Chapter 31: Exposing

Chapter 31: The Unveiling

◎She was about to expose everything, bringing utter disgrace upon the Earl of Guangcheng's estate!◎

Mao Ningqin and Zhou Ling had clearly discerned each other's intentions. Having failed to catch up with Lu Sheng, their reactions diverged sharply.

As hosts, Zhou Ling and Zhou Ying naturally rose and proceeded to Huamao Garden. Mao Ningqin, however, conscious of her superior status and unwilling to be associated with Zhou Ling, feigned adjusting her skirt and then nonchalantly resumed her seat.

Ultimately, it was Lady Sun who noticed her sitting alone and persuaded her to take a stroll in the garden, prompting her to finally leave.

The Earl of Guangcheng's estate was exceptionally lively today. Even before reaching Huamao Garden, the murmur of voices was already audible.

Mao Ningqin scoffed, "It's merely a literary gathering, yet they've invited all sorts of riff-raff. There's no peace to be had—truly a disgrace."

Her maid echoed obsequiously, "After all, it's just an earl's estate. Their social circles can hardly compare to our marquis's household."

As they drew nearer, the discussions within the garden grew clearer.

"This painting, 'Hundred Galloping Horses' by the former dynasty's Mr. Lu, with its hundred charging steeds, is truly magnificent!"

"This is from Lord Chen's private collection in the capital. But it's rather odd; I've never heard of Lord Chen being on such good terms with the Earl of Guangcheng's estate."

"You haven't seen the centerpiece, the 'Guanyin Bodhisattva Portrait,' have you? That's a work by Cang Yunzi! The Earl of Guangcheng's estate truly possesses extraordinary connections. I never imagined I'd have the fortune to witness a genuine Cang Yunzi in my lifetime—I could die content!"

"Heh, I'm different from the rest of you. I've been captivated by the second young lady of the Earl of Guangcheng's estate composing poetry. As expected of a descendant of the great scholar Zhou, she's cultured and articulate, effortlessly crafting exquisite verses that put me to shame."

...

Mao Ningqin naturally knew who Lord Chen was—a young man who had already attained the fifth rank, though currently reassigned to Yingtian, his youth promised a boundless future.

At the previous flower-appreciation banquet, the Jingde Marquis estate had also extended an invitation, but he had been unable to attend. She hadn't expected him not only to grace today's gathering but also to lend a painting to the Earl of Guangcheng's estate.

The thought intensified Mao Ningqin's vexation, as if an invisible weight pressed upon her chest, with no outlet for her anger save for twisting the silk handkerchief in her hand until it was distorted.

Zhu Xiujin happened to be exiting Huamao Garden and encountered Mao Ningqin head-on.

Since being publicly slapped by her at the flower-appreciation banquet, he naturally harbored some resentment. However, recalling that he had ultimately gained an advantage and had yet to win her over, he naturally put on a facade.

"Miss Mao," Zhu Xiujin said with calculated flattery, feigning regret, "I've just come from Huamao Garden. It's a pity, but the Earl of Guangcheng's literary gathering ultimately cannot compare to the Jingde Marquis estate's flower-appreciation banquet."

Finally, someone with discerning eyes.

"That goes without saying," Mao Ningqin couldn't help but lift her chin, remarking acerbically, "It's a shame these common folk don't see it that way."

"That's because they're ignorant," Zhu Xiujin lowered his voice, confident that this piece of news would win Mao Ningqin's favor. "These ordinary people, how could they possibly discern that the painting is a fake?"

Mao Ningqin's eyes lit up. "What do you mean?"

Zhu Xiujin recalled the incident when he fell into the water, a malicious smile playing on his lips. "This matter is of great importance. Ningqin, please come closer so I can explain clearly."

Mao Ningqin glanced around. Everyone had gone to the garden for the gathering, and no one was paying attention to their spot. Though she disdained Zhu Xiujin, her desire for revenge now held sway, and she reluctantly moved closer.

Zhu Xiujin lowered his head with satisfaction. From this angle, he could perfectly glimpse her ample bosom, and a sudden heat surged through him.

