Chapter 253: Surveying the Ten Greatest Chinese Paintings!

The heated discussion about the ten most corrupt officials in history has never ceased in Chang'an City.

Gu Shanhe watches all of this.

The deterrent effect of the Corrupt Officials List is already at its peak, and the morale points have been earned in abundance.

It's time to inject something different into this tense world.

Only showcasing darkness and punishment easily oppresses people.

Sunlight, beauty, and the treasured heritage of a civilization passed down for millennia are equally worthy of being seen, remembered, and given new vitality.

Thus, on the morning of the third day after the Corrupt Officials List was completed.

Gu Shanhe found Liu Bang and Ying Zheng, who were having instant noodles for breakfast, slurping loudly.

"Master/Immortal Teacher, good morning!"

"This braised beef noodle soup really tastes good!" Liu Bang said, wiping his mouth, vaguely.

Ying Zheng elegantly sliced a piece of ham sausage (also brought by Gu Shanhe) with a small knife, tucked it into a slice of bread, and ate it slowly.

He has recently adapted well to "Immortal Cuisine".

Gu Shanhe smiled, "Corrupt officials have already been warned."

"Yet our Chinese civilization, vast as a sea of smoke, its brilliance is not limited to exposing ugliness, is it?"

"Tomorrow, I intend to issue another list, cataloguing the timeless treasures of Chinese civilization—renowned masterworks of painting."

"Those who make the list will not only have their names inscribed on the heavens, but also receive the Heaven's reward, extending their lifespan by ten years."

"I wonder, are the two of you interested?"

"Masterpieces? Timeless masterpieces?" Liu Bang set down his instant noodle bucket, his eyes brightening.

"This is good! This is good! After seeing so much killing and corruption, it's time for something refined!"

"Immortal Teacher, release it! It must be released!"

"I... no, I will issue an edict right now, ordering all the citizens of the city to come and see tomorrow!"

Ying Zheng also showed interest: "Masterpieces... lifespan extension... very good."

"I want to see which future painters possess such astonishing talent and beauty, leaving works approved by Heaven itself."

"Master, this list truly embodies the way of both civil and martial arts, a balance of tension and release."

"Then it shall be set for tomorrow at noon, atop the highest gate tower of Chang'an City—An Men—to announce this list. Request the Han King to issue a decree informing the whole city," Gu Shanhe decided.

Liu Bang immediately hopped off to draft the edict.

The news spread, and Chang'an City was once again in an uproar!

The Corrupt Officials List made people tremble with fear, but this Masterpiece List sounds elegant and peaceful, with a lifespan reward!

The common folk looked forward with anticipation, and scholars and artists were even more excited, speculating which paintings could make the list.

The next day, at noon.

Chang'an, An City Gate Tower.

From atop the tower, the view was expansive.

Gu Shanhe, Ying Zheng, and Liu Bang stood side by side.

Xiao He, Zhang Liang, Han Xin, Meng Tian, Fan Kuai, Zhou Bo and other civil‑military ministers lined up on both sides.

Below the tower, a sea of Chang'an citizens who had rushed here crowded together, heads bobbing, eyes looking up, yet orderly, with Qin and Han troops jointly maintaining order.

The sunlight was perfect, and a gentle breeze blew.

Unlike the solemn and oppressive atmosphere when the Corrupt Officials List was released, today's mood was relaxed and full of anticipation.

"The auspicious moment has arrived, please summon the Immortal Teacher!"

Liu Bang cleared his throat and shouted to the people below; though he lacked imperial bearing, his approach was personable.

Gu Shanhe nodded at Ying Zheng and Liu Bang, stepped forward, and stood before the tower's parapet.

His gaze swept over the countless expectant eyes below, then turned to the vast sky, and he slowly raised his right hand, palm upward.

"Go!"

A clear shout, not loud but distinctly reached everyone's ears.

A bright, soft, moon‑like silvery light rose from his palm, soaring straight into the clouds!

Unlike the golden, dazzling, oppressive aura of the Corrupt Officials List, this silver light carried a tranquil, timeless beauty that seemed to cleanse the soul.

The silver light burst open in the air, forming a massive plaque of pure jade‑white, its edges flowing with pale cyan ripples and ink‑colored mountain‑mist shadows.

