Great Zhou Wensheng

Chapter 250 The Marquis Who Has Descended to the Mortal World!
While the dispute over the right to copy "The Peach Blossom Spring" was raging and almost to the point of drawing swords in front of the main gate of the Marquis of Jiangyin's mansion, Long Zhaojun and Long Zhaoyue quietly went around to the back alley of the mansion.

This place seemed like a completely different world from the hustle and bustle of the main street. The bluestone pavement was wet, the corners of the walls were covered with velvety moss, and the air was filled with the faint smell of soap and cooking smoke, clearly indicating that this was the place where servants worked and came and went daily.

As the two sisters frowned, pondering how to sneak into the mansion without alerting anyone, Long Zhaoyue's eyes darted around, and she suddenly noticed a brand-new yellow hemp paper notice on the gray wall beside the back door, the ink still moist:
The Marquis of Jiangyin is sincerely recruiting:
Several maids are needed, who must have a clean background, be of good character, and be diligent.

Several servants are needed; they must be healthy, honest, and hardworking.

Competitive salary, negotiable.

Long Zhaoyue's eyes lit up instantly. She grabbed her sister's white sleeve, lowered her voice, and couldn't hide her joy:

"elder sister!
Look!

God-given opportunity!

Why don't we...why don't we disguise ourselves as the chosen maids and walk in legitimately?"

Upon hearing this, a blush of embarrassment immediately rose on Long Zhaojun's beautiful face, like rosy clouds rising from white jade.

As the eldest princess of the East Sea Dragon Palace, she was extremely respected. When she went out, shrimp soldiers and crab generals cleared the way, and clam maidens and mermaids attended her. What majesty she had!
Now you have to condescend to be a lowly maidservant in the mansion of a human nobleman, serving tea and water and doing whatever you want?

If this were to reach the Dragon Palace, wouldn't it become a laughing stock throughout the four seas and eight wastelands?
If my father knew, he would be furious.

"Moon, stop fooling around!"

She scolded softly, her voice carrying its usual coldness, yet unable to conceal a trace of panic, "What are our statuses? How could we... how could we do such a lowly thing?"
What will become of the dragon race's reputation?

"oops!

My dear sister!

Long Zhaoyue pouted her cherry lips, hugged her sister's arm and gently shook her, pleading softly, "We're just using this as an excuse to go in and explore!"

It's not like we actually have to do those chores of sweeping and cleaning!

Once we find an opportunity, we'll take a look at "The Peach Blossom Spring" and investigate Jiang Xingzhou's background. Then we'll find a chance to slip away unnoticed!

Do you want to be like those ordinary people in front of the door, struggling to get in even if you break your head?

How boring and undignified that would be!

Seeing that her elder sister's brows were still deeply furrowed, Long Zhaoyue's eyes darted around, and she leaned closer, lowering her voice even further:

"Furthermore, we only need to use a little trick to completely conceal the dragon energy around us, and then slightly change our appearance and temperament. Who can tell the difference?"
Let's just treat it as... a game of life, experiencing all walks of life. Isn't that novel and fun?

Long Zhaojun, exasperated by her sister's persistent pestering, couldn't help but glance at the tightly closed side gate.

Thinking of the mysterious painting in the mansion that stirred the spirits of heaven and earth and even made her father take notice, and then thinking of the young yet unfathomable Marquis of Jiangyin who was the focus of attention in the Eastern Continent, the curiosity and desire to explore that had been suppressed by etiquette and rules finally broke through the frozen soil like spring grass.

She sighed almost imperceptibly, bit her lower lip, and finally nodded:

"...Fine, I'll do as you say this time."

But remember, once inside the manor, exercise extreme caution, conceal your aura, and absolutely refrain from using dragon magic, let alone causing trouble or revealing your whereabouts!

"Know it!

My older sister is the best!

Long Zhaoyue immediately beamed with joy, like spring flowers in full bloom.

The two sisters immediately activated their profound inner power, and the naturally flowing noble aura and faint dragon might around them receded like the tide, disappearing into nothingness.

They only slightly adjusted their appearance, concealing their breathtaking beauty, but still retained their pure and refined essence—after all, they were already extremely beautiful, and if they became too ordinary, it would seem abrupt and suspicious.

They straightened their plain, simple dresses, which had materialized from their clothes, exchanged a glance, took a deep breath of the slightly damp air, and walked toward the somewhat mottled corner gate.

