"But on what basis does he, a person whose never even learned the skills of painting, win me?" with her proud talent questioned and criticized, the spoiled Jiang daughter completely disregarded her father's suppression and pointed at Shen Liang, questioning him angrily. Many of those who were present couldn't help but scowl or shake their heads. A daughter of an affluent family like this was simply too impudent!
In contrast, Shen Liang who had been pointed and questioned at appeared both calm and indulgent, as if the matter didn't have anything to do with him. Such a contrast only served to highlight his more noble temperament.
"Young Lady Jiang, don't be in a rush. This elder will give you an explanation that will fully convince you right now," Master Zhao called out with a sharp tone. The Elder Zhao was known as the most gentle-tempered among the three but even he wouldn't condone being questioned in public even at this old age. His words just well when two servants behind him unfolded Shen Liang's painting. Shen Liang's painting could be said the complete opposite of the Jiang daughter's. There wasn't a single figure in his painting, nor was there any gold for profit or iron horses riding through. There was only the endless desert and a setting sun that sinks into the depths of the desert. A few solitary graves scattered amongst the haze and smoke that had not yet diminished. A vigorous poem accompanied the painting at the side: Desolate smoke of the desert, vast river awaits the sun.
Although there wasn't a single figure in the painting and the painting itself was crude and couldn't be considered skilled, the desolate landscape and cruelty touched people's hearts. Those who saw the painting could tangibly see the abandoned landscape and graves after the ruthless war. The desert connected Heaven and Earth and depicted the bloodbath that had passed. Simultaneously, an indescribable sorrow enveloped them, especially the generals who had been on the battlefield. Peace was decided by the generals, but not given to them. Their colleagues and life was spent on the bloody war field, defending their homes and country, but whether the respect and treatment they deserved would be given to them couldn't even be guaranteed. The painting not only expressed the cruelty of war, but also alluded to the deaths looming over many of the soldiers and generals. No matter what happened, for them, it was a bloody loss paid with lives.
The endless desert was home to the grand battlefield that deserted it. The setting sun falls down silently over the lonely tombs lined with dilapidated smoke. There wasn't anything there, but it was like everything was there as well. This was what war really was!
"Beautiful!" Amongst the deafening silence, the Marquis of Huaiyang was the first to stand and applause: "What a beautiful 'desolate smoke of the desert, vast river awaits the sun'!"
Clap! Clap! Clap!
With his lead, applause echoed in the hall. Shen Liang's painting wasn't skillful or experienced, this the three elders didn't have to state. Perhaps Shen Liang's skills really couldn't compare to the Jiang daughter's but his painting pierced into people's hearts and resonated with their souls. It was clear with a single glance who won and who lost.
Those who were waiting for Shen Liang to make a fool of himself fell solemn. Not only did Shen Liang escape such a fate, he had actually won the competition as well as the praises of many present. They could only grit their teeth in dissatisfaction, especially those from the Shen Family.
What a shrewd little one! Pei Yuanxian appeared lazy, but had paid close attention from beginning to end. He chuckled lightly and even he himself was unaware of how indulgent and proud his smile was.
"No, this can't be... he clearly never learned how..."
Plop!
Unable to bear such a heavy blow and the sneers and disdainful gazes of those present, the Jiang daughter fell backwards and on her butt. She continuously mumbled her disbelief. It was just that no one bothered with her.
"This Princess formally declares the winner of the competition to be Shen Liang of the Marquis of Donglin Manor!" ignoring the state of the Jiang daughter, the Elder Princess stood up to announce as she looked at Shen Liang with undisguised admiration and satisfaction.
"Many thanks, Elder Princess," even after gaining victory in a seemingly impossible battle, Shen Liang wasn't the least bit arrogant nor excited. He also wasn't overly indifferent, but rather displayed a jadelike and gentle calm. he was far more stable than many of the younger generation present.
