Chapter 97: Lying Flat?

No matter how conflicted Qingyi Daozhang felt upon seeing the register, Wen Gu was in quite a good mood.

Once again, he made his uncle and the others realize the importance of craftsmen, especially master craftsmen skilled in the art of grinding; they could save countless hours and manpower, and could even turn the tide of a situation!

As more and more technical secrets were involved, would they continue to feel at ease using craftsmen from other families?

If there were no craftsmen, go find them!

Go cultivate them!!

What was most important to all parties right now?

Time!

Winter would soon pass, and with the weather about to warm up, when the bitter cold no longer offered protection and all things began to revive, they would have to face another round of threats.

The number of survivors wandering in various places would once again plummet. Whether through death or mutation into evil things, it was disadvantageous for everyone.

Wen Gu went back to continue organizing his plans for after the New Year.

He pondered whether he should provide his uncle and cousin with some more positive guidance to achieve their common goals.

Soon, it was New Year's Eve.

Aside from the masters of this grand residence, the Zhao Family's New Year banquet included some special and important relatives and friends. For instance, a few members of the Zhao clan.

Most of the Zhao clan members lived in Zhaohui Fang. And the people in Zhaohui Fang had never had a good attitude toward Wen Gu.

Power in Xinzhou was concentrated in the hands of the Zhao father and son; regardless of whether they were paternal or maternal cousins, they could get some care based solely on kinship, but wanting more power was difficult!

The Zhao clan members hadn't gained many benefits, and the Shen Family was much the same.

However, Wen Gu was the exception among the "relatives."

Regarding this "exception," the people of the Zhao clan had never shown a good attitude.

Wen Gu made them look like trash, so how could they possibly like him?

Not far away, several people surnamed Zhao gathered together, pointing and gesturing at Wen Gu.

"He, a Wen, is actually able to be here... No, wait, there are two Wens!"

Plus an additional Tietou, who was also surnamed Wen.

Smuggling in "contraband"!

Although Tietou's situation was special, it was still bringing one extra person. One extra person meant squeezing out one spot!

"We can't bring an extra child, yet Wen Gu can actually bring a fool here!"

"And he's not even surnamed Zhao, not even surnamed Shen!"

They say that even distant relatives are connected, but at Zhao Fu, that was not the case at all.

When they learned a few days ago that Wen Gu was coming to Zhao Fu for the New Year, many people were so envious and jealous that their eyes turned red.

A small group of people were there chirping away.

Sitting to the side was an old man with hair and beard almost entirely white; in terms of seniority, Zhao Shaozhu called him Second Granduncle, and others addressed him as "Zhao Second Granduncle."

Zhao Second Granduncle had only one son, who died in battle at the border many years ago; he had contributed to the development of the Zhao Family in Xinzhou, but had not been able to leave behind any offspring.

The Head of the Family, Zhao, cherished old friendships and invited Zhao Second Granduncle over every year to spend the New Year together.

In the past, Zhao Second Granduncle had long been immersed in the sorrow of the past, but after the world turned chaotic, he seemed to have opened his mind, became spirited, and even adopted a grandson from the clan.

Encouraged by some people in the ward, Zhao Second Granduncle brought his grandson to Zhao Fu today for the New Year with some ulterior motives.

People became more emotional as they aged, as well as stubborn and willful; therefore, even though Zhao Second Granduncle knew it would make the Head of the Family, Zhao, dissatisfied, he still decided to cast aside his pride to beg for a favor for his grandson.

These old men all knew that in terms of loyalty to the family, the Head of the Family, Zhao, was more partial to them than Zhao Shaozhu was.

When an opportunity arose, they would go directly to the Head of the Family, Zhao.

Therefore, as soon as the Head of the Family, Zhao, appeared, Zhao Second Granduncle walked over on his old, aching legs.

The Head of the Family, Zhao, looked a bit tired, but his spirits were good; he had been in a good mood these past two days.

At today's New Year's Eve family banquet, everyone present was family, so this man in power had a much softer gaze, and his words were more casual and intimate.

When someone asked why Wen Gu was spending the New Year at Zhao Fu, the Head of the Family, Zhao, said: "Wen Gu's family suffered a change, so I, as his uncle, should naturally look after him."

Before long, some Zhao family members complained intentionally or unintentionally about their own good-for-nothing descendants.

The Head of the Family, Zhao, comforted them: "Children and grandchildren have their own fortunes."

Go with the flow of fortune, no need to force it.

If they really had the ability, they would have already been put to use; if they don't have enough talent, don't come and add to the chaos!

But these words from the Head of the Family, Zhao, sounded like something else to others—

Two blatantly different attitudes; what a double standard!

Having been double-standardized by the Head of the Family, Zhao, that person didn't dare to question him based on their kinship, and retreated in frustration.

Zhao Second Granduncle came over at this very moment.

As for attitudes, having lived to his age, he couldn't worry about so much.

The Head of the Family, Zhao, smiled helplessly. He knew what Zhao Second Granduncle was going to say, but he was willing to be more tolerant toward this elder of the same clan.

