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All of this was the result of Shen Zhi's efforts. Back then, her maternal grandfather had chosen him as a son-in-law, likely due to his remarkable talent.

"Since it's for a good cause, I won't disturb Uncle. I'll find my own amusement later. Manager Jiang, go attend to your duties. I'll return to Yi Lanzhu after finishing this cup of tea."

As the head steward of the Shen family, Manager Jiang indeed had numerous responsibilities. Hearing this, he smiled and left.

Rong Shu sat in the flower hall of Three Reflections Hall, savoring her tea leisurely while her eyes roamed around the room.

Three Reflections Hall used to be where her maternal grandfather resided. After his passing, her uncle had taken up residence there.

As a child, Rong Shu often visited this place and frequently ventured into the study to read her grandfather's handwritten notes.

Study.

Rong Shu swallowed the tea in her mouth and gazed silently at the sliding door across from her.

Behind the partition was the study, filled with books and her grandfather's personal writings.

A memory surfaced in her mind, from when she was about eight years old. She had entered the study in search of a travelogue written by her grandfather. Being short, she had fetched a low stool to climb on in order to reach the bookshelf.

The book was found, but in her descent, she accidentally knocked over a censer on a table behind her.

The ashes scattered like spilled ink, spoiling a scroll painting lying nearby.

Rong Shu recalled that it was a masterpiece by Master Spring Mountain, an esteemed artist of calligraphy and painting.

Her uncle adored this artist's works, and his walls were almost entirely adorned with them.

The painting, now tainted with incense ashes, lost its allure instantly.

Her usually mild-mannered uncle, in a rare fit of anger, scolded her. Rong Shu, being stubborn, acknowledged her mistake but also held a grudge against Shen Zhi.

It was Mother Zhang who later calmed her down, urging her not to bear a grudge against her uncle.

Are those paintings still there?

Putting down her teacup, Rong Shu approached the sliding door slowly.

With a creak, the door opened, revealing an unlit interior. The room was dim, with shadows cast from rows of golden elm bookshelves, stretching onto the wall behind them.

Rong Shu approached the wall that was concealed in shadows, her steps soft and cautious.

The wall, once adorned with numerous calligraphy and paintings, now seemed "emptier," displaying only three remaining scrolls. Surprisingly, the one she had accidentally splashed with incense ashes was still there.

The ashes on it were nowhere to be seen, likely restored meticulously by someone.

Rong Shu didn't particularly admire Mr. Chunshan's art, but knowing how cherished these paintings were by Shen Zhi, she always made sure to bypass this area when entering the study to avoid any mishaps.

As she gazed at the painting, the grove of peach blossoms depicted started to feel increasingly familiar. Suddenly, she recalled a similar grove behind a temple called Daci'en Temple, adorned with prayer flags. The flags on this painting were identical to those at Daci'en Temple, leading her to believe it depicted that very peach blossom grove.

So, Mr. Chunshan must have painted this scene at Daci'en Temple.

Taking a step closer to examine the artwork more closely, Rong Shu felt a slender shadow creep up behind her back, gradually casting its projection onto the wall.

"Miss, what are you looking at?"

Startled by the sudden voice, Rong Shu instinctively reached for the silver bracelet on her left wrist.

Looking back, she saw it was Madam Zhang, and her shoulders immediately relaxed. "Why didn't Mother make a sound when you came in? You gave me quite a fright."

Aunt Zhang, with her back to the light, half of her face concealed in shadows, looked at Rong Shu with a gentle smile and said, "Miss was so engrossed that you didn't notice this old servant entering. What has captured your attention so deeply?"

Rong Shu smiled and pointed at the painting behind her, asking with a chuckle, "Does Mother remember this painting?"

Mother Zhang followed her delicate, fair finger to gaze at the painting on the wall and replied, "This old servant couldn't possibly recognize what painting this is. I only remember that it was part of Lord Uncle's cherished collection."

"Well, it seems your memory is rather faulty. When I was young and came in search of my grandfather's diary, I accidentally knocked over an incense burner and stained the corner of this painting. Uncle scolded me for quite some time back then."

"It turns out to be that painting. Miss, you were gazing at it for so long. Was there something amiss?"

Rong Shu chuckled in response. "I didn't notice anything wrong. I was merely curious as to why the original incense ash marks are no longer visible."

Mrs. Zhang finally burst into laughter. "You have such a curious nature. Since Uncle appreciated Mr. Chunshan's paintings, he would naturally have it skillfully restored. Please don't ruin Uncle's painting on this visit, or you might incur another scolding."

She then urged, "This place is dimly lit. Miss, you should leave now."

Rong Shu agreed and casually picked up a few of her grandfather's handwritten journals before exiting the study with Mrs. Zhang.

With Shen Zhi absent, Rong Shu decided to seek out Guo Jiuniang at the Spring Moon Building today.

"Mother, I've been cooped up in Shen Yuan for days, and I feel like I'm about to spoil if I don't get out. Will you come with me?" As she spoke, Rong Shu began rummaging through her wardrobe to change clothes.

Mrs. Zhang stared at the back of her head for a moment before saying gently, "This old servant won't be accompanying you, Miss. I still have errands to run for Nurse Zhou upon our return. Are you planning to visit Ciying Lane?"

Nurse Zhou was Rong Shu's wet nurse, and her family all lived in Yangzhou. After accompanying Rong Shu's mother to the capital, she rarely had the chance to return home. Indeed, on this trip back, Nurse Zhou had entrusted many tasks to Mrs. Zhang.

Rong Shu smiled and said, "Alright, then I'll just take Luoyan with me. Uncle Shiye has to attend to official duties, so I won't be going to Ciying Lane today."

The Jia family had never been strict with Rong Shu's upbringing, allowing her to develop a unique personality that differed from other well-bred young ladies.

She appeared composed, but in reality, she had a restless, rabbit-like nature, eager to explore.

Seeing the eagerness on Rong Shu's face and her eagerness to go out, Mrs. Zhang assumed she truly needed a change of scenery. Rather than having her stay in Shen Yuan, Mrs. Zhang preferred that she ventured out to enjoy nature.

Without asking further questions, Mrs. Zhang waited until Rong Shu left before returning to the Three Reflections Hall. She spent a long time studying the painting on the wall in the study, ensuring there were no issues before finally stepping out.

Exiting, she happened to meet Manager Jiang, who was surprised to see her coming out of the hall. "Why is Mother Zhang here at the Three Reflections Hall again?" he asked.

"Miss seems to have left something in the courtyard. I've come to search for it on her behalf."