"Did you deliberately trick me?!" The matter should've been settled just like that. But the Young Lady Jiang, who had been dumbfounded and dazed on the ground, suddenly jumped up and rushed up to Shen Liang. Her widened eyes were bloodshot and threatened to swallow Shen Liang whole. Seeing such a scene, the Elder Princess's expression immediately collapsed as many guests also displayed their disdain and dissatisfaction. There should be an extent to how spoiled one was. Did she really take herself to still be at the Jiang Manor?
"You animal! Shut your mouth!" Marquis Jiang was incensed and couldn't even bother with the setting anymore. However, his daughter turned a deaf ear on him and continued to glare at Shen Liang with gritted teeth. She was a complete idiot. In terms of painting, her skills were sufficient to overwhelm Shen Liang several times over. But he just had to choose such a despicable theme, one she was incapable of fully capturing. He took advantage of her impulsive and confident nature to deceive everyone's approval!
"Doesn't Young Lady Jiang find herself ridiculous?" Shen Liang, who originally didn't want to bother with her turned around with curved lips. Before she could say anything, he stated with mockery, "Young Lady Jiang knows full well because of certain circumstances, I had been living in the countryside for the past five years and never had the opportunity to learn the four classics. No matter in which aspect, I can't compare to the daughters raised and taught well in the Imperial City. But didn't you still step up to call me out? The Young Lady has stated before that arts is the one classic out of the four that you are the most skilled in. That is why you chose it for our competition. From any and all perspectives, this competition has been biased for your benefit. You didn't do anything wrong. The rules have been set up like this. I have nothing to say and in the midst of my weakness, I chose a theme that could prove the most beneficial for me? Under what circumstances and rationale does your claim that I deliberately tricked you come from?"
What? Only you, the affluent daughter of the Jiang Family is allowed to take advantage of the situation to harm others but Shen Liang couldn't use his strengths to achieve victory? Where did this overlord clause come from? Even the Imperial Princesses weren't as domineering as her!
"You, you, you..." The Jiang daughter's face paled and blued from Shen Liang's retort. Her hands trembled as though she was suffering from an epilepsy. But after several unsuccessful attempts, she still couldn't force anything decipherable out. The Marquis jiang Manor found themselves ashamed and embarrassed.
"Enough. This Princess's joyous banquet wasn't held for Young Lady Jiang to be so domineering. If you're stubborn on being so arrogant and unreasonable, then don't blame this Princess for throwing you and your family out." A perfectly fine banquet had been reduced to this state. The Elder Princess was sincerely incensed. With her experience and age, how was it possible that she couldn't see the Jiang daughter's original intent? Not only did she not succeed, but she herself ended up slapped in her face. Who can she blame?
"Elder Princess, please forgive her sins. It's this official's fault for neglecting to discipline her. I will take her to leave right away," hearing the Elder Princess's words, Marquis Jiang walked out tremblingly. After cautiously paying his apology to the Elder Princess, he immediately turned around and slapped his daughter.
Slap!
"Ah..." the Jiang daughter shrieked as her face was slapped severely. Her cheeks swelled instantly.
"Father..."
Slap!
"You animal. Hurry up and leave with me." After being slapped, the Jiang daughter couldn't even express her grievances afterwards in public. But her father no longer looked at her with his usual indulgence. Instead, he delivered another heavy slap before striding away in angry strides. Today, the Jiang Manor has entirely lost their face. Rather than staying and waiting for others to chase them away, it would've been better to take the initiative to leave proactively. At least he'd be able to maintain the last semblance of pretense then.
"Shen Liang, just wait," the Jiang daughter didn't forget to deliver her harsh warnings even when leaving with her swollen cheeks. Shen Liang's eyes moved slightly but didn't bother to comment. The Jiang daughter had been raised as a waste!
With the Jiang Manor's members leaving early in disgrace and despair, the atmosphere again picked up with the Duke of Duanjun's comfort. Shen Liang returned to his seat as other daughters and sons of the affluent families continued to compete in the four classics and martial arts. There were competitions in archery, games, painting, and even singing. As long as it provided some source of entertainment, it was brought out. Laughters rang in the hall from time to time.
