This is not how immortals cultivate

Chapter 351 This is what an artsy young woman is like.
The third round was a painting contest, initiated by Chen Suhe of the Chen family.

In the first two games, Xi Chu drew one and lost one.

Even if Western Chu wins the third round, this confrontation can only end in a draw. The combination of a sneak attack and overwhelming force resulted in a stalemate, and even a great Confucian scholar could not argue this matter.

However, if Xi Chu either draws or loses the third game, according to the best-of-three rule...

The great Confucian scholars of Northern Qi were already eager to begin their debates on the classics.

The pressure is now on Chen Suhe.

The old gentleman had a refined and slender appearance, and his frost-white hair was loosely tied up with a green bamboo hairpin, with a few strands falling over his shoulders. He wore a plain white robe, the hem of which was stained with ink that had not been washed off for years, like the blank space in an impressionistic painting, exuding a free and unrestrained spirit, and adding a touch of unconventionality.

This person is so lifelike in the painting that it's clear he's a master of this art.

In contrast, Jiang Yingjun's face was too delicate, her spirit was exhausted and weak, her eyebrows were slightly furrowed, and her pale face had a sickly look with a hint of weariness. She was delicate and weak, giving people a sense of helplessness and fear before the battle even began.

"What does young friend Jiang excel at painting?"

Chen Suhe stroked his beard and smiled, his voice gentle and polite, as if he were asking an old friend.

His eyes were clear, and he had already seen through the mystery of this competition. The person he was competing against in painting was not Jiang Yingjun. The crushing defeats in the first two rounds were still fresh in his mind. The Liu clan's power was too great, and trying to intimidate them with force would only be pointless. It would be better to start with technique and use the true essence of painting to make his opponent admit defeat wholeheartedly.

Jiang Yingjun hesitated slightly. She could draw anything, but the person painting now was not her, but Xiang Yuan, who was controlling her from behind.

"What are you good at painting, sir?"

"casual."

Xiang Yuan casually said that in terms of pure technique, he could not possibly be a match for Chen Suhe. Since he was no good at painting anything, he would paint anything at all.

Jiang Yingjun was unaware of Xiang Yuan's thoughts, only feeling an overwhelming sense of arrogance and self-confidence. She was slightly startled, but quickly regained her composure.

Thinking that Northern Qi had already won one and drawn one, gaining the upper hand and being in an invincible position, he felt more confident and replied with a smile, "Senior has set up the challenge, I will draw whatever you say."

Different people have different opinions. Chen Suhe was outmaneuvered and unsure of the Liu clan's intentions. To avoid being tricked and falling into their trap, he waved his sleeve, which was covered in ink stains, and unfurled a scroll of painting in mid-air.

This scroll is called "The Myriad Phenomena Scroll". It is a magical artifact used by Chen Suhe to cultivate both body and mind. The blank scroll, more than ten feet long, slowly unfolds. The paper surface glows with a faint blue light, and there is a universe within it, as vast as a world.

The blank canvas was initially painted by Chen Suhe, who used each stroke of ink to depict everything under heaven, from mountains and rivers to animals, pavilions and towers, from vast rivers to a single flower and leaf, and even half of the Milky Way that was not yet finished, with starlight faintly visible.

"Since everything under heaven is contained in this picture, it may invite criticism. I am not in a position to choose a topic, so let the topic choose you and me."

White light burst forth in Chen Suhe's eyes, and two beams of blue light descended from the Myriad Images Scroll. One beam enveloped Chen Suhe, reflecting the chrysanthemum upon her, while the other beam enveloped Jiang Yingjun, reflecting the osmanthus upon her.

"Wonderful!"

A glint flashed in Chen Suhe's eyes. He chuckled to himself, thinking that the victory was not honorable. He nodded and said, "The King of Flowers is so proud. I am a free spirit and have never been good at painting chrysanthemums. Perhaps today's competition can help me break through my limitations and reach a higher level."

After speaking, the painting paper in front of him was raised like a wall, and he ground the inkstone and began to write. Every stroke was of exceptional elegance and refinement.

In the blink of an eye, the wolf-hair brush tip formed a delicate chrysanthemum stamen, a skill so superb it was truly exceptional.