Ten iron‑etched silver hooks, each bearing a grand, endlessly graceful and lively character, slowly appeared:

【Heaven's Golden List: Surveying the Ten Greatest Timeless Chinese Paintings】

Below the large characters, a line of small annotation reads:

【This list selects timeless masterpieces based on a comprehensive assessment of artistic achievement, historical value, and cultural influence.】

【Authors of listed paintings receive Heaven's blessing, extending their lifespan by ten years, to honor their art that endures for ages and benefits future generations!】

"The Masterpiece List! It really is a Masterpiece List!"

"Ten years of lifespan extension! My god, a good painting can add ten years?"

"I wonder which paintings will make the list? Surely Gu Kai's, right?"

"Wu Daozi! The saint of painting will surely be there!"

The citizens debated fervently, and the literati were even more excited; this is not only about appreciating paintings, but also a grand event concerning 'Dao' and 'longevity'!

Across all realms and eras that can glimpse the heavens, they were once again drawn to this brand‑new list.

Unlike the anger and fear evoked by the Corrupt Officials List, this time the hearts of monarchs, ministers, and commoners across the ages were filled with curiosity, anticipation, pride, and even a hint of refined rivalry.

Tang Dynasty, Zhenguan era.

Li Shimin was reviewing memorials when he looked up at the new heavenly list, set down his brush, and smiled at Empress Zhangsun, "Guanyin maid, it seems this Immortal Teacher wants to change the flavor."

The Famous Painting List… Ten‑year longevity extension, indeed a refined affair.

Our Great Tang painters should have a place, shouldn't they?

Empress Dowager Changsun smiled: "Your Majesty's words are absolutely correct. Our Great Tang's civil and military achievements are great, and its calligraphy and painting are also flourishing."

Song dynasty.

Emperor Huizong Zhao Ji, while directing painters in his Xuanhe Painting Academy, saw the celestial Famous Painting List and was so excited that he stood up, dropping the brush he was holding.

"Famous Painting List! Ten‑year longevity! Good! Good! This is a refined affair of a prosperous age!"

"Quick, bring me my 'Auspicious Crane' painting!"

"No… I don't know how many paintings from our Song could make the list?"

He rubbed his hands and paced back and forth in the studio, more excited than upon hearing news of a battlefield victory.

The eunuch beside him forced a smile: "Your Majesty excels in both calligraphy and painting, unrivaled through the ages. As for paintings, the Song must claim the top spot!"

Ming dynasty, during the Jiajing era.

Emperor Jiajing Zhu Houcong had just taken his elixir and was meditating when he saw the celestial list change, and he let out a slight sigh of relief.

The Corrupt Official List made his heart race (Yan Song, Liu Jin).

This Famous Painting List, at least, wasn't that thrilling.

"Famous paintings… longevity… hmm, if I could obtain a few authentic ancient masterpieces to study, perhaps they would benefit my cultivation…"

He began to tally the inventory of the Imperial Treasury and the list of famous paintings contributed from across the realm.

Qing dynasty, Beijing, the Forbidden City, Southern Study.

Emperor Qianlong Hongli was appraising a newly acquired 'Ancient Painting' when he saw the celestial display; he was first stunned, then showed a restrained yet confident smile.

"Famous Painting List? The Qing's wealth of stored paintings surpasses all under heaven."

"The Imperial Treasury's collection of historic masterpieces numbers far more than ten thousand."

"Lang Shining's 'Hundred Steeds', a blend of Chinese and Western styles, is novel; it could make the list."

"As for the ten‑year longevity… Heh, I am rich across the four seas; why would I care about a mere ten years?"

"Nevertheless, showcasing the Qing's cultural achievements would be fine."

He Shen (now demoted) stood nearby with hands at his sides, daring not to speak, while silently pondering whether presenting a famous painting could regain the emperor's favor.

Great Tang, a mountain‑forest cottage somewhere.

The "Painting Sage" Wu Daozi was drinking; his drunken eyes saw the celestial display and scoffed, "Famous Painting List? Longevity? Trivial!"

"I, old Wu, paint for the sheer joy! Whether it grants longevity or not, wine matters more!"

Having said that, he gulped another large mouthful, lifted his brush, and began splashing paint on the wall; the brush strokes flowed like dragons and snakes, as if aided by a spirit.

The whole army launched a three‑pronged attack