Long Zhaoyue raised her hand and gently knocked on the door knocker with her knuckles.

"Squeak-"

The door opened a crack, revealing a pretty face; it was Chun Tao, the personal maid of Lady Xue Lingqi, the Marquis's wife.

She paused slightly when her gaze fell on the two girls outside the door.

These two women, though dressed in simple clothes and without makeup, possessed a refined and elegant air, like a solitary orchid under the moon, and a lively and spirited demeanor like a clear mountain spring. Their skin was radiant and translucent, and their features were exquisitely beautiful. The older woman, in particular, had an indescribable clarity and serenity in her eyes.

With such demeanor, how could he possibly be here to apply for a job as a slave or servant?
She looks more like a young lady from a fallen family.

Chun Tao harbored doubts, but showed no outward sign, only gently asking:

"What brings you two young ladies here?"

Long Zhaoyue immediately stepped forward, her face instantly displaying just the right amount of sorrow and fear. She curtsied, mimicking the manners of a human woman, and said in a soft voice:

"May this lady have many blessings."

My sister and I are surnamed Su, and we are originally from the East Sea!
Ah no, he was from Hangzhou Prefecture. His family was a scholarly family and had some assets.

Alas... alas, my hometown was suddenly struck by floods some time ago, our homes were completely destroyed, and my parents... my parents also tragically passed away..."

Her voice choked with emotion, and her eyes welled up with tears. "My sister and I had no choice but to sell our remaining valuables and travel thousands of miles to the capital to seek refuge with distant relatives. But to our dismay, our relatives had already moved away and disappeared without a trace."

Now that I have run out of money and have no relatives or friends to turn to, I am truly desperate... I only came here because I saw that your esteemed residence was hiring, and I would be eternally grateful if you could just provide me with a place to stay and a decent meal.

Her speech was succinctly crafted, and her performance was incredibly realistic. Even Long Zhaojun, who was standing beside her, was secretly amazed at when her younger sister had acquired such skills.

Long Zhaojun also lowered her eyes in agreement, her long eyelashes trembling slightly, revealing a sorrowful and helpless expression. However, she secretly pinched her sister with her fingers hidden in her sleeve, scolding her for overacting.

Chun Tao was a kind-hearted person. Seeing that the two sisters were beautiful and spoke elegantly, and did not seem like cunning people, and hearing that their lives were so pitiful and full of hardships, she immediately felt compassion.

She thought to herself:
"The Marquis is currently enjoying the Emperor's favor, and those who come and go in his mansion are all wealthy and noble. It would be inappropriate if the inner courtyard were staffed with rough and clumsy servants."

These Su sisters look clever and educated, with a clean and refined demeanor. It would be perfect for them to stay by the lady's side as elegant maids who manage clothes, serve writing materials, or tend to the study and courtyard.

This way, the Marquis's mansion's reputation wasn't damaged, and they were given a way out.

Having made up her mind, Chun Tao's expression softened further, and she nodded, saying:
"It's truly heartbreaking that she was a wealthy heiress who suffered such a misfortune."

Our lord and his wife are from a kind and benevolent family, and the manor is indeed lacking some meticulous staff.

Come with me to meet the head maid of the inner courtyard. If she finds you suitable, you can stay and work for a trial period.

However, the rules in this household are strict, so one must be diligent and conscientious, and not be lazy or try to shirk responsibility.

"Thank you so much, sister!"
Thank you so much for taking me in, sister!

Long Zhaoyue quickly curtsied and bowed again. As Chun Tao turned around, she winked at Long Zhaojun and a triumphant smile appeared on her lips.

Long Zhaojun also bowed slightly and said in a low voice:

"Thank you, young lady. My sister and I will certainly abide by the rules and do our best in our work."

Thus, under Chuntao's guidance, the incomparably noble eldest princess and second princess of the East Sea Dragon Palace quietly entered the Jiangyin Marquis's Mansion, a place that now attracts the attention of the three realms and hides countless mysteries, under the identity of "the Su sisters, daughters of officials in distress".

Their goals are clear and specific:
The scroll painting of "The Peach Blossom Spring" that triggered the strange phenomena, and the increasingly enigmatic young marquis—Jiang Xingzhou.

...

Chun Tao led Long Zhaojun and Long Zhaoyue, who were using the aliases "the Su sisters," through several courtyards bustling with servants and somewhat noisy, toward the depths of the Marquis's mansion.

