and leaned back in her chair, waiting to see Han Lei embarrass herself on stage.

At this moment, Han Lei pulled out a small ukulele from her wide sleeves.

Hmph! Which ambitious young person from China wasn't forced by their parents to attend several extracurricular classes and learn a few skills when they were young?

Livening up the atmosphere is one of her strengths! Let me give you bunch of old fogies a taste of the Hawaiian sea breeze!

Han Lei snorted coldly, gave the Empress a deep look, and then returned to the central stage with composure.

The entire hall fell silent again, everyone staring intently at Han Lei.

This stunningly beautiful young woman, Ms. Han, just demonstrated her extraordinary painting skills. Everyone is eager to see what talent she will use to amaze everyone this time.

Han Lei plucked the strings, tested the notes, and was about to begin her performance.

"and many more."

Suddenly, a jarring voice broke the silence of the hall. Everyone turned to look and saw that it was Prince Zhao Zun.

Zhao Zun turned around and whispered something to Pingchuan behind him. Pingchuan then called over a palace maid and gave her instructions in a low voice.

Soon, a palace maid took a pipa from the musician's hand and handed it to Zhao Zun.

Zhao Zun took the pipa and held it in his hand, then carried his chair with one hand and walked to the stage in the center of the hall.

What is the carefree king trying to do?
Everyone present stared at Zhao Zun in shock, except for Han Lei, who smiled knowingly.

Zhao Zun was a martial artist by nature. The way he held the pipa in one hand was very similar to Mo Lihai of Nantianmen. However, his muscular physique and the classical pipa created a huge contrast.

After setting up a chair on the stage, Zhao Zun sat down with his pipa in his arms before turning to look at Han Lei with a smile, raising an eyebrow and looking at her with doting eyes.

"Since the girl wants to play music, how can I be left out? Come on!"

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(End of this chapter)