Chapter 1603: Chapter 1603: Open-Minded

Qing Xue was somewhat surprised by Mr. Gu’s straightforwardness. She stood aside, waiting for Mr. Gu to finish his soup, took the bowl, and went to the master’s table to take away the soup bowl.

After drinking the soup, Gu Sheng felt a warm flow in his body, the chill he had earlier dissipated, and his complexion improved a bit. He felt grateful to the Zhou Marquis Residence; without the help from young Mr. Zhou, he would still be lying at home sick.

He had been looking forward to the painting contest at the Painting shop for a long time and nearly missed it. Thinking of this, Gu Sheng felt a chill in his heart.

Zhulan watched from upstairs, quite surprised, “This Mr. Gu trusts our Hou Residence very much.”

Tao Shi replied, “Indeed, this is something that enters the mouth, after all.”

Qing Xue added, “He drank the soup without any hesitation.”

Zhulan felt happier. This indicated that Gu Sheng acknowledged the kindness of the Zhou Marquis Residence and would repay this favor in the future.

In the box where the Fourth Prince was, he recognized Qing Xue, “Why did the old lady send soup to Gu Sheng?”

Chang Zhong explained his relationship with Gu Sheng, deliberately omitting Yu Wen but mentioning Zhuo Guyu. Finally, he said, “My mother became attentive after listening to me and happened to stew soup for my brother-in-law, so she sent a bowl over.”

After hearing this, the Fourth Prince glanced at Zhuo Guyu, “Why did the Duke Residence bring a doctor over?”

Zhuo Guyu was very interested in Gu Sheng, knowing who helped him. Now, hearing the Fourth Prince’s question, he was straightforward, “I debated with Mr. Gu, so naturally, I am concerned about him. I knew Mr. Gu was seriously ill and wanted to help a bit but was too late.”

The Fourth Prince nodded but thought a lot. Gu Sheng was obviously being targeted by someone. His impression of Zhuo Guyu was not good, influenced by preconceived notions, and he had no liking for the Duke of Yongan Residence.

Zhuo Guyu squeezed his palm. Although he had drawn closer to the Fourth Prince, the Fourth Prince remained indifferent to him. He took a deep breath and wasn’t in a hurry.

Yu Wen called over the maid, and upon hearing her, the maid widened her eyes. Seeing the Magistrate wink, she quickly turned and went out.

Zhuo Ya didn’t hear clearly, “Does the Magistrate have something to do?”

Yu Wen didn’t like Zhuo Ya; even if she hid it well, she couldn’t hide her superior attitude, “Even my sister didn’t ask me, what identity do you have to ask me?”

Zhuo Ya said dryly, “I thought we were friends.”

Yu Wen pointed at herself, “How come I didn’t know? By your account, every lady in the capital is my friend.”

Zhuo Ya had been flattered when going out recently and, for the first time, someone didn’t show her face. Still believing in her future sister-in-law, her eyes reddened, “You’re bullying people.”

Yu Wen replied, “Telling the truth is bullying people? Then I’ve bullied too many.”

Zhuo Ya, “…”

Yu Die cleared her throat, “Yu Wen, Miss Zhuo is still young.”

Yu Wen was even more surprised, “If being young means being yielded to, then besides Yu Jiao, am I not the youngest in the box?”

Zhuo Guyu took a deep breath and stood up, “The results are about to come out. We siblings should head back. Thank you for the Fourth Prince’s refreshments.”

The Fourth Prince, “Mm.”

Zhuo Guyu nodded to the group in greeting, then left with Zhuo Ya.

Yu Wen raised an eyebrow, indeed a good brother, but it’s a pity their purposes were too strong.

The Fourth Prince smiled, “Cousin, I’m also young. How about gifting me one of the auctioned paintings later?”

Yu Wen, “…Alright”

She knew ‘cousin’ wasn’t gratuitous here; this was his real motive, so in the Fourth Prince’s eyes, she was also a golden child!

With a drumbeat, the shopkeeper already held the list, “The results of this contest are out. I shall announce from back to front; regardless of ranking, the fifty entrants will all receive rewards from the Painting shop.”

Speaking of rewards, they were brought up: brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones; what was precious was the pigments, which the Painting shop was never short of.