Chen Suhe's painting is not of a single chrysanthemum, but of a hundred chrysanthemums, with a hundred different colors and a thousand different shapes.

When sketching with light ink, a cool fragrance seems to permeate the paper; when painted with rich colors, one can almost see the morning dew about to drip; with a single stroke of the brush, a withered chrysanthemum stands proudly, its spirit and essence vividly expressed under the brushstrokes.

Crazy skill demonstration!

Before the painting of a hundred chrysanthemums could even be unfurled, the overwhelming presence of a city adorned in golden armor rushed towards me, making me feel ashamed of my own work and unable to muster the courage to even pick up a brush.

Jiang Yingjun was amazed when she saw it. Suddenly, she realized that the 'Scroll of Myriad Phenomena' reflected her and Chen Suhe, each receiving a flower. It seemed fair, but the person competing was not her. Xiang Yuan and the osmanthus flower did not match, so she was already behind at the starting line. It would be difficult for her to catch up.

So, sir, how do you plan to win?
Curious.JPG
Xiang Yuan had always disdained Chen Suhe's shameless showing off, and calmly used the wind to wrap around Jiang Yingjun's palm.

The brushstrokes are vigorous and powerful, with dry brushstrokes twisting and turning. The ink-colored branches are as rugged as iron, yet they hide a touch of suppleness at the turns. The veins of the leaves are as fine as hair, each stroke distinct and slightly curled. The petals are no bigger than grains of rice. Gold powder is mixed with ink, and the application of ink is done with varying degrees of lightness and heaviness. Tiny stars adorn the branches, and a faint fragrance floats in the air.

then……

It's gone.

Xiang Yuan stopped painting after only a few strokes, leaving blank space around the edges to show that the fragrance of the flower was unique and could not be compared with other flowers.

The idea is good, but when it comes to pride, nobility, and elegance, the chrysanthemum has an even stronger spirit of braving the cold and frost, coupled with its tranquil and refined demeanor, making it far more proud than the osmanthus.

Comparing the two images, Jiang Yingjun believes that Chen Suhe won this round by a large margin from an observer's perspective.

However, Xiang Yuan did bring her a great surprise. He seemed strong and energetic, but in fact, his brushstrokes were delicate and his painting skills were barely passable. He was much better than those half-baked artists who tried to appear cultured.

Furthermore, this osmanthus flower suits her very well. Looking at the painting is like looking in a mirror; she likes it very much. If Xiang Yuan doesn't want it, she will keep it.

Jiang Yingjun knew that Xiang Yuan left the blank space to write a poem, hoping to turn the tide with poetry. Seeing that he hadn't made any move for a long time, and Chen Suhe's Hundred Chrysanthemums painting was almost finished, she couldn't help but get anxious.

“Sir, if you do not have a suitable word or phrase at the moment, I am quite fond of Qiu Gui. I have some writing skills. If you do not mind, you may use them to write an inscription.”

“A fine line has already been uttered.”

"..."

So what are you waiting for?
Although Jiang Yingjun didn't ask, Xiang Yuan roughly understood what she was thinking and said with ill intent, "Learn from this. This move is called 'building up a fuss first.' It's certainly satisfying to slap someone in the face directly, but it lacks the shock of a reversal. Watch closely, I'm going to put down a trick now. When the other side sees that I'm out of options, they'll think they've got it all figured out and will definitely offer their face."

Is it true? I just can't believe it!
Jiang Yingjun disagreed. Chen Suhe was not only a master, but also a master of painting. To paint chrysanthemums to such an extent showed his pride. Such a person might say hurtful things, but he would certainly not kick someone when they are down in the realm of painting.

As expected, Chen Suhe only glanced at Guizhi and then said nothing more.

With heads held high and chests out, the chrysanthemums under his brush appear even more proud and magnificent.

"Stop just watching, start reciting your lines! Quickly give him a couple of sarcastic remarks!"

Xiao Feng tried to send a telepathic message, but received no response from Chen Suhe. He was so anxious that he scratched his head in frustration.

It's clear that Liu, like him, isn't particularly skilled in music, chess, calligraphy, or painting. His chess skills rely entirely on his artistic level to overwhelm others, and while he has some talent in painting, that's about it; he's far from being a match for Chen Suhe.

