Chapter 498

Princess Anping had originally been worried that Hu Xiaotian would embarrass himself on the spot, but when she saw the two paintings she could hardly believe her eyes—Hu Xiaotian had painted himself so lifelike, like a mirror image, and remarkably he could even capture the person's gaze; the eyes in the painting seemed to be looking at her and smiling.

Not only Princess Anping thought that way; everyone present was stunned by the painting, each person feeling that the figure in the painting was looking at them.

Wu Jingshan had already seen Wen Boyuan's painting before, so he of course knew whose works these two paintings were; he secretly sighed, "It's over! This Hu Xiaotian is truly not a mortal; this kid is really unfathomable—how can someone paint to this extent? Amazing, truly amazing!"

The voting began, with Ziju being the first to walk over and place a copper coin in the bowl beneath Hu Xiaotian's sketch; then everyone voted in order, each person pausing before Hu Xiaotian's drawing for a moment, after which the sound of coins clinking rang continuously, most coins landing in the bowl beneath Hu Xiaotian's sketch, only a few scattered ones landing in the bowl beneath Wen Boyuan's work.

Seeing the scene before him, Wen Boyuan's face grew increasingly grim, finally turning completely ashen.

Wu Jingshan said, "Why not invite the warriors outside to come in and vote?" Actually he also understood that even if more people came, the result would be the same, because Hu Xiaotian's painting was simply too lifelike; if one looked longer, true connoisseurs would still lean toward Wen Boyuan's painting, and those who came to vote were basing their decision on first impressions—naturally they voted for whoever looked more like the subject.

As Hu Xiaotian's bowl beneath his painting filled up, the larger bowl beneath Wen Boyuan's work barely had enough coins to cover its bottom.

Hu Xiaotian smiled narrowly at Wen Boyuan, thinking, "If we compete, I'll crush you in a split second—though winning this way isn't honorable, it's still an overwhelming advantage." He stepped close to Wen Boyuan and whispered, "Do you concede or not?"

Wen Boyuan bit his lip, his eyes almost blazing with fire.

Wu Jingshan saw the situation turning bad, hurried forward to act as peacemaker: "I think we don't need to compare after all; actually calligraphy and painting aren't meant to be compared, two different styles—how could they be compared? And how could a proper judgment be made?"

Hu Xiaotian laughed heartily: "Sir Wu, I already knew you'd say that; if today I and General Wen had switched positions, would you still say the same?"

Er...

Hu Xiaotian didn't let him speak, interrupting: "A bet's a bet, General Wen—what did we say last night on Viewing Ripples Street?"

Wen Boyuan certainly remembered clearly. Hu Xiaotian was referring to the agreement that whoever lost would have to bark like a dog; a scholar may be killed but not humiliated—how could he open his mouth in front of so many colleagues and subordinates? If he really had to bark like a dog in public, how could he ever face the world again? Wen Boyuan clenched his fists tightly, his finger joints cracking like firecrackers.

Hu Xiaotian exaggeratedly stepped back: "What? Still want to hit someone? General Wen, you're not afraid of losing, are you?"

At this moment Princess Anping spoke: "I think Sir Wu is right—actually calligraphy and painting aren't meant to be compared. To me these two paintings show no clear superiority; turning such an elegant matter into a confrontation is utterly tasteless. All right, let's end this here—anyone who still talks about winning or losing is not giving me face. Ziju, let's go!" She seemed angry, rose and walked away. After a few steps she added, "Hu Xiaotian, come with me!"

Wen Boyuan inwardly breathed a sigh of relief—he truly hadn't expected Hu Xiaotian to beat him, let alone that Princess Anping would speak up for him at the last moment, defusing the embarrassment. After Hu Xiaotian was called away, naturally no one pressed him to bark like a dog; he had finally escaped the ordeal.

Wu Jingshan also broke a sweat for Wen Boyuan—young people are young after all; they had barely accumulated a bit of reputation, only a little away from being ruined completely by a petty eunuch. Therefore one must never underestimate an opponent; carelessness can easily lead to disaster.

Wang Wenyou had someone collect the two paintings and send them to Princess Anping; they dared not keep her portrait casually. After this incident Wang Wenyou finally understood why Ji Feihua valued Hu Xiaotian so highly—despite his youth, this young man truly possessed extraordinary talent; if it weren't for Long Xi Yue giving him a way out at the last moment, Wen Boyuan's fall would have been far heavier.

Hu Xiaotian followed Long Xi Yue into her room, turned and shut the door. Feigning anger, he said, "Well, at the crucial moment you actually turned against me, taking that brat's side."

Long Xi Yue bit her cherry lip, a little embarrassed as she approached, gathered her courage, wrapped her arms around Hu Xiaotian's neck, and offered a proactive kiss—the first time ever. Hu Xiaotian felt delighted inside; since she had taken the initiative, he would not be discourteous, using lips and tongue together to serve this beautiful princess, eliciting soft moans and panting, her limbs going limp, her delicate body helplessly leaning against him, she whispered softly, "You scoundrel, I really love you to death."

