Chapter 9: The Misstep in Timing

The manager of Hanwen Bookstore saw that it was time and instructed someone to bring out the first painting.

This was a painting of “Five Tigers Guarding the Young,” left behind by a scholar from the previous dynasty.

In the painting, five tigers are gathered in a forest, vigilantly watching their surroundings as if some danger is imminent.

People’s opinions on this painting were mixed.

Some said that there were no young tigers visible, suggesting that they might be fighting for territory.

Others believed that the young tigers had already been eaten, and the tigers were searching for enemies.

Li Ning’an couldn’t make much of it either, but she noticed Fu Minglang sitting in the hall. He was not wearing official robes but looked handsome and polite, engaging in casual conversation with those at his table about the painting on the platform, seemingly not interested in bidding.

When Fu Minglang entered, he looked around and naturally spotted Yan Ziqi.

“Humph, a lecher lingering in flower houses.”

“He truly brings disgrace to the reputation of the Xiangguo Gongfu.”

“To such a refined place, he brings a courtesan.”

Li Ning’an had dressed up extravagantly today.

She placed Yan Ziqi’s hand on her waist and pressed herself against his chest.

To outsiders, it seemed as though the beauty was being embraced by Young Master Yan, her slender hands holding a wine cup and bringing it to him.

It was a scandalous sight.

But it also evoked envy.

Only someone of Yan Ziqi’s status and wealth could afford to flaunt such intimacy with a beauty without restraint.

Yan Ziqi appeared to be enjoying himself, but inside, he was nearly going crazy.

What exactly was Li Ning’an trying to do?

First, she dragged him out of Xiangguo Gongfu, then dressed provocatively, and brought him to Hanwen Bookstore. She had him choose a seat on the second floor and then clung to him.

He was a vigorous man!

How could he remain unaffected?

Feeling increasingly irritated, Yan Ziqi looked down and saw Fu Minglang also observing them.

Yan Ziqi placed his hand on Li Ning’an’s waist and gave it a twist.

“I see, you’re doing this to make him jealous.”

The two were so close that they could almost feel each other’s breath.

Although Li Ning’an was wearing a veil, her eyes were as clear as autumn water.

She blinked and said, “Could it be that my lord is feeling jealous?”

In recent days, Li Ning’an had put considerable effort into learning how to attract a man.

Compared to her first meeting with Fu Minglang three years ago, she was now much more familiar with Yan Ziqi.

She had put a lot of determination into behaving this way.

Yan Ziqi showed no interest throughout and even quarreled with her because of Fu Minglang.

If it weren’t for blocking Fu Minglang from seeking Master Wen’s support, she wouldn’t have bothered coming here.

Since Fu Minglang was here, it meant she hadn’t chosen the wrong place.

Li Ning’an had also had Hongxiu keep an eye on several famous bookstores to see which would sell renowned paintings.

The most troublesome rule at Hanwen Bookstore was that women were not allowed to enter alone.

Li Ning’an had to pretend to be Yan Ziqi’s lover to be brought in.

As for why not pretend to be siblings—

Li Ning’an thought it wasn’t worth calling him “older brother.”

Li Ning’an turned her neck. Playing the courtesan was indeed more difficult than making pastries in the Imperial Kitchen.

She couldn’t let Yan Ziqi go to a brothel to find someone to perform this role; her behavior was modeled after a favored concubine of the emperor.

She had secretly observed the woman several times and almost got caught.

Li Ning’an was feeling quite exhausted from the act, so she sat up straight, and Yan Ziqi let out a sigh of relief.

He had no idea what Li Ning’an was planning or was interested in the paintings downstairs.

He would rather be at the Spring Drunken Pavilion listening to Leng Shuang play the qin, enjoying the company of Ling’er and Shuang’er.

While they were whispering to each other, three paintings had been sold downstairs.

When the fourth painting was brought out, people began to whisper.

“Is this even considered a painting?”

“Keep your voice down. My great-aunt’s cousin’s niece’s uncle’s younger brother said that one of the paintings in this auction came from Master Wen’s residence. It might be this one—uh… it looks like a mix of everything.”

“Are you serious? It can’t be.”

Master Wen was a person of great importance.