Noticing his gaze, Mao Ningqin raised a hand to cover her chest, suppressing her displeasure. "Young Master Zhu, please speak plainly."

Zhu Xiujin cleared his throat before continuing, "I've had an expert examine it. When Cang Yunzi created this painting, he was serving as a court painter and was forbidden from painting without imperial decree. It's absolutely impossible for any of his works to have circulated among the populace."

Mao Ningqin still harbored some doubt. "But what if?"

"Absolutely impossible," Zhu Xiujin declared emphatically. "My sources have even more precise information. This painting was originally bestowed by the late emperor upon Princess Jianing, who later gifted it to her son. It should now reside in the Duke of Xin's estate. Consider the prestige of the Duke of Xin's household—would they easily lend out such a masterpiece?"

A flicker of excitement danced in Mao Ningqin's eyes.

She had pieced it all together. Li Ci, a mere merchant's daughter, could hardly possess anything of true value. Most likely, to save face, she had procured a forgery to bolster her standing at this gathering.

Having obtained the information she desired, Mao Ningqin had no further interest in engaging with Zhu Xiujin. Without a backward glance, she headed straight for the main gathering area.

She was about to expose everything, bringing utter disgrace upon those individuals and the Earl of Guangcheng's estate!

-

After seeing off Chen Ting, Lu Sheng unconsciously edged closer to Miss Li, then, realizing his impropriety, silently retreated.

He had never before experienced such close proximity to a woman he admired. Though he prided himself on being mature and composed, he now found himself at a loss for words. After a long pause, he managed to ask, "Miss Li, do you know of any other renowned works at this gathering, besides Cang Yunzi's 'Guanyin Bodhisattva Portrait'?"

This question touched upon Li Ci's blind spot. After much thought, she finally blurted out, "There's also the lychee pastry mountain crafted by Li Zhen, the apprentice of the capital's divine chef, the legendary imperial culinary master, Mr. Li... I wonder if Young Master Lu has tasted it?"

When she mentioned the divine chef, Lu Sheng didn't immediately grasp her meaning. But after she finished, he couldn't help but chuckle. "I've had the good fortune to taste it. It is indeed a rare culinary masterpiece."

Receiving approval on matters of food delighted Li Ci more than any other compliment. She became more talkative. "I feel the same way. If you like it, there are also crystal rose cakes, cherry cheese pastries, lotus root powder osmanthus crisps, and chilled bean foam drinks at the gathering. You should try some."

Though she hadn't tasted any herself, their sweet-sounding names suggested they would be delicious.

Lu Sheng nodded, mentally noting the names of the dishes for the first time.

He had always believed he preferred gentle, talented, and virtuous women. But with Li Ci, he found her endearingly naive. Even the whimsically named pastries seemed adorable. He couldn't help but smile. "Thank you for the recommendations, Miss Li. I've noted them down and will be sure to savor them later."

They soon arrived at Huamao Garden, where glass screens served as easels, not only protecting the artworks but also cleverly segmenting the crowd, allowing for orderly movement.

The garden was filled with a dazzling array of paintings, but the most striking was undoubtedly the 'Guanyin Bodhisattva Portrait' suspended alone on a high platform at the far end.

Unlike the hushed admiration in the gallery, the crowd below was captivated by the painting on the platform. Though marveling at its exquisite craftsmanship, they were too immersed to speak.

The platform was too far from the Huamao Garden entrance. Lu Sheng glanced at it from a distance, regretting that he couldn't see it clearly. But turning to Li Ci, he abruptly halted his steps and followed her toward the pavilion where refreshments were served.

Zhou Ling and Zhou Ying were also there. Zhou Ling had just composed twelve poems in one sitting. Though she had prepared some drafts beforehand, she was still exhausted. Seeing everyone admiring the 'Guanyin Bodhisattva Portrait,' she seized the chance to catch her breath and enjoy a bowl of chilled bean foam drink.

But she had barely taken a sip when she saw Li Ci and Young Master Lu approaching together.

