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

Chapter 144 The Official's Path to Success is Within Reach
Among the group of noblewomen adorned with gold and silver, there were also a few, like Mrs. Lin, who were widows and living alone.

One of them, the most outspoken, felt a surge of heat rush to his head upon seeing the man. He swallowed hard, unable to control his tongue, and blurted out, "Oh my! You, my 'family friend,' are indeed... strangely handsome! And you even have an indescribable air of wickedness about you!"

As soon as the words left his mouth, he realized he had misspoke and hurriedly covered half his face with a fan, his ears burning red with embarrassment.

These ladies, who usually loved to be pretentious and tease each other, didn't laugh at her at all!

Everyone seemed to be bewitched by the words, their eyes fixed intently on Ximen Da Guanren, who was smiling and calmly facing the gazes of the entire room.

These ladies of noble birth, though draped in silks and satins and adorned with jewels, were mostly celibate, like parched land parched with thirst.

Now that we've seen this handsome, well-proportioned, and charmingly wicked man, it's truly a case of "a starving ghost doesn't complain about thin porridge, and a bald man doesn't curse a bald head"—we're all foxes from the same hole, so who would laugh at who's greedy?
This man's handsomeness wasn't the kind of gentle, mild-mannered kind; rather, it was a sharp, angular face with a pair of eyes like a peach blossom pool embedded within them. When he looked at people, he had a half-smile, an indescribable, wicked air about him! Not to mention these long-deprived, hungry women, even a sixteen or seventeen-year-old virgin would probably find it hard to resist!
For a moment, the flower hall was filled with a subtle fragrance and captivating glances.

Mi Fu felt as if a thousand ants were gnawing and scratching at his heart! He stared intently at the painting, his eyes burning red.

This kind of craftsmanship, which is so deeply ingrained yet in harmony with the natural order, can be mastered if one can understand its methods and integrate them into one's own freehand brushwork. This will surely open up new realms that no one has ever reached before and create amazing and wonderful effects!
He looked at Ximen Qing, who had slowly come to a stop, and felt as if he had seen the North Star. He strode forward, bowed deeply, and his voice trembled with suppressed emotion: "Ximen Qing? Master Ximen? Master! This painting is divine! I, Mi Fu, am foolish and ignorant. Looking at it, I am completely bewildered, my whole body shaken, yet I cannot grasp its essence! I beg you, Master... not to hesitate to enlighten me, to clear my mind and guide me through my confusion!"

Ximen Qing turned slightly to the side, his gaze sweeping over all the nobles, avoiding Mi Fu's full curtsy. His face showed no arrogance, only a deep, calm stillness. His gaze was gentle as he looked at Mi Fu, gently shaking his head, his posture like that of a teacher facing an overly eager student.

Mi Fu felt he hadn't been sincere enough, and immediately knelt to perform the formal apprenticeship ceremony, saying urgently, "Mi Fu is willing to perform the disciple's ceremony! I humbly request, Your Excellency..."

“Mr. Yuanzhang,” Ximen Qing’s voice was not loud, but clear and steady, with a strange sense of comfort and distance. He took a step to the side, avoiding Mi Fu’s bowing figure.

"The master-disciple relationship is unnecessary." He raised the corners of his lips slightly, revealing a faint yet gentle smile: "Although this skill is insignificant, there are still considerable principles within it. If you are interested, it would be an elegant matter to discuss and refine it."

Mi Fu's heart warmed, and he was about to express his gratitude with tears in his eyes when Ximen Qing changed the subject. His deep, ancient eyes, as calm as an ancient well, gazed at him and he said slowly, "I have long heard that you possess a scroll of the Shu Su Tie, sir. Its calligraphy is extraordinary and its spirit is soaring. Although I am not talented, I also admire it and have always regretted not having the chance to see it in person... I wonder if you would be willing to part with it?"

Mi Fu trembled violently, as if struck by an invisible lightning bolt! The Shu Su Tie! It was his life-or-death treasure, forged with his blood and sweat! A heart-wrenching pain instantly gripped him.

But the strange and precise lines on the screen, the light and shadow created by "subtraction", the unprecedented methods of observation and expression... like a vast starry sky, instantly filled his mind and made him dizzy.

