When I opened my eyes, a splitting headache pounded in my temples. Through my blurred vision, intricately carved phoenix patterns adorned the Phoebe zhennan roof beams, and peony-embroidered silk bedding lay beneath me.
"The master painter is finally awake." A crisp, smiling female voice chimed in. "Her Ladyship has been waiting for you to paint for quite some time."
I sat up abruptly, nearly bumping into a palace maid holding a bronze basin beside the bed. She was a young girl of fifteen or sixteen, wearing her hair in twin buns, her almond eyes wide open. I looked down at myself—a moon-white long robe, a sachet hanging at my waist, and ink stains that had not yet washed off the thumb of my right hand.
Chapter 180