The splendor of the Red Chamber, the power that reigns supreme.

Chapter 142 The Unparalleled Beauty of the Capital, Li Shishi

That old man, Mi Yuanzhang, had just berated the several "treasures" presented to him, his words so vicious they could have ripped three layers of skin off him. The hall was so quiet you could hear a pin drop; a deathly stillness hung in the air, making one's chest feel heavy and breathless, as if afraid of provoking this living madman.

The nobles and scholars shrank back, not daring to utter a sound. It wasn't that they were afraid of Dr. Mi, who had no real power, but rather that this old madman would point his finger at them in public and hurl insults at them.

Once his sharp tongue has uttered it, it will likely become a laughing stock in the capital for a year, and even the patrons of brothels and theaters will use it as a source of amusement when they are drunk!
The attendant's hands trembled slightly as he held the next scroll, fearing he might bring bad luck again.

The scroll slowly unfolded.

In an instant, Mi Fu's previously manic eyes, filled with irritation and disdain, suddenly sharpened! He froze as if struck by an invisible lightning bolt.

Just a moment ago he was talking animatedly and gesturing wildly, but now he was holding his breath, his eyes fixed on the painting, not blinking, as if he wanted to gouge them into the paper.

It was originally a traditional Chinese ink painting of mountains and rivers.

Although it captures only a corner of the vast landscape, it still possesses a magnificent and boundless spirit:

The mountains stretched out in layers, rising and falling in a continuous line, arching like a spine, exuding a majestic yet delicate charm. Clouds rose and swirled among the mountains, so lively that one could almost hear their soft breathing.

The most captivating part is the perfectly round setting sun in the upper right corner of the painting! The use of ink there is truly exquisite!
The edges are hazy and indistinct, yet the interior is profound and unyielding, as if wrapped in a thousand years of desolation and lingering warmth, forcefully dyeing the western sky a dim yellow, with a subtle yet tragic strength.

The room, filled with jewels and brocades, paled in comparison to the elegance of this painting, becoming nothing more than clods of earth!
"Eek—ah!" Mi Fu let out a long groan, like a starving wild dog seeing a piece of fat meat.

He pounced on the painting table like a hungry tiger, his wide robe sleeves swishing and overturning a delicate porcelain teacup beside him, splashing tea everywhere. He didn't care at all, not even lifting an eyelid.

He gripped the edge of the table tightly with both hands, his body hunched over like a shrimp, his nose almost touching the paper.

His eyes darted around, greedily licking every rock and wisp of cloud in the painting, especially the mesmerizing sunset, which he seemed to want to devour whole.

“What…what a magnificent ‘Sunset over the Rivers and Mountains’!” he murmured to himself, his voice trembling with a rare quality.

"This mountain... has bone! This water... has rhythm! This cloud... has spirit! Especially this sunset! The ink is divided into five colors, with appropriate shades, and the hazy yellow hue shines through the paper, without a single touch of ochre or gamboge! Wonderful! Absolutely wonderful! This is not human effort, but the creation of heaven and earth bestowed upon the brush!"

The more he looked at it, the more he loved it. His fingers couldn't help but trace the outline of the mountains in the painting, and the fascination in his eyes was like that of a gourmet who had seen a rare delicacy.

However, as he watched, a deep, indescribable sorrow gradually crept onto his face, which had been filled with ecstasy.

"What a pity! What a pity!" Mi Fu suddenly sat up straight, pounding his chest and stamping his feet, his hair and beard standing on end, his voice rising abruptly, filled with endless regret.

"Brushwork! Brushwork! The artistic conception has reached a state of perfection, but the brushstrokes are still a bit immature! The texturing of the rocks is hesitant and weak, and the depiction of the trees lacks maturity! If... if this painting could be complemented by color, with green dots to depict the mountains, gold powder to outline the clouds, and vermilion to highlight the sunset..."

"What a magnificent masterpiece that would be! It would rival the works of Li Sixun and Wu Daozi! What a pity! What a pity! What a waste of talent! This painting only captures seven or eight tenths of the essence of Wang Wei's ink painting, failing to fully express the splendor of the vast landscape! How hateful! How hateful!"

He stomped his feet repeatedly in anguish, as if the loss was more painful than having his own flesh torn out.