Zhou Ling quickly put down her porcelain bowl, adjusted her posture, and prepared to present her most refined demeanor to Young Master Lu.

Li Ci's steps toward the snacks were always exceptionally lighthearted. Spotting figures in the pavilion from afar, she quickened her pace.

But as a gentle breeze stirred the bamboo curtain, she recognized her two cousins and instantly froze. She had purposely avoided bringing Xiuchun today, hoping to sneak some treats. Seeing her cousins there dashed her hopes of a secret indulgence.

Zhou Ying caught her expression and teased, "Ah Ci, why are you heading to the pavilion instead of admiring the paintings?"

"I..." Li Ci had a sudden inspiration. "I'm accompanying a guest."

She pointed to Lu Sheng, who was lagging a few steps behind her. "This is Young Master Lu. He quite enjoyed today's lychee pastry mountain, so I brought him here for some sweet drinks and pastries."

Lu Sheng chuckled wryly. It was the first time he'd been labeled as someone with a fondness for food, yet he accepted it.

Zhou Ling, sitting primly nearby, finally found an opportunity to speak softly, "My cousin is playful and has delayed your appreciation of the paintings. I apologize for any inconvenience, Young Master Lu."

"Not at all," Lu Sheng smiled and shook his head. "It was indeed my wish to sample your estate's delicacies. Besides, your cousin is charmingly guileless—there's no need for apology."

As they spoke, Zhou Ying subtly nudged Li Ci's wrist and winked.

Li Ci immediately understood her cousin's intention and cheerfully exposed herself, "It's truly my fault. When the guest asked about the gathering, I couldn't name anything except Master Li's masterpiece. I had no choice but to resort to this. Perhaps Cousin Ling could elaborate for Young Master Lu."

Zhou Ling nodded and actively led the three of them toward the gallery.

Only Lu Sheng felt a pang of sadness. Though new to romance, he could tell that Li Ci's actions clearly indicated her lack of interest in him. Yet, out of politeness, he had to force himself to engage in conversation with Zhou Ling.

Fortunately, he had done his homework beforehand, and with the foundation of those twelve poems, Zhou Ling cited widely and spoke eloquently throughout their journey, genuinely impressing Lu Sheng with her knowledge.

By the time the four of them reached the raised platform, the atmosphere suddenly turned serene and tranquil.

There, high above, hung the 'Guanyin Bodhisattva Portrait,' its compassionate face so lifelike and its divine aura of saving all beings from suffering truly breathtaking.

Thanks to Li Ci, this wasn't Zhou Ling's first time seeing the painting, yet she still felt she wasn't knowledgeable enough, believing that writing a poem about it would be disrespectful.

Noticing her silence, the others quickly came to her rescue: "Miss Zhou already possesses remarkable literary talent. None of us could utter a word upon seeing this painting—we were all too stunned to speak."

Lu Sheng added, "This painting speaks for itself."

"Indeed, indeed," the crowd chimed in agreement, and Zhou Ling finally let out a sigh of relief.

Just then, a sharp, shrill voice shattered the calm.

"Miss Zhou, if you cannot compose a poem, it may be due to your own lack of talent, but the main reason is probably that you feel guilty—because you know this painting is a fake, don't you?"

Mao Ningqin walked over gracefully, and upon seeing Lu Sheng standing with the young ladies from the Earl of Guangcheng's household, she felt a pang of jealousy. She raised her voice even higher.

The crowd began whispering.

"A fake?" "Is that possible?"

"I heard Cang Yunzi was close with the Li family during his lifetime. This painting was brought out by Miss Li Ci, a cousin of the Earl of Guangcheng's household. It can't be fake."

Many also recognized her identity—the direct granddaughter of the Marquis of Jingde's household and a relative by marriage to the Earl of Guangcheng's family—which lent some credibility to her words.

"Could she be telling the truth? Otherwise, why would she discredit her own family?"

"If it's fake, this would be utterly humiliating."

...

Zhou Ling was facing such a chaotic situation for the first time. Though she firmly believed in Li Ci, her face turned pale, her mind went blank, and she couldn't utter a single word.