How could such a painting be allowed to circulate?

Coincidentally, the two people speaking were at Fu Minglang’s table.

He not only knew about the painting from Master Wen’s residence but also recognized it as the one in front of him.

A rabbit’s tail, a mouse’s body, covered with a turtle’s shell, and topped with a cat’s head.

On the pristine white paper, as if a child had just begun to learn drawing, these things were depicted and connected together.

Master Wen, at the age of seven, was already debating, at nine he was tested on policies, at twelve he passed three top examinations, and by fifteen he entered officialdom. He first served in the Ministry of Rites, then was promoted to the Ministry of Revenue, and eventually rose to the position of Prime Minister, being granted the title of Grand Master. He served through three reigns and educated two generations of bright rulers.

Emperor Mingde was one of his students.

His Majesty held Master Wen in high esteem.

Master Wen’s students were spread across the country.

Being favored by him and recommended again, one could at least be appointed to a fourth or fifth rank position.

At this moment, everyone’s expressions were varied, and then they began to praise the painting.

Yan Ziqi, on the other hand, was amused by the painting.

“It must have been done by a child; it’s truly interesting.”

Li Ning’an pinched him, fearing that Fu Minglang might speak up first. She stepped to the railing and sneered:

“Hanwen Bookstore really puts up any kind of painting.”

“Even something as crude as this, they dare to auction.”

“Only our lord has the kindness to buy it.”

“I bid five thousand taels.”

Li Ning’an turned around, staring wide-eyed in disbelief at Yan Ziqi’s attempt to spend her money. She gestured for him to come over with a slight frown, and subtly made a pinching motion.

Yan Ziqi’s money was still money.

He wasn’t willing to spend on such a worthless item.

But Li Ning’an was genuinely pinching him.

Yan Ziqi cleared his throat and put on an air of being wealthy and generous, just to make the beauty smile.

“Buy it!”

“If it makes you happy.”

He walked to the railing and looked at the scholars and Fu Minglang below.

Let them buy it.

He would rob the palace.

He would cry poverty at the Xiangguo Gongfu and take some imperial treasures to cover this expense.

With that thought, Yan Ziqi straightened up.

Li Ning’an leaned against him, “My lord is truly good to me.”

“Even though our Xiangguo Gongfu is a martial family, having something like this would really be a disgrace.”

“This kind of vulgar item should be burned.”

Five thousand taels for this thing, and then burned.

Indeed, Young Master Yan was a spendthrift.

Fu Minglang intended to speak but was preempted by the woman next to Yan Ziqi.

He knew the inside story.

Fortunately, he had previously done good deeds and befriended a guest of Master Wen’s residence.

That person only said that Hanwen Bookstore had opportunities, and advised him to seize them.

Fu Minglang originally planned to praise the painting like everyone else.

But Hanwen Bookstore was a place where countless scholars and students came to appreciate, study, explore, praise, and debate.

Good or bad, who couldn’t see it?

Moreover, many people knew that this was actually Master Wen’s private collection.

He occasionally came here to select outstanding talent to become his students or guests in his residence.

Being noticed by Master Wen meant limitless prospects.

Even though Fu Minglang had earned the favor of Emperor Mingde, his foundation was still shallow and required hard work.

If he could navigate Master Wen’s connections to the Zhongshu Province and showcase his talents, wouldn’t His Majesty see him as a valuable asset?

The position of Prime Minister might not be far off.

He couldn’t simply praise or completely dismiss the painting.

Master Wen was not a fool and could surely recognize those who flattered him.

Fu Minglang did not expect to be preempted by a courtesan.

And Yan Ziqi had already bid five thousand taels.

Fu Minglang couldn’t help but think of Li Ning’an.

In the criminal’s quarters, he was unable to buy Nie Rou due to insufficient funds.

Fu Minglang was a person who liked to plan three steps ahead.

Missing one opportunity, he had to secure this painting.

But he couldn’t agree with a courtesan.

Especially since Yan Ziqi had already bid five thousand taels.

Was he really going to sell everything to buy this painting?

However, someone with ulterior motives spoke up:

“What is your status to be so shameless, exposing yourself and commenting on Master Wen’s painting?”