The child that Zhao Second Granduncle had adopted from the clan was already over ten years old; he was a bit old when he was adopted.

But it was understandable.

Nowadays, the world was unstable, and those too young might not necessarily grow up; this age was just right, as he could listen to reason, understand the pros and cons, and had a stronger ability to protect himself.

Zhao Second Granduncle didn't stop talking about his "precious grandson": "Han'er does have a bit of a youthful temperament on weekdays, but aren't children of this age all like this, full of energy..."

The Head of the Family, Zhao, thought to himself: That's just being naughty and mischievous, with his mind not on proper business.

What can someone over ten do?

Besides, that child you adopted, old man, can't write, can't fight, and can even drive a teacher away just by learning to paint!

Wen Gu, on the other hand, could make a famous scholar willingly take him as a student just by learning to paint; look at yours!

The Head of the Family, Zhao, scanned his surroundings and located Zhao Second Granduncle's "precious grandson."

Near the corner, that child showed no other highlights, guarding the pastry and fruit platter while eating with gusto.

I don't know what kind of nut he was cracking, but the sound was crunch-crunch, and he could hear it all the way over here!

Can't do anything right, and leaves nothing behind when eating!

It is said that when the world turned chaotic and the Zhao Family members were fleeing to Xinzhou City, this child was also timid and fearful, not even daring to hold a blade, hiding behind others and cowering!

What kind of thing was adopted?

At this moment, the one being discussed, the "precious grandson" of Second Granduncle Zhao, Zhao Han, was eating intently and did not notice how the people around him were evaluating him, or rather, he had skillfully blocked out the sound of the surrounding people's discussions.

Zhao Han knew what his own aptitude was, and also understood why he was adopted.

In his original family, there were six brothers and sisters who survived!

With older brothers and sisters above and younger brothers and sisters below, he, being in the middle, had low presence, and was also mischievous in temperament, unable to study, afraid of hardship and fatigue, and unwilling to practice martial arts.

In this era, at ten years old, one can already understand many things, but this age is also very awkward.

If one were younger, others would be more accommodating and tolerant. If one were older, one could participate in more events.

At this current age, Zhaohui Fang and Xianghui Fang wouldn't even include him when they fought.

Zhao Han was eating there as if no one else was around, completely unaware that for his sake, Second Granduncle Zhao had lowered his face at his age to beg others!

The Head of the Family was very dissatisfied.

He had always been relatively tolerant toward the children of the clan, but now he realized that being too tolerant was not appropriate in the current state of the world.

Glancing a few more times to the side, there were still a few Zhao Family members watching as if it were a spectacle.

The Head of the Family felt even more dissatisfied.

It was the New Year, and he originally didn't want to make things look ugly. He decided to take this opportunity to make certain people give up their ideas, face reality, and know what a disparity in strength is, and what the unevenness of the world is!

Since Second Granduncle Zhao had already adopted such a thing, raising him was enough; don't think too much!

The Head of the Family instructed his attendant: "Find Wen Gu and bring him here."

The people of the Zhao Family were keeping an eye on Wen Gu, and at the same time, Wen Gu was also observing the Zhao Family, hearing quite a bit of gossip.

The attendant beside his uncle came over to pass the message, so Wen Gu got up and went over. On the way, under his uncle's instruction, the attendant spoke to Wen Gu in a low voice, quickly and briefly about Zhao Han's situation.

Wen Gu did not show it on his face, and his gaze did not even shift, but in his heart, he had already found the corresponding person.

Oh, that's the kid who was crunching and eating fiercely in the corner just now?

He looks alright.

He is not that kind of arrogant and domineering brat.

The strengths and weaknesses in other people's eyes would be redefined here by Wen Gu.

Pondering how to respond, Wen Gu arrived at his uncle's side.

In front of Second Granduncle Zhao, his uncle didn't say much, only saying: "Zhao Han's temperament is far from the bravery of his father and grandfather."

This "father" and "grandfather" referred to the late clansman and the Second Granduncle Zhao beside him.

Second Granduncle Zhao tightened his face, his expression not very good, staring at Wen Gu defensively. He realized what the Head of the Family was about to do.

He thought Wen Gu would take this opportunity to belittle and imply a few things.

Yet he heard Wen Gu say: "Brother Han can bend and stretch, has a clear self-awareness, and can effectively avoid danger in critical moments; this is also a good quality."

His uncle opened and closed his mouth several times, but was unable to say a word. Everything he originally intended to say was forgotten.

To describe cowardice and fear of death so elegantly and refinedly!

The expression on Second Granduncle Zhao's face also couldn't hold. Even he couldn't praise him with his eyes closed.

Although he had a beautifying filter for his adopted grandson Zhao Han, it really hadn't reached this level!

However, this kid Wen Gu is... is actually quite good at talking.

The expression on Second Granduncle Zhao's face softened slightly.

His uncle finally remembered his original plan and said to Wen Gu: "Zhao Han has been studying calligraphy and painting with a teacher for nearly a year, and you have also been learning painting from Old Master Hong for some time; give him some guidance in a moment."

At this time, the attendant had already brought Zhao Han over, and the desk, brush, ink, paper, and inkstone were all prepared.

