Painted Skin

My name is Lin Yunniang, known as the Bare-Handed Painter.

I loved learning to paint from a young age, and in my hands, the brush seemed guided by divine inspiration. I was especially skilled at painting women. Thanks to the circumstances around me, my portraits captured their spirit and every delicate detail. Once my work made its way out of the women’s quarters, it fetched a handsome price under the name “Yunniang’s Brushwork.” I knew full well that this was partly to bring honor to my family, and partly to improve its fortunes.

My stepmother was very shrewd. At the time, I had no idea she had even grander plans. I simply painted, read poetry, and dreamed of the perfect man.

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