"Ah... It's Young Master Jing. It's Young Master Jing..." When Jing Xiran stood up to head out to the venue, shrieks and exclamations immediately sounded in the hall. Shen Liang raised his head for a glance. A certain someone smiled on the surface but felt helpless inside. He held no objections towards Jing Xiran, but who let him be so similar to Qin Yunshen? Both excelled in covering up their scheming minds and plans behind a refined smile and facade.
"I told you to be more reserved!" As Shen Liang retracted his gaze, he immediately spotted Xiang Zhuo's infatuated expression. Shen Liang's expression darkened. How could he forget there was a fervent admirer of Jing Xiran's here?
"En? Cough, cough... It's just, I feel like the Young Master Jing looks especially handsome today," when Xiang Zhuo came to his senses again, he was immediately greeted by the mocking gazes of his friends. He blushed.
"Yes, yes, yes. As handsome as a male dog in heat."
"Haha..."
Shen Liang's appraisal was crude, but very apropos. The table of youths laughed and completely neglected their image.
"Liangliang!" Xiang Zhuo glared at him and protested in a low voice. Shen Liang's smile grew brighter. When he raised his eyes, he saw a figure in royal purple stand. Shen Liang raised an eyebrow slightly: "Alright. I won't tease you anymore. Your family's Young Master Jing's opponent has entered the stage."
"What?" Xiang Zhuo didn't expect him to change the subject so abruptly and couldn't react in time. Shen Liang gestured towards the performance venue. Xiang Zhuo's protest and dissatisfaction instantly dissipated.
"What does Xiran want to compete in?"
Two equally outstanding man stood facing each other. Jing Xiran had a hand behind his back. His slender body was straight as he face the other party. Pei Yuanxian was donned in magenta and exuded an air of extravagance. He carried an alluring laziness, earning the envy and jealously of many young men. Before the two men, no matter how affluent of a family the other young man were from, they weren't worth anything before them. Perhaps the only ones who were qualified to stand before them were the young generations of the Imperial Family.
"It's only a game. Then lets compete in qin," Jing Xiran gave a gentle smile and randomly chose a classic. He only stepped up to give the Elder Princess face and chose Pei Yuanxian simply because he was too lazy to choose otherwise. He didn't want to deal with others.
"Alright, then this lord will play with you," Pei Yuanxian shrugged his shoulder. His actions could be considered as giving Jing Xiran plenty of face. Who at the banquet didn't know that the two men had always had a good relationship? They didn't think anything of it.
Because qin was a classic that had already been competed in before, the equipment and musical instrument was brought out quickly. Jing Xiran made a gesture of invitation and Pei Yuanxian wasn't polite with him either. He took a seat before his slender fingers brushed against the strings. The sounds were harsh against the ears, but immediately afterwards, flowing notes poured out. Sometimes, they flowed like tactful water, and other times, it was like a beautiful melody delivered from a woman. Anyone who had some foundation in qin could tell that Pei Yuanxian's skills in qin had attained a skill level few people present could compare and comprehend.
Clap! Clap! Clap!
As the final notes fell and an ensuing silence followed, thunderous applause broke through the silence. The crowd couldn't help themselves, including Shen Liang, who had been a bit indifferent towards the competitions up to now. Although he wasn't skilled in the four classics, he still knew how to appreciate it. Pei Yuanxian played the qin beautifully.
"En?" As everyone was occupied with their exclamation and praise, Pei Yuanxian suddenly smirked in the direction of Shen Liang, causing many members of the younger generation sitting in the direction to shriek. Only Shen Liang stopped clapping as his expression darkened. He wasn't thinking too much. Just now, Pei Yuanxian was smirking at him. This evildoer! Was he really not afraid of the Imperial City spreading rumors about their relationship?
Looking at the figure donned in royal magenta, Shen Liang felt both helpless and speechless. The enemy was too eccentric and unpredictable, rendering Shen Liang in a passive position in which even defense was difficult.