Meeting the Eldest Princess, the Identity of Dao Lian Jushi

Xie Rutang first put the painting he had finished overnight into a painting tube on the table and carefully sealed the corners.

However, her fingertips paused.

Although she knew that Mr. Xiao was very capable, she could tell from his handwriting and speech that he came from a wealthy family.

But she couldn't have imagined that he would get to know the princess!

Could it be that he's a member of the martial arts world? He has connections and influence everywhere he goes, which is why he even knows the eldest princess who lives in seclusion in a Taoist temple.

Although she couldn't understand it, Xie Rutang felt very grateful.

She put away the painting and then left the mansion to board her carriage.

The autumn sky was high and the air was crisp. The pent-up frustration from being cooped up in the house for days was finally dispelled by the gentle morning breeze.

Since resolving Xie Huai's release from prison, Xie Rutang has not left the mansion for a long time, usually spending his days either delivering paintings to Chengxin Painting Shop.

At this moment, in the carriage, Jin Yue happily lifted the curtain and admired the scenery along the roadside with her.

Far from the hustle and bustle of the city, Tongxi Mountain offers a winding and tranquil mountain road, with autumn scenery all along the way. The forests are ablaze with gold, the maples are fiery red and verdant, and the mountain breeze rustles through the trees, leaving Xie Rutang and Jin Yueyuxin dazzled by the sight.

Halfway up the mountain, a simple Taoist temple is hidden among lush forests and bamboo groves. It has white walls and black tiles, a bamboo fence around the courtyard, and several old paulownia trees in front of the gate cast sparse shadows with fallen leaves covering the ground.

This is the place where the eldest princess rests and cultivates herself in peace.

There were no elaborate guards outside the temple, only two Taoist nuns in blue standing quietly on duty.

If one were unaware of the news, one would never imagine that the person living inside was the famous princess who once made a name for herself in the capital.

Seeing Xie Rutang approach slowly, her veiled figure exuding gentle grace, a Daoist nun frowned, her heart filled with suspicion: "Who is this?"

Xie Rutang curtsied, his tone gentle and calm: "This junior, Xie, has come to pay my respects to the Princess and present her with a painting personally painted by her."

The Taoist nun asked her if she had an introducer.

Xie Rutang: "It's Mr. Xiao."

The nun's expression changed slightly, and she became much more respectful. She nodded and said, "Wait here for a moment," before turning and passing through the bamboo fence to enter the temple and announce her arrival.

Upon returning, he respectfully invited her inside, saying, "Please come with me, young lady."

Xie Rutang was puzzled, not knowing why.

After passing through two small courtyards, you arrive at the Bamboo Pavilion.

The eldest princess sat before the screen, dressed in a wide-sleeved feather satin brocade dress, her hair in a rich and full updo, adorned with exquisite red hairpins.

Xie Rutang was stunned. She had thought that the princess would be practicing her spiritual cultivation here, wearing a simple Taoist robe and accompanied by a lamp and ancient books. However, she did not expect that the furnishings and atmosphere in front of her were no different from those in the palace in the past, all of which were royal heritage.

Xie Rutang stepped forward with the painting in his arms and curtsied.

"This junior is called Daolian Jushi. I have disturbed Your Highness's quiet cultivation. I hope Your Highness will forgive me."

When the princess heard that the Daolian hermit introduced by Li Guan had arrived, she had just finished favoring her male lover and was planning to take a nap.

Upon hearing this, he immediately shook off his weariness and perked up.

She wanted to see just who this Daolian Jushi was, that he could make Li Guan, the old iron tree, bloom and that he was so obsessed with him.

Li Guan was ruthless and cold-blooded, and he never visited Taoist temples before, but he actually came for a woman.

As soon as Xie Rutang entered the room, the princess's gaze fell on her.

She wore a white dress and a veil, had thick hair, and a full, delicate forehead; she must have been a beauty.

Judging from her figure alone, her bones are slender and beautiful, with a thin layer of pale skin covering them, and her demeanor is outstanding.

The eldest princess squinted, observing carefully, unsure whether she should tell Li Guan.

Should we lie to him that this Daolian Laywoman is actually ugly and no different from an ordinary rural woman?

She curled her lips into a smile, a playful glint in her eyes.

She didn't have a good relationship with Li Guan, and she wasn't that kind-hearted.

Anyway, Li Guan had never seen this woman in person, so he could say whatever he wanted.

The eldest princess smiled, waving a thin silk fan in her hand.

Xie Rutang didn't sense anything strange.

She was a little nervous when she first met the princess, and handed the painting over to her.

The eldest princess comes from the imperial family and has always been picky; it's unknown whether she can meet his standards.

Xie Rutang brought a landscape painting of clouds and mist this time. The plain silk was stretched out, and distant mountains were seen floating among the clouds and mist. The layers of mountains were painted with light ink, and the clouds and mist flowed. The mountain streams were hidden in the mist and haze.

The eldest princess remained silent for a long time.

A long time passed.

She squinted. "A beautiful painting."

Sometimes, she had to admit that Li Guan had a keen eye for talent; this woman who called herself Daolian Jushi was indeed a promising talent.

The eldest princess smiled charmingly, "Since you truly possess genuine talent and learning, it's not impossible for you to use my influence to gain some fame among the noble ladies of the capital."

"But before that, I want you to remove your veil."

Xie Rutang paused slightly. The princess didn't mention writing brushes and ink; instead, she wanted to see her appearance first.

She had no choice but to raise her hand, her slender fingers gently untying the knot of the plain gauze by her ear. The gauze slowly slid down from her cheek to her shoulder, revealing a naturally beautiful face.

The princess was stunned for a long time, her gaze carefully examining her face, and said meaningfully, "Indeed, she has a beautiful face, no wonder she attracts people's attention."

Xie Rutang frowned, not understanding what she meant.

The Eldest Princess: "Do you know who Mr. Xiao is?"

When Xie Rutang arrived, she did not reveal her true identity as the lady of the Shen family, a prominent family in the capital.

Xie Rutang shook her head, knowing that the princess had misunderstood her relationship with Mr. Xiao. She explained softly, "Your Highness has misunderstood. I am already married and pregnant. Mr. Xiao also has his own family. To me, he is just a customer who buys paintings, a teacher and a friend, and there is nothing else between us."

"You're married?"

Is she pregnant?

The princess paused abruptly as she drank her tea.

Looking closely at her slender figure, it's really hard to tell.

Does Li Guan know about this?

The eldest princess almost burst out laughing.

Judging from Li Guan's matchmaking efforts for Xie Rutang, he was clearly very interested. At least in the eyes of the Princess, Xie Rutang was a very important woman to him.

But what if Li Guan knew that Xie Rutang had married someone else and was pregnant?

The eldest princess pursed her red lips and smiled: "It's alright."

Her younger brother was ruthless and reckless, even daring to eliminate his own uncle. Such a person was destined to ascend the throne.

Therefore, Li Guan's ruthless nature made it entirely possible for him to forcibly take another man's wife, which was exactly the kind of thing he would do.