Hu Xiaotian laughed, "Are you still going to elbow outward?" Actually he understood in his heart that Princess Anping was worried he would provoke Wen Boyuan, create a strong enemy, and there would be danger along the way.

Long Xi Yue said softly, "Spare others when you can; you've already won face, why press the advantage? Even if we can't gain another friend, there's no need to make another enemy. Xiao Tian, everyone's heart has always been proud of you, and even now it still beats excitedly."

Hu Xiaotian said, "Empty words aren't proof—let me feel!" This fellow said it and did it, reaching out to grab Long Xi Yue's left breast; perhaps he used too much force, she grunted in pain, her brows furrowing.

Hu Xiaotian hastily let go: "I couldn't help myself, Princess, please forgive me—did I hurt you?"

Long Xi Yue punched his chest, somewhat embarrassed, saying, "These past two days I've felt some swelling and pain, it should be—" She was too shy to speak further, pressing her forehead against Hu Xiaotian's shoulder, blushing as she clenched her fists and kept pounding his chest.

Hu Xiaotian seized her wrist and whispered, "Is your period coming?"

Long Xi Yue nodded, not daring to look at Hu Xiaotian, thinking, "Is this guy even human? He even guessed such a private matter."

Hu Xiaotian secretly thought, "Then wouldn't these two days be the safe period?"

Long Xi Yue had no idea this rascal harbored so many thoughts; she leaned to his ear and whispered softly, "Xi Yue feels proud of you—you are the very best man in this world."

Hu Xiaotian was softened by the princess's gentle words, his bones turning to jelly; he embraced her slender waist, pulling her close against him: "When I have time and opportunity, I'll paint a nude portrait of you, all right?"

Long Xi Yue's pretty face flushed, her eyelashes fluttered once, and she let out a soft hum from her jade-like nose.

Hu Xiaotian pushed further: "Without clothes…"

Long Xi Yue buried her pretty face in his chest, feeling her skin almost about to ignite: "Do whatever you want."

Hearing those words, Hu Xiaotian's blood boiled even more; he wished he could throw the beautiful princess onto the bed right away and take her thoroughly, but just then he heard Snowball's call from outside. He instantly snapped to awareness; Long Xi Yue reacted even faster, breaking free of his embrace, afraid he would see her bashful state, she quickly turned away.

Hu Xiaotian said, "Your Highness, I'll take my leave for now; I'll come see you again tonight."

Long Xi Yue hummed in agreement, her heart full of reluctance, yet she knew that under the current circumstances they could not openly be together, constantly affectionate; she composed herself and said softly, "Whatever you do, be careful."

Hu Xiaotian smiled, "Rest assured, Princess, I will never let you worry about me again."

Hu Xiaotian stepped outside, only to see Wang Wenyou personally delivering the two paintings; from afar Wang Wenyou clasped his hands and bowed to Hu Xiaotian, saying, "Sir Hu, your superb brushwork truly leaves this official in awe."

Hu Xiaotian chuckled, "Such petty tricks are only fit to make Sir Wang laugh."

"Sir Hu is being overly modest," Wang Wenyou replied, "I've lived half a century and seen many masterpieces, yet a work as splendid as Sir Hu's I have never seen before." His words, though flattering, were also truthful; Hu Xiaotian's painting style could be described as unheard of and unseen.

Hu Xiaotian said, "It's just a different style—mine emphasizes realism, while traditional painting emphasizes artistic conception. In terms of lifelike accuracy I should have a slight edge, but regarding artistic conception I am actually far inferior to traditional methods; still, compared to Wen Boyuan I am infinitely superior."

Wang Wenyou smiled faintly; it seemed the conflict between Hu Xiaotian and Wen Boyuan could not be resolved. Although Princess Anping had intervened today to temporarily calm the matter, allowing Wen Boyuan to escape the embarrassment of barking like a dog, their grudge would likely deepen. Wang Wenyou did not know the detailed circumstances, only that Wen Boyuan and Hu Xiaotian represented different interest groups. He handed the two paintings to Hu Xiaotian, who called over the nearby Ziju, instructing her to take his own painting to give to the princess; as for Wen Boyuan's painting, he told Ziju to tear it up and throw it away.

Wang Wenyou watched, inwardly amused—Hu Xiaotian's actions were truly ruthless; if this reached Wen Boyuan's ears, he'd probably be so angry he'd vomit three piculs of blood.

Hu Xiaotian had no qualms; when instructing Ziju he deliberately spoke loudly, clearly so the warriors outside could hear and report back to Wen Boyuan. After finishing, he turned to Wang Wenyou and said, "Sir Wang, there's something else I'd like to ask you to help with."

Wang Wenyou nodded and said, "Sir Hu, please command; I will certainly do my utmost."

Hu Xiaotian said, "Last night I ran into an old friend in Tianbo City; now he's wandering the streets in dire straits…" He paused deliberately there.

Wang Wenyou replied, "Sir Hu, rest assured—I'll take care of this; just tell me his current address and I'll have someone arrange it right away." (To be continued~^~)