Without comparing skill levels, Chen Suhe is guaranteed to win this round.

Everything's settled now, why don't you say a few words?
The Xiao family invited you two from afar and spent a lot of money, not wanting a draw, but a resounding victory.

Now that the score is tied, if you don't say something, how can Western Chu overwhelm the opponent in terms of momentum, how can the Xiao family of Shendu promote themselves to the outside world, and how can they trample the Liu family of Tai'an into the ground and humiliate them severely?

Xiao Feng had already thought of what to read for Chen Suhe.

Xiao Qi, is Master Chu's chrysanthemum big? I'm just asking you, is it big or not!

Chen Suhe looked disgusted. His beautiful painting of a hundred chrysanthemums, full of pride, had been completely ruined by Xiao Feng's dog mouth.

If you don't want to read it, then forget it!
If you don't read it, I will!
Xiao Feng was annoyed that Chen Suhe was inflexible and didn't know how to expand their advantages. He stepped forward, pointed at the painting in front of Jiang Yingjun, and laughed loudly: "Withered branches and fallen leaves, withered flowers and fallen willows, how can the flowers of rice grains compare to the king of flowers of my Western Chu? In my opinion, this painting of Northern Qi should be named 'Bringing Humiliation Upon Oneself'!"

It has to be you! I just don't feel anything with anyone else!
Xiangyuan: (一`一)
Xiang Yuan was amazed. Xiao Feng, as a clown among villains, was far too qualified.

The timing of his entrance, the delivery of his lines, the eyebrows and eyes, the tone of his voice—it's a talent that only comes around once in thousands of years…

Oh, the Xiao family has no shortage of such goods, then it's alright.

"Sir, you may now compose a poem."

Jiang Yingjun urged him on. She didn't think Xiang Yuan could turn the tide, but she was curious about the wonderful lines Xiang Yuan had come up with on the spur of the moment. She was itching to see which of them was better, the lines she had prepared or not.

"No rush. This guy has shifty eyes and is arrogant and smug. He's probably still holding back some dirty words. Let him be arrogant for a while longer."

Xiang Yuan replied calmly that Chen Suhe's Hundred Chrysanthemums painting was too profound, and his original verses were unconventional. If he wanted to achieve a great victory, he would have to trouble Xiao Feng to add a couple more verses.

A moment later, Chen Suhe put down his brush. The paper was filled with fragrance, and the chrysanthemums stood proudly. Their noble sentiments, unyielding integrity, and uprightness moved him deeply.

Chen Suhe felt deeply that this painting of a hundred chrysanthemums was the pinnacle of his chrysanthemum paintings, and no matter how many times he painted it again, he would never be able to surpass it.

Besides their own skills, the pressure of a best-of-three series also played a role, as did having suitable teammates.

Thinking of this, Chen Suhe looked at the withered branch in front of Jiang Yingjun and nodded with a smile: "It's alright. Young friend Jiang's painting of the proud osmanthus with its lingering fragrance is a rare masterpiece."

Xiao Feng, it's you I've chosen! Hurry up and dig your own grave!
Xiang Yuan silently prayed, and sure enough, Xiao Feng jumped out, immediately saying, "Let me say something fair." "That's not true, let me say something fair!"

Xiao Feng stepped forward in a high-pitched voice, squinted his eyes, and looked around with feigned seriousness.

He nodded repeatedly at the painting of chrysanthemums, spitting as he spoke, lavishing praise on it with flowery language.

When he turned to Jiang Yingjun's solitary osmanthus, his expression changed instantly. He yawned and said, "The strokes are powerful, and the blank spaces seem to be full of purity, which makes the solitary branch proud. But in the end, it is just self-admiration. Whether it is the artistic conception or the style, it seems too petty and far inferior to the nobility of a hundred chrysanthemums."

Although it was biased, it did make some sense. At least Chen Suhe found it comforting and took back his previous words. Xiao Feng's dog mouth could still spew something out.

Wu Rui stepped forward to offer his comments, congratulating Chen Suhe on creating another masterpiece, and the three masters laughed together.

The outcome is decided!

"You've really set the trap. With that kind of talk, put on a higher ego, and look at yourself..."

