Painting a Thousand Mountains with a Brush

[Genius woman painter × scheming, calculating prince | Love grows over time | Both leads are formidable]

Wen Ran was born in the countryside and learned to paint from a young age. Her talent was extraordinary.

She had painted countless landscapes without ever setting foot in any of them, and the colors in her paintings seemed dull, as if they were missing one dazzling shade of blue.

From then on, she resolved to travel across rivers and lakes, paint a thousand mountains, and find ultramarine.

At eighteen, she finally worked up the courage to leave her teacher and travel. She made a living by selling paintings, but even after stopping in towns along the way, her earnings barely covered her expenses.

Then she saw a notice: Prince Wucheng's household was hiring a painter, with a monthly salary of 300 taels.

Wen Ran tore down the notice without a moment's hesitation.

Who would turn down money?

Prince Li Yanshen of Wucheng was wise, mighty, and imperious.

But an accident while breaking in a horse left him crippled in both legs. His temperament changed dramatically, and he shut himself away every day, absorbed in painting.

He examined the exquisite painting in his hands, then looked at Wen Ran, whose skin was slightly dark, and reluctantly agreed to let her stay in the household for a month.

One day, Li Yanshen was wheeled into the courtyard. There, he saw that every servant in the household held a portrait, each one lifelike and true to nature.

Li Yanshen: “Miss Wen, why don't I have one?”

The month was up. Wen Ran packed her things and prepared to leave, but Li Yanshen stopped her.

He pulled out a dazzling blue mineral: “Ultramarine. The color painters spend their whole lives seeking. Miss Wen, aren't you tempted?”

Wen Ran: “What do you want me to do, Your Highness?”

Li Yanshen: “I want your life, Miss Wen.”

#Wen Ran: The world's countless wonders call to me, and I will go wherever they lead.

#Li Yanshen: Wherever your heart yearns to go, I will follow.

Blurb written on 2025.7.9, revised on 2026.09.18, (screenshot saved)

1. An alternate dynasty, tentatively inspired by Tang history.

2. The male lead is three years older than the female lead. Both are formidable, each in their own way.

3. A self-indulgent passion project, with a slow, steady pace and mutual support.

Theme: Stay true to your original intentions and focus on yourself