Yu Mingyue frowned, looking left and right. She had seen many famous paintings, but never one in such a state of disrepair.
"This painting accidentally fell into the hands of a wealthy merchant and was stored in a box with miscellaneous items. It was gnawed by rats, and after his family's decline, he pawned his possessions to make a living. The painting was included as a bonus. Mo Xiang happened to pass by and saw it. This 'Sunrise Over Dongyue' painting was thus brought back to light."
"So that's how it is. It's just too badly damaged."
"Yes, it is indeed difficult to repair."
"Repair? Jia Yan Gege wants to repair this painting?" Yu Mingyue was shocked. Repairing a painting was much harder than painting one.
"Mm, but I need to observe it for two more days." Otherwise, without capturing its spirit, the repair would become destruction.
"Can I watch while Jia Yan Gege repairs the painting? I've only heard of ancient painting restoration but never seen it with my own eyes. I promise to be quiet and not disturb you at all," Yu Mingyue earnestly declared.
Seeing her expression, Xie Jia Yan's lips curved slightly. "Agreed!"
"Jia Yan Gege truly lives up to being the most capable person I know. Talented in both literary and martial arts, a handsome figure, and skilled in restoring ancient paintings..." Yu Mingyue spouted compliments effortlessly, her expression particularly sincere.
"If you behave well, I can teach you," Xie Jia Yan raised an eyebrow, appearing to be in good spirits.
Yu Mingyue's eyes immediately lit up, shining as brightly as the morning sun. "I will definitely behave well. Thank you, Jia Yan Gege. No, thank you, Sir."
...
Taiji Hall
"Cui Jiulang came to the capital for Yu Liuniang's birthday. He is staying at the Duke of Dingguo's mansion instead of the Cui family's estate in the capital. In the past few days, apart from a visit to the Brush and Ink Pavilion, he has not gone out."
"What about the Wang and Zheng families?" The Emperor's voice was low, his eyes exceptionally sharp.
"Seventh Master Zheng visited the Gu residence to pay his respects to the old madam."
"Hmph," the Emperor sneered. "I fear his intentions are not solely for visiting."
"Your subordinate will have people continue to monitor them."
"Strengthen the defenses at Qianshan Temple."
"Yes!"
On this spring night, the stars were scattered across the sky, and the air was filled with the fragrance of flowers.
Xie Jia Yan, dressed in night-traveling attire, had just reached the entrance of his courtyard when he noticed the light on in his study.
"Father!" Xie Jia Yan said respectfully.
"Are you injured?" Xie Yuanlang asked with concern.
"No," Xie Jia Yan paused, "Wang Ningqing has entered the capital."
"He? Why would he come to the capital?" Xie Yuanlang was greatly surprised.
"Wang Ningqing entered Qianshan Temple. The Second Master Wang's arrival in the capital was merely a feint by the Wang family to divert attention," Xie Jia Yan's voice was extremely calm, as if he were discussing something unrelated to himself.
But Xie Yuanlang knew that beneath the tranquility lay immense rage.
She had been confined to Qianshan Temple for eighteen years, and the Wang family had never sent anyone to the capital. Now, something was unusual.
The Wang family's sudden appearance must have a purpose.
"You... saw her?"
Xie Jia Yan shook his head helplessly. He had drawn away the hidden guards for Wang Ningqing. If the Emperor found out she had met with the Wang family, he might order her to be poisoned.
Last time, when the Cui clan went to Qianshan Temple, the Emperor had sent people to investigate. How much more so for the Wang family.
However, he couldn't control whether Wang Ningqing's movements would be known to the Emperor after descending the mountain.
...
The news of Wang Ningqing entering the capital disguised as the Second Master Wang's coachman soon reached Taiji Hall.
However, the Qianniu Guard had not found any record of Wang Ningqing visiting Qianshan Temple.
"The Wang clan leader himself