Xiang Yuan's voice rang in Jiang Yingjun's ears: "Yeah, just like the look of disgust you usually give me."

"..."

Sir, I don't usually look at you with disdain; I always...

Oh, I've never seen you before.

At Xiang Yuan's instruction, Jiang Yingjun smiled and shook her head: "Old Master Chen's painting of a hundred chrysanthemums is as beautiful as jade and as divine as a spirit. His brushstrokes are clear and unrestrained, with both form and bone. The chrysanthemums under his brush are either just beginning to bloom, in full bloom, or still in bud, each with a different posture. It's just a pity that... the deliberate attempt to be bold and fragrant has gained beauty but lost its pride. It's hard to distinguish the main and secondary flowers. Without the pride of a king, it can only be said to be quite lively, but it cannot be called first-class."

"..." x3
As soon as he finished speaking, Chen Suhe's face turned as black as the bottom of a pot. Pointing at the lone osmanthus branch, he said with dissatisfaction, "Young friend Jiang, my painting of a hundred chrysanthemums is not first-rate. You call this painting, which is just self-admiring, arrogant and first-rate?"

"If you are proud, why do you need to prove yourself, or why do you need to be surrounded by flowers?" Jiang Yingjun asked calmly, holding a brush in her hand and writing a poem on the side of the painting.

Its pale yellow hue is soft and gentle; though its presence is distant and its fragrance lingers.

Why need it be light green or pale red? It is naturally the first-class among flowers.

The moment the brushstroke ended, the fragrance of osmanthus suddenly intensified, and an indifferent arrogance that disdains competition leaped off the paper, leaving Chen Suhe stunned, Wu Rui pale, and Xiao Feng with bulging eyes and an open mouth.

Without these four lines of poetry, a lone branch is just a lone branch, self-admiring and pretentious. But with these four lines of poetry, it exudes an air of untamed pride from its very core.

I had no interest in this contest, but you insisted that I prove myself. Now that I have, do you have anything to say?

"Ah this..."

Chen Suhe retreated repeatedly, unwilling to be outshone by the Hundred Chrysanthemums painting, and immediately picked up his brush to compose a poem.

There was still blank space on the paper, enough to write four lines of poetry that corresponded to the current situation and could be compared with the chrysanthemums, and even surpass the other party's poetry, none of which he could have imagined.

Chen Suhe's face was pale, and his hand trembled as he picked up the pen. Xiao Feng, who was standing to the side, couldn't bear to watch any longer. He glared at Wu Rui and said in a voice transmission, "He's not going to make it. Quickly write a poem for him. You're an expert at writing poetry."

"How could it be written on the spot..."

Wu Rui's face fell, and he muttered weakly, "Master Liu is a man of great talent. He not only has the talent to speak eloquently, but also has a series of intricate plans. We were manipulated by him. Old Chen's loss was not unjust, nor was it shameful."

You are not ashamed, but the Western Chu has lost face!
Xiao Feng, panting heavily, challenged, "If someone surnamed Liu can compose poems so eloquently, why can't you? The scholars of Western Chu cannot be outdone. Quickly compose a poem!"

"I don't think you understand anything at all..."

Wu Rui looked at Zhang Yu with disdain and didn't bother to waste any more words with Xiao Feng.

Xiao Feng's expression changed several times before he finally made a fair and just judgment: the third round was a draw, with no winner and no loser.

In the three games, Western Chu drew two and lost one, and the one who lost was himself. Xiao Feng was extremely upset.

Among them, Jiang Yingjun was the most impressive.

Her fingertips still lingered on the edge of the painting, the ink still wet, the fragrance of osmanthus lingering.

When Xiang Yuan said, "If the painting isn't enough, let the poem make up for it," she was amazed by his confidence and arrogance, his ease and casualness, as if he could solve the problem with ease. She was curious about how he would write poetry, but she was already prepared.

When I heard Xiang Yuan say "whatever" and "I don't want to use the poems you prepared," I felt a little worried and a bit resentful.

You haven't even heard the poems I prepared, so why do you say they're no good?

At this moment, Jiang Yingjun gazed at the four lines of poetry left blank in the painting. Her eyes flickered slightly, and she felt that every word was like a pearl, every sentence touched her heart, and she savored the endless aftertaste. The more she looked at it, the happier she became, and the more she appreciated it.

