"Where have I seen this painting before?!" After Qin Guan's earlier remark, Yue Ning also grew somewhat intrigued.
Qin Guan stood up, "I saw it at the Marquis of Weiyuan's residence. This painting was hanging in their main hall—I remember clearly, on the left wall right after entering, there was an identical piece just like this!"
A slight curve touched Yue Ning's lips, "What a coincidence then. It seems Ink-Stained Painting House produced an excellent rendition—"
Qin Guan stared blankly at the painting on the wall, a sudden thread of speculation weaving through her mind. "The authorities have investigated many people, but they probably haven't looked into the antique and art circles. Could the young master of the Wu family know someone from Ink-Stained Painting House?"
"Even if he knew Ning Buyi, what about Hu Dequan and Zhao Jiaxu..."
At this, a faint light sparked in Qin Guan's eyes. "Zhao Jiaxu was a teacher who often sold his paintings—perhaps to Ink-Stained Painting House. And what about Hu Dequan and Wang Shouchang..."
Qin Guan murmured these thoughts aloud, making Yue Ning uneasy. "What are you talking about? Does this painting have something to do with the murder case? Don't scare me."
Qin Guan shook her head and glanced outside. The sky was already late, the sun slanting westward. In another hour, darkness would fall. She grabbed Yue Ning's hand, "Come on, didn't you want to know about this case? Let's go to Ink-Stained Painting House! To see the paintings—"
Yue Ning didn't understand her intention, being pulled along as she protested, "What do you mean, going to the painting house now? It's almost dark—"
A shadow crossed Qin Guan's gaze. "That's exactly why we must go now!"
Yue Ning rarely saw Qin Guan act so unconventionally. After a moment's thought, she realized there must be deeper meaning behind this visit and said no more. The two first went to bid farewell to the Grand Princess before boarding a carriage together.
As the carriage rolled slowly forward, Yue Ning asked, "What are you planning? What does that painting prove? Why go to the painting house now?"
Qin Guan pondered before answering, "The first victim had your painting 'Thousand Rivers Racing' hanging in his home. The second victim was a teacher who often sold paintings to several galleries. I want to check if Ink-Stained Painting House ever acquired works from the second victim."
Yue Ning's eyes widened. "You suspect the murder case is connected to the painting house?"
Qin Guan shook her head, "Not necessarily. Without evidence, we can't be certain. But I suddenly noticed this coincidence and want to follow it, to see if there's truly a connection."
Yue Ning understood, "Four people have died in succession. If the painting house is connected to two victims, that would be an enormous coincidence. Then investigating the third and fourth could likely lead us to the real killer!"
Qin Guan nodded, "Exactly. Moreover, tonight is a particularly special night."
Yue Ning pressed, "How so?"
Qin Guan narrowed her eyes, "If patterns hold, the murderer should strike for the fifth victim tonight."
Yue Ning gasped softly, "So we're going to the painting house to see if anyone suspiciously absent happens to be connected to the other victims? Then the killer would be from the painting house?"
Qin Guan affirmed, "That's the idea. That's why we need to stay at the painting house for quite some time tonight."Yue Ning’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “I have an idea! We can stay until midnight if needed!”
Qin Guan watched her sly expression and smiled faintly.
The carriage arrived at the Ink-Stained Painting House after a journey lasting the time it takes for two incense sticks to burn. As they alighted, a servant at the entrance halted and hurried forward to bow upon seeing Qin Guan and Yue Ning. Yue Ning asked, “Is Master Ning here? Are all the painting masters in the studio?”
The servant promptly replied with a smile, “Please come in, Your Highnesses. Master Ning is here, resting in the backyard. As for the other masters, Master Zhao and Master Song are out painting for clients, but the rest are present.”
Yue Ning nodded. “Good. I’d like to invite some masters to our manor for painting, but I’m unsure of their skills. If they’re not too busy today, I’d like to observe them at work.”
The Marquis Anyang Manor was related to the imperial family, so the servant dared not neglect them. He immediately agreed, first sending someone to fetch Ning Buyi from the backyard, then escorting Qin Guan and Yue Ning upstairs. He served them the finest tea before withdrawing.
Ning Buyi soon arrived on the second floor. Dressed in a blue robe, he appeared refined and unconstrained, his face still lightly powdered yet not garish. From a distance, he looked as elegant as jade, exuding a graceful charm.
“Greetings to both Your Highnesses. I apologize for not welcoming you properly.”
Qin Guan waved her hand. “Rise, rise. We’re here to trouble you again today.”
