Chapter 351

【Beside Jia Yu, a Confucian scholar hung a sneer on his lips and teased: "Painting a dragon, one must avoid dotting the eyes, otherwise the dragon will soar to the nine heavens and never return..." After speaking, he looked at the crowd with a smile that wasn't quite a smile.】

【"Hmph, such fallacies—you dare to speak them openly, Xie Guan? It's truly laughable," another Confucian scholar scoffed, full of disdain.】

【"If we don't apply the dotting, let's call this round a draw; no one wins or loses, let's seek harmony—how about that?"】

【Jia Yu, however, stared deeply at the drawing on Xie Guan's table, his face stunned and silent, unable to speak. If he dots the eyes, will it really break through the paper?】

【Zhang Yuanlai felt it was infuriating; it was obvious that Xie Guan had won clearly and plainly, yet they were being fooled by the clever arguments of these few people, and he was just about to speak up to argue based on reason.】

【Just at this moment!】

【A voice rang out leisurely; although not loud, it contained an indescribable nobility and majesty, instantly suppressing the noise in the room.】

【"I wonder if you would be willing to part with this painting."】

【The few people hadn't reacted yet.】

【Jia Yu's heart trembled violently; he seemed to have heard this voice somewhere before—it sounded familiar. He turned abruptly, his gaze following the sound, only to see a young man standing on the side of the path in Area C of the Fragrant Garden, not knowing when he had arrived.】

【The man was dressed in purple sable fur, the cuffs edged with gold thread, making his posture upright like pine and bamboo, his hands leisurely behind his back, making him look even more elegant.】

【His face was handsome, his sword-like eyebrows slanting into his temples, and between his brows, he revealed a coldness and nobility that could not be violated.】

【Behind the man followed an old eunuch in a red robe, bowing and stooping; the old man's face was aged, his chin smooth and hairless, and a pair of triangular eyes flashed with a sinister light, sharp as a hawk, making people feel a chill in their hearts.】

【Jia Yu's face changed drastically; he had just spat out a "Feng…," when he was interrupted by the young man's light wave of his hand.】

【Jia Yu didn't dare to speak again.】

【Zhang Yuanlai's curiosity grew even more; who exactly was this young man?】

【Li Li Shijun caught a glimpse of Jia Yu's expression, and she already had a few guesses in her heart.】

【The young man's steps were steady as he paced slowly to the table, looked at the "Cloud and Rain Dragon-Exploring Picture," and examined it carefully, his eyes flashing with appreciation.】

【"After dotting the eyes, the dragon will fly out—this is no empty talk."】

【He turned to Jia Yu, his tone peaceful yet unquestionable, "Jia Yu, your painting cannot compare to this; you lost—do you still have any dissatisfaction in your heart?"】

【Once these words were spoken, it was like a hammer blow, settling the matter for this competition.】

【The two Confucian scholars beside Jia Yu wanted to argue, but seeing Jia Yu had already taken the lead, bowing and saluting with a sincere expression: "I lost; I am convinced of my defeat."】

【The two Confucian scholars saw this and understood Jia Yu's awe; neither of them were fools, so they naturally guessed that this young man's status was extraordinary and that Jia Yu feared him.】

【Li Li Xiangjun saw this and confirmed the man's identity, her eyes holding a bit more solemnity and awe.】

【The young man stared at the painting, his eyes revealing amazement, and said softly: "This painting touches my heart; I am willing to buy it for ten thousand gold—would you be willing to part with it?"】

【"Ten thousand gold!"】

【Once these words were spoken, everyone present was stunned, inwardly marveling at the generosity of the offer.】

【The people around had surprised expressions; how could a painting made with splashed ink be worth ten thousand gold?】

【You, however, did not answer.】

【The young prince smiled, "My words have always been as heavy as nine tripods; if you think ten thousand gold is not enough, tell me what other wishes you have—whether you want to be an official or a general, I can handle it."】

【Once these words were spoken, an indescribable boldness arose; in this bustling and noisy Above Bianjing city, few dared to make such a heavy promise so easily.】

【Boasting such a big claim!】

【Combined with the nobility he carried, for some reason, the people around inexplicably believed him a little.】

【The young man's gaze fell on the painting again, his brows slightly furrowed, as if exploring the deep meaning within: "What is the meaning of this painting? What is the interpretation of the dragon hiding between the clouds and mist?"】

【"Dragon's roar and tiger's whistle, phoenix soaring and luan flying—this is the spirit of a great man."】

【"The dragon in the deep abyss is 'the hidden dragon, do not use,' a meaning of crouching; the dragon hides in the deep sea, its heroic ambitions temporarily buried. Just wait for the day of wind and thunder, to stretch out one's ten-thousand-mile embrace."】

【"This dragon is not in the deep abyss; the flying dragon is in the sky but does not reveal its true body—what is the meaning of hiding in the clouds and mist?"】

【You looked at this noble prince, a flash of contemplation in your eyes, and then spoke slowly: "The dragon is in the long sky, 'the dragon is seen in the field,' it is beneficial to see the great man. Long have I held high ambitions; a man should act decisively—although the time is not yet ripe, one can still test one's skills."】