The entire hall was stunned by his manic behavior, which alternated between ecstasy and despair, leaving everyone completely bewildered.

Just moments ago, he was being thoroughly scolded, yet now someone has received such enthusiastic praise from Mi Dian, causing him to lose his composure.
Although he later criticized the writing style as immature and lamented the lack of color, everyone could hear the high praise behind his criticism and lamentation!
"This painting! This 'Landscape at Sunset'! Whose is it?! Where is the owner?! Tell us! Tell us!"

In a secluded corner of the hall, a scholar dressed in a worn blue cloth robe, who had been keeping a low profile, slowly stood up.

The man was in his early thirties, with a thin face and three sparse, short beards. His eyes were bright and darting around, revealing a shrewdness that was not easily detected.

He straightened his clothes, which weren't actually very wrinkled, and bowed just right in Mi Fu's direction, giving a respectful but not servile greeting:
"In reply to Dr. Mi, I am Wang Fu, a proofreader. This painting... is mine."

"Wang Fu?" Mi Fu's sharp gaze scrutinized Wang Fu from head to toe, as if trying to peel off three layers of his skin. "This painting... could it be that you painted it?!"

His tone, urgent yet filled with utter disbelief.

A perfectly measured hint of humility and composure flashed across Wang Fu's face as he shook his head and said:

"Doctor, you flatter me. I am unworthy of such praise. This painting is not my work. I found it by chance some time ago in an inconspicuous little pawnshop in the west of the city."

"Although I am not very talented, I do have some knowledge of the art of painting. Upon seeing the style of this painting, I know it is no ordinary work. It is probably the work of a reclusive scholar from a previous dynasty. Since the discerning eye of the Doctor is here today, I dare to present it to you for your appraisal."

After hearing this, Mi Fu's intense gaze lingered on Wang Fu's face for a moment before returning to the "Sunset over the Rivers and Mountains" painting that he both loved and hated.

He let out a long breath, the madness and sorrow on his face lessening slightly. He nodded, his tone softening considerably, even carrying a hint of approval:
"Hmm... Scholar Wang... You do have a discerning eye! Although this painting lacks skill in brushwork and color, the artist's vision and the clouds and mist he depicts, especially the spirit of the sunset, have captured the true essence of nature! Given time, the artist will surely become a master! Your ability to recognize the extraordinary nature of this painting shows a hundred times greater insight and discernment than all these dabbling scholars!"

He glanced unceremoniously at the red-faced dignitaries around him!

Mi Fu stroked his beard and said solemnly:
"I will personally present this painting to the Emperor for his perusal! Wang, you have rendered meritorious service by presenting this painting, and I will certainly put in a good word for you before the Emperor!"

Upon hearing this, a glint of light flashed in Wang Fu's eyes, but his face revealed a perfectly measured expression of gratitude, and he bowed deeply to the ground.
"Your humble servant Wang Fu kowtows to express his deepest gratitude to the Doctor for his great kindness in mentoring you!"

The deathly silence in the hall was broken by a suppressed murmur. The gazes of the crowd towards Wang Fu were incredibly complex, a mixture of shock and jealousy.

After Mi Fu solemnly promised to present the painting to the emperor and speak well of Wang Fu, the atmosphere in the hall eased slightly.

Wang Fu bowed in gratitude and was about to leave when Mi Fu spoke again, his voice carrying a rare, almost pleading urgency:

“Wang, the Proofreader…” Mi Fu’s gaze remained fixed on the painting “Sunset over the Rivers and Mountains,” his fingers unconsciously tracing the edge of the paper. “After His Majesty has viewed and appreciated this painting, if His Majesty has no intention of keeping it, would you be willing to part with it and give it to me? I am willing to spend all my wealth to buy it! Gold, silver, pearls, jade, antiques, and rare treasures—just name your price! No questions asked!”

When he said this, his eyes shone brightly as he stared intently at Wang Fu, his breathing becoming somewhat heavy. He was completely devoid of his usual arrogance, resembling instead an old rascal obsessed with a particular favorite.

Upon hearing this, Wang Fu bowed slightly, his voice steady and clear:
"It is my great fortune, and even more so the fortune of this painting, that this painting has caught the eye of the scholar. However..."