The further you go in, the more serene the scenery becomes, and even the air seems to quiet down.

As Chun Tao passed the outer corridor of the main hall connecting the outer courtyard and the inner residence, she slowed her pace as usual, and even glanced at the two new "maids" beside her with a knowing and slightly proud smile.

She had already anticipated what would happen next.

really--

When the sisters' gazes, like those of all visitors entering this place for the first time, inadvertently swept over the open, exquisitely carved main hall door and saw the several-meter-long scroll hanging high on the main wall of the hall.

They were as if struck by a thunderbolt from the heavens, or as if their blood vessels were sealed by an invisible ice, instantly freezing them in place, unable to move an inch!

All the strange legends I had heard outside the mansion and the magnificent scenes I had imagined in my mind were shattered by the real and undeniable sight before my eyes, and seemed so pale and powerless!

That long scroll of "The Peach Blossom Spring" is not a painting in the ordinary sense.

It hangs quietly on the sandalwood scroll, yet it seems to possess a chaotic magic that devours all light and spirit.

The painting is not just static ink and paint, but light is truly flowing and breathing!
That was not reflected sunlight or candlelight, but rather the shimmering, precious light that naturally emanated from the condensation of literary spirit to an almost tangible level, perfectly blending with the artistic conception of the painting!
The light was warm and gentle, not at all dazzling, yet it illuminated the entire spacious and deep main hall, making it crystal clear, as if even the tiny dust particles in the air became sacred at this moment.

The scenes in the painting are so lifelike that they are breathtaking!

In that peach blossom grove, the texture of each petal is clearly visible, and the colors range from dark to light. It's as if you can smell the rich fragrance that comes through the screen of the painting, and hear the soft rustling sound of the petals falling from the branches.

The cave, seemingly shimmering with light, was deep and mysterious. The hazy, warm glow at the entrance inspired endless imagination, as if one could step into that secluded paradise the moment one's mind was immersed in it.
The flat and wide land, the neat and orderly houses, the fertile fields with crisscrossing paths, and the clear and beautiful ponds and bamboo groves together constitute a peaceful, prosperous and tranquil ideal country.

The men and women working in the fields, and the elderly and children enjoying themselves, all have clear faces and genuine, infectious smiles, as if they were not painted on.

Rather, they are real projections of souls, allowing one to clearly "hear" their humming as they work, the laughter of children playing, and feel their inner peace and contentment.

However, what truly terrified Long Zhaojun and Long Zhaoyue was that, as members of the dragon race with innate spiritual perception far surpassing that of mortals, they were able to see through appearances and clearly "perceive" the essence of the painting—it was far more than just a painting!

It is a representation of a complete, functioning, and vibrant microcosm!

On the seemingly thin canvas, invisible laws of the universe are quietly intertwining and operating, and pure and boundless natural energy is cycling and repeating along a mysterious trajectory!
The paradise depicted in the painting is not a static image, but a projection of a living, breathing paradise with its own spatial and temporal order onto the real world!

"This...this is...the famous 'Peach Blossom Spring', a masterpiece of both literature and art?"

Long Zhaoyue opened her mouth wide, her bright and beautiful eyes wide with shock and fascination, and she even held her breath unconsciously.

She even felt the dragon pearl in her dantian was slightly warm and chirping, creating a mysterious resonance with the peaceful, vast, and vibrant artistic conception in the painting.

"It...it's alive!"
Sister, I can feel it breathing!
Its heartbeat...so powerful!

Long Zhaojun's delicate body trembled slightly, and for the first time, an undisguised, almost uncontrollable emotion appeared on her usually aloof and calm face, which was like a frozen lake.

Her cultivation was more than ten times more profound than her sister's, and her feelings were far more deep and shocking.

She not only saw the "form" of the painting, but also touched the "spirit" of the painting in an instant, and even the "Tao" it carried!
"The laws arise spontaneously... the energy circulates... the grotto-heaven within the painting..." A tidal wave surged within her heart. The knowledge accumulated over the long lifespan of the dragon race seemed so insignificant at this moment. "This is beyond the description of human painting skills!"
This is the supreme power of conveying the Dao through literature and transforming the universe through painting!
Human civilization has reached such a near-creational level.
No wonder... no wonder it could be tempered by heavenly lightning and make the Confucian Temple bell ring seven times!
This painting not only depicts the ideal world of 'harmony, peace, and great unity', but also successfully constructs the ultimate law of this ideal world!