The few Zhao Family members watching from not far away saw this and hurriedly gathered around to see what was going on.

Zhao Han, who was called over to paint, was a little nervous at first, but soon calmed down.

However, to Wen Gu, it looked more like a "broken jar, broken throw" attitude of giving up.

He was quite serious when he put the brush down, not looking like he was just going through the motions, it's just that what he painted...

The onlookers all had the expression: What kind of thing is that?

Looking at it horizontally or vertically, they didn't understand it.

"Straw?" someone asked.

"It's a small mountain, right?" another person said.

Zhao Han's expression was numb: "It's fire!"

Second Granduncle Zhao tried to save face: "The flames are quite good, it's the New Year, after all, we value things being red and prosperous!"

His uncle looked at Wen Gu: "Come, give some pointers."

Amidst the crowd's watching, Zhao Han fell silent, waiting for everyone's judgment, habitually preparing to turn on his shielding filter.

Yet he heard Wen Gu say: "A natural talent!"

Everyone looked at him, thinking he was being sarcastic.

But Wen Gu was observing Zhao Han's painting very seriously.

"Although the painting technique is simple, the lines are smooth, with a strong sense of dynamic texture, highly distinctive, and the brush style is concise yet has an unconventional emotional expression, enhancing the tension; from this, one can see an extraordinary ambition!"

The Head of the Family stared at Wen Gu.

It shouldn't be like this, it shouldn't be! My brother-in-law called you over just to let you show off your strength, not to let you praise him so hard!

The others looked at the painting, then looked at Wen Gu.

"What 'dynamic texture' and 'emotional tension'—where on earth did you see those?"

Yet, Wen Gu's expression was extremely sincere, without a trace of hypocrisy.

Zhao Han had not waited for criticism, but instead received such high praise; he only felt a wave of heat surge to his face, his ears turning bright red.

Great-Uncle Zhao stammered, "Is... is that so?!"

Living in Zhaohui Fang, he had heard quite a few negative evaluations of Wen Gu, and even claims that Wen Gu was black-hearted.

All misunderstandings!

Entirely prejudice!

What a good person he is; he clearly possesses a heart of pure sincerity!

Wen Gu swept his gaze over Uncle Zhao, Zhao Han, and Great-Uncle Zhao, his expression absolutely sincere: "This style is actually very suitable for dissemination, as long as you pinpoint the positioning."

Great-Uncle Zhao couldn't help but lean in and ask, "Then... what kind of positioning should it have?"

"Come, let's go over there and sit down to discuss it in detail."

Wen Gu pulled Zhao Han and Great-Uncle Zhao to the side to sit down, the atmosphere among the three of them harmonious.

Uncle Zhao: "..."

Why did I call Wen Gu over here again?

Forget it, let them be.

In Wen Gu's eyes, Zhao Han's skills were not placed in conventional areas, and lacking recognition, he had lost his drive after hearing too much, choosing to lie flat.

Such a good talent for simple sketches, how could he just lie flat!

Zhao Han was a bit young, but he was said to be full of energy.

Wen Gu planned in his heart and said to Zhao Han and Great-Uncle Zhao: "When I was on my Study Tour... no, during my journey north, I heard a few Storybooks about the time when the Evil Plague was rampant, telling of the Divine Fire purging the evil..."

"I have been planning to produce an illustrated book, but I haven't found a suitable artist. I see that Brother Han has quite a talent; I wonder if you have any interest in this?"

It wasn't a spur-of-the-moment decision; he truly had such a plan originally, but he couldn't spare the time and hadn't found a suitable candidate.

After winter passes, it will be the peak season for the Evil Plague again; one must popularize knowledge on epidemic prevention.

Now that he had finally stumbled upon someone who, apart from being a bit young, was suitable in every other aspect, he certainly couldn't let the opportunity slip. Even if he was young, he had family to help out!

Wen Gu discussed the character designs earnestly with Zhao Han, not brushing him off just because he was young.

He had indeed taken a liking to Zhao Han's unique drawing style; with a little adjustment... guidance, he would be able to dive into the work quickly.

After some gibberish, several bowls of "chicken soup" and "chicken blood" were poured down.

Zhao Han was emotionally stirred, rubbing his palms together, full of fighting spirit, and impatient:

Once he finished eating here, he would go back and pull an all-nighter to work!

Tomorrow, he would send the character designs to Second Brother Wen for selection!

Wen Gu glanced at Great-Uncle Zhao, who was equally excited and unable to contain himself.

Look at the old man's eagerness today; for the sake of his grandson, he was calculating in every way, persistent and unyielding.

They were all quite full of vitality!

With time, financial support, and a solid political background, regardless of whether they were old or young, lying flat at home was just too wasteful!

Although the artist Wen Gu chose was Zhao Han, the so-called "one leads ten, ten promote a hundred"!

Once things started moving, more people would be drawn into the grind.

As the old saying goes: children and grandchildren have their own fortunes, willing to be beasts of burden for one's descendants...

Wen Gu frowned.

Was that the original saying?

Never mind, it was fitting enough anyway.

(End of chapter)