He paused, raised his eyes to look directly into Mi Fu's eager eyes, and said, word by word, "This humble official dares not ask for gold or silver from the Doctor."

"I have long heard that Dr. Shu possesses a scroll of calligraphy, the 'Shu Su Tie,' written in his own hand. The brushstrokes are vigorous and graceful, a masterpiece of calligraphy unparalleled in our time. I have long admired it. If Dr. Shu would be so kind as to part with this scroll in exchange... I would gladly offer this 'Sunset over the Rivers and Mountains' with both hands, without any hesitation!"

Upon hearing this, the entire room fell silent once more!

Even Master Ximen was startled. He had come for this very reason, and he couldn't let it be taken away so easily.

The urgency on Mi Fu's face froze instantly, as if a bucket of ice water had been poured over his head. The burning flame in his eyes suddenly went out, replaced by a deep sense of astonishment and struggle.

He abruptly withdrew his fingers from the drawing paper, as if the paper had suddenly become scalding hot. He fell silent; the only sounds in the hall were his heavy breathing and the pounding of his own heart.

"Shu Su Tie"... in exchange for this "Sunset over the Rivers and Mountains" painting?
“The Shu Su Tie… The Shu Su Tie…” Mi Fu murmured, his brows furrowed, as if engaged in an incredibly difficult internal struggle. Finally, he abruptly flicked his sleeves: “I won’t trade!”

He looked at Wang Fu with a complex and indescribable expression, which contained both his deep affection for that ink painting of the landscape and his strong defense of his own hard work: "Wang, you have a good eye! The Shu Su Tie is indeed my masterpiece."

“However, this calligraphy is to me like the marrow of my bones and the flesh of my heart! This painting, ‘Sunset over the Rivers and Mountains,’ is indeed wondrous in its spirit and charm, but the brushwork is ultimately as immature as an undeveloped infant, still a hundred and eight thousand miles away from perfection! It is still an uncarved jade, not yet reaching the realm of perfection!” Wang Fu took a deep breath, his gaze fixed intently on the setting sun about to be swept away, his words quickening as he reluctantly persuaded:
"Doctor! I dare to ask you a question: Your 'Shu Su Tie' is indeed a masterpiece, the culmination of your hard work... But you are in the prime of your life, and your calligraphy skills are reaching new heights! If you can write the 'Shu Su Tie' today, can't you write ten or a hundred more in the future, or even surpass this unparalleled masterpiece?"

His tone suddenly shifted, and he abruptly raised his arm, pointing directly at the half-rolled scroll of "Landscape at Sunset" on the painting table:
"But Doctor, please look at this painting! This is 'Sunset over the Rivers and Mountains'! Who painted it? We don't know! Where did it come from? It was found by chance at a pawnshop, like a pearl lost in the ocean! Its brushwork may be immature, and its coloring may be flawed, and what you say is all true! However, its spirit is natural, and its artistic conception is superb. Especially the undulating landscape, which is a gift of nature, not something that can be forced by human effort! More importantly—"

Wang Fu spoke each word slowly and deliberately, like a heavy hammer striking the hearts of everyone present:

"This painting is one of a kind in the world! Absolutely unique! One of a kind!"

Mi Fu shook his head after hearing this: "If...if the artist's skill had matured, his brushwork was masterful, and his colors were exquisite, he could have captured the splendor of the vast landscape and the magnificence of the setting sun on the silk..."

"I would gladly offer you ten copies of the Shu Su Tie! It's just a pity that this painting is still missing that final touch, and cannot be perfect! What a pity! What a lament!"

He let out a long, heavy sigh, a sigh that seemed to come from the depths of his heart.

"Now use it to exchange for this painting that still has some flaws..." Mi Fu shook his head and waved to the court officials: "Put this painting away carefully! Mount it meticulously! List it as the top-grade treasure to be presented to the Emperor for his inspection this time! There must be no mistakes!"

The officials, feeling as if they had been granted a pardon, quickly and carefully rolled up the scroll.

Wang Fu stood there, looking at the scroll that had been swept away, his face filled with disappointment. He retreated into the shadows of the corner, his head bowed, lost in thought.

Suddenly, the tinkling of jade pendants filled the air, a fragrant breeze carried on the breeze, and a soft, sweet voice, tinged with a lazy laugh, drifted over:

"Wait a moment, Dr. Mi, Professor Wang, and all distinguished guests. This painting is so exquisite, would you allow me to open my eyes and appreciate it?"

