Because Sun Mo already had a plan in his heart, he was able to produce twice the results with half the effort!
In just 20 minutes, the painting was completed.
"So fast?"
The three famous artists were shocked. It was as if they were watching a short movie and suddenly saw Sadako crawling out of the television. Their little brothers were about to wither.
Because Zeng Gongnian and the other two had all painted famous paintings before, they understood how stunning Sun Mo's performance was.
"Men, come and display the famous painting!"
Qi King instructed.
The two eunuchs wanted to go up, but they were kicked away by Qi King's internal affairs supervisor. After that, he personally went up to display the painting for everyone.
(Whoever dares to snatch such a chance to bootlick will die!)
Si ~
At the instant everyone saw the famous painting, a huge wave of grief and indignation gushed out from the bottom of their hearts like magma erupting from a volcano, filling up their chests and making them feel so unbearable that they wanted to die.
"This... isn't this a little too pitiful?"
The Empress sobbed. She couldn't stop her tears from flowing out.
The others also felt sorrowful in their hearts.
"Sun Mo, isn't this painting of yours a little too tragic?"
Qi King also felt a little choked up, but he felt more embarrassment and self-reproach.
What did Sun Mo paint?
It was very simple. On the dilapidated ground, there was a four or five-year-old little girl. She was as thin as a feather and was kneeling there, on the verge of death. Not far away from her, there was a vulture eyeing her like a tiger eyeing its prey. It had already smelled the scent of death. Once this little girl died, it would immediately go and peck at her corpse.
This little girl was so skinny that her legs couldn't even support her to walk. Her head was lowered and she didn't even have the strength to lift her head to look forward.
Many people instinctively shifted their gazes away after taking a glance because this scene was too cruel.
"Isn't this something that has happened in many places before and is currently happening now?"
Sun Mo retorted.
The content of his painting came from the starving Sudan. It had once caused a commotion in the world, and because of this painting, various international organizations increased their aid to this country.
The photographer won a Pulitzer Prize because of this painting, but because he was despised by people for not helping the little girl, the photographer blamed himself and chose to commit suicide in the end.
When Sun Mo saw this picture for the first time, he was also deeply shocked. He felt that the softest part of his heart had been touched.
In the modern era, he was just an ordinary person who had no right to speak. There were some things that he couldn't do even if he wanted to. But now, he was a master teacher renowned throughout the Nine Provinces!
I should do something!
Sun Mo's gaze swept through these people. They were all crown princes, princesses, and nobles. Five of them would become the rulers of five empires in the future. Every word and action of these people would determine whether the lives of millions of commoners would be happy or miserable.
Those who were looked at by Sun Mo would subconsciously dodge, not daring to meet his gaze.
"There are many ways for a person to die. Being killed, committing suicide, or even being unlucky enough to fall and die on the way out. However, the most helpless and sorrowful way is to starve to death!"
Sun Mo chuckled and a smile appeared on his face. "Everyone, you all live a luxurious life every day. The food your pets and dogs eat is several times more sumptuous compared to ordinary people. Therefore, you guys wouldn't be able to imagine that a person could starve to death, right?"
"Did you know? When a person is desperate for food, they can even eat tree bark and soil! "
Sun Mo left some face for the Qi King. Hence, he looked at Xia Taikang. "Everyone here is a knowledgeable person. There's no need for me to explain such a story, right?"
"Teacher Sun, during the famine years, we also did our best to provide disaster relief!"
Wei Wuan retorted, not wanting to be the scapegoat.
"What happened after that?"
Sun Mo counter-asked, "Do you think that others can't criticize you just because you've done it? What a bastard way of thinking. Since the commoners have paid taxes, you guys have the obligation to protect their lives and properties. You shouldn't treat them as your crops, only wanting to harvest them and not nurture them! "
Let alone Wei Wuan, even the countenances of the others weren't good. After all, everyone was a peak-level rentier class and had vested benefits!
"I drew this painting because I want you to remember one thing. Every meal you eat is the flesh and blood of the common people, the marrow of the common people. After you eat them, I want you to do things that are worthy of the common people's blood and sweat."
BOOM!
Priceless Advice erupted.
Golden light spots filled the sky, enveloping the entire victory square.
Many people were envious. They fell silent.
"Teacher said it so well!"
Xianyu Wei was filled with admiration.
"That's right. Those in power shouldn't blindly demand. The decline of every dynasty is due to too much exploitation and losing the hearts of the people!"
Helian Beifang sighed.
"Teacher did beautifully. But in such a situation, you'll offend many people!"
The sickly invalid was worried.
"This is the responsibility that a great teacher should bear. Could it be that you don't want to say it because you're afraid of offending people?"
Lu Zhiruo felt that her teacher was good. He could stand shoulder to shoulder with a saint.