"Please!" Mi Fu closed his eyes for a moment, and when he opened them again, his eyes were resolute and clear, his voice surprisingly calm. Though his heart ached as if being torn apart, his thoughts were crystal clear:
The Shu Su Tie is an inanimate object; even the most beloved piece can be rewritten! The landscape in one's heart and the power of one's brush can be recreated in the future! But this supreme path to glimpse "true reality"... if this opportunity is lost, it will become a lifelong regret, irrecoverable for eternity!
"Sir, you are very magnanimous." Ximen Qing nodded slightly, his face showing no pride. He remained as gentle and calm as ever, as if he had only agreed to a trivial matter.

How clever Mrs. Lin is!
Seeing that Ximen Qing had become the center of attention, she had a sudden thought. Her plump body moved gracefully, like a willow branch receiving the tidings of spring. With each step, she swayed, like a ripe fruit hanging from a branch. She stood silently and tremblingly at the front of the crowd.

"Your humble servant is here to congratulate you, sir, on your amazing skills today, which have made you famous throughout the capital!"

Ximen Qing smiled and returned the greeting with a cupped hand: "Madam, you flatter me. I am unworthy of such kindness."

Mrs. Lin, however, did not retreat. She took a half step forward, her bright almond-shaped eyes filled with genuine laughter, her gaze sweeping lightly between Ximen Qing and the newly rich men around her, as if casually continuing:

"It is truly my honor to witness your extraordinary skill in person! If our families were not close friends and frequent visitors, I would not have had the chance to see such a magnificent event today."

She displayed the air of a close friend perfectly. Her presence was like a bright lamp, illuminating the brilliance of Master Ximen and enhancing her own.

Ximen Qing observed this and secretly praised, "What a clever person!"

A commoner merchant, despite displaying remarkable skill, now desperately needed this kind of dignified glamour. A third-rank noblewoman, in full view of everyone, stood up for him, this "family friend." This woman was well-versed in leveraging power and knew when to bestow this "power."

The official gave her a look: "There will be days when I'll cherish you!"

Mrs. Lin instantly understood the meaning behind that look, her body tensed, and she gave a flirtatious glance.

Sure enough! Those nobles who were still hesitant and weighing Ximen Qing's worth immediately had their doubts vanish when they saw that this jewel-adorned and prestigious prince's wife, Lady Lin, a third-rank imperial consort, was actually a close friend of him.

A merchant who can gain such favor from a third-rank imperial consort is no ordinary person. With such a status, it is not shameful for him to associate with commoners.

The title "The Great Official of Ximen, Qinghe County" instantly gilded their hearts.

In an instant, the previously reserved atmosphere became lively. The nobles and officials, like bees and butterflies smelling nectar, all put on smiles, stepped forward, and clasped their hands in greeting, vying to exchange name cards and engage in pleasantries with Ximen Qing. One after another, gilded name cards were handed over, and behind each polite greeting of "I have long admired you, sir," lay a newfound eagerness after a reassessment.

The winds of Bianliang always travel the fastest. In less than half a day, the name of "the great official of the West Gate of Qinghe County," thanks to the gathering of nobles and celebrities, the bow of the Madman Mi, and the "just right" stance of Madam Lin, spread like wildfire throughout every corner of the capital.

Mi Fu and the official exchanged name cards and agreed that he would soon go to Qinghe County to learn the art, and that he would bring the "Shu Su Tie" with him.

After the matter was over, he could no longer restrain himself. He even disregarded Li Shishi's performance and carefully rolled up the paintings as if they were priceless treasures, held them in his arms, and left in a hurry. He wished he could grow wings and immediately return to his residence to tidy them up and present them to the emperor!
These two paintings we have acquired today are both of the finest quality. The Emperor will surely be delighted to see them!
Ximen Qing watched Mi Fu leave, his face still bearing that gentle and composed demeanor. He turned around and began to socialize with the remaining nobles and officials on the third floor.

Amidst the clinking of glasses, his words were profound and his demeanor elegant and poised. Though he held no official position, his insight and bearing far surpassed that of ordinary merchants.

He could quote classical texts and engage in refined discussions with learned scholars, and he could also be insightful about current affairs and talk about everyday life with the sons of nobles.

His words are always insightful and profound, and his interactions with others are as gentle as a spring breeze, making people feel refreshed and comfortable.

Initially, these nobles and officials were only curious and tentative because Mrs. Lin supported them and Mi Fu bowed down to her.

After a conversation, seeing that this Mr. Ximen was eloquent, insightful, worldly-wise, and skillful, the desire to befriend him grew genuine and warm.

