Chapter 361 - 228: Righteous Army Staff Officer
Ran Yan finished writing the gift list and handed it to the butler before turning her eyes towards the approaching visitor.
The visitor was an elderly man over seventy years old, clad in a gray-brown cross-collared robe that hung loosely on his gaunt frame, draped with a light gray cloak, his back slightly hunched, leaning on a pear wood cane. His hair was sparsely white, neatly tied at the top of his head with a sandalwood hairpin inserted. Despite his faltering steps, his scholarly elegance was apparent, indicating that he was unquestionably a man of great learning.
"It’s Master Feng Chengsu’s copy. May I know who you are?" Ran Yan observed the elder’s pale complexion, the slightly swollen face on a skeletal frame indicating that he was not in good health.
The old man let out a sigh, his hoarse voice carrying the characteristic tremble of old age, "This humble one’s surname is Yu."
The name Yu Shixian immediately surfaced in Ran Yan’s mind, reminding her of Huai Yin, who had met his end in a raging fire — this was his close uncle.
Yu Shixian, in his lifetime, had a great fondness for the works of the Two Wangs, always trying by all means to borrow the originals to study whenever he heard of any. His own accomplishments in calligraphy were extraordinary, and his own written copies were coveted collectibles for everyone. Naturally, he had a lot of interest in Feng Chengsu’s imitations.
"Master Yu, why have you come yourself?" Zheng Lady Zheng had just extricated herself from making pleasantries with a group of court officials, and upon seeing Yu Shixian, her face showed surprise, followed swiftly by a respectful bow.
Yu Shixian nodded, slightly lifting his hand to indicate that excess formalities were unnecessary, "How could I not come when it’s Madam Li’s grand birthday celebration?"