Perplexed and Smitten (51)

"So it's confirmed that you'll be marrying that princess?"

He did not answer. An Xiaoning looked up and probed, "I'm asking you a question."

"I went to the Imperial Palace today and I was told that I would be marrying her. But even if I have ten concubines, I'll never touch any of them," he said, hugging her even more tightly.

"Could you promise me one thing?"

"Speak."

"Can you give me a portrait of His Majesty?" Afraid that he would get infuriated, she added, "I need it for something."

"What do you need his portrait for?" he asked in puzzlement.

"Just draw it for me, I'll tell you the reason afterward."

He conceded and said, "We'll have to return to my place first. There aren't any ink or paper here."

"Let's hurry and go back, then," she said, sounding rather eager and impatient.