Those who were initially reserved have now lowered their guard; those who were initially hesitant are now secretly planning how to deepen their friendship. In no time, business cards have been handed out like snowflakes, and invitations have been endless.

But at this time.

With a high-pitched sweep, like falling petals and flowing water, amidst the bleak autumn wind, a slender white finger rapidly sweeps across all or several strings.

Finally, a clear, resonant "clang!" rang out, like the sound of metal and stone, shaking the entire audience.

There's a saying in the industry about this, called "lucky draw," which is used to attract guests' attention.

But even the initial auspicious gesture of Li Shishi was extraordinary.

As soon as Li Shishi saw everyone looking at her, she gracefully rose, her face flushed with spring, her starry eyes sparkling. Before she spoke, she smiled and greeted the assembled nobles and scholars with a deep bow. In a melodious voice, she said, "This humble servant will make a fool of herself and sing a newly learned song, 'Su Mu Zhe,' to entertain you all."

Several years ago, Grand Tutor Cai Jing presented a document to the emperor, fabricating a list of 309 former officials of the previous dynasty, including Sima Guang, Su Shi, and Huang Tingjian, as well as others, into a "traitorous faction."

The emperor was furious, and with a flick of his vermilion pen, he granted permission.

Immediately, officials from the Ministry of Works supervised the construction of a stone stele, inscribing the names of these 309 "traitors" clearly and boldly. The stele was erected majestically outside the Duanli Gate, exposed to the elements, and admired by the people of Tokyo. This was the famous "Yuanyou Party Members Stele," also known as the Traitor Stele.

Upon receiving this order, a chilling atmosphere permeated Bianliang.

The elegant and beautiful verses and bold new melodies of Su Shi, the scholar, were once wildly popular in brothels and theaters. Now, however, they have become a hot potato; who dares to sing them? Who dares to listen to them?
For a time, the elegant and romantic music of Tokyo faded away, losing much of its charm. Fan Zhongyan's "Su Mu Zhe" was sung only on the fringes.

After saying that, Li Shishi gently extended her jade fingers and plucked the ice strings.

At first, it was like pearls falling onto a jade plate, clear and melodious, but after only a few sounds, it drowned out the clinking of glasses and the clamor of laughter on the third floor.

As she slightly opened her lips and exhaled a breath as fragrant as orchids, the singing truly began:

Azure skies, yellow leaves on the ground, autumn colors stretching to the waves, and a misty, emerald-green haze rising from the water…

The mountains reflect the setting sun, the sky meets the water, and the fragrant grasses, indifferent, lie beyond the setting sun...

It was truly like celestial music descending to the mortal world!

At first, it was like a clear spring in a secluded valley, its cool and refreshing scent washing away the warm fragrance of wine that filled the room. One could feel a refreshing breeze flowing in from the top of one's head, making one feel completely comfortable.

In an instant, it's like swallows returning to their nests, their soft, gentle, and delicate chirping entering people's ears and tickling their hearts.

As it rises higher, it is as if a silver bottle has suddenly broken and water has burst forth, a line piercing through the clouds, clear and exciting, as if it is about to pierce the crystal curtain and soar straight to the ninth heaven.

In its lingering moments, it is like a silkworm spinning silk, fine and dense, endlessly entwined, carrying a touch of languor and a hint of melancholy, making one's soul want to drift along with the threads.

Which of these nobles seated here hasn't been accustomed to romance and tired of music? Yet at this moment, they all seem like clay sculptures or wooden statues.

Only the official, who was used to listening to pop music, was a little distracted at this moment, somewhat like Pigsy eating the ginseng fruit. He thought to himself that if this voice were to be a voice actor in modern times, it would be absolutely overwhelming and invincible in Japan!
Li Shishi's eyes darted about, seemingly meek and submissive, but in reality, her peripheral vision had already taken in the infatuated expressions of the nobles in the room. At this moment, her eyes, as clear as autumn water, landed precisely on the restless Master Ximen.

Seeing that he not only showed no signs of being engrossed, but also appeared absent-minded, Li Shishi felt an indescribable sense of contempt.

"Hmph!" Her face still held that captivating smile, her lips parted slightly, the song still lingering, but inwardly she had already sneered:
"What a filthy fool! He reeks of money! He probably can't even distinguish the notes of traditional Chinese music, all he knows is to seduce prostitutes, drink, and gamble! This vulgar, spineless country bumpkin is unworthy to sit in this elegant place and listen to me, Li Shishi, sing? It's like burning the zither to cook the crane, playing the zither for a cow! He's just sullying this entire hall of refined manners!"