Its value... its value far exceeds that of a powerful sea-suppressing artifact from the East Sea!

She finally understood why those renowned masters of painting outside the mansion, who were considered giants by ordinary people, were so crazy, even arguing without regard for their reputation.

Viewing this painting is not merely about learning brush and ink techniques for practitioners; it is also an opportunity to directly confront the origin of the Great Dao!

It is an unprecedented baptism and sublimation of one's own Dao heart and understanding of the laws of heaven and earth!

For the dragon race, if they could observe and contemplate these things frequently, they might truly be able to understand the way to regulate the water elements across vast distances and stabilize the order of the world!

Seeing the two of them standing there dumbfounded and lost in thought, Chun Tao smiled knowingly and whispered considerately:
"Please stay here and watch for a while, ladies. It's alright."

Everyone in the mansion, from top to bottom, reacted the same way when they first saw the painting.

Even those renowned masters of painting, when invited by the Marquis to copy his work, were so captivated by it that they couldn't move for a long time.

"Please calm down. I'll go to the inner courtyard and inform the head housekeeper. I'll come back later to arrange your accommodations and tasks."

After saying that, Chun Tao quietly left, leaving the two noble dragon sisters to continue to immerse themselves in the boundless shock brought by the painting "Peach Blossom Spring," which was enough to overturn their understanding, as if on a pilgrimage.

Under the ornately decorated corridor, the two princesses from the Dragon Palace, who had originally come to "investigate," were now like the most devout believers, forgetting their identities and original intentions. They simply gazed up at the masterpiece of human civilization, wisdom, and power, unable to come back to their senses for a long time.

The subtle sounds of the surrounding mansion and the faint clamor of the distant streets seemed to have completely faded away. Their entire being was completely absorbed by the grand, harmonious, and vibrant "Taoist charm" emanating from the ideal pure land in the painting.

The name Jiang Xingzhou, along with the original painting of "Peach Blossom Spring," has been deeply imprinted in their hearts with unprecedented depth and impact, and can never be erased.

This seemingly casual infiltration appears to have a significance that far exceeds their initial expectations based on mere curiosity.

...

The evening glow filtered through the intricately carved window frames, casting warm, dappled light and shadows into the study.

Long Zhaojun held a smooth mahogany tray, on which rested a bowl of rock sugar pear and bird's nest soup that she had carefully simmered for a whole hour in the kitchen, following Chun Tao's detailed instructions, over a small red clay stove.

The broth was simmered until it was clear and bright, and its sweet aroma wafted out with the rising steam.

She stood before the tightly closed sandalwood study door, took a deep breath, and tried to steady her heart, which was pounding slightly with inexplicable tension, and the almost imperceptible trembling of her fingertips supporting the bottom of the tray.

Finally, she raised her hand and gently knocked on the door with her knuckles.

"Enter."

A clear, peaceful voice, seemingly possessing a strange charm that could soothe anxiety and reach the heart, emanated from the room.

Long Zhaojun responded and pushed open the door to enter.

Inside the study, the faint scent of aged ink and the elegant atmosphere of books wafted over, giving her the illusion of stepping into another tranquil world.

Almost involuntarily, her gaze immediately passed over the shelves full of books and landed behind the large rosewood desk by the window.

A man dressed in a simple blue robe was sitting by the window, his posture upright like a pine tree.

He held a book in his hand, tilted his head slightly, and was completely absorbed in the world of words.

The golden glow of the setting sun perfectly outlined his clear profile, with a high nose bridge, a smooth and elegant jawline, and skin that shone with a warm glow in the light.

He simply sat there quietly, and his whole being naturally exuded a profound and dignified tranquility and a gentle and refined elegance, as if an invisible aura of culture was quietly flowing around him, making the air in the study exceptionally clear and pure.

The moment Long Zhaojun saw his face, her heart skipped a beat, then pounded faster in her chest like a startled herd of deer, a rhythm so loud she could hear it herself.

This is Jiang Xingzhou?!
Is this the same seventeen-year-old Grand Secretary who composed the timeless masterpiece "Preface to the Poems Composed at the Orchid Pavilion," created the breathtaking "Peach Blossom Spring," and whose fame resounded throughout the land, causing the Confucian temple bell to ring seven times and heavenly thunder to temper his writing?!
She had imagined countless possibilities in her mind—either a sharp and spirited young man, or an overly composed and somewhat rigid young man who was mature beyond his years.

