Capítulo 1667: Chapter 1667 Open-Minded
Wu Shiheng’s appearance was not considered good, but his upbringing since childhood kept him seated without movement. With many eyes in the hall, he didn’t want to explain where the painting came from, just staring at the painting in front of him. Although he hadn’t seen the painting before, he knew of it.
Chang Xhong smiled, he came today to watch a play, and unexpectedly there was this grand drama!
Ming Hui sat behind, listening as his uncle and others spoke, thinking to himself how lively the capital was during his absence!
The front was bustling with art appreciation, Zhuo Guyu was surrounded in the center, with people flattering him and others curious about what other treasures the Duke of Yongan’s residence might hold.
Chang Xhong lowered his voice, “What a scheme.”
Wu Shiheng scoffed, it’s more than just a scheme. Starting with the art appreciation of the Duke of Yongan’s collection, jewels and treasures come first; the last painting’s appreciation is imaginable. He cared for Gu Sheng, “Are you okay?”
Gu Sheng pinched the teacup with his fingers, “What could be wrong with me?”
Wu Shiheng saw that Gu Sheng truly didn’t care and laughed heartily, “As expected of my friend.”
Gu Sheng glanced at Mr. Zhou Changzhi, and seeing that he did not care, naturally, he didn’t either, “Today’s chance to appreciate my painting alongside a genuine masterpiece by Master Qi is my honor.”
Chang Xhong thought to himself, his niece’s judgment is indeed good, such rare composure.
Soon it was the third painting, which stunned everyone upon sight. Someone asked, “What’s this painting?”
Zhuo Guyu looked at Gu Sheng, “This painting was commissioned from Tanhua.”
Everyone turned to Gu Sheng, who picked up his teacup, “Zhou Banger spent quite a bit of silver.”
Zhuo Guyu’s eyes grew colder; the term ‘second-place scholar’ was piercing, “What can I say, I knew Mr. Gu was short of Silver.”
Gu Sheng’s smile unchanged, “Mr. Zhuo, do you still want a painting?”
The crowd in the hall, all shrewd characters, now understood that today’s art appreciation targeted Tanhua. Some looked at him with disdain in their eyes, while others didn’t want to say much.
Zhuo Guyu’s background was apparent, joined by friends of similar status, he responded to Zhuo Guyu’s words, “We must thoroughly appreciate Tanhua’s painting, and see if it’s worth Mr. Zhuo’s Silver.”
Gu Sheng extended his hand, “Please.”
Chang Zhi’s lips curled into a smile, seeing that Gu Sheng didn’t care, nobody could hurt him. The more he looked, the more satisfied he became; it was a pity not the right time for engagement, thinking of keeping a close watch at Hanlin Academy.
Gu Sheng’s painting could not reach the master’s level and naturally received criticism. Today, Zhuo Guyu invited many with great generosity, and those who originally considered Gu Sheng as a good match for marriage lost this thought today.
In the Palace, Zhou Shuren’s hand shook as he held the letter, read it again after calming down for a moment, and chuckled, “Hehe.”
The Emperor’s eyes were drifting, “For now, the twins can’t return.”
Zhou Shuren pulled his lips, “Oh.”
The Emperor laughed dryly, “They are outstanding.”
Zhou Shuren rolled his eyes internally, indeed, outstanding enough to have the princess insist on marrying only him, “Hmm.”
The Emperor squinted his eyes, “Fine, I don’t believe you didn’t foresee this.”
Zhou Shuren felt upset, foreseeing it and it actually happening are two different things, “My grandchildren, ah.”
The Emperor wanted to roll his eyes too, “They will come back.”
Zhou Shuren took a deep breath, “I need to digest the news.”
The Emperor signaled Eunuch Zhang to hand over the silver note, “Here’s this year’s two hundred taels.”
Zhou Shuren’s hands steadied, placing the letter down and securing the silver note, “I shall take my leave.”
“Go on.”
Zhou Shuren exited the government hall, the snow gently falling, muttering to himself, “This year’s snow is really frequent.”