【The young man heard this, his eyes flickering, his mouth chewing over the words: "The dragon is seen in the field… one can still test one's skills."】

【He suddenly smiled, his eyes full of a unique radiance. "The value of this picture is worth more than ten thousand gold!"】

【"Young Master, why don't you name a price."】

【The young man stood with his hands behind his back, the old man in the red robe behind him still bowing.】

【Everyone looked at you.】

【Li Li Shijun intended to remind you, but seeing the young man was interested, she didn't speak.】

【Jia Yu's face grew even gloomier; this noble person came here and spoke like this—it was clearly because he valued Xie Guan.】

【As long as Xie Guan agreed slightly, wealth and glory would be within reach.】

【The people present were not fools; from the words and actions of this noble prince, they had already vaguely sensed his extraordinary status.】

【However!】

【You just shook your head lightly, "I have already decided to give this painting to someone else, so I am sorry."】

【Give it to someone else?】

【Everyone present felt strange in their hearts.】

【You gently rolled up the painting on the table and handed it to Zhou Zhou Yuner beside you.】

【Zhou Zhou Yuner looked at the painting Xie Guan handed over, looked up, and saw the youth's smiling eyes, her heart trembling.】

【"Young Master Guan, is this for me?"】

【"Thank you for grinding the ink for me just now, Miss Zhou Yuner; this painting is a token of my gratitude."】

【Zhou Zhou Yuner heard this, her expression dazed, a red glow rising on her face; she had received gifts from many men, but today, this painting hit her heart like a little deer.】

【"Thank you, Young Master; I will definitely cherish this painting."】

【Li Li Xiangjun's beautiful eyes held a complex expression.】

【The young prince heard this, his eyes moving slightly, seemingly surprised by your decision.】

【"I see you are dressed plainly, Young Master, so you surely don't come from a famous family. Now that ten thousand gold is before you, and a bright future is also in sight, shouldn't you consider it again?"】

【Just suddenly!】

【Someone in the room exclaimed, "It's His Highness Feng!"】

【"It really is His Highness Feng!"】

【His Highness Feng!】

【Zhang Yuanlai and He Xiao's faces changed; in Above Bianjing, there seemed to be only one person who could be called His Highness Feng.】

【The Second Prince, Chen Feng, was one of the few powerful princes.】

【Jia Yu hurriedly bowed and saluted, "Jia Yu, greetings, Your Highness Feng."】

【He had joined the poetry society founded by the Second Prince, so naturally, he had met this Second Prince.】

【The Second Prince, Chen Feng, was often followed by an old eunuch in a red robe when walking in Above Bianjing.】

【It was just strange; this Second Prince should logically be at the Yao Li Xian Pavilion—why would he appear here?】

【Zhang Yuanlai and the others didn't dare to be the least bit negligent, hurriedly bowing respectfully.】

【Feng Yaya, Li Li Xiangjun, Zhou Zhou Yuner, and other women also bowed gracefully; they knew well the status and power of the Second Prince Chen Feng in the court and didn't dare to be the least bit presumptuous.】

【Dozens of people nearby bowed down in excitement.】

【The Second Prince, Chen Feng, was born intelligent; he studied at the academy when he was young, and was proficient in music, chess, calligraphy, painting, politics, and strategy, and even his martial arts and Primordial Spirit cultivation were the best among his peers.】

【Now, following the downfall of the previous Crown Prince, the Second Prince, who was not originally favored, had cultivated his own party in the court.】

【He already vaguely had the intention of entering the Eastern Palace.】

【Naturally, you didn't dare to be arrogant, following the crowd in bowing.】

【Chen Feng saw his identity was exposed and a helpless smile appeared on his face, "It's boring; I didn't expect to be recognized after all."】

【Immediately, his gaze fell on you again, a playful smile hooking the corners of his mouth: "Young Master, since you already know my identity, then now, how will you choose? Will you sell the painting to me?"】

【Zhou Zhou Yuner also hurriedly handed the painting back to you, "Young Master Guan, this painting is truly too precious; I cannot accept it."】

【She was not a woman of short-sighted vision; she naturally knew that "this painting" concerned your future. If you were favored by the Second Prince, your future as an official or in the imperial examinations would be much more stable.】

【Facing this matter, you decided to…】

1. Give this painting to the Second Prince Chen Feng. (Hint: Possibly unfavorable for the future, offending the noble.)

2. Give this painting to Zhou Zhou Yuner as before. (Hint: Favorable for the future, gaining the noble's favor.)

3. Keep this painting for yourself. (Hint: No impact on the future.)

4. Participate personally. (0/3)

The great cauldron rang slowly, emitting ten thousand rays of light.

Yu Ke looked at the four options above.

Judging from the hints, there was no hesitation; he chose directly.