Hearing the sound, everyone turned to look, and saw the beaded curtain of the hall lifted slightly, and a beautiful woman gracefully walked in. It was none other than Li Shishi, the most famous courtesan in the capital, the emperor's darling!
She wore a plain-colored, double-breasted silk robe, with a thin, pale gold gauze over it. The robe was tailored to fit her perfectly, tightly wrapping her plump, rounded, and curvaceous figure, concealing her completely.

Her waist was extremely slender, truly the slender waist of a willow branch. A bright green handkerchief was tied around her waist, which made her buttocks appear even rounder and more pert. When she walked, she swayed gracefully, like a lotus leaf swaying in the wind, exuding an indescribable charm and elegance.

She had an oval face, smooth and rosy, with expressive eyes, especially her watery, misty eyes, which seemed to hold a pool of spring water and could steal one's soul with a casual glance.

A kingfisher feather hairpin with red and gold decorations was inserted diagonally into her jet-black hair. As she turned her neck slightly, the tassels swayed gently, adding to her alluring charm.

All the men in the hall instantly fixed their gazes on the vibrant and alluring body, their breathing becoming heavier. Not only the men, but even the women at the two tables couldn't tear their eyes away, scrutinizing her from head to toe.

Li Shishi seemed oblivious to the intense gazes upon her, her slender waist swaying as she approached the painting table. The attendant dared not delay, hastily and carefully unfurling a corner of the scroll to reveal the sunset over the landscape.

Li Shishi lowered her head slightly, observing intently from a distance of half a foot. She watched with utmost seriousness, her moist cherry lips sometimes pursing slightly, sometimes letting out a soft "tsk." After a long while, she finally raised her captivating eyes, first looking at Mi Fu, her gaze shifting with three parts admiration and seven parts allure:
"Dr. Mi's discerning eye is spot on. This painting... truly captures the essence of nature! Especially the sparse sunset and the desolate landscape, it's as if I can hear the river's lament and see the twilight descending..."

Her voice was sweet and soft, with a hint of a barely perceptible sigh, "But... just as the doctor said, the brushstrokes are still a bit immature. If a bit more seasoned skill were added, and some golden hues were added... alas, what a pity for such extraordinary natural beauty..."

As she spoke, her slender fingers couldn't help but trace the outline of the setting sun, her fingertips filled with longing.

"I dare to speculate that the person who painted this painting may not be... may not be less skilled than others, though perhaps not quite reaching the level of mastery and maturity. Perhaps... perhaps they were simply short of money and couldn't afford such fine, bright and lustrous cinnabar, gamboge, and gold leaf?"

She lightly traced a slightly muddy area on the painting with her fingertips, her cherry lips pouting slightly: "Mr. Mi, look, this should be the ink of a sunset, but it's a bit dull, and the layers are a bit blurred. It's clearly waiting for the paint to be applied, so the brush and ink can hardly support that kind of atmosphere."

"If we were to use the 'Buddha's Head Blue' or 'Golden Mud' pigments used by the imperial painting academy, or the finest cinnabar from Jiangnan, just a thin layer would be enough to radiate brilliance! How could we not vividly depict the golden and azure hues of this vast land?"

Li Shishi's words flowed like a clear spring into Mi Fu's mind, which was a jumbled mess of beauty and embarrassment.

He shuddered, as if a key point had been struck, and his cloudy old eyes suddenly burst forth with an astonishing light as he stared intently at the spot Li Shishi had just pointed to!
"Oh my! It's here! It's here!" Mi Fu slapped his thigh hard, so hard that the painting table shook. His voice trembled with excitement, all traces of his earlier stuttering embarrassment gone, replaced by a sudden, overwhelming joy and boundless admiration for the beauty before him.
"Li...Li Xingshou! Truly...truly a person of exceptional intelligence and keen insight! I...I was so focused on the brushwork and coloring that I...I forgot about this most fundamental point! Yes, yes!"

Li Shishi chuckled softly, covering her mouth, her eyes sparkling with charm, and said coquettishly, "You flatter me, Doctor. This humble woman's opinion is merely that of a woman."

