Chapter 25: Trickery

Chapter 25: Underhanded Dealings

◎Just when he had finally hooked the fish, she drove it back into the water with one blow.◎

“Does the Xie family also possess paintings by Grandpa Cang?” Li Ci couldn’t help but ask, curious. “I never knew that before.”

Xie Zhenchuan had already prepared his excuse and replied unhurriedly, “This painting is quite old. I acquired it by chance the year I came of age. Although it’s a replica, it once received Cang Yunzi’s approval and can certainly pass for the real thing.”

“Wonderful, thank you, Brother Xie Zheng!” Li Ci couldn't grasp such complexities, thinking simply: Since Grandpa Cang approved it, what difference does it make from an original?

Her attention was quickly drawn to the words “came of age.” She calculated inwardly: Brother Xie Zheng is five years older than me. The year he came of age, I had already moved to Yingtian.

Li Ci sighed earnestly, expressing her regret, “If my family hadn’t moved away when I was eight, I could have grown up with Brother Xie Zheng.”

“It’s fine,” Xie Zhenchuan said lightly. “You were bound to grow up sooner or later and see a broader world.”

“I’ve already grown up now,” Li Ci chirped artlessly, “and I’ve already seen it—Brother Xie Zheng is still the best!”

“Hmm,” Xie Zhenchuan responded casually, immediately seeing through her flattery. “You’ve also learned how to bluff.”

Li Ci’s eyes crinkled into smiles. “I’m not bluffing anyone. Brother Xie Zheng is even better than when we were young—not only giving me candy but also helping me compose poems and restore paintings!”

A faint smile tugged at Xie Zhenchuan’s lips. It seemed Datong truly had simple, honest customs—such a foolish child hadn’t been lured away with a piece of candy by some child-snatcher.

Seeing the painting on the table, Li Ci couldn’t help but reminisce, “Do you remember when we drew portraits as children? We sneaked into the academy to play, and Master Zhang was teaching his students to paint. When he saw us causing trouble outside the classroom, he called us over and had us draw a small portrait.”

She looked up at Xie Zhenchuan, gesturing a large circle with her hands and speaking in a precocious tone, “In the blink of an eye, you’ve grown so big.”

“No respect for your elders.”

Xie Zhenchuan lazily chided her but didn’t take it to heart.

He had been taught by renowned masters since childhood and was exceptionally talented in ink painting and familiar with the five structural elements of skin, veins, flesh, tendons, and bones. Yet, when he tried to picture Li Ci as a young child in his mind, he found he couldn’t draw her.

He sighed softly. “I actually can’t quite recall Master Zhang’s name now.”

“Master Zhang Kangju,” Li Ci said, feeling unusually proud to have one up on Brother Xie Zheng. “Although he never taught you, he was the most popular teacher at the county school. That day, when we drew the portrait, he even gave us winter melon candy to share.”

Hah, no wonder she remembered it so well.

Xie Zhenchuan wasn’t too surprised and chuckled softly.

He did have some impression of the name. Zhang Kangju had first served as an educational official in Datong, later became the magistrate of Xiangling, then a prefect, and had now been promoted to Secretary in the Ministry of Rites in the capital.

Li Ci gazed at his extraordinarily handsome face and said with a smile, “Even though I see Brother Xie Zheng every day, I can’t quite remember what you looked like as a child. It’s a pity that little portrait is still with Master Zhang. Otherwise, it would be fun to compare.”

Xie Zhenchuan didn’t find it amusing and had no intention of giving her the chance to compare the portrait with its subject. He said indifferently, “What’s past is past. There’s no need for that.”

Li Ci quickly moved on and, after a long detour, returned to the topic of the painting. “Then I’ll leave this painting to you, Brother Xie Zheng, and the other one as well.”

Xie Zhenchuan acknowledged her request and carefully stored the scroll. “I’ll go fetch that Cang Yunzi painting shortly. As for this one—‘The God of Wealth Under the Money Tree Inquiring of the Golden Toad’—I’ll return it to you once it’s restored.”

He strode away quickly with the painting and soon returned with a new one.

