Chapter 612: Second Prince Chen Feng, Sweeps the Couch to Welcome!

Beside Jia Yu, a Confucian scholar smirked, teasing, "A dragon painting must never be given eyes—otherwise, it will soar to the nine heavens and never return…" He gazed at the crowd with a half-smile.

"Hmph, such nonsense—how dare you, Xie Guan, speak it so boldly? It's laughable," another Confucian sneered, face brimming with contempt.

"If we don't add the eyes, let's call it a draw—no winner, no loser. Isn't that better for harmony?"

Jia Yu stared deeply at the parchment on Xie Guan's table, expression stunned and silent. Would adding the eyes make the dragon burst free?

Zhang Yuanlai seethed inside—clearly, Xie Guan had already won outright, yet these men had twisted words to obscure the truth. He prepared to argue fiercely.

Just then!

A voice drifted softly through the air—not loud, yet brimming with an indescribable nobility and authority, instantly silencing the clamor.

"Might I beg for the privilege of acquiring this painting?"

None had yet reacted.

Jia Yu's heart jolted—this voice, he had heard it before, familiar. He spun around, eyes following the sound, and saw, beside the path in Section C of Qunfang Garden, a young man standing there as if he had always been there.

The man wore purple robes lined with gold thread, his figure upright as pine and bamboo, hands casually clasped behind his back, exuding effortless grace.

His face was handsome, eyebrows sharp and slanting upward, his bearing radiating an unyielding cold dignity.

Behind him followed a bent-over elder in crimson robes—his face aged, chin clean-shaven, his triangular eyes gleaming with predatory cunning, like a hawk's, sending chills through all who met his gaze.

Jia Yu's lips parted to utter "Feng…" but the young man raised a hand, gently halting him.

Jia Yu dared not speak again.

Zhang Yuanlai's curiosity deepened—who was this young man?

Li Shijun, catching Jia Yu's expression, already suspected the truth.

The young man walked steadily to the table, gazed at the "Cloud and Mist Seeking Dragon" painting, studied it closely, his eyes alight with admiration.

"To add the eyes and set the dragon free—this is no falsehood."

He turned to Jia Yu, voice calm yet absolute: "Jia Yu, your painting cannot compare. You lost. Do you still harbor resentment?"

His words settled the contest like a final hammer blow.

The two Confucians beside Jia Yu opened their mouths to protest—but Jia Yu stepped forward first, bowing deeply, voice sincere: "I have lost. I accept it wholeheartedly."

Seeing this, the two scholars understood Jia Yu's awe. They were no fools—they instantly grasped the young man's extraordinary status, and why Jia Yu feared him.

Li Xiangjun, witnessing this, confirmed the man's identity in her heart. Her eyes grew heavier with reverence.

The young man stared at the painting, eyes filled with wonder, and murmured: "This painting speaks to my soul. I offer ten thousand taels for it. Will you part with it?"

"Ten thousand taels!"

The words stunned everyone present. Whispers of astonishment rippled through the crowd—such extravagance was unthinkable.

Those nearby stared in disbelief. How could a simple ink painting possibly be worth ten thousand taels?

You said nothing.

The young lord smiled. "I never break my word. If ten thousand taels are insufficient, name any wish—office, command—I can grant it."

His words carried an unmatched boldness. In the glittering, bustling capital of Bianjing, few dared make such a promise so lightly.

Such a boast!

Yet, paired with his noble bearing, something in his presence made those around him strangely believe him.

The young man's gaze returned to the painting, brows slightly furrowed as if probing its depths: "What is the meaning of this? The dragon hidden in clouds and mist—what does it signify?"

"The dragon's roar, the tiger's howl, the phoenix's flight, the mandarin duck's dance—these are the airs of a true man."

"The dragon in the abyss is the latent dragon, biding its time. It lies deep in the sea, its great ambition temporarily buried. Wait for the storm and thunder—then it will stretch its wings across ten thousand li."

"But this dragon is not in the abyss. It flies in the heavens, yet hides its true form within the clouds—why?"

You looked at the noble young lord, a flicker of thought in your eyes, then spoke slowly: "The dragon in the sky, seen in the fields—favorable to meet the great man. Long have I held lofty ambitions. A true man seizes opportunity—even if timing is not ripe, a butcher's knife may still make a small cut."