The poem and painting complement each other perfectly, as if they were made by nature. The osmanthus branch in the painting is proud and aloof, while the artistic conception in the poem is transcendent. The two complement each other and seem to be a whole.

Without flowery language or deliberate embellishment, it directly expresses the sentiment of "winning without striving," not only clarifying what she thinks, but even more thoroughly than she could have expressed.

In a daze, the osmanthus in the painting came to life, not vying for the spring colors, not envying the prosperity, and even if the world does not understand, its fragrance still spreads far and wide.

In another daze, Jiang Yingjun saw Xiang Yuan lying on a couch, supporting his chin with one hand, with two cushions between his legs.

Back then, she often looked down on Xiang Yuan for being a boorish man. Xiang Yuan didn't offer any explanation, only silently yawning or idly flipping through the books in his hands.

Recalling the several grand gatherings she had attended in Northern Qi, where she used literature to make friends and composed beautiful poems in front of Xiang Yuan, who appeared listless and uninterested...

It's not that they don't understand; they just think her level is too low and don't want to lower themselves to her level.

How embarrassing!

Jiang Yingjun was extremely annoyed, blaming herself for blindly believing the words of her sister, the Empress, and neglecting the truly talented teacher. She had been aloof and arrogant all the way, showing no courtesy whatsoever, and her impression in the other party's mind must have been extremely poor.

What should I do? Is it too late to apologize now?
"Miss! Miss!"

When Jiang Yingjun was shaken awake by her maid, the Western Chu convoy that had blocked the road had already slunk away, and the Wuyou Valley caravan was preparing to set off.

Jiang Yingjun peeled back the calligraphy and painting in front of her, as if she had found a treasure. She carefully held it to her chest, looked around, and asked, "Where did the master go?"

gentlemen?

What sir?
The maid was confused, but after Jiang Yingjun changed her mind, she pointed to her own carriage and said that the Liu clan members had already gone back to their rooms to lie down.

Jiang Yingjun walked quickly to the carriage and straightened her clothes.

Seeing Xiang Yuan lounging on the soft couch as usual, with no proper posture whether sitting or lying down, he thought to himself, "How carefree!" Why need pale green or light red? He is naturally the best among flowers. A true talent, free and unrestrained, completely disregarding the opinions of worldly people.

During this period, she fell into a cliché.

"Jiang Yingjun pays her respects to you, sir."

Jiang Yingjun bowed respectfully, but seeing that Xiang Yuan was indifferent and only gave a light hum, she wanted to step forward and chat about literary topics such as poetry and songs, but she had limited interaction with Xiang Yuan and did not know where to start.

Sir, please recite another poem. I feel like ants are crawling all over my body right now.

This is what artsy young women are like!

Jiang Yingjun circled around Xiang Yuan for a while before finally finding an opening: "Sir, would you like Yingjun to frame this painting for you? If you have no interest, Yingjun will keep it."

Since you've said that, how can I possibly accept it?
Xiang Yuan waved his hand, and after the young woman's fragrance had left, his face darkened, regretting that he had fallen for Liu Che's divisive scheme.

Originally, this move shouldn't have worked, but...

Xiao Feng is on the other side!
He couldn't hold back and slapped her.

Xiang Yuan is related to both the Xiao family of Chun Shendu and the Liu family of Chun Tai'an. Helping either side would make him an unpopular figure. Originally, he did not want to get involved in the literary battle between the two countries, but because Xiao Feng was jumping around and making people feel uncomfortable, he pushed Jiang Yingjun out of displeasure.

He pushed quickly and steadily, and then he got aroused. He felt like he could see the noodle going into Jiang Yingjun's belly above her head.

Xiang Yuan wasn't just talking nonsense. The way Jiang Yingjun looked at him just now was very blatant. He had the face of a madman, and his eyes were filled with the words "cannibalism."

Furthermore, as her bodyguard, he always stayed by Jiang Yingjun's side during every major event. I can say with certainty that Jiang Yingjun doesn't usually smell this good.

The flowers have suddenly bloomed; it's probably spring!

(End of this chapter)