But to everyone's surprise, the real him was like this... handsome as an immortal who stepped out of a Chinese ink painting, with a transcendent temperament as if he were untouched by the world!
His youth is undeniable; his face is like jade, and you can even see a trace of lingering immaturity in his eyes.

However, those eyes that occasionally lift from the pages of a book, deep as an ancient well, seem to hold the evolution of stars and the vicissitudes of life, possessing a clarity and tranquility that belies their age.

He sat there quietly, not like a powerful young minister, but more like a banished immortal who had come to earth by chance to dwell in this study, engaging in a silent spiritual dialogue with sages of the past and present.

"newcomer?"

Jiang Xingzhou seemed to keenly sense her overly focused gaze, slowly raised his head, and looked away from the pages of the book at her.

His eyes were clear and peaceful, with a hint of questioning. They lacked the condescending scrutiny of ordinary nobles, yet they made Long Zhaojun feel an unprecedented pressure in an instant, as if all her disguises, even her deeply hidden dragon origins, had become exposed before those eyes.

"Yes...yes, this servant is Su...Su Zhaojun,"

Long Zhaojun hurriedly lowered her eyelids, her thick, long eyelashes trembling like butterfly wings. She dared not look at him again, and two blushes rose uncontrollably on her fair cheeks. Even the voice that came out of her mouth trembled slightly.

She forced herself to remain calm, took a few steps forward, and carefully placed the tray in a vacant corner of the desk. "I am here on Sister Chuntao's orders to deliver soup to the Marquis." "Thank you for your trouble."

Jiang Xingzhou nodded slightly, his gaze lingering briefly on her flushed cheeks and downcast eyes. A faint smile, almost imperceptible, tugged at the corners of his lips, so faint it seemed like a trick of light and shadow. He then lowered his head again, returning his attention to the book in his hands, his tone flat and even. "Put it down. Go now."

"Yes, the slaves retire."

Long Zhaojun felt as if she had been granted a pardon, but at the same time, an indescribable sense of loss swept through her heart.

She hurriedly curtsied, almost holding her breath, and fled the study that had made her heart race, closing the door behind her with slow but somewhat hasty movements.

Only when her back pressed firmly against the cold wooden door and she felt its solid touch did she finally let out a long, silent sigh.

But the heart inside the chest continued to pound wildly, like a runaway horse.

The fleeting glimpse she had just witnessed—his profile bathed in golden light, his calm yet soul-searching gaze as he looked up, his clear and gentle voice like spring water striking stone, and that faint, captivating smile… everything was etched into her mind with the sharpest carving knife, indelible.

"He...the way he looked at me just now...that look in his eyes...did he...already sense something was wrong?"

Long Zhaojun leaned against the door, her fingers unconsciously twisting the hem of her clothes. Her heart was filled with mixed feelings. There was panic and fear that her identity might be discovered, but also a subtle, unspeakable joy and fluttering heart that arose from being "watched" by such an extraordinary person.

The Jiangyin Marquis's mansion, especially the young marquis, is far more unfathomable than she initially imagined.

...

That night, the moonlight, like water, flowed quietly through the window of the west wing where the maids of the Marquis of Jiangyin's mansion lived.

The candlelight inside the room was dim, casting flickering shadows on the walls.

Long Zhaoyue was already anxiously waiting, pacing back and forth in the small room, her bright eyes glancing towards the door every now and then.

Upon hearing the slight sound of the door hinges turning, she immediately pounced on Long Zhaojun like a swallow returning to its nest, tightly grasping the arm of the newly entered Long Zhaojun, her voice low with barely suppressed excitement and curiosity:

"elder sister!
You're finally back!

Tell me quickly, have you seen him?

What exactly does the legendary Lord Jiang Xingzhou look like?

Is it really true, as the rumors say, that he has some kind of supernatural powers, like having three heads and six arms?
Or is he a stern, unsmiling, and overly classical old-fashioned man?

Long Zhaojun was somewhat dazed by her sister's barrage of questions.

She gently pulled away from Long Zhaoyue's hand and walked unsteadily to the edge of the simple bed to sit down.

The scene in the study at dusk, like a dream, reappeared before my eyes.

She didn't answer immediately, but instead slightly raised her fair neck, her gaze passing through the small window to the bright moon in the sky. Her exquisite profile, bathed in the hazy moonlight and candlelight, seemed to be enveloped in a soft and moving halo.