Unlike Li Ci’s careless handling, this painting was carefully stored in a plain, unadorned camphorwood box, wrapped in a cloth cover made of fine cotton.

Xie Zhenchuan took out the painting and slowly unrolled it. It was a portrait of Guanyin, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, by Cang Yunzi.

Her hair was piled high, bound with a heavenly crown, and the small Buddha figure and lotus patterns atop the crown were exquisitely detailed. She stood barefoot on auspicious clouds, dignified and holy. Even as a painting, one could sense her compassionate love for all beings.

Though both were depictions of deities by Grandpa Cang, the feeling they evoked was entirely different.

Li Ci stared wide-eyed, her bright eyes seemingly reflecting the merciful light.

Xie Zhenchuan smiled slightly and asked, “Will this do?”

Li Ci nodded like a pecking chick. “It’s perfect.”

Her look of admiration and complete trust undoubtedly pleased Xie Zhenchuan. A fleeting smile passed through his eyes. “Won’t you verify its authenticity, Ah Ci?”

Li Ci sounded curious. “Why would I? This is the real thing.”

As a child, she had seen many collected paintings at Grandpa Cang’s home and watched him paint. Though she couldn’t articulate the nuances, she simply knew.

Xie Zhenchuan gave a self-satisfied “Hmm” and asked again, “What if, at the literary gathering, someone suspects this painting is a fake? How would you respond?”

Li Ci thought along the lines he suggested and replied sensibly, “Anyone who says that must never have seen Grandpa Cang’s paintings. I’d ask them to look more carefully—they’re sure to appreciate its uniqueness.”

Xie Zhenchuan smiled faintly and began teaching her how to appreciate the painting. “In his early years, Cang Yunzi’s brushwork was fine and delicate. In his middle years, it became bold and free, often using the ‘waterweed line technique.’ In his later years, he favored the ‘orchid leaf stroke technique.’ If you compare this painting with the previous one, you’ll notice subtle differences.”

If Li Ci had been looking at the painting before, her gaze now unconsciously shifted to Xie Zhenchuan, who was explaining the details to her calmly and patiently.

Though it was nearly dusk, candles had been lit in the study for viewing the painting. Yet, admiring the painting by lamplight paled in comparison to admiring the beauty beside it.

Though it felt somewhat impolite to say, Xie Zhenchuan’s features were as divinely handsome as a deity’s. The interplay of twilight and candlelight outlined his refined yet aloof profile—like the most meticulous detail in a fine brushwork painting or the most elegant flourish in freehand style.

His voice was as clear and pleasant as ever, but to ensure she understood, he spoke more slowly than usual, lending his words a gentle, lingering quality.

“Observing his figures is like capturing shadows by lamplight—adapting to changes, revealing new perspectives, innovating within tradition, and conveying profound meaning beyond exuberance. Truly, he is one of a kind, past or present.”

“Focus,” Xie Zhenchuan frowned slightly upon noticing Li Ci’s distraction and tapped the table lightly with his slender fingers. “What are you looking at?”

Li Ci’s reaction was faster than her thoughts. “I’m looking at the Bodhisattva.”

…

Xie Zhenchuan’s ears warmed slightly, and he chided softly, “Don’t be flippant.”

Li Ci indeed stopped her “flippant” talk, merely gazing at him innocently, her eyes clear and sparkling like glass, reflecting a soft glow.

Xie Zhenchuan, exasperated by her antics, let it go and simply instructed carefully, “Hang this painting here for the next few days. Avoid direct sunlight. Keep some camphorwood strips in the room—no incense, no dust. Place a fire bucket outside the door. Remember?”

This portrait of Guanyin, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, was the only one of its kind in the world, painted by Cang Yunzi during his prime as a court artist. He never painted another Guanyin after this.

Though his family was wealthy, they had no gold or silver mountains to spare and couldn’t afford Li Ci’s extravagance.

“I remember, I remember,” Li Ci conceded guiltily, agreeing repeatedly. “I promise not to come to the study these days, nor light any lamps. I’ll have people take turns guarding it. If anything goes wrong, you can keep ‘The God of Wealth Under the Money Tree Inquiring of the Golden Toad’ as collateral.”

