The whole afternoon, the girls were still excited. After the initial disappointment, they became more and more eager to see the true face of Prince Guangling. When they learned that the envoys would stay in Jiankang for more than half a month, they began to make plans.

  Zhang Qi was also thinking about it.

  The first class on the second day was still a painting class taught by Teacher Yuan.

  In terms of painting, Zhang Qi actually has a solid foundation. In the first few classes, she deliberately hid her skills and performed moderately, not drawing attention to herself.

  Today, after a 20-minute lesson, Teacher Yuan asked everyone to draw a picture of a beauty, and those who couldnt finish it would have to complete it at home and hand it in later.

  Yuan is a good-looking teacher, and as the eldest son of the Yuan family, which is even more prestigious than the Zhang family, many girls are willing to attend his classes. Therefore, although its clear that he can go home and paint again, he doesnt say anything about leaving, and none of the girls leave either.

  In a low voice, the girls unfolded the rice paper and began to draw with ink. Zhang Qi also lowered her head and started drawing.

  Yuans hands were clasped behind his back as he slowly strolled over to where the girls were painting.

  As he walked, he came to Zhang Qis side.

  He inadvertently glanced over and his footsteps slightly paused as he focused on her.

  On the plain white silk, Zhang Yinings beautiful woman was painted with only a few strokes, but her demeanor was already dignified on paper. The beautys skirt fluttered, her smile serene and elegant, her figure beautiful and ethereal.

  What power!

  He gazed intently at the beautiful woman in the painting for a moment, then looked up and glanced at Zhang Qi before leaving without saying anything.

  Zhang Qi seemed to be unaware that he had stopped, quietly finishing the painting of the lady. When Yuan Jiao announced that they could leave, the ink on the painting was already dry. She rolled it up and put it in her bosom.

  She walked out and saw that Yuan had already gone far away. Zhang Qi hurriedly took a shortcut to run after him.

  Before long, she arrived behind Yuans back. Feeling her arrival, Yuan slowly turned his head and said calmly: "Is there something?"

  Zhang Qi bit her lip, took out a painting from her bosom and said in a low voice: "Id like to ask for your comments on this painting of mine."

  As soon as these words came out, Yuan Jiaoxi looked at her deeply.

  "He suddenly said: Isnt little sister always pretending to be good? Whats wrong, doesnt she want to pretend today?"

  As soon as the words fell, Zhang Qi suddenly looked up in shock.

  She gazed at Yuans bright and clear eyes that seemed to see right through her!

  These eyes are too clear, too obvious!

  Zhang Qi bit her lip, and with a gentle bow, she said in a clear voice: "Yes, I cant pretend anymore. If I continue to pretend, those people might find a small excuse to take my life."

  She was refreshingly candid.

  Yuans teacher smiled and turned to face her. He took the painting from Zhang Qi and opened it, asking: "What do you want to do?"

  "I," Zhang Qi bit her lip and said in a low voice: "I heard that the King of Guangling has arrived, and the imperial court intends to bestow beautiful women upon him..." As soon as these words were spoken, Yuan Jiaos eyes widened in surprise, and slowly, he raised the corner of his mouth, seemingly smiling, but this smile now carried a hint of mockery and disdain.

  Zhang Qi looked up at him and said, "Ive heard that the status of women in Northern Qi is quite high. As a prince, Guangling King is handsome and has a good position. If I were to be with him, I might be able to live a peaceful and happy life."

  So she had planned it this way!

  Yuans eyes widened in surprise as he gazed deeply at her for a moment before shaking his head.

  Shaking his head, Yuan said faintly, "No."

  Zhang Qi lowered her head.

  Yuans voice floated into her ears, "Hearing my rejection, little girl seems to have no loss?"

  Disappointed?

  She wouldnt be too disappointed. Gao Chang Gong was good, but also a big tree attracts wind. She told Yuan Xue Shi this, just to show him her concerns and aspirations. She only wanted to leave a deep impression on Yuan Xue Shis heart through these words. Maybe one day when she really needed help, he would lend a hand.

  In Yuans gaze, Zhang Qi smiled bitterly: "It is normal for the teacher to refuse this matter, if he agrees, it would be an unexpected joy."

  Yuan laughed and said: "You little girl, youre so cunning."

  "As he spoke, he flung his sleeve and turned to leave. In a world like this, youll never be at peace wherever you go... Little girl, just live quietly and peacefully, one day at a time. His voice trailed off into the distance, sounding like a song, yet also like a lament, the echoes lingering on for a long time."

  However, he still took away Zhang Qis painting scroll.

  Watching his back, Zhang Qi smiled slightly and turned back to the school.

  The second lesson was to recite the genealogy. The lecturer was an old man, who spoke with great enthusiasm, listing the outstanding figures of the Zhang family since ancient times. As he reached the climax, his face turned bright red and his emotions soared.

  Affected by his emotions, the legitimate daughters were all spirited and lively, even the illegitimate daughters remembered every ancestor that the old man had mentioned. When they got married later, if their husbands family was not prominent, it would be good to show off a bit.

  Half an hour has passed in a flash.

  Zhang Qi hurried towards the house, she had to rush back to embroider. This time she only embroidered a handkerchief, although it was exquisite and beautiful, with flowers and birds embroidered on it like a painting, and there were also inscriptions on it. Fortunately, not much effort was required, now returning, tonight at midnight, it should be possible to complete the work.

  Another day has passed.

  On the third day, the Zhang residence became lively again. After all the envoys from Qi and Zhou arrived, Jiankang was filled with music and laughter every night, and the young nobles vied to show off their horses and carriages as they socialized with the envoys. Today, several young masters of the Zhang and Xiao families joined forces to host a grand spring outing banquet. At this banquet, they not only invited some noble sons from Jiankang but also invited several young envoys from Qi and Zhou.

  As a result, the spring outing banquet was filled with young people gathering together, and talented scholars were numerous. The masters of the two Zhang Xiao residences had an idea and ordered some girls to go along, so they could take a good look at each other.

  The girls all showed off their magical powers, wanting to join in the excitement, while Zhang Qi stood quietly in the corner practicing her calligraphy. She knew that this kind of party would never have anything to do with her.

  After class was over, the girls still gathered in a heap, while Zhang Qi quietly walked back.

  As they walked to the shaded path, a young servant suddenly ran out. He looked around and saw no one was paying attention, so he approached Zhang Qi and said: "Young lady, my master is calling you."

  Jian Zhi opened her eyes, looking puzzled. The young servant patted the back of his head and laughed: "Its all me, I didnt explain clearly. My masters surname is Xiao, and his name is Mo. He says you know him. He wants you to go to that pond youve been to before."

  Xiao Mo looking for her?

  Zhang Qi was taken aback for a moment, then her expression changed. She thought for a while, then lowered her head and said in a timid tone: "Thank you for your kindness, I understand, but I wont go."

  Having said that, she didnt say another word and let the young man off, continuing on her way.

  That little fellow smiled, he chuckled twice and said: "Still my husband is right, he said you may not believe what I say. Forget it, Ill just tell you directly, my husband asked if the Xiao family has a banquet, do you want to go?"