There were still very few famous paintings in the Nine Prefectures. After all, it was not like the modern era, where people would hype things up and even trash could be turned into rare treasures.
In the Nine Prefectures, a painting without the Wondrous Blossom Realm was not qualified to be called a famous painting. Thus, the number of famous paintings had always been very small.
If the collectors were not short of money, or for some other reasons, it was rare to see famous paintings circulating in the market. After all, there was no shortage of rich people in Nine Regions, but there was a shortage of famous paintings with special effects.
Generally speaking, producing a famous painting every three to four months was already considered very fast. But what did Zheng Qingfang say? He got three famous paintings in one go?
If they didn't know Zheng Qingfang's character, the guests present would have started to think that this old man was playing tricks.
"What are you waiting for? Hurry up! "
Li Zixing urged.
Gu Xiuxun stood at the periphery and watched everything. Even if she wanted to help Sun Mo, she didn't have the strength to do so even if she wanted to. After all, the two parties involved in this contest of strength were already considered to be at the peak of Jinling.
Soon, three burly men walked in, each of them carrying a rectangular wooden box.
"What are you doing?"
Jinling's Governor Fang Lun paused for a moment before he realized that Zheng Qingfang was afraid that the famous painting would be lost. He was displeased, "Premier Zheng, how can we allow such a boorish person to tarnish a famous painting?"
Upon hearing this, Sun Mo frowned. His impression of this governor dropped greatly.
The governor of Jinling had a high position and great power. He was not only a civil official, but he also controlled a portion of the army. However, he looked down on the soldiers.
However, this was also the norm in the Tang Empire. The civil officials looked down on the military officials.
Zheng Qingfang knew Fang Lun's temperament. Naturally, he would not argue with him over such a trivial matter. However, someone nearby spoke up.
"Famous paintings don't choose people, but the people who appreciate the paintings do. Hehe, how funny!"
Fang Lun's expression changed, and he turned his head abruptly. "Who's making noise?"
The guests who were in the area where Fang Lun was staring at immediately had expressions of terror on their faces. They were deeply afraid of being stared at. After that, Fang Wuji, who was sitting in a corner drinking his wine, was revealed.
"Limitless, what nonsense are you talking about?"
Cao Xian was stunned for a moment before he berated, "Aren't you going to apologize to the governor?"
"He's the one who should apologize!"
Fang Wuji was drunk. Because his proposal to Tong Tong was rejected in front of everyone, after he returned, he started to feel dispirited and inferior.
In the past, given Fang Wuji's EQ, he wouldn't have said such words. But now, it didn't matter to him. He started to give up on himself. In any case, his life was already boring. If it was ruined, so be it.
"Governor, he's drunk!"
Cao Xian sighed silently. He knew that he wouldn't be able to persuade Fang Wuji and could only apologize on his behalf.
"Old Fang, admire the painting! Admiring paintings! Don't let this kind of person spoil your elegance! "
Li Zixing tried to persuade him.
He was the mastermind behind the scenes of the Myriad Daos Academy and regarded Fang Wuji with great importance. However, it was time to give this brat a warning.
"He's crippled!"
An Xinhui sighed.
"Shouldn't you be happy that your competitor's top card is crippled?"
Sun Mo counter-asked.
"Even if I want to win, I will do it fair and square."
An Xinhui explained, "Fang Wuji is a good teacher. It's a pity!"
To be honest, the three burly men did not feel humiliated. After all, there was no such thing as human rights in this dynasty.
"Alright, let's admire the paintings!"
Zheng Qingfang pulled Fang Lun. He also cherished talents and didn't want Fang Wuji to be taught a lesson. "The first painting, [A Walk in Early Spring]."
When the painting was unfurled, it was a beautiful scene of the spring rain stopping. The aura of spring instantly gushed over, causing the entire Linjiang Hall to instantly fall silent.
This was the charm of a famous painting. Just by glancing at it, one would be unable to shift their gaze away.
No one was discussing, and no one was commenting because they were all immersed in this childlike atmosphere.
Ten miles long pavilion, swallows return to the north!
The gurgling sounds of the stream could be heard as a few fishes swam about. The wind blew past the willow trees on both sides of the river, pruning off the tender buds.
Not far away, a young girl carrying a kite was currently standing on her tiptoes, looking at the main road.
Following the young girl's line of sight, one could see that at the end of the small road, there was an outstanding young master with a fan in his left hand.
"Wonderful! Extremely wonderful! "
Li Zixing fiercely slapped his thigh. After that, he clapped with force. His face was filled with an expression as though he had seen a treasure.
This painting instantly made him return to his childhood, recalling the time when he went on a spring outing with his playmates.
"When I was young, I also flew a kite like this!"
"A young girl with a horn and a young child. Isn't that great?"
"Boohoohoo!"
The guests discussed fervently, all filled with emotions. There were even a few rich matrons who started crying, reminiscing about their lost youth.
Zheng Qingfang looked at these people and coldly laughed. After that, he spoke, "Everyone, take a closer look. This famous painting isn't as simple as a walk in early spring!"
Zheng Qingfang was a big shot. No one dared to go against his suggestion. Hence, when they looked at the painting again, they discovered the details within.
On the grass in the distance, a dozen or so child servants in their teens were running around with paper kites in their hands. Their clothes were drenched in sweat, and their faces were full of fatigue. However, no one dared to stop, because a young girl dressed in gorgeous clothes was scolding them.
On the right side of the painting, there was a long pavilion with a sumptuous banquet inside. A few wealthy young masters dressed in luxurious clothes were sipping tea while chatting while looking at the kites in the sky.