After a long pause, she finally withdrew her gaze, turning to her impatient younger sister. A faint, yet sweet smile unconsciously spread across her lips as she softly spoke in a dreamlike, ethereal tone:
"He is neither a fierce god with three heads and six arms, nor a pedantic and rigid scholar."

"He is like...like the brightest and purest moon in the night sky."

"With a cool and aloof demeanor and a proud and independent posture, he seemed to be detached from the world and suspended in the heavens. A faint radiance naturally flowed around him, making the surrounding stars pale in comparison."

"But..." She paused slightly, two deeper blushes suddenly rising on her fair cheeks, even her ears turning crimson. Her voice was so low it was almost a whisper, carrying a hint of a flutter she herself was unaware of.
"When you are lucky enough to get close enough to see its true face... you will feel that everything around you, everyone and everything, will become blurry and dim in an instant... and your eyes and heart will no longer be able to accommodate any other figures."

Long Zhaoyue's cherry-like mouth gaped open, her beautiful eyes widening in astonishment and longing, as if she could see that moon-like figure through her sister's description:

"Wow!

Like the moon?
Can no longer see anyone else?
"What unparalleled splendor that must have been!"

She stamped her foot lightly in excitement, her skirt swirling in small ripples, and complained with annoyance:
"oops!

Blame me!

I was a step too slow today and missed the chance to deliver something to the study!

tomorrow!

Tomorrow I must find a way, no matter what, to see him with my own eyes!

Looking at her younger sister's eager expression, as if she couldn't wait to fly to the study, Long Zhaojun's heart was also filled with turmoil, and she found it difficult to calm down.

This impulsive act of sneaking into the Jiangyin Marquis's residence seems to be... quietly deviating from its original course, sliding in a direction she never expected.

Jiang Xingzhou, who was astonishingly young yet already stood at the pinnacle of human civilization, was like a strange pebble accidentally thrown into her thousand-year-old tranquil lake of heart, stirring up ripples that became increasingly difficult to control.

Where will these ripples eventually spread to?

Meanwhile, inside the study of the Jiang residence.

Under the candlelight, Jiang Xingzhou finally slowly put down the book in his hands.

His gaze inadvertently swept over the bowl of rock sugar pear and bird's nest soup on the corner of the desk, which had long since stopped steaming but still retained a trace of warmth. He tapped his fingertips lightly twice on the smooth rosewood table.

Recalling the maid's extraordinary charm despite her best efforts to conceal it, and the fleeting panic she displayed, the faint smile on his lips seemed to deepen slightly, and a hint of understanding and amusement flashed in his eyes.

"The aura of the East Sea Dragon Clan... they are indeed rare guests."

He murmured to himself, his voice so soft that only he could hear it, yet it seemed to contain endless profound meaning in the quiet study.

...

It's late at night and everything is silent.

Only a celadon oil lamp remained in the study, its flame as small as a bean, swaying gently in the breeze, casting a hazy and tranquil light throughout the room.

Jiang Xingzhou gently closed the ancient book in his hand, the edges of which were slightly frayed, and raised his hand to rub his slightly swollen brow.

On the large rosewood desk were stacks of classics, historical texts, philosophical works, and policy essays, all of which were likely to be covered in tomorrow's examination for Grand Secretaries of the Imperial Academy.

However, for him, the profound meanings of these classic texts were already deeply ingrained in his mind, and he had mastered them to the point of being able to "do whatever he wanted without overstepping the bounds."

He knew that at his level, the great Confucian scholars were no longer testing his rote memorization of texts, but rather his depth of understanding of the essence of literature and the Way, his ability to perceive the rules of heaven and earth, and his wisdom in adapting to changing circumstances and resolving difficult problems.

These all require long-term accumulation and sudden enlightenment, and cannot be improved by last-minute cramming.

"When soldiers come, we'll block them; when water comes, we'll dam it."

He sighed softly, his tone carrying a faint, almost imperceptible sense of helplessness, but more so, an absolute confidence stemming from his formidable strength.

The unknown exam questions, on the contrary, ignited his hidden interest and desire for challenge.

What truly bothered him was not the upcoming assessment itself, but the bustling scene at the Jiangyin Marquis's residence that had been so lively lately.

Since the emergence of the "Preface to the Poems Composed at the Orchid Pavilion" and the "Peach Blossom Spring" triggered extraordinary phenomena in the heavens and earth, this originally quiet mansion has become the center of a whirlpool, attracting attention from all levels of society, and even from the three realms and six paths of existence.