"Sun Mo is too arrogant and doesn't know the immensity of the heavens and earth!"
Han Cangshui coldly laughed. Even if these people didn't say anything now, they would definitely hate Sun Mo to death in their hearts. After all, no one liked to be lectured.
Moreover, the Qi King clearly wanted to collect a famous painting from Sun Mo. In the end, Sun Mo drew such a thing. Was he trying to disgust people?
Gradually, there were voices below the platform.
"This painting is very educational, but it's a pity that it's not a famous painting!"
Someone felt regretful.
"Who told you that it's not a famous painting?"
"Isn't it obvious? All famous paintings would reach the Wondrous Blossom Realm. The most important sign is that the painting is no longer black and white but colorful! "
"You are really ignorant. Clearly, Great Teacher Sun intentionally didn't add any colors in order to increase the concept of the painting!"
The spectators below the platform argued endlessly. However, the Qi King's group on the platform were experienced and knowledgeable. They naturally knew that this was a famous painting. The reason why there were no colors was because Sun Mo did it intentionally.
This kind of black and white coloring gave off a solemn and respectful feeling!
"Great Teacher Sun, such a famous painting doesn't have a famous poem to match it. It's truly regretful!"
Wang Zan spoke, begging Sun Mo to write a poem for him!
The Qi King smiled bitterly. The painting was good, but the meaning behind it was truly embarrassing. It was simply pointing at a monk and scolding a bald monk. However, Sun Mo was truly impressive. Even when scolding someone, he would do it in such a graceful manner.
Sun Mo had a draft in his mind. He used semi-cursive script to inscribe a paragraph on the lower left corner of the painting.
The mountain ranges gather, the waves are like rage, the mountains and rivers are on the road to Tongguan!
Gazing at the Western Capital, one's heart is filled with hesitation. Where the Qin and Han Dynasties passed, the ten thousand palaces have all turned to dust.
Prosperity, suffering for the common people. Death, suffering for the common people.
"Good words!"
Wang Zan praised.
Zeng Gongnian and Zou Yin sighed in their hearts. They couldn't help but be convinced!
Although everyone had a concrete understanding of Sun Mo's talent after experiencing Li Ziqi's poem, they suddenly discovered that that wasn't Sun Mo's complete form.
"There are ten battles of talent in the world, but Teacher Sun occupies nine of them!"
The Qi King sighed ruefully. After that, he bowed deeply toward Sun Mo. "Many thanks for Great Teacher Sun's guidance!"
When the others saw this, even if they were unwilling, they still bowed. After all, even the Qi King had bowed, so everyone had to do the same.
Naturally, there were also exceptions. For example, Xia Taikang.
At this moment, these words suddenly flashed with golden light. After that, light spots shot out in all directions.
When Xia Taikang was struck by the light spots, a feeling of shame and self-reproach appeared in his heart. After that, he involuntarily bowed down.
"This... this is actually a famous painting?"
Teacher Su was dumbfounded.
"Ah?"
The Qi King was puzzled.
Everyone glanced over as well. They had never heard of this term before!
"Great teachers have to educate people and spread their dao. It's impossible for them to place their energy on the path of painting. However, in the long river of history, there would always be a few outstanding people. Not only were they great teachers, but they were also famous painters. The famous paintings they drew would have an additional layer of educational meaning when compared to the paintings of ordinary painters!"
Teacher Su explained.
"For example, the effect of a great teacher halo would be imprinted on a famous painting forever. When people look at this painting, they would be radiated by the great teacher halo and produce a reaction. This kind of painting is known as a famous painting with a famous saying!
"From what I know, there are only nine of such famous paintings in the entire great teacher world. There aren't even two of them!"
Si ~
After hearing Teacher Su's explanation, everyone was stunned. After that, when they looked at the famous painting again, an intense desire to possess it rose in their eyes.
"Quick! Quickly keep it for me! "
The Qi King urged the internal affairs supervisor.
He had felt that this famous painting was a little unlucky and would dampen his mood. But now, he felt that it was the most precious treasure in his treasury.
"Your Majesty, this famous painting was created by Great Teacher Sun. Isn't it a little bad for you to deal with it on your own?"
Li Xiu spoke up. She also wanted it. In fact, she even vaguely cast a glance at her niece, wanting her to help persuade Sun Mo.
Such a famous painting could be considered a national treasure. It had an extremely high collection and educational value!
"Subject Sun, I'll give Taicang City to you in exchange for this famous painting!"
The Qi King directly stated his price.
The moment he said this, everyone was shocked.
Taicang City was a large city with a population of a million. It was located in the north of Qi Country and bordered with Xia Country. Although it wasn't a grain-producing region and didn't have any ore veins, this city itself had immense value.