Outside the pavilion, by the roadside, there was a young girl holding a red wooden board as she sang. Her straw sandals were stained with dew and mud.
She wanted to get closer to earn a few coins, but she was worried that she might disturb the mood of the noble and get beaten up.
The guests no longer spoke. All of them were secretly glancing at Zheng Qingfang's expression.
As expected, even though this prime minister had retired, his heart was still concerned about the common people.
"The concept of this painting is truly fascinating. At first glance, it's like the young masters of wealthy clans going out for a walk in early spring. It's filled with childlike interest and joy. But when you look at the edges of the painting, the tone of the painting changes drastically. It becomes a kind of accusation!"
Qi Mu`en spoke, admiring this painting.
"Not bad!"
An Xinhui nodded. "The water in early spring is cold, but these young servants are still standing in the river, brushing their horses. From this, one can see that the difference in their statuses is like heaven and earth."
Zheng Qingfang swept his gaze over. The others didn't say anything. It wasn't that they couldn't admire this painting, but rather, they didn't dare to say anything.
This painting was clearly depicting two different worlds.
"Grandmaster Miao, what do you think?"
Zheng Qingfang glanced at Miao Mu.
Miao Mu fell silent. The main theme of this painting was that although everyone was going out for a walk, happiness only belonged to the upper-class people. He could see this, but how would he dare to say it?
Those who could appear here were all upper-class people. If he said it out loud, wouldn't he be offending them to death?
"Ha!"
Seeing Miao Mu's reaction, Zheng Qingfang sneered in his heart.
"In this vast world, there are indeed many people who are suffering. We have the emperor's grace and must work hard to make sure that there aren't any starving corpses on the roadside. We must make sure that everyone's granaries are full!"
Qi Mu`en spoke again. "I'm representing the eldest princess to donate one million taels of silver for the renovation of the Ci Chi Centre and the school."
The Ci Chi Centre was an orphanage.
Upon hearing this, the faces of the guests turned gloomy. (Zheng Qingfang, you old fart. So, you are planning to scam everyone's money.)
(Qi Mu`en has already spoken. If you don't donate, wouldn't you be in trouble?)
"Prince Consort Qi is truly benevolent. One million taels of silver can indeed be used to do many things. I will definitely urge my subordinates to supervise this matter and make sure that all the money is spent wisely!"
After Li Zixing spoke in a righteous manner, he glanced at Zheng Qingfang. "Premier Zheng, the first painting is already so fascinating. The second painting should be even more beautiful. Quickly take it out!"
"Yeah, Premier Zheng, quickly take it out!"
"This time around, we will surely be able to feast our eyes on it!"
"I wonder which famous artist this is?"
The guests immediately started to discuss and their voices were very loud. All of them had chosen to forget about the matter of donating money.
Zheng Qingfang was almost angered to death. He didn't expect Li Zixing to be so shameless, not donating a single cent. As long as he donated some money, these guests would have to donate generously.
"This person is so shameless!"
The papaya girl stared at Li Zixing in astonishment. (Are you a relative of the royal clan? The dawn of Jinling can also be considered your people, right?
Yet, you aren't donating a single cent?)
Upon thinking of this, the papaya girl stood up. "Grandpa Zheng, I'll donate 176 taels of silver!"
Swoosh!
The gazes of everyone turned over with unkind expressions. (Who is this?) The topic of the past was clearly brought up again.
"Yo, little girl, why is the money you are donating in such a manner?"
Zheng Qingfang asked.
"Because I only have this much money!"
Lu Zhiruo replied as a matter of course. After that, when she noticed the gazes of others staring at her, she involuntarily shrunk behind Ying Baiwu.
The iron-headed girl wasn't afraid at all. She subconsciously wanted to place her right hand on the hilt of her blade until she touched nothing. Only then did she remember that when they boarded the cruise ship, she had been searched and all her weapons had been taken away.
Honestly speaking, if it wasn't because of their standpoint, everyone here would be moved by the papaya girl. She was truly a kind and good girl.
"Since my student has donated money, as a teacher, I mustn't fall behind as well. I'll represent the Central Province Academy to donate one million taels of silver to aid the children of Jinling and the surrounding villages."
After Sun Mo spoke, he looked toward Cao Xian.
"The Central Province Academy's foundations are truly deep. Although my Myriad Daos Academy isn't comparable, we have to do our part and donate one million taels of silver!"
At this moment, Cao Xian didn't feel any heartache. After all, he still had the glory of being a great teacher and a headmaster. After seeing this famous painting, he was infected and wanted to do something for those poor children.
"F * ck!"
Li Zixing immediately stared over. (You want to donate? That's all my money, alright?)
Since the Central Province Academy and Myriad Daos Academy had spoken, Governor Fang couldn't sit still anymore. He also wanted face. There was no solution to it and he could only laugh loudly.
"I'm a poor man, so I can only sell everything I have to gather 500,000 taels of silver!"
Fang Lun sighed, looking like he couldn't be of any help.
His acting skills were truly top-notch.
"It's good that you have good intentions!"
Zheng Qingfang consoled, but he was coldly laughing in his heart. (Every year, you would receive a few million taels of silver from those merchants who sell salt and iron tea.)
"I'll donate one million taels of silver!"
Li Zixing was helpless. A few major characters had already donated. If he continued to persist, he would really be not giving them face. Once he spoke, the guests wouldn't be able to avoid it and could only open their wallets.
Zheng Qingfang smiled. After this banquet, he would be able to do many things with 1,000 taels of silver.
"Alright, the money has been donated. Quickly take out the second famous painting."
Qi Mu`en urged, but the guests no longer wanted to look. If they were to force him to donate again, who would be able to endure it?
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