Chapter 233: Gazing at the Figure Within the Landscape
While Zhao Zhen was studying the painting in his hands, a voice suddenly spoke up.
“This honorable brother…”
Zhao Zhen turned around to see a man with tied-back hair standing behind him. The man wore wide robes with long sleeves and had a kind face.
The man spoke: “I am Lu Shang. I spotted this painting upstairs a moment ago and simply couldn’t take my eyes off it. Regrettably, I was short on coin and failed to win the bid. My admiration for it runs so deep that I’ve dared to approach you. Might you permit me a look? Even one brief glimpse would suffice.”
Zhao Zhen appraised him for a moment, noting his refined speech and manner. He then handed over the painting.
“Certainly.”
“Thank you, honorable brother.”
Shang Lu lowered his head to examine the painting. His gaze settled on a faint greenish silhouette amidst the mountains and waters.
In that instant, an image flashed into his mind— exactly like the figure he had once seen in the Library Pavilion: the Green-Robed Gentleman, an immortal among mortals.
Wen Yi looked at this newcomer, noticing his focus on the silhouette. He asked, “Young Master Lu, are you gazing at the landscape, or at the figure within?” Shang Lu raised his head, ready to reply, but then abruptly changed his answer.
“Naturally… at the landscape.”
Wen Yi glanced between the two men. He saw through the evasion but didn’t pry. “Once the painting changes hands,” he remarked, “it no longer concerns Wen.”
Zhao Zhen took the painting back and began rolling it up. He then inquired, “If what Young Master Wen says is true—that this was painted upon an encounter with an immortal—then why sell it now?”
Wen Yi sighed softly. “Years ago, during the chaos of war, my family faced hardships. Now, the cost of daily essentials like firewood, rice, oil, and salt weighs heavy. Selling this… it’s really our last resort…”
“I understand.” Zhao Zhen nodded.
Beside him, Shang Lu pondered silently.
Zhao Zhen offered no further questions. He simply looked up and announced his departure.
“The painting is now mine. I won’t linger any longer.”
“Farewell.”
As he left, Zhao Zhen cast one last glance at Shang Lu. Their eyes met, each instantly perceiving the unusual quality in the other.
After Zhao Zhen departed, Shang Lu turned back to Wen Yi.
Wen Yi asked, “Is there something else, Young Master Lu?”
Shang Lu asked a question: “Dare I ask… is the figure in that painting… surnamed Chen?”
For a single breath, Wen Yi’s eyes sharply narrowed. “You…?”
Shang Lu smiled gently. “It seems so. Young Master Wen’s brushwork is remarkable. That breathtaking stroke depicting the figure surprising the magnificent tower is exceptionally rendered. I offer thanks to Mr. Chen on your behalf.”
As Wen Yi stared, stunned, Shang Lu had already turned and walked out the door.
Wen Yi made a move to chase after him, but halted mid-step.
Why pursue and question someone? The painting was already sold.
Wen Yi sighed a breath of weary resignation. Suddenly, it felt like he had just let a monumental opportunity slip right through his grasp.
In that moment, bleakness washed over him. He slumped back, a wave of dejection settling in.
It only lifted when the Manager approached, placing the remaining seven hundred and fifty taels of silver—after deductions—before him.
Seven hundred and fifty taels.
“How can this be, how…” Wen Yi murmured with another sigh.
The Manager beside him inquired, “Young Master Wen has the money now. Why the gloom?”
Wen Yi shook his head. He offered no explanation.
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