Bernie's painting still is exceptional. You hold the wild flower, and your smile is clearly captured into the painting.
Xiu Ying: Thank you Bernie. You made me look really pretty.
Bernie: It's you own beauty, and I merely captured it on paper.
As you chat with Bernie, Concubine Zhuang comes over and sees your painting.
Concubine Zhuang: The picture of her looks so good. It's even better than everyone else's. May I take a look, lady?
You were expecting her to pull some tricks, but all she really did is look at the painting. Yet all the other women saw her looking and rush over to see it too. You feel helpless.
14th Prince: [Takes the painting] It's good, but isn't it all because of the flower I picked?
The 14th Prince smiles arrogantly. None of the women wants to get on his bad side, so they agree with him.
14th Prince: [Give back painting] Alright, my turn. Bernie, you better capture my dashingly good looks.
You know the 14th Prince is trying to get you out of the mess. You look at him gratefully, and he winks back. You hang the painting as soon as you get back to Phoenix Hall. Shi Lian laughs the moment she sees it though.
Shi Lian: Who would hang their own portrait? People will make fun of you when they see it.
Xiu Ying: You already are! Plus, so what. I do what I want, and I want to hang my portrait.
You insist on hanging it up. Shi Lian is powerless to stop you.
Xiu Ying: The whole room turns anew from this painting, but the smell of paint is the opposite.
Shi Lian: It's probably the paint from Bernie's home, it's different from ours. Stop smelling it miss, clean your hands.
As Shi Lian cleans your hands, Qing'er comes in with a smile.
Qing'er: [Sees the painting] I was at the temple with Empress Dowager and missed out on Bernie making portraits. I heard Bernie made you look like a goddess so I just have to take a look.
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Xiu Ying: The goddess is right here, yet you are looking at painting of her. People sure are weird sometimes.
Qing'er glares at you for a second, then takes down the painting after asking you permission.
Qing'er: Bernie's painting style is completely different from ours. It's so much more vibrant! I want to study under Bernie.
Xiu Ying: Princess Qing sure loves to learn. I can only think of praises when I see this painting, but never about learning to paint. Only you are so diligent.
Qing'er: That's not true! Is this how you treat me after I traversed all the way here?
Xiu Ying: That wouldn't be right. As a welcome for Princess Qing, I must make some sweets!
Qing'er: I want sweet soup, Heyi Pie, and Lotus Cake.
MC: Really now Qing'er. All composed and lady-like with the others and a complete glutton with me? Fine, wait up.
You joke around with Qing'er and get into the kitchen. Later you bring out the desserts she wanted.
Qing'er: [Puts the portrait back up and takes the cake] Tasty! No wonder His Majesty and the Empress Dowager don't want you to leave. I would be the same.
Xiu Ying: Don't be so eager, wash your hands first!
Qing'er Gets Poisoned
As the night falls and you are about to have dinner, Shi Lian rushes in.
Shi Lian: My lady, bad news. Someone reports that Princess Qing has a fever and rashes all of a sudden.
You drop your chopsticks and rush to Qing'er palace. Several imperial physicians are looking after Qing'er and the Empress Dowager is on the side with a worried look.
Imperial Physician: Your Highness. Princess Qing has been poisoned, but only slightly. I have written up an antidote, and the princess will be relieved as soon as she takes it.
Maid: Princess Qing hasn't had dinner yet. She had lunch with the Empress Dowager at the temple. But she had some dessert in the afternoon at the new lady's... The princess hasn't had anything else. But the princess is really close with the lady, and it's impossible for her to harm the princess!
Imperial Physician: Is there any leftover dessert? If there is, I'd be happy to test for poison.
Some random eunuch mumbles a few words out of the blue.
Little Eunuch: If they really wanted to poison her, the evidence should be long destroyed by now.
The eunuch suddenly realizes that he's been heard, and kneels down in fear.
Xiu Ying: [Smiles wryly] It would make sense, though I really didn't do it. Qing'er is a big eater. There's still quite a bit left. Shi Lian, bring the imperial physician back to test for poison.
Empress Dowager: Qing'er was even talking about you earlier today. I can see you two are close. Plus, I know very well what kind of person you are. I trust you!
The Empress Dowager's trust comforts you, but it doesn't relax you frown. Was the culprit trying to hurt Qing'er, or frame you?