“That won’t be necessary.” Xie Zhenchuan’s eyebrow twitched involuntarily. He considered himself no seeker of false fame, but he wasn’t ready to see half his reputation ruined overnight.

Just as Xie Zhenchuan was about to take his leave, Xiuchun came to report, “Miss, someone from the bookstore has delivered a painting—it’s Shopkeeper Xu’s husband. He says the item is valuable and insists on handing it to you personally.”

Having promised to handle the matter, Li Ci was very conscientious. “The study isn’t suitable for guests today. Please ask him to the hall.”

Xie Zhenchuan’s mind stirred. “I’ll go with you.”

-

Xu Yuxuan had heard from his wife that the painting by the unknown artist had been sold. Initially worried about potential trouble, he inquired and learned the buyer was the cousin of the Earl of Guangcheng’s household, the daughter of wealthy merchant Li Gu, who had come to purchase the painting accompanied by a gentleman dressed as a scholar. He immediately saw an opportunity.

Five hundred taels of silver—two years ago, that wouldn’t have bought even a scrap of paper from this painting. But times had changed, and it was now not worth much anymore. Still, it could serve as a chance to cultivate new clientele.

With these thoughts, Xu Yuxuan set off carrying the wrapped painting.

Thanks to Teacher Cen, Jixian Bookstore had previously conducted business with the residence of the Earl of Guangcheng, so Xu Yuxuan gained smooth entry into the estate and waited as instructed in the main hall of Jiahe Garden.

Li Ci and Xie Zhenchuan arrived shortly afterward.

Although Xu Yuxuan had never met Master Xie before, he had heard from his wife that he and Miss Li were a match made in heaven. Recognizing them immediately, Xu Yuxuan bowed promptly and presented the painting he had brought for their inspection. "Miss Li, Master Xie, our shop was short-staffed earlier, which is why we're only now delivering the painting titled *Precious Trees and Immortal Birds*."

After confirming the painting’s authenticity, Li Ci had Xiuchun take it away and kindly reminded, "Mr. Xu, is the five hundred taels of silver sufficient?"

"More than sufficient," Xu Yuxuan replied, bowing repeatedly. "I can see that the two of you possess extraordinary elegance and are clearly connoisseurs of refined taste. Our shop has operated in Yingtian for many years and built a strong network. We will soon be hosting a Literary Gathering—might you be interested in attending?"

At the mere mention of "Literary Gathering," Li Ci winced and was about to decline when she noticed Xie Zhenchuan’s expression brighten with interest. "I’d like to hear more," he said.

Xu Yuxuan smiled inwardly and continued, "This Literary Gathering will bring together literati and art lovers from across Jiangnan and will also feature an auction of some extremely rare paintings."

Li Ci grew curious and asked, "Whose works will be featured?"

Xu Yuxuan mentally calculated the days and spoke cryptically, "That remains unknown for now. The selection of paintings won’t be revealed until the evaluators are finalized. As usual, it will likely take another month."

He deliberately emphasized the word "selection" and raised one finger to indicate 'one month' while mentioning "practice."

Xie Zhenchuan caught on instantly: in one month, the emperor would appoint the chief examiner.

Li Ci, naturally, missed the implication and expressed disappointment. "What’s the point if we don’t even know which paintings will be there?"

Unfazed, Xu Yuxuan smiled and explained, "Miss Li, the charm of a Literary Gathering lies not only in the paintings themselves but also in the opportunity to meet like-minded individuals. Imagine if Master Xie could form alliances with a few capable men and gain favor with influential officials—it would surely make things easier during the imperial examinations."

Seeing that the bait had taken hold, Xie Zhenchuan cooperatively adopted an eager expression.

Though Xu Yuxuan addressed Li Ci, he closely observed Xie Zhenchuan’s reactions. Noticing his look of understanding, Xu Yuxuan turned back to Li Ci and said, "Miss Li, with your beauty, wouldn’t it be perfect to be paired with a talented scholar who has already earned an official rank?"

This time, Li Ci understood perfectly and quickly shook her head to clarify her stance: "It doesn’t matter—a rank isn’t important."

...The carefully hooked fish had been scared away with a single remark.