The tense moment arrived. Gu Sheng heard his name at forty-five, though there was regret, he accepted it well. This year, with so many Graduates gathered in the capital for exams, many had learned painting from a young age. For someone who started late like him to get shortlisted was already fortunate.

Upstairs, Zhulan had been watching Gu Sheng’s subtle expressions. Gu Sheng’s initial disappointment quickly turned into acceptance, and Zhulan couldn’t help but praise him for his open-mindedness. Someday, he would achieve great things.

Tao Shi was puzzled, “Aren’t you paying a bit too much attention to this Mr. Gu?”

Zhulan asked, “Am I?”

“Yes, you rarely keep such a close watch on your eldest son-in-law, yet you constantly watch Mr. Gu. Are you thinking about taking a poor scholar as a grandson-in-law?”

Zhulan widened her eyes, “Mr. Gu is eighteen; Yu Wen hasn’t come of age yet, no such thought crossed my mind.”

Tao Shi was relieved, “I didn’t mean poor scholar sons-in-law are bad. There are quite a few in the capital, but very few are well off.”

Zhulan had heard of this, more stories of chaos ensuing. It’s not easy for a Graduate among poor scholars; some can pretend for a lifetime for their future, while some are ingrates. Moreover, when the backgrounds don’t match, there are plenty of troubles.

Tao Shi gave an example, “There was a recently adjudicated case, relying on their wife’s family’s power, the in-laws secretly abducting commoner girls and blackmailing merchants; it was the talk of the capital for a while.”

Zhulan had naturally heard about it. During the investigation, that son-in-law from a poor family even contemplated murder to silence witnesses.

Soon it was Jiang Sheng’s turn, and he lived up to expectations, winning first place. There was a master commenting that Jiang Sheng had reached the level of a master and such.

Anyway, Jiang Sheng won first place; all the good words were said free of charge. On the contrary, if he hadn’t achieved a good rank, today Jiang Sheng would have been a joke, the more Jiang Sheng was praised before, the more he would be criticized in the future.

Of course, some were dissatisfied, “Who knows if it’s because of Marquis Zhou, everyone knows Graduate Jiang’s father-in-law is Marquis Zhou.”

Jiang Sheng’s expression remained unchanged as he picked up his painting, “You can criticize me, but don’t slander my father-in-law. The painting is here; everyone present understands art; Jiang is not afraid of reviews.”

Jiang Sheng was open-minded, quelling any rising thoughts among the crowd. The person had genuine skills and was not afraid of scrutiny.

Even then, someone dissatisfied stepped forward. Jiang Sheng did not stop them at all. Next to him, the second and third place paintings were displayed, and as those who viewed the paintings left the stage in shame, no one dared to step forward anymore.

Finally, the first place was deservedly his. Jiang Sheng carefully rolled up the painting; the dignitaries who came for a spectacle were anxious; they were waiting for the auction!

The shopkeeper was also stunned, “Mr. Jiang, is this painting not for sale?”

Jiang Sheng replied, “I promised my father-in-law this painting as a gift to him.”

Upon hearing this, Tao Shi felt a surge of envy, “You’re truly blessed with a successful son and such a filial son-in-law. After today, your son-in-law’s fame will rise, and his paintings will be in greater demand, a painting’s value could fetch a thousand gold.”

Zhulan felt a sense of pride, she was a practical person, reflecting, “That’s why having a special skill is essential.”

Tao Shi shrugged jealously, “Who among the children of noble families hasn’t been learning painting since childhood? It’s all down to talent.”

The subsequent auction was lively. Zhulan didn’t participate; she wouldn’t buy paintings today, as the current prices were at least twenty percent higher than usual. Gu Sheng’s painting was also auctioned for fifty taels.

After the business concluded, guests at the Painting shop gradually left. Jiang Sheng stayed a bit longer. The shop owner invited Jiang Sheng to paint a spring-themed painting. Today’s notoriety for the Painting shop motivated Jiang Sheng to agree readily.

Zhulan was supported by Xue Mei. She could still sense Xue Mei’s excitement. As the group exited the Painting shop, Zhulan stopped in her tracks when she looked to the side.

Chang Zhong, with an inexpressible look, accompanied his niece and, seeing his mother come out, said, “Let’s return to the residence.”

Yu Wen waved to Mr. Gu, “No need to thank me.”