2. Give this painting to Zhou Zhou Yuner as before. (Hint: Favorable for the future, gaining the noble's favor.)

【You just pushed the painting back to Zhou Zhou Yuner, turned around, looked at this Second Prince Chen Feng, and said slowly:】

【"Please forgive me, Your Highness; I have already given this painting away, and there is no reason to take it back."】

【Once these words were spoken.】

【Jia Yu's eyes were filled with disbelief; if Xie Guan hadn't known the Second Prince's identity just now, refusing would have been understandable.】

【Now the Second Prince is asking for the painting in person, promising wealth and glory, and he just refuses like that?】

【Zhang Yuanlai also felt it was a great pity; he knew the situation of this Young Master Guan in the Xie family, and if he could get the Second Prince's help, he would have a chance to escape the quagmire.】

【However, your temperament was such that once you made a decision, it was as firm as a rock.】

【Chen Feng smiled, "You don't care about gold and silver wealth?"】

【"Don't you care about official titles and glory?"】

【You looked at this Second Prince; although he was wearing a gorgeous purple sable fur coat, he had an exquisite sachet hanging from his waist, clearly a gift from a woman.】

【You suddenly smiled and said: "It's not that I don't care about the fame and fortune of the world."】

【"It's just that Your Highness said this painting is worth ten thousand gold, but in my eyes, it is not as good as a beauty's smile."】

【"During the Warring States period, King You, to win a beauty's smile, did not hesitate to light the beacon fires to tease the feudal lords."】

【"Now, Xie Guan can also be considered to have accomplished a beautiful story."】

【Zhou Zhou Yuner heard this, her face flushed, and even her neck turned red.】

【Xie Guan compared himself to the king and said these words—how could she not be shy?】

【Li Li Xiangjun's beautiful eyes were stunned; she didn't expect Xie Guan could go this far, abandoning ten thousand gold and his future, just to win a beauty's smile.】

【Feng Yaya looked at Zhou Zhou Yuner's infatuated expression; this was the first time she had seen Sister Zhou Yuner show such a shy, daughterly state, clearly having fallen in love for real.】

【What was surprising was that this Second Prince not only showed no anger, but a hearty smile appeared on his face instead.】

【"Young Master is truly a romantic figure; you are just like me."】

【"Fame and fortune are empty in the end; the sincerity of a woman in this world is what should never be let down."】

【"May I ask your name, Young Master?"】

【You answered slowly: "I am Xie Guan."】

【Chen Feng was stunned: "Xie Guan? Could it be the Xie Guan who shocked Above Bianjing not long ago with half a broken poem?"】

【"That's a coincidence; I have heard both the Regional Commander General Sima and Minister Tang mention you. Seeing you today, you are indeed worthy of your reputation."】

【Chen Feng smiled, "Xie Guan, you are welcome to visit my residence."】

【He looked regretfully at the painting in Zhou Zhou Yuner's hand, then left without any hesitation.】

【The people around hurriedly bowed and saluted.】

【The old eunuch in the red robe behind Chen Feng looked at you deeply, and you suddenly felt as if you were on pins and needles, a strange, sinister energy quietly attacking you.】

【You silently operated the "Spirit Turtle Talisman of the Nourishing Will Method" from the seven arts of the "Yin Fu Jing"; this talisman has the effect of calming the heart, and when used correctly, it can calm the heart and generate wisdom, suppressing the spirit.】

【The sinister energy dissipated in an instant, having no effect on you, but you could still feel that this old eunuch's cultivation was extremely profound, and his martial arts strength might have reached the upper three ranks, on par with that lame old man.】

【You had heard Xie Yuan mention that there were several eunuchs in the imperial palace with ninth-rank martial arts.】

【After losing their "human roots," their cultivation became increasingly sinister, but their cultivation speed was extremely fast.】

【At the Fragrant Banquet today, you met several martial arts experts, including many upper-three-rank powerhouses, which is rare in Above Bianjing. There were even grandmaster-level figures like the Demon Master and Master Master Lianchi present.】

【Jia Yu witnessed the Second Prince's departure, especially his praise for Xie Guan at the end; clearly, if Xie Guan joined the Second Prince's camp, he would definitely be heavily used.】

【He felt lost; he didn't know how much effort he had spent to join the Second Prince's camp, yet it couldn't compare to Xie Guan's painting.】

【Zhou Zhou Yuner said apologetically: "This time it is Zhou Yuner who has let you down, Young Master Guan; otherwise, with your talent, getting the Second Prince's appreciation would surely have led to a bright future."】

【You looked at Zhou Zhou Yuner and said with a smile: "Miss Zhou Yuner, don't take it to heart."】

【Zhou Zhou Yuner lowered her head shyly and said softly: "I wonder if you could visit Yuehua Pavilion after the Fragrant Banquet ends, Young Master Guan?"】

【Her voice was as thin as a mosquito's, "Zhou Yuner is willing to sweep the bed and welcome you."】

【"Zhou Yuner is still a virgin; I hope you will cherish me, Young Master."】

【He Xiao looked at her graceful figure, the plumpness revealed at her open collar, and hearing these words, he couldn't help but feel extremely envious.】

(End of Chapter)