Ning Buyi responded earnestly, “What may I do for you, Your Highness?”
Qin Guan glanced at Yue Ning, who explained, “We’ve been back in the capital for a while now, and I’ve heard it’s fashionable to hire painters for portraits. I’d like to find a few masters from your studio to paint my grandmother. But since I’m not sure who excels, I thought I’d come and see for myself…”
Ning Buyi understood her intention at once and smiled. “That’s simple. I’ll fetch some of their works for you to review. Once you see them, you’ll know whom to choose.”
As Ning Buyi turned to leave, Yue Ning chuckled. “I don’t want to see finished paintings. I heard several masters are here today—I’d like them to paint me on the spot. Whoever captures the best likeness will be invited to the manor!”
Such a request was unconventional, but given Yue Ning’s noble status, wealth, and her past kindness to Ning Buyi, he agreed without hesitation. “Of course, that’s no problem. However, a single painting usually takes two hours. For finer, more lifelike details, it might take even longer. Are you sure you want to do this today? Perhaps tomorrow, I can have them start early for you?”
Yue Ning waved dismissively. “I don’t want to inconvenience you. Who knows if they’ll be free tomorrow?”
Ning Buyi assured her, “Your Highness, your request takes precedence over all others. Just say the word.”
“No, no, that wouldn’t be fair. I just don’t want the masters to have to stay late…”
Yet, gaining the Grand Princess’s favor would significantly boost one’s reputation in the capital—an opportunity many would eagerly seize. What was working late compared to that?
Seeing Yue Ning’s resolve, Ning Buyi said, “Very well. Please wait a moment, Your Highness. I’ll make the arrangements.”
Yue Ning nodded, and Ning Buyi hurried out.
She winked at Qin Guan. “Well?”Qin Guan couldn't help but laugh. "The County Princess is truly brilliant! I hadn't even thought of this method!"
Yue Ning knew perfectly well that Qin Guan had a hundred ways to achieve her goals, and this was merely playing along with her. She couldn't suppress a smile either. After whispering a few more words, Ning Buyi soon arrived upstairs with four painters. Though visibly nervous, all four artists were brimming with ambition and eagerness. Ning Buyi explained, "This space is too cramped. Would the County Princess please move to the rear courtyard? They can paint under the corridor eaves so as not to delay Your Highness's time—"
Yue Ning looked at Ning Buyi in surprise. "Oh? Must you stare at me the entire time?"
Ning Buyi chuckled. "For portrait painting, that is indeed necessary. If Your Highness finds it uncomfortable, I can set up silk curtains in the rear courtyard pavilion."
Having already voiced her concern, refusing would make her seem unreasonable. Yue Ning gave Qin Guan a wry smile. "Very well, at least I have Yongci County Princess here to keep me company today."
Qin Guan covered her mouth with a laugh as they descended the stairs together.
The Ink-Stained Painting House's two-story street-facing building served as its main gallery, while the rear courtyard contained storage rooms and Ning Buyi's private quarters. Though compact, the courtyard featured an artful arrangement of rockeries, winding corridors, waterside pavilions, and cool arbors. Being a man of refined taste, Ning Buyi had cultivated an exceptionally elegant space. To ensure the two women's comfort in the pavilion, he ordered tea and refreshments, hung silk curtains, and provided cushioned seating. After they were seated, he had the entire courtyard illuminated with bright lamps, transforming it into a daylight-bright expanse where countless lamps twinkled like a Milky Way. Within this starry landscape stood exquisitely crafted pavilions, and within the pavilions sat two beauties. Yue Ning had initially dreaded the tedious wait for the portrait, but seeing Ning Buyi's meticulous preparations filled her with cheerful serenity.
Across from them beneath the corridor eaves, bright lamps hung high above four painting desks where the masters stood brush in hand, each assisted by an ink-grinding apprentice. As dusk deepened into full night, the lantern-illuminated scenery grew increasingly delightful. Early summer breezes drifted through the silk curtains while Qin Guan personally brewed tea for Yue Ning. Inhaling the steeping fragrance, Yue Ning felt increasingly grateful she'd chosen the right approach—
Soon Ning Buyi entered with several sketchbooks. "I searched for a while but only found these. The wait will be lengthy, so perhaps these might help pass the time for both County Princesses."
During the initial sketching phase, all four painters studied Yue Ning intently. Though initially self-conscious, she gradually grew accustomed until the artists began painting in earnest, at which point she found herself staring curiously at their work.