Li Ci, however, didn't show a hint of panic. In her mind, she unconsciously recalled Xie Zhenchuan's clear, steady voice from that day:

"If someone at the literary gathering suspects the painting is a counterfeit, how will you respond?"

She took a step forward, facing the skeptical gazes of the crowd, and announced loudly, "Cang Yunzi excelled at painting deities and Buddhas. This work was created in his middle age, showcasing his bold and flowing brushwork. The clothing details are rendered with the 'water-weed line' technique—unmistakably Cang Yunzi's style."

Imitating Xie Zhenchuan's tone as best she could, her sweet, soft voice carried the clarity of flowing water, calm and reassuring, making people instinctively inclined to believe her.

"Observe the figure—as if lit by a lamp, showing the subject from every angle, revealing new meaning within established norms and expressing profound wisdom beyond mere technique. There is only one such artist in all of history. Since no one in the world can rival him, how could there be a counterfeit?"

The crowd was quickly persuaded once more.

"Judging by the brushstrokes and texture, this is undoubtedly a genuine piece."

"Besides, the Earl of Guangcheng's household is not one to seek undeserved praise. They would never do such a thing."

...

Upon hearing Li Ci's words, Mao Ningqin laughed even more heartily, feeling she had struck a chord. "Miss Li is quite right. This painting was indeed created by Cang Yunzi during his middle years, a time when he served as a court painter and couldn't paint without imperial permission."

Reminded by her words, the crowd recalled that this was indeed the case and nodded in agreement.

Growing even more pleased with herself, she pressed her advantage aggressively, "Moreover, this very 'Guanyin Bodhisattva Portrait' was once given by the late emperor to Princess Jianing and later gifted to her son. In any case, it should be with the Duke of Xin's estate. How then has it ended up in the hands of the Earl of Guangcheng's estate?"

As soon as she finished speaking, the whispers erupted into loud discussions:

"Is this painting actually a fake?"

"With the Li Family's connections and resources, how could they present a fake to deceive everyone?"

"Princess Jianing's son is none other than Commander Xie. Perhaps it was he who gifted it?"

"What nonsense is that? That lord is far away in the capital. Why would he lend out this painting for no reason?"

"Enough already. Don't you know? The Zhuoying Department has eyes and ears everywhere."

...

The room quickly fell into chaos. Li Ci herself was confused. She knew nothing of any Princess Jianing; she only knew that this painting belonged to Brother Xie Zheng and had been personally authenticated by Old Master Cang. How could it be a forgery?

"Stop spouting nonsense," Zhou Ying couldn't help defending her younger cousin. Unfortunately, neither she nor Zhou Ling were well-versed in such matters, so they could only count on Lu Sheng nearby. "Young Master Lu, please say something for our little cousin."

Unable to bear seeing Li Ci being cornered, Lu Sheng came forward. "I'll stake the reputation of Fanyang's Lu Sheng on this: whether it be the paper, the ink, or the technique, this painting is undoubtedly genuine."

Seeing that Lu Sheng was still deceived by Li Ci and even willing to risk his own reputation to defend her, Mao Ningqin's jealousy grew even stronger.

"Very well, since Young Master Lu says so," she shot a venomous look at Li Ci, "then please, Miss Li, explain how the authentic 'Guanyin Bodhisattva Portrait' by Cang Yunzi got from the Duke of Xin's household into your hands?"

Li Ci pressed her lips together and remained silent, unwilling to drag Brother Xie Zheng, who had kindly lent her the painting, into this dispute.

Seeing her unable to respond, Mao Ningqin strode proudly up to her, her tone full of obvious scorn. "Did you steal it? Or take it by force?"

"Compared to the crime of stealing an imperial gift, making a fake is the lesser offense. I think you should just admit it."

Mao Ningqin took another step forward, moving in closer. "Speak, Miss Li. Don't you owe everyone an explanation?"

Just then, a man's voice cut through the noise—clear, commanding, and with the force of thunder.

"I am here. Why should any explanation be given?"