His entire family perished in battle; he rose from the ashes to conquer the world.

Not long after.

When Gu Jiang returned, he was holding an exquisite, long wooden box.

The wooden box is engraved with exquisite patterns, and its overall appearance is as translucent and reddish as mutton fat jade.

Everyone was amazed when they saw the wooden box in Gu Jiang's hand; even the box for holding the painting was so exquisite.

Of course, some people say this is quite common.

After all, the boxes for storing famous paintings cannot be made of ordinary materials.

The box alone sparked a variety of discussions among those present.

Everyone was extremely interested in the "Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix" painting and had high expectations for it.

Gu Jiang glanced around and saw that everyone was staring intently at the wooden box in his hand, with longing expressions on their faces. His vanity was satisfied like never before.

He even secretly despised the people present for being unsophisticated.

"Brother Gu, stop keeping us in suspense and quickly bring out the painting so we can have a good look at it."

"This is a painting by a famous master. It's an honor to be able to see it."

Everyone present was a scholar, who, in addition to reading the classics, was also very passionate about painting, especially the works of famous painters, which they regarded as the ultimate standard.

Gu Jiang slowly opened the box, took out the scroll, and unfurled it in front of everyone.

The painting of a hundred birds paying homage to the phoenix leaped into view, drawing gasps of amazement from everyone present.

"Truly a masterpiece!"

"Look at the outline and the embellishments; the phoenix is ​​painted so lifelike!"

The crowd gathered around the painting "A Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix," marveling at it and scrutinizing it intently, as if afraid the phoenix in the painting might fly away.

Mu Yuan was also staring at the painting of a hundred birds paying homage to the phoenix.

However, instead of expressing his amazement like the others, he gave a playful smile.

Gu Jiang noticed the hint of sarcasm in Mu Yuan's smile and his face showed displeasure. He said, "Mu Yuan, what's with that expression? What? You look down on my 'Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix' painting? Or do you have a better work?"

Faced with Gu Jiang's questioning, Mu Yuan waved his hand and said, "It's nothing, I was just thinking about some happy things."

However, Gu Jiang remained unconvinced by Mu Yuan's concession: "That's clearly sophistry! Your smile just now clearly showed your disdain for this 'Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix' painting in my hand. You must give me an explanation today!"

At this moment, Le Shi also stood up to agree: "That's right, I saw it too, Mu Yuan, you're clearly mocking me!"

The two of them, speaking in unison, instantly ignited the anger of the others present.

Many people are fascinated by traditional Chinese paintings. If Mu Yuan is truly mocking someone, he is undoubtedly insulting Tang Yin, the famous painter who created the "Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix" painting.

"Mu Yuan, Gu Jiang invited everyone to view the paintings of famous artists, and instead of thanking him, you even mocked them. What are your true intentions?"

"Some people are like wild boars, unable to appreciate fine food! All they know is fighting and killing; how could they possibly appreciate a masterpiece of art?"

"You're absolutely right, Brother Gu. You shouldn't have invited someone like that! He's spoiled everyone's enjoyment!"

Mu Yuan's behavior aroused the contempt of everyone.

Gu Jiang and Le Shi exchanged a glance, a hint of vengeful satisfaction flashing in their eyes. Mu Yuan's current predicament was exactly the result they wanted.

Mu Yuan completely ignored the ridicule and disdainful looks from the crowd.

As for those who say he only knows how to fight and kill, they are completely wrong.

Before his seven elder brothers died on the battlefield, Mu Yuan, though frail and sickly, was a true scholar. With the support of the Mu family's vast resources, his skill in painting and calligraphy was no less than anyone else present.

With just one glance, Mu Yuan discerned the clues in the Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix painting.

Based on the subtle differences in the painting, he became even more convinced that the "Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix" painting in Gu Jiang's possession was not the original, but a forgery.

However, the imitation of the "Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix" painting in the other party's possession was extremely high, and most people would not be able to tell the difference.

Mu Yuan didn't want to make a big deal out of it, but Gu Jiang and Le Shi didn't want to let Mu Yuan off so easily.

"Mu Yuan, you must give me an explanation today! This painting is a family heirloom. Your actions just now were clearly an insult to the Gu family!"

Gu Jiang rebuked Mu Yuan sternly, his attitude firm, demanding an explanation.

Mu Yuan remained calm and spoke in a gentle tone: "If I have done anything offensive just now, please forgive me, Brother Gu."

Upon hearing this, Gu Jiang, who wanted to continue finding fault, was momentarily at a loss for how to make things difficult for him.

He turned to look at Le Shi.

Le Shi's hatred for Mu Yuan only grew stronger. He was determined to make Mu Yuan lose face in front of everyone with such a good opportunity.

"The painting in Brother Gu's hand is by the famous artist Tang Yin. Your actions just now not only insulted Tang Yin, but also showed no respect for the person who owns the painting. Do you think you can get away with it just because you said a few nice words?"

Le Shi glared fiercely at Mu Yuan, adopting a posture that suggested he had Mu Yuan completely under his control.

Anyway, this is the capital. Mu Yuan is weak and alone. What good is the title of heir apparent? What good is having 200,000 Western Army soldiers? His influence in the southwest doesn't even reach the capital.

If Mu Yuan dares to mobilize troops without authorization because of these matters, it would be blatant treason.

Not only will they be beheaded.

Moreover, if outsiders knew about this, they would secretly criticize him for being petty.

This is also the source of Le Shi's confidence in dealing with Mu Yuan.

Faced with the repeated provocations from Gu Jiang and Le Shi, Qin Hongxiu could no longer tolerate it and stood up to speak for Mu Yuan:

"Are you two ever going to stop? You make a big deal out of just a smile, and besides, Mu Yuan has already apologized. You're still nagging me. In my opinion, you're just looking for revenge!"

Qin Hongxiu's words seemed to have stepped on Gu Jiang and Le Shi's tail.

The two of them immediately became anxious.

"Miss Qin, you must speak with evidence. What revenge? You're just making baseless accusations!" Gu Jiang retorted fiercely.

Le Shi gave a cold laugh and said, "You're with Mu Yuan, so naturally you'll speak up for him. We scholars, besides the classics, are passionate about painting. Mu Yuan doesn't value painting, isn't that a sign of contempt for us?"

As soon as he finished speaking, he received nods of agreement from many people present, while many others stared at Mu Yuan with hostility in their eyes.

It was as if Mu Yuan had committed a terrible mistake.

Le Shi secretly observed the people present, and seeing their expressions, he was very satisfied. He immediately pressed his advantage: "Today, Mu Yuan must give us a satisfactory explanation, otherwise, this matter is not over!"

Qin Hongxiu wanted to continue arguing with Le Shi, but Mu Yuan stopped her.

"Since you insist on an explanation, then I will give you one." Mu Yuan raised his hand, pointed to the "Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix" painting in Gu Jiang's hand, and slowly said, "The reason I laughed just now is because... this painting is not an authentic work by Tang Yin!"