The Qi King's words meant that Sun Mo had become the Taicang City Lord and could enjoy the tax revenue of this city. In fact, he could even casually execute the lives of those people in Taicang.
This was even more exaggerated than conferring nobility. At the very least, nobility was given to slaves and tenant farmers, not commoners.
When would it be given to commoners?
As a defeated country, it was time to cede territory and pay reparations.
Hence, after the aristocrats and ministers recovered from their shock, they all knelt in unison.
"Your Majesty, please take back your order!"
"Your Majesty, please reconsider!"
"Your Majesty, this is a move that will destroy our country!"
A few ministers encouraged Sun Mo with words, as though they were remonstrating to the death.
Grand Tutor Su felt a headache. The Qi King was too unreliable. Even if he was joking, he couldn't say such words recklessly. After all, the ruler had to keep his word.
Li Xiu stood in the position of a ruler and looked at the Qi King in a different light.
The king of Xia Country had great ambitions. Because of the existence of the Saint Gate, it wasn't good for Xia Country to openly invade other countries. Hence, they got their soldiers to disguise themselves as bandits. Hence, Taicang City had been constantly being plundered.
In order to suppress bandits and maintain the stability of the region, Qi Country had to deploy troops for defense. This required money. Hence, Taicang City couldn't even collect enough taxes every year and had to invest a large amount of military expenditure.
How good would it be if this was used for enjoyment?
Hence, the Qi King had long since thought of how to resolve the problem of Taicang City. Now that he saw Sun Mo's talent, especially the ancient massage technique, he decided to rope Sun Mo in.
After all, it was extremely worth it to exchange for a city where he could enjoy himself every night. Moreover, if Xia Country attacked Taicang City in the future, they would infuriate Sun Mo.
Given Sun Mo's influence, if he exerted pressure on Xia Country, he would most probably be able to resolve the problem of Taicang City forever!
At the same time, he could also form a good relationship with Sun Mo!
In the future, when Sun Mo became a saint, it would also be very beneficial to the Qi Country's royal family.
The ministers didn't think of all this. They only saw a city being gifted away. Other than feeling heartache, they also felt indescribable envy and jealousy.
Zeng Gongnian and Zou Yin felt as though they had been soaked in a jar of century-old vinegar for 1,000 years. They were filled with sourness from the inside out, wanting nothing more than to replace Sun Mo.
A painting in exchange for a city. Even Art Saint Wu Daozi didn't have such glory!
No, it should be said that in the world of famous paintings, there was no such person.
"In history, there were people who used cities to exchange for absolute beauties, but I've never heard of someone exchanging it for a famous painting. This time around, Teacher can be considered to have filled up this blank space!"
Qin Yaoguang laughed. "Teacher's name is going to be recorded in history!"
"Our teacher should be qualified to be called the Art Saint, right?"
Xianyu Wei felt a little hopeful.
"Be more daring and remove the 'should'."
Jiang Leng suddenly spoke, sounding extremely tyrannical.
The entire victory plaza fell into a huge commotion because of the Qi King's words. Many commoners looked at him with unfriendly gazes, like they were looking at a foolish squandering son of a landlord.
A painting in exchange for a city?
Just based on this point, there was no room for negotiation!
"Your Majesty, I'll remember your appreciation in my heart. However, I can't take Taicang City!"
Sun Mo was stunned. After calming down for a few seconds, he hurriedly rejected.
His family had mines and fields (Green Mist Forest), and his annual income wouldn't be lower than Taicang City's taxes. As for becoming a city lord, that wasn't his dream.
"No matter how amazing a city lord is, how can he be as lofty as a great teacher? Just by relying on my own fame, I can go from one end of the Qinhuai River to the other. The women living in over a thousand brothels on both sides of the river, in addition to countless pleasure boats and ships, are all waiting for me to visit them! "
Sun Mo was very rational and wouldn't invite such trouble.
If he dared to take Taicang City, there might be people who would come to kill him the next day.
"Alright, alright, we'll discuss this matter later!"
The Qi King waved his hand in annoyance. When he saw a few people who wanted to rebuke him, he waved his hand and got the royal guards to drag them away.
"Official Sun, why don't you draw another famous painting? The normal kind! "
The Qi King pleaded, "I want to hang it in my study and admire it every day!"
Sun Mo actually didn't want to draw anymore, but since the Qi King was giving him so much face, he felt embarrassed to reject it.
"Alright then!"
Sun Mo nodded. "But I don't dare to guarantee that it'll definitely be a famous painting!"
"It's fine, it's fine. I believe in Official Sun's talent!"
The Qi King laughed loudly.
The little eunuch was very perceptive and took the initiative to grind the ink. In the end, just when he picked up the ink cake, he was kicked away by the Qi King.
"Official Sun, I'll personally grind the ink for you!"
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