On the surface, there are countless literati, scholars, and skilled painters who come every day seeking calligraphy or eager to copy paintings;
In the shadows, countless hidden auras, some strong, some weak, some demonic, some barbaric, lingered around the mansion, each displaying their unique abilities, attempting to sneak into the mansion and find out what was going on.

What made him even more amused and exasperated was that some "distinguished guests" actually condescended to sneak in using such a "down-to-earth" method.

For example... this evening, the "new maid" who was holding a bowl of rock sugar pear and bird's nest soup, her fingertips trembling slightly with nervousness, tried to remain calm.

Jiang Xingzhou picked up the cup of tea that had already cooled slightly, took a sip, and his gaze seemed to penetrate through layers of walls, clearly "seeing" the two "Su sisters" whispering in hushed tones in the west wing of the backyard.

A playful, amused smile involuntarily curved the corners of his mouth.

"The dragons of the East Sea...and they are the purest royal bloodline among the dragons."

He understood perfectly, "Although he tried his best to conceal his aura and the dragon's might was contained within, his innate noble spirit and... the naivety that had not yet completely faded away could not be hidden."

The older one must be a princess; she's more composed.

The younger one was lively, energetic, and incredibly curious.

He recalled the fleeting panic in the dragon princess's clear eyes when they met, and the soup she cooked with such precise control of the heat, clearly made with care, and couldn't help but shake his head slightly.

"Sigh...why bother with all this?"

A barely audible sigh echoed in the quiet study, carrying a hint of confusion and a slight smile, but not much anger.

He was well aware of the purpose of these "uninvited guests".

It was nothing more than curiosity about his almost legendary literary cultivation, and a desire to observe him up close;

Perhaps they coveted the secrets of the self-contained paradise depicted in the painting "Peach Blossom Spring"; or perhaps they were spies planted by certain forces.

He didn't care much about these prying eyes.

Faced with an absolute disparity in strength, all covert observations and calculations are nothing more than a gentle breeze brushing across a hill, unable to shake it in the slightest.

On the surface, the Jiangyin Marquis's residence was not heavily guarded, but in reality, he had already used his vast literary energy to create an invisible net of divine perception.

Every blade of grass, every tree, every insect, every bird in the mansion, and even the breath and heartbeat of every person, are all reflected in his mind's mirror, and he can see them with the utmost clarity.

Let alone two dragon maidens who tried their best to hide their identities, even if a powerful demon with profound cultivation were to infiltrate, they would not be able to escape his spiritual senses that constantly covered the entire mansion.

His decision to remain inactive and let them stay was simply a matter of observing how things unfolded.

"Come if you want, see if you want."

Jiang Xingzhou put down his teacup, his gaze becoming deep and calm again, like a deep ancient pool. "As long as they don't cross the line or cause trouble, I wouldn't mind adding a few more vibrant 'life' to my residence."

He even felt that having these two "maids" of noble and special status in the mansion might be able to shield him from some more troublesome and annoying spying.

After all, if the outside world knew that even the princess of the East Sea Dragon Palace had "condescended" to serve as a maid here, it would probably make many secretly scheming forces wary and reconsider the consequences of provoking him.

"only……"

A subtle, amused smile flickered in his eyes as he unconsciously tapped his fingers lightly on the desk. "I hope these two delicate 'guests' won't be too clever for their own good and end up getting burned."

Besides the priceless literary treasures that are openly displayed in my residence, there might also be some hidden 'surprises' that they might not be able to easily handle.

With these thoughts in mind, he stopped worrying about the undercurrents outside the mansion and the "maids" inside, and instead focused all his attention on the vast sea of ​​books and his contemplation of literature.

He had a vague feeling that the upcoming assessment would not focus on literary talent as much as the first two, but might involve areas that were closer to reality and even fraught with danger.

But so what?

Whatever the questions may be, Jiang Xingzhou will accept them calmly.

Outside the window, the moonlight grew increasingly hazy, draping the flowers, plants, and trees in the courtyard in a mysterious veil.

In the deep of night, the Jiangyin Marquis's residence was as tranquil as an ink painting. Only those who could see through its secrets could sense the undercurrents of various forces surging beneath the calm surface.

At the heart of all this dramatic turn of events, the young marquis in his blue robe remained as calm as a still well, sitting serenely alone in his study, observing the changing winds and watching the world unfold.

...