At this moment, the white-haired and bearded old Duke Wang was holding a Ding kiln cup, about to drink, when the song began, and he forgot to move.
Several scholars, who had initially maintained their airs, stroked their beards and savored the text, gradually stopped stroking it as they listened. Their brows furrowed and relaxed at times, as if they were absorbing endless flavors from the words.

As the music ended, its lingering notes seemed to still linger among the beams and pillars, hovering in people's hearts. Inside the warm pavilion, a deathly silence reigned; you could hear a pin drop.

it is good! !

This cheer was like a thunderclap, waking everyone up. In an instant, the assembled nobles and officials seemed to come back to life, and cheers, applause, and the clinking of glasses exploded out, almost lifting the roof off the warm pavilion.

The praise was varied and effusive, overflowing with admiration. "Wonderful! Absolutely wonderful! It made my bones melt!"

"Li Hangshou, your voice is so beautiful that even the fairies at the Queen Mother of the West's Peach Banquet can't compare!"

"Oh my, that high-pitched voice just now soared to the heavens, it made my heart tremble three times!"

"Hearing Shishi sing a song is worth more than ten years of fame and fortune! It's worth it! This drink today is worth it!"

"No wonder Grand Tutor Cai commented: It was a divine gift and immortal teaching! If it weren't for a divine gift and immortal teaching, how could such heavenly music be heard in the mortal world?"

The warm pavilion was instantly filled with a lively atmosphere. The smells of wine, heat, perfume, and the lingering echoes of singing mingled together, making people feel dizzy and lightheaded.

Li Shishi lightly brushed her fingertips across the strings, producing a final, faint tremor. She stood up, her figure as slender as a willow in the breeze, bowed slightly, and performed a flawless curtsy towards the crowd, her demeanor graceful and dignified.

She turned to walk deeper into the beaded curtain, just before she was about to disappear behind it—

Her steps seemed to pause for an extremely brief moment as she turned around and glanced back – Xi Shi turned her head!

Those eyes, as clear as autumn water, suddenly pierced straight into the location where the official was!

That look!
She glared fiercely at the official!
The official was taken aback. What had I done to offend him?
After Li Shishi left the stage.

The social gathering continued until the moon began to set in the west, everyone was flushed and their faces were rosy with wine, before the party finally ended and the guests dispersed. Those nobles who were satisfied or still wanted more finally took their leave and went downstairs.

As the noise subsided, only remnants of the banquet remained on the third floor. Ximen Qing then turned to Lu Junyi, who was drinking alone in the corner, with a hint of apology: "Brother, I've kept you waiting. I apologize for my neglect."

Lu Junyi laughed heartily, his voice booming like a bell, showing not a trace of displeasure. He slapped Ximen Qing's shoulder with his large, fan-like hand, making the cups and plates rattle softly.
"What a joke! Junior brother, that's impressive!" His eyes gleamed with admiration. "As for me, I love wielding weapons and fiddling with abacus beads. When it comes to those refined pursuits like poetry, calligraphy, and painting, I'm completely clueless! But after seeing your skills today, junior brother, heh!"

He gave a thumbs up and sincerely praised, "Your mind and methods are exquisite and insightful, and you can manipulate events with just a few words! That's true skill! The kind of shrewd person I admire most in my life is someone like you!"

He picked up the wine jug and poured a full glass for both Ximen Qing and himself. Raising his cup, he exclaimed with great enthusiasm, "Come on! Let's have another drink, brothers! This isn't over yet! You must come to Daming Prefecture to find me sometime in the future! Let your senior brother properly show me the hospitality of a host! When that time comes, there will be plenty of good wine and you can ride any fast horse you want!"

He tilted his head back and drank the wine in one gulp. His eyes were blurry with drunkenness, but he was filled with the joy of finding a fellow disciple.

The two brothers toasted each other until a faint gray-blue tinge appeared on the eastern horizon.

Looking out the window, a thin mist hangs like gauze. A few early-morning cargo boats break the silence, their oars creaking and shattering the reflections of lanterns on the river, leaving behind shimmering fragments of gold.

In the distance, the majestic golden roof ridge beasts of the imperial city were the first to be touched by the sunlight, revealing a cold and hard brilliance.