After saying that, she gracefully rose and gave a deep bow to everyone, her willow-like waist curtsying in a captivating arc.

"I am ignorant and have spoken presumptuously. I have disturbed the enjoyment of the Doctor and all of you. Please do not take offense."

Her eyes, like pools of water, gently brushed against everyone's faces, like a delicate flower that understands words. With light, graceful steps, she moved with a fragrant breeze, swaying gently. The enchanting curves formed between her slender waist and full hips rippled with each step, as if every step touched the very tip of one's heart.

All eyes in the room, especially Mi Fu's old eyes that had just been sparkling with wisdom, now stared intently, as if drawn by invisible threads, fixed on Li Shishi's swaying figure.

"That old bastard, he cursed us all like dirt, but today, seeing Li Xingshou's 'exquisite masterpiece' so vivid and fragrant, well, his tongue is tied in knots, his calves are cramping, and his eyes are practically popping into Shishi's bodice! His old face is as red as a monkey's butt!"

Someone immediately chimed in, their tone dripping with sarcasm:
"That's right! As the old saying goes, 'When an old house catches fire, there's no saving it!' This old philanderer, who usually acts like a saint who doesn't eat the food of this world, turns out that when he sees real 'meat,' he's more lustful than a donkey that hasn't eaten for three days!"

"Exactly!" another person chimed in gleefully, "What 'unconventional and arrogant scholar,' what 'disdainful of the masses,' it's all bullshit."

After Li Shishi sat down, her eyes sparkling as she tuned the strings of her zither, she suddenly felt another burning, sticky gaze fixed on her from the side. She frowned slightly and subtly glanced in the direction of that gaze—

It was none other than the powerful Ximen Qing, who was sitting upright to this side!

Li Shishi followed his gaze downwards and her heart skipped a beat. In an instant, she understood—her slender waist was bent deeply, her full breasts supported by the brocade cushion beneath her, arching into a crescent shape. Her thin silk robe was stretched taut and slippery. Unfortunately, Ximen Qing was in a tricky position, and this vivid and enchanting scene was completely under his sight!
"Hmph!" Li Shishi let out a short, cold snort, her face frosty, a surge of offended embarrassment rising to her head.

With an extremely slender yet incredibly swift twist of her waist, she subtly raised her jade-like thighs, imperceptibly adjusting the curve of the brocade skirt. Then, while wiping her skirt, she hastily pulled the emerald green handkerchief behind her back, barely covering her most alluring curves.

Ximen Da Guanren took in the beauty's coquettish and angry demeanor and her attempts to cover up her true feelings. Instead of restraining himself, he grinned.

This only added fuel to the fire! Li Shishi's pretty face turned deathly pale with anger, her chest heaving violently. She gritted her teeth, her heart churning with rage:

"What a scoundrel! In Bianliang, the capital of this guild, even powerful figures like Grand Tutor Cai and refined scholars like Prime Minister He Zhizhong treat each other with utmost courtesy and respect, their words revealing three parts deference and seven parts elegance!"

"But there are these ignorant, filthy scoundrels who dare to... dare to desecrate me with such vile eyes!"
Before Li Shishi's anger and embarrassment could subside, Ximen Qing had already turned his gaze back to Lu Junyi.

The renowned "Jade Kirin" stood out starkly from the elegant yet subtly turbulent atmosphere of the room. Unlike the others who pretended to appraise the painting, he neither glanced at Li Shishi.

He simply held a large bowl and gulped down the finest "Jade Pot Spring" wine.

The official smiled and said, "Senior brother, is something on your mind?"

Lu Junyi, who was halfway through his drinking session, shook his head and laughed upon hearing this, saying, "Your senior brother here only recognizes two things—unrivaled martial arts skills and a business that makes me incredibly wealthy! Anything else? Too much trouble! Boring!"

His words were forceful and unvarnished.

Ximen Daguanren sighed inwardly: "No wonder! This Jade Kirin has amassed such a huge fortune, yet he has not had a single offspring at such an old age."

"But as the saying goes: even a thousand-pound gate cannot stop a fork in the door, and a door bolt made of ten thousand taels of gold cannot hold a wife's heart!"

"Your unparalleled martial arts skills and mountains of gold and silver cannot guard against thieves within your own household, nor can they secure the person beside you in your bed."

(End of this chapter)