Ren Yaoqi and Ren Yaohua followed behind Ren Shimin as they headed toward the main hall.
Ren Shimin occasionally turned to speak with Ren Yaoqi about his experience attending a painting gathering in the capital.
"...This time, the top prize was awarded to the Prince of Yanbei's heir for his 'Autumn Dwelling in Dongzhuang,' but what I admired most was Elder Chen Jingyang's 'Passing Through the Plum Forest.' It truly embodied ancient elegance in spirit and bone, with a graceful charm, seamless brushwork, brilliant ink usage, dynamic composition, and sublime coloring..."
Seeing him sway his head excitedly whenever he spoke of paintings, Ren Yaoqi couldn't help but smile. "Didn’t you also participate this time, Father? I recall it was your most cherished piece, 'Four Scenes of the Western Hills.'"
Ren Shimin paused, a hint of embarrassment coloring his tone. "This was my first time attending such a gathering. Before going to the capital, I was brimming with confidence, thinking that even if I didn’t win the top prize, I would surely rank among the top three. But after seeing Elder Chen’s work, I realized how presumptuous I had been..."
Ren Yaoqi shook her head. "Elder Chen is already over sixty, while you have yet to reach thirty. At your age, he might not have surpassed you. I’ve heard that while painting relies heavily on skill and technique, one’s life experiences cannot be overlooked. Even for the same person, the autumn scenery seen at thirty differs from that seen at fifty. With different perspectives and mindsets, the brush naturally yields different results."
Ren Shimin was taken aback, even stopping in his tracks to ponder her words. Then, turning to Ren Yaoqi, he laughed heartily. "Yaoyao, your words are quite novel, yet they hold great truth. From which master did you hear this? I must seek him out for further discussion."
Ren Yaoqi lowered her head with a faint smile, her thoughts drifting far away.
It was truly a pity that her father’s painting, "Four Scenes of the Western Hills," had not been submitted to this year’s gathering. This painting was the only item she had taken with her when she left the Ren Family. Later, when Mr. Pei happened to see it, he was astonished and eagerly inquired about the painter. Upon learning it was her late father, he sighed with regret.
Mr. Pei and some of his friends had once evaluated this painting, all agreeing that the painter possessed remarkable talent, though slightly lacking in refinement. Given time, they believed he would have become renowned. Talent, they said, was the most precious and indispensable soul of a painter.
"Yaoyao?" Ren Shimin leaned over and gently patted her head.
Ren Yaoqi protested, "Father, how many times have I told you not to pat my head!" Her tone unconsciously carried the coquettishness of a young girl, surprising even herself.
Ren Shimin, however, was accustomed to his younger daughter’s occasional displays of affection and laughed heartily. "At such a young age, you’re already so clever. Perhaps it’s the merit of my daily pats—a wake-up call to the mind!"
Seeing his self-satisfied expression, Ren Yaoqi couldn’t help but smile. In the eyes of everyone in the Ren Family, Ren Yaohua was the clever and sensible one, and even her mother was no exception.
Only her father believed that his younger daughter was better than anyone else.
From a young age, she had shown an extraordinary talent for painting. To distinguish herself from her elder sister and win her father’s favor, she had devoted immense effort to calligraphy and painting.
Although Mr. Pei later criticized her paintings as overly mechanical and driven by haste, destined never to achieve greatness, in her father’s eyes, this daughter who could discuss music, chess, calligraphy, and painting with him at such a tender age was the one most like him.Because of this, he was rather indifferent to his other children, showing affection only to her.
Ren Yaoqi glanced at Ren Yaohua beside her. Ren Yaohua had been very quiet throughout the journey, and in fact, she was always quiet in front of Ren Shimin. She was not close to her father.
Amidst the conversation and laughter, they had already reached the main house.
Nanny Zhou had long been peeking out from the doorway. Seeing the three of them approaching, she hurried forward with a smile to greet them: "Master, you’ve finally returned. Madam and the two young ladies have been talking about you constantly. I heard heavy snow has blocked several roads outside the city, and many travelers have been stranded halfway. When Madam learned you had already set off from the capital, she was terribly anxious and sent several groups of people to inquire about news..."
Ren Shimin nodded slightly to her and led the way into the main house.
Madam Li had already received news of Ren Shimin’s return. She had her hair neatly styled, changed into brighter-colored clothes, and was sitting propped up against the head of the bed. When she heard voices outside, her gaze fixed on the curtain.
As the father and his two daughters entered, Madam Li quickly straightened up, looking somewhat restrained as she said to Ren Shimin, "You... you’re back."
Ren Shimin smiled slightly, nodded, then took a seat on a chair near the bed and said gently, "I heard you were ill. Has the doctor seen you? What medicine are you taking?"
Madam Li answered each question earnestly.
The couple engaged in this question-and-answer exchange. Ren Shimin seemed to be going through the motions—though thorough, he remained detached. Madam Li, on the other hand, answered each question cautiously, afraid that any word might be inappropriate.
Once Ren Shimin finished asking, the couple fell silent. One lowered his head to drink tea, while the other stared blankly at her clasped hands.
Nanny Zhou watched anxiously from the side, repeatedly signaling Madam Li with her eyes.
Seeing this, Madam Li bit her lip and finally mustered the courage to initiate a topic.
"I had heard you wouldn’t arrive for a few more days. I didn’t expect you to return today."
Nanny Zhou couldn’t help but inwardly sigh, thinking: How does that sound like she’s not pleased he returned early?
Fortunately, Ren Shimin didn’t mind. He set down his teacup and nodded, saying, "I happened to meet the Han Family. They had a large group, so it was easier to clear the way."
Madam Li murmured, "Oh, the Han Family."
The Han Family had recently moved to White Crane Town. Madam Li had rarely gone out for social engagements before and had spent a year at the manor, so she had little impression of them. Unable to continue the conversation, she fell silent.
Nanny Zhou quickly interjected, "Then we should prepare a gift to send to the Han residence as thanks."
Madam Li immediately nodded, "Yes, yes, yes, Nanny Zhou..."
Ren Shimin frowned slightly, seemingly displeased, and interrupted Madam Li, "There’s no need for you to worry about that. I’ve already prepared a gift."Thank you fq1977 for the reward of the Peach Blossom Fan·^^[bookid=2288861,bookname=《The Noble Daughter's Revenge》]
OpenNovel