Scattered sounds of wooden clappers and early morning carriages drifted from the depths of the streets and alleys.
Lu Junyi shook his large head, his eyes still glazed with drunkenness but his mind still clear. He stood up, leaning on the table for support: "Great! Junior brother, it's almost dawn, I have to go. I can still doze off in the carriage for a while." He pointed to the carriage waiting downstairs.

Ximen Da Guanren also stood up, clasped his hands in greeting, and said, "Farewell, Senior Brother. I'll just find an inn to rest at."

He escorted Lu Junyi to the stairwell, and looking at his heroic senior brother, the hesitation and reluctance in his heart lingered like the thin mist outside the window.

Seeing that Lu Junyi was about to go downstairs, Master Ximen finally spoke, his voice lowering slightly:
"Senior brother, wait a moment."

Lu Junyi stopped and turned back in confusion: "Junior Brother, is there something else?"

Ximen Da Guanren stepped forward, his face flushed from a hangover, but his eyes were unusually clear. He carefully chose his words, appearing exceptionally solemn: "Senior brother has treated me with utmost sincerity, and I... am deeply grateful."

"Junior brother...in my early years I haphazardly learned some minor skills of physiognomy and aura reading. Today, after drinking, I have some things to say...it's like a fishbone stuck in my throat, I have to get them out. But...I'm just speaking recklessly, if there's anything unpleasant to hear, I hope senior brother will forgive me, just take it as drunken ramblings, and don't blame me."

Seeing his seriousness, Lu Junyi laughed and waved his hand, "Haha, we're brothers, why say such things! Just tell me, whether it's good or bad, I'll listen!"

Ximen Qing took a deep breath, looked directly at Lu Junyi, and slowly said, "In that case, I dare to say that, judging from your appearance, senior brother, you have the bearing of a dragon and the gait of a tiger, and an imposing presence; you are destined for great wealth and high status, with limitless potential. However..."

He paused, lowering his voice even further, with a barely perceptible hint of warning: "There seems to be a hidden aura lingering between your brows. It's not an external enemy, but rather something within our own ranks. Senior Brother, in the future... you must be especially careful with those close to you at home; and be even more cautious around your bedside. You can't be completely without a sense of self-preservation."

“Those close to home…beside my bed…” Lu Junyi frowned slightly, pondering these words. He was naturally generous and kind to the servants in his household, and he trusted his wife even more. Upon hearing this, a hint of disapproval instinctively crossed his mind.

However, after observing his junior brother's demeanor throughout the night, he found him to be extremely composed and meticulous, clearly not someone who spoke carelessly.

His smile faded slightly. He patted Ximen Qing on the shoulder, his tone still cheerful but now more profound: "Good, junior brother's words of wisdom, I've remembered them! Don't worry, your senior brother isn't made of clay!"

Having said that, he didn't ask any more questions, turned around and strode downstairs, his burly figure disappearing around the corner of the stairs.

Ximen Qing stood alone by the window, watching Lu Junyi's carriage rumble and start moving in the gradually brightening morning light.

The thin mist hadn't yet dissipated, and the lingering worry in his heart, like the morning fog in Bianjing, was faint yet persistent. He could only hope that his vague yet well-intentioned warning would make this upright and honest man, one of the three wonders of Hebei, more cautious in the future.

at the same time.

But a man was strolling through a poor alley in western Tokyo, the stench of urine mixed with cheap coal smoke making his throat tight.

Wang Fu, the proofreader, wore a brand-new lake-blue silk robe with a faint scent of agarwood on the cuffs. He carefully avoided the muddy ground with his boots and walked to a worm-eaten, broken wooden door.

This door panel might fall apart if the wind is strong.

"Tap, tap, tap." The sound of knuckles striking the rotten wood was hollow.

The door creaked open a crack, revealing a sallow little face. He was wrapped in a worn-out cotton robe that hung loosely on his body, making him look like a thin bamboo pole.

Upon seeing that it was Wang Fu, a glimmer of light suddenly flashed in his lifeless eyes. Before he could speak, he was met with a series of heart-wrenching coughs, his thin shoulders trembling like withered leaves in the autumn wind.
"Cough cough... Cousin... Cousin! But... but you were selected?" Her voice was hoarse, and she was panting heavily, but her eyes were fixed on Wang Fu's face, as if he were her lifeline.

