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Language:
English
Series:
Part 5 of Free ideas for multiple fandoms.
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Published:
2025-04-17
Words:
321
Chapters:
1/1
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10
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43
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1,175

Secrets of a Painter

Summary:

Thoughts of the former Emperor on his childhood, his children and grandchildren.

Work Text:

Silently the elderly man brings brush to paper, as the thoughts swirl in his mind. The fear never leaves. He knows what people think of him, knows that he was never meant to rule. He had always been the worthless extra son. That was why she had known only his powerless mother would care. He had loved her lessons until the change happened. Mother's friend, elder brother's mother who insisted he call her aunt, at first teaching him calligraphy and painting to pass the days. Then she had taught him how easily trust is betrayed. She had called him beautiful as she taught him not to trust even his own body.
Fear of again being over powered leading him to do as was done to him. Unable to protect his children. His wife, Anshi, a sacrifice to him for power. Their wonderful boys. The daughter he sent away. Shishou's wife now. Her duaghter, he will never see. Yang's precious boy. Anshi feared he would hurt their grandson. Did she think him so damaged? He had only wanted to see his grandchild. He had heard from Shisou, and wanted to be a grandfather doting on his grandchild, if only known to him. Perhaps even giving this new portrait to the boy. Seeing him. Should he warn Anshi? Should he make a show of wanting to spend time with Yang and Yue? Warn Yang to insure Yue was never alone, ever, with anyone. Warn Yue attentions can be forced by women and men. His eyes were drawn to the painting he had recently finished on the wall, Anshi in brilliant yellow surrounded by the girls sent to him. Yue's new portrait in his hands. He moved to where he kept the paintings of his family. Taking out the first he had made of Yue and his only portrait of his second son. Had no one else noticed how different Yue and Baobao looked?

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