The night was as dark as ink, bathing the front courtyard of the Jiangyin Marquis's residence in a noisy and eerie atmosphere.

Various forces, both overt and covert, mingled and jostled, arguing fiercely over the legendary painting.

However, just a wall away in the heart of the mansion—the main hall—lies a completely different world.

The long scroll of "The Peach Blossom Spring" hanging high on the main wall is now radiating a warm, moonlit glow.

The world depicted in the painting was not an inanimate object, but rather a miniature world that was real and tangible, quietly in operation.

Within the painted scene, it was midday, the warm sun creating a wonderful contrast with the deep night outside, as if time itself followed a different, mysterious set of laws.

In the center of the grotto, in that flat valley surrounded by fertile fields, beautiful ponds, mulberry trees, and bamboo groves, a newly built, elegant courtyard has quietly appeared.

With its white walls and black tiles, upturned eaves, and courtyard built against the mountain and beside the water, surrounded by blooming peach trees, a clear stream meanders through the courtyard, and the murmuring water further enhances the tranquility and seclusion of this place.

Inside the courtyard, under an ancient peach tree in full bloom, there is a round stone table and several stone benches.

Xue Lingqi was sitting alone on a stone bench.

She wore an elegant yet luxurious palace dress, her hair was lightly tied up, and she only had a jade hairpin in her hair. Yet, she naturally exuded the graceful demeanor that she had developed after being granted the title of Third-Rank Lady.

On the stone table, steam rises from a celadon teacup, releasing a refreshing and calming aroma.

In her slender hands, she held a scroll of ancient Confucian classics, its paper texture imbued with a subtle golden aura of literary energy, and she was intently studying it.

Since being bestowed the title of Jinshi by the Empress, Xue Lingqi's literary talent has been firmly established, and her literary aura has become increasingly abundant and refined.

But she knew very well that her husband, Jiang Xingzhou, was a man of exceptional talent, whose progress was astonishingly rapid.

She neither wanted to nor could she simply become a vine sheltered by him.

This grotto-heaven, created by her husband with his supreme supernatural powers, became her best sanctuary for cultivation.

This place is truly a sacred site for literature and Taoism.

Compared to the outside world, the primordial energy here contains an extremely pure and peaceful righteous energy.

With each breath, it felt as if cool and mellow literary energy seeped into my limbs and bones, like sweet spring water, nourishing my literary spirit and cleansing my mind of distractions, keeping my mind clear at all times.

One day of cultivation here, focusing on absorbing and refining the literary energy, is equivalent to several months of arduous cultivation in the outside world!
What's even more mysterious is that this world is entirely supported by the supreme ideal of "universal harmony" as described in "The Peach Blossom Spring." It is peaceful and tranquil, and the laws are self-evident. It makes it easy for people to eliminate external interference and enter a deep state of enlightenment where they forget themselves and the world. It has a miraculous effect that is hard to find outside the world for understanding the profound meaning of the classics and for cultivating a firm literary mind.

Xue Lingqi occasionally raised her head from the scriptures, her gentle gaze sweeping over the low wall of the courtyard and looking into the distance.

The painting depicts simple villagers working peacefully in the fields, with the elderly and children content and the sounds of chickens and dogs audible, creating a scene of utmost tranquility and peace.

This pure land, created by her husband's heart, not only greatly nourished her spiritual cultivation, but also gave her an increasingly profound resonance and understanding of the ideal realm of "benevolent governance, harmony, and tranquility" described by her husband.

This resonance itself is the best tempering and strengthening of one's literary heart.

She took a sip of the warm spiritual tea, its sweet flavor soothing her senses. Her gaze returned to the sacred text in her hand, which contained boundless wisdom, and a satisfied and serene smile appeared on her lips.

Despite the turmoil and chaos of the outside world, and the open and hidden attacks her husband had to face, she was never anxious or uneasy.

Because she was well aware of her husband's unfathomable strength and wisdom, and she knew that what she should do most at this moment was to cherish this unique opportunity and focus wholeheartedly on improving her own cultivation and realm.

Only in this way can we stand by his side with more confidence and composure in the future, and face the storms together.

"Perhaps... with the blessing of this place, it won't be long before I can also try to condense the spiritual light of talent and reach the peak of the Jinshi (进士) rank."

She thought to herself, a gentle yet unwavering light flashing in her beautiful eyes.

The painting depicts a peaceful and serene time, a time for accumulating strength.

(End of this chapter)