A perfectly timed cloud of worry settled on Wang Fu's face; his brows furrowed, and he let out a long sigh, his very breath carrying the air of an official's arrogance.
"Xi Meng...sigh!" He shook his head, slowly took out a small brocade pouch from his sleeve, pinched out a few loose silver coins, weighed them in his palm, and then handed them over.

"Your scroll of 'A Panorama of Rivers and Mountains at Sunset'... I, your foolish brother, have pulled strings for you, even wearing my lips out with my mouth... but Dr. Mi's standards are too high! He gave it a... 'too much craftsmanship, lacking spirit'!" His voice was low, filled with regret, and also conveyed a sense of helplessness that "I have done my best".

“Craftsmanship…lacking spirit…” Wang Ximeng murmured, the life in his face vanishing in an instant, leaving only a deathly ashen expression. He swayed, leaning against the doorframe to keep from collapsing.

Looking at the pitiful amount of silver in Wang Fu's palm, he felt as if he were looking at his own repulsive face in a mirror.

“Cousin…I…” He choked up, tears welling in his eyes, and suddenly bowed down to Wang Fu, his forehead almost touching the cold threshold.
"Xi Meng is useless! He's caused my cousin so much trouble! If I had known this painting was worthless, I should have... I should have burned it all! What's the point of learning this damn painting! Now my mother doesn't even have money for her medicine!"

He pounded his thin chest, wishing he could die immediately.

A fleeting hint of impatience flashed in Wang Fu's eyes, but he quickly reached out to help Wang Ximeng up, his brocade sleeve brushing against Wang Ximeng's worn cotton robe.
"Shut up! What nonsense are you spouting!" His voice suddenly rose, sounding particularly jarring in the quiet, poor alley.

Wang Fu immediately put on a serious expression, patting Wang Ximeng's thin back affectionately, as if he were truly a devoted older brother:
"Foolish child! The art of painting requires perseverance! You have the foundation, but you haven't yet reached the required level! Listen to your cousin, and never give up on yourself!"

His eyes flickered, avoiding the boy's despairing gaze, but his words were as sweet as honey.

"This little bit of silver is what your wise brother found for you—a discerning 'refined person' who pleaded and begged to buy your 'A Thousand Miles of Rivers and Mountains at Sunset'! It's not much, but at least it'll help your aunt get some medicine! Just focus on painting! Until one day you paint the 'A Thousand Miles of Rivers and Mountains' that you envision!"

He patted his chest, the dark patterns on his brocade robe gleaming coldly in the dim light. "Leave it to me, your foolish brother! We are blood relatives, how can we sit idly by?"

Wang Ximeng was moved to tears by his heartfelt words, feeling as if he had been given a chance at survival. He bowed deeply to Wang Fu, saying, "Brother, your kindness is immense... Ximeng... Ximeng can never repay it even with his life..."

Wang Fu offered a helping hand, repeatedly saying, "No, no, I'm sorry," and then offered a few insincere words of advice such as "Take good care of yourself" and "Don't stay up late and upset your mind," before turning around and gracefully stepping into the deepening twilight.

That bright brocade robe quickly blended into the warm light of the rising sun in Tokyo, leaving no trace.

Wang Ximeng leaned against the cold door frame, turned around dejectedly, and closed the broken door.

Inside the room, a small oil lamp flickered and trembled.

In the dim light, discarded drawings were piled up everywhere—on the ground, on the desk, in the corners. Scroll after scroll, stack after stack, were all unfinished versions of "A Thousand Miles of Rivers and Mountains".

Some strokes are vibrant and flowing, others are dry and lifeless, and many more are crumpled into a ball, covered in mud and ash, like discarded foot bindings.

As the lamplight flickered, the piles of discarded manuscripts in the room seemed to come alive, transforming into layers upon layers of twisted and broken mountain shadows that pressed down on him, making it hard for him to breathe.

He staggered to the table, his hands trembling as he picked up a cold, hard bun, trying to put it in his mouth, but he couldn't swallow it.

His gaze swept over the few pieces of silver stained with Wang Fu's sweat on the table, then fell on his mother's intermittent groans and the bitter-smelling dregs of medicine in the corner.

Finally, two streams of hot, turbid tears fell heavily onto a discarded drawing on the table with a "plop" sound.

The ink, still wet on the green landscape, instantly seeped and blurred, turning into a chaotic, despairing stain.

(End of this chapter)