The young man listened, his eyes glinting as he murmured the phrases again: "Seen in the fields… even a butcher's knife may make a small cut."

Suddenly, he laughed, his gaze alight with unusual brilliance. "This painting's worth cannot be measured in ten thousand taels!"

"My lord, name your price."

The young man stood with hands behind his back; the crimson-robed elder remained bowed.

All eyes turned to you.

Li Shijun meant to warn you—but seeing the young man's keen interest, she stayed silent.

Jia Yu's face darkened further. This nobleman had come here, spoken thus—clearly, he favored Xie Guan.

If Xie Guan merely nodded, wealth and glory lay within reach.

The crowd, no less astute, had already sensed the young lord's extraordinary status from his bearing and words.

Yet!

You simply shook your head. "I've already decided to give this painting away. I'm sorry."

Give it away?

Everyone present was puzzled.

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

Zhou Yuner stared at the painting you offered, then looked up into the boy's smiling eyes—and her heart trembled.

"Master Guan, is this for me?"

"Thank you for grinding my ink just now. This painting is my thanks."

Zhou Yuner heard him, dazed, cheeks flushed crimson. She had received many gifts from men—but this painting struck her heart like a startled deer.

"Thank you, Master. I shall treasure this painting with all my care."

Li Xiangjun's beautiful eyes held complex emotion.

The young lord's gaze shifted slightly—he seemed surprised by your choice.

"I see your attire is plain. You're no scion of a noble house. Ten thousand taels lie before you, a brilliant future within grasp—surely you must reconsider?"

Suddenly!

Someone in the crowd gasped: "It's Prince Feng!"

"It truly is Prince Feng!"

Prince Feng!

Zhang Yuanlai and He Xiao paled. In Bianjing, only one man could be called Prince Feng.

The Second Prince, Chen Feng, was among the most powerful princes now.

Jia Yu immediately bowed low: "Jia Yu, greetings to Prince Feng."

He had joined the poetry society sponsored by the Second Prince—he had met him before.

The Second Prince Chen Feng was always accompanied by an elderly eunuch in crimson robes when walking through Bianjing.

Yet strangely—why was he here, instead of at Yaoxian Pavilion?

Zhang Yuanlai and the others dared not delay—they bowed respectfully.

Feng Yaya, Li Xiangjun, Zhou Yuner, and the other women also curtsied deeply. They knew full well the Second Prince Chen Feng's power and influence in court—none dared slight him.

Dozens nearby, eyes alight with excitement, bowed instantly.

The Second Prince Chen Feng was born brilliant. As a child, he studied in academies, excelling in music, chess, calligraphy, painting, statecraft, strategy—and even martial cultivation and primordial spirit were unmatched among his peers.

Since the former Crown Prince's fall, the once-overlooked Second Prince had swiftly gathered court factions.

He now secretly harbored ambitions to enter the Eastern Palace.

You dared not be arrogant—you bowed with the rest.

Chen Feng, his identity exposed, offered a wry smile: "How dull. I never expected to be recognized."

Then his gaze returned to you, lips curling into a playful smirk: "Sir, now that you know my identity—how will you choose? Will you sell me the painting?"

Zhou Yuner quickly returned the painting to you. "Master Guan, this painting is far too precious. I cannot accept it."

She was no shallow girl—she knew this painting concerned your future. If the Second Prince favored you, your path to office or the imperial exams would be far smoother.

Faced with this, you decide…

1. Give the painting to Second Prince Chen Feng. (Hint: May harm future prospects, anger the nobleman.)

2. Give the painting to Zhou Yuner as before. (Hint: Benefits future prospects, earns the nobleman's regard.)

3. Keep the painting yourself. (Hint: No effect on future.)

4. Act personally. (0/3)

The great tripod slowly tolled, spilling forth ten thousand rays of radiant light.

Yu Ke stared at the four options.

From the hints, no hesitation—he chose directly.

2. Give the painting to Zhou Yuner as before. (Hint: Benefits future prospects, earns the nobleman's regard.)

You pushed the painting back to Zhou Yuner, turned to the Second Prince Chen Feng, and spoke slowly:

"I beg Your Highness's pardon, but the painting has already been given away—I cannot take it back."