While brewing tea, Qin Guan invited Ning Buyi to sit. "We've come unexpectedly and imposed on you. Do you have prior engagements this evening? We wouldn't want to disrupt—"
Yue Ning immediately added, "Indeed, if you have matters to attend to, please don't let us keep you."
Ning Buyi smiled. "I've been quite free these days. Moreover, with two County Princesses visiting, I simply must keep you company. Not just me—even the servants and assistants dare not show any neglect."
Qin Guan poured him tea. "Does that mean everyone is staying late?"
Ning Buyi replied, "It's no trouble at all. We'd extend the same courtesy to any guest!"Qin Guan and Yue Ning exchanged a glance, and Yue Ning quickly asked, "I see that Master Ning's painting house is quite spacious. How many people are currently working here as painters? If you hire too many, wouldn't it be difficult to produce enough paintings?"
Ning Buyi smiled. "Excluding myself, there are six painters in total, each with an apprentice. Additionally, there is one shopkeeper in the main hall and three other assistants responsible for receiving guests. Today, two painters have taken their apprentices out."
Yue Ning and Qin Guan now had a clearer understanding. Qin Guan then asked, "Are all the paintings sold here created by your own painters?"
Ning Buyi shook his head. "Not exactly. We also accept paintings from scholars and literati outside, but our standards are quite high. We don't accept ordinary works."
The Ink-Stained Painting House enjoyed a prestigious reputation in Lin'an City, so not just anyone dared to come and sell their paintings here.
Yue Ning seemed to hesitate, but seeing that Qin Guan did not mention Zhao Jiaxu, she held back as well. Since Ning Buyi was willing to accompany them, Qin Guan and Yue Ning chatted with him further. Through their conversation, they learned that Ning Buyi's ancestral home was in Huzhou. His family was originally wealthy and had intended for him to pursue an official career, but he was particularly fond of painting. Because of this, he had a falling out with his family in his early years and left to study under a master. Only after achieving some success in painting did he return home. Although his family accepted him back, the family had already declined, and his parents had passed away one after another. His relationship with his uncles and other relatives was quite distant, so he eventually came to the capital and opened this painting house.
"Master Ning dared to do what ordinary people wouldn't, which is why you've achieved such success today. If my family opposed what I wanted to do, I'd probably give up..."
Ning Buyi smiled wryly. "In those days, I was young and reckless. Having grown up in a comfortable family, I was unaware of the hardships of the world. It was only after leaving home that I realized how treacherous the outside world could be. But at that point, how could I return home? I refused to go back until I had made a name for myself. By the time I finally returned, my parents had already passed away. That remains my greatest regret."
Indeed, most things in life do not go as planned. Hearing this, Yue Ning felt a wave of sympathy. "Master Ning, with the reputation you've built here in the capital, you've achieved considerable success. But why were you so cold to the young lady we saw the other day?"
Ning Buyi's face flushed slightly. "I'm embarrassed that you witnessed that, Princess. Her family is a prominent clan in Huzhou, full of scholars and officials. Although I am somewhat of a scholar myself, I am absolutely unacceptable to their family. Her parents disapproved, and I didn't want to burden her, so I thought it best to make things clear to her early on."
"Her family is in Huzhou? Did she travel all the way here for you?"
Ning Buyi smiled wryly again. "Not exactly. Her family wanted to marry her off in the capital. They brought her here after the New Year, and if all goes well, she will likely be married within the year..."
Since ancient times, marriages have been arranged by parents and matchmakers. Ning Buyi had no choice but to be resolute with the infatuated young lady. Yue Ning felt somewhat embarrassed. "I'm sorry, I didn't realize that was the case."
Ning Buyi sighed. "There's no need for apologies, Princess. With my parents gone, no one is left to arrange my marriage, so I let things take their natural course. If fate allows, I will marry and have children. If not, I will keep company with my paintings! Isn't that a joyful way to live?"
There was a touch of boldness in his words. Yue Ning raised her teacup. "Master Ning, your free-spiritedness is admirable. Let me toast you with tea in place of wine!"Qin Guan also raised her teacup. "You can't leave me out—"
While waiting for the painting to be completed, the three of them chatted quite pleasantly. Time slipped away unnoticed, and before they knew it, they had been sitting in the pavilion for over two hours. As the sky grew increasingly dark, Ning Buyi ordered someone to buy fresh pastries. His warmth and attentiveness nearly made Yue Ning forget that she had come today with suspicions. After midnight, when the painters had successively finished their works, Qin Guan and the others entered the front hall to admire the paintings. They had only viewed two when Baiying hurried in from outside.
Approaching Qin Guan, Baiying whispered, "Miss, something has happened at the mill."
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