Still, having confirmed a lead, Xie Zhenchuan remained silent, internally planning how to follow the clues and catch a bigger prize.

"Oh?" Xu Yuxuan studied the pair again. He had initially assumed Master Xie was someone skilled at currying favor, but it seemed he was completely under Miss Li’s influence.

He couldn’t help but shake his head in pity. "I see. I won’t disturb you further then. I’ll take my leave."

After a final bow, Xu Yuxuan stepped closer to Xie Zhenchuan before departing and whispered advice, "Master Xie, you can't rely on good looks forever. You should plan for your future sooner rather than later."

Even Xie Zhenchuan, normally unflappable and reserved, felt his eyes grow cold, a flicker of murderous intent flashing through them.

As Xu Yuxuan walked away, Li Ci approached curiously and tugged at Xie Zhenchuan’s sleeve. "Brother Xie Zheng, what did Mr. Xu just say to you?"

"Nothing important," Xie Zhenchuan replied calmly, gently pulling his sleeve free and smoothing out the wrinkles. "Just urging me to study harder."

Li Ci glanced at the sky. "It’s getting late. Would you like to stay for dinner at Jiahe Garden before returning to your studies?"

Only then did Xie Zhenchuan realize he had spent most of the day with Li Ci because of the painting. He waved a hand dismissively and strode away briskly, almost as if fleeing.

-

Back at Fangze Garden, Bei Ming had been waiting for some time.

Without delay, Xie Zhenchuan said directly, "I’ve confirmed that Jixian Bookstore is the intermediary in the Jiangnan imperial examination scandal, selling examination quotas. Have the entire West Market street placed under close surveillance."

Bei Ming inwardly admired his lord’s efficiency—pinpointing the suspicious bookstore among so many options in just one day. He couldn’t help but ask, "Shall we order the Zhuoying Department to make arrests?"

"Not yet," Xie Zhenchuan intended to catch a bigger fish. Recalling Shopkeeper Xu’s words and behavior that day, he added, "The bookstore appears to be jointly run by a female shopkeeper named Xu and her husband. The wife likely knows nothing—focus on the man."

In Xie Zhenchuan’s eyes, Xu Yuxuan was already a dead man, yet he calmly instructed, "Keep him under surveillance for now. Track his every move: where he goes, who he meets, and what accounts he handles."

"Oh, and he seems to have a daughter. Keep both the wife and daughter under watch. Ensure they don’t vanish without a trace."

Bei Ming nodded. Though the Zhuoying Department did not kill indiscriminately, they were not above using extreme measures when necessary.

With the arrangements mostly in place, Xie Zhenchuan asked one final question, "The Ministry of Rites official in the capital, Zhang Kangju—is he also skilled in painting?"

Bei Ming had dealt with the man before and thought hard, but could recall no such detail. "I’ve never heard of it," he admitted.

"I heard that when he was stationed in Datong years ago, he painted a portrait of two children."

"This..." Bei Ming was thoroughly puzzled, but his lord continued, "It depicted a young Li Ci and Xie Zheng."

Understanding dawned instantly. "My lord, are you concerned that someone might use this painting to undermine your plan of assuming Xie Zheng’s identity?"

"Exactly," Xie Zhenchuan said calmly. "That painting is dangerous in Zhang Kangju’s hands. Retrieve it for me."

"Yes!"

Author's Note:

I took a day off the day before yesterday, intending to write some drafts, but ended up sleeping from 8 PM to 8 AM—a full twelve hours. I realized just how exhausted my body was and won’t dare stay up that late again [dog head].

This chapter is short because I hadn’t finished writing when I was called in for overtime work, so I had to hastily polish and publish it [facepalm].

Then I was out on-site for six hours, braving the cold wind... By the time I returned at 10 PM, I’d only managed to write two thousand words, all of which are here [let me see].

The description of the "Guanyin Bodhisattva Portrait" references the rubbing of Wu Daozi’s "Portrait of Guanyin."

"As shadows are captured by lamplight, tracing contours against its flow, revealing facets from oblique angles, novel conceptions emerge within established norms, and wondrous principles dwell beyond bold expressions."