At these words,

Jia Yu's eyes widened in disbelief. If Xie Guan had refused before knowing the Second Prince's identity, it might have been understandable.

But now—the Second Prince himself had asked face-to-face, offered wealth and glory—and still he refused?

Zhang Yuanlai felt deep regret—he knew how lowly Xie Guan stood in the Xie family. With the Second Prince's aid, he could escape his pit.

But your nature was firm—once decided, unshakable as stone.

Chen Feng smiled. "You care nothing for gold and silver?"

"Nor for promotion, rank, or glory?"

You looked at the Second Prince—though he wore luxurious purple fur robes, his waist bore a delicate incense pouch, clearly gifted by a woman.

You suddenly smiled and said, "It's not that I don't care about worldly fame and fortune."

"But Prince Feng said this painting is worth ten thousand taels; to me, it's worth less than a beauty's smile."

"During the Warring States period, King You lit beacon fires just to make a beauty smile, deceiving the feudal lords."

"Now, Xie Guan has accomplished a fine tale."

After hearing this, Zhou Yuner's face flushed crimson, even her neck turning red.

Xie Guan had compared himself to a beauty and spoken these words—how could she not be shy?

Li Xiangjun's eyes widened in surprise; she never expected Xie Guan could go so far—abandoning ten thousand taels and his future just to win a beauty's smile.

Feng Yaya watched Zhou Yuner's dazed expression—this was the first time she'd seen Yuner display such tender feminine shyness, clearly her heart had been won.

Surprisingly, the Second Prince showed no anger at all; instead, a bright smile spread across his face.

"Young Master is truly a man of romance—just like me."

"Fame and fortune are ultimately empty; a woman's true heart is the one thing never to be betrayed."

"May I ask your esteemed name, Young Master?"

You replied slowly, "I am Xie Guan."

Chen Feng froze: "Xie Guan? Could you be the Xie Guan who shook Bianjing with just half a broken verse not long ago?"

"How coincidental—I've heard both Commander Sima and Minister Tang speak of you. Now that I've met you, your reputation is well deserved."

Chen Feng laughed, "Xie Guan, do come visit my estate."

He cast a regretful glance at the painting in Zhou Yuner's hands, then took his leave without delay.

Those nearby immediately bowed deeply.

Behind Chen Feng, the old eunuch in the bright red robe stared at you intently—you instantly felt as if thorns pricked your back, a strange cold aura creeping upon you.

You silently activated the "Nourishing Will Method of the Spirit Turtle Talisman" from the Yin Fu Jing's Seven Arts—this talisman calms the mind; when properly used, it brings clarity and steadies the spirit.

The cold aura vanished instantly, leaving no trace—but you still sensed the old eunuch's cultivation was extraordinarily profound; his martial prowess likely reached the Upper Third Rank, on par with the lame old man.

You had once heard Xie Yuan mention that the imperial palace housed several martial eunuchs of the Ninth Rank.

After losing their "manhood," they cultivated with increasing cruelty, yet their progress was astonishingly swift.

At today's Gathering of Beauties, you encountered several martial experts, including multiple Upper Third Rank masters—rare in Bianjing. Even Grand Masters like the Demon Master and Lotus Pool Master were present.

Jia Yu witnessed the Second Prince's departure, especially his final praise of Xie Guan—clearly, if Xie Guan joined the Second Prince's faction, he would be heavily favored.

He felt a pang of disappointment; he had spent countless efforts to join the Second Prince's circle, yet he was outshone by a single painting from Xie Guan.

Zhou Yuner apologized, "This time, Yuner has wronged Young Master Xie. Had it not been for me, with your talent, the Second Prince would surely have taken notice and your future would have been bright."

You looked at Zhou Yuner and smiled, "Miss Yuner, don't worry about it."

Zhou Yuner lowered her head shyly and whispered, "After the Gathering of Beauties ends, might Young Master visit Yuehua Pavilion?"

Her voice was as faint as a mosquito's buzz, "Yuner will sweep the bed and welcome you."

"Yuner is still a virgin—please, Young Master, be gentle with Yuner."

He Xiao, watching her graceful figure and the full, rounded curves revealed by her open chest, heard these words and felt overwhelming envy.

(End of Chapter)