The eunuch held the umbrella, “Mr. Hou, be careful of the slippery road.”
Zhou Shuren paused, took the umbrella, then took out a piece of broken silver from his purse and handed it to the eunuch, “You may return now.”
The eunuch secured the broken silver in place, enjoying dealing with Marquis Zhou.
Zhou Shuren used the umbrella to shield his face, his expression entirely calm, quite unlike the one he had in the government hall. He sighed deeply, whatever happens in the future depends entirely on the twins; there is nothing more he, as their grandfather, could do.
In the Zhou Residence, Zhulan was quite surprised, “Why are you back?”
Zhou Shuren untied his purse, “Here’s this year’s two hundred taels.”
Zhulan followed Shurun to the bedroom, “Not returning to the Ministry of Revenue?”
“Not going back, resting at home today.”
Zhulan took a leisure outfit, helped Shuren change clothes, “Is something the matter?”
The couple in the bedroom, with no maids around, Zhou Shuren spoke of the twins’ situation, Zhulan was also distressed, but they had no choice, “Forget it, children and grandchildren will have their fortune.”
Zhou Shuren could only comfort himself this way, “Have Changzhi and the others not returned yet?”
“Not yet.”
Over half an hour passed, and Chang Zhi and the others returned. Knowing their father was back, they all went to the main courtyard.
Zhou Shuren leaned to read as his sons entered, “I see the excitement in your brows, was today a good day?”
Chang Xhong, taking advantage of being the youngest, sat beside his father, “Dad, there was a surprise today.”
Zhou Shuren showed interest, “Oh?”
Chang Xhong talked about the painting collected by the Duke of Yongan’s residence, “The future prince consort said the painting was from his family’s side, and they still have the registered catalog.”
Zhou Shuren sat up, “What a coincidence?”
Chang Zhi smiled, “Exactly such a coincidence.”
Zhou Shuren stroked his beard, remembering that not only paintings were seized back then, “The Wu family doesn’t know it was the Duke of Yongan’s residence that seized it?”
If they knew, there wouldn’t have been today’s surprise.
Chang Xhong said, “At the time, things were taken by subordinates to offer to the higher-ups, and the Wu family wasn’t clear.”
Moreover, with dynastic changes, the Wu family didn’t dare investigate either.
Zhou Shuren reclined again, “How about Gu Sheng?”
Chang Zhi replied, “He has a very open mind, taking note of the criticism on his painting seriously; he said he gained a lot today as he left.”
Zhou Shuren laughed, satisfied in his son’s tone, “Every matter has two sides, taking all the advantages is not bad.”
Chang Xhong nodded, although some criticisms were harsh, they pointed out shortcomings. Most invitees today were from noble families, with genuine cultivated insights since childhood.
Subsequently, Gu Sheng became famous in the capital. Previously, people of high status like Old Master Wen wouldn’t notice Gu Sheng, but now they remember him.
Since the art appreciation, today once more saw Gu Sheng entering the palace. Even Zhuo Guyu was befuddled, and others couldn’t figure it out either.
In the palace, Zhou Shuren made his report, while Gu Sheng sat aside recording with a pen. After the report ended, Gu Sheng rose and left.
The Emperor sipped the tea brought over, “He just lacks ambition.”
Zhou Shuren smiled, “The Emperor quite likes his openness.”
The Emperor put down the teacup, “Seen enough schemers, doing one’s duty seriously is indeed commendable.”
Originally intending to cultivate Gu Sheng, the Emperor found Gu Sheng lacked ambition. In contrast to Zhuo Guyu, Gu Sheng made him both exasperated and amused. After realizing Zhou Shuren favored him, he gave up on Gu Sheng.
Zhou Shuren said, “Indeed, a rare disposition.”
The Emperor snorted, “Without the Zhou Residence’s secret protection, his days wouldn’t be as good as now.”
Zhou Shuren raised an eyebrow, “He is capable too; he gets along well with the future prince consort.”
The Emperor, “…”
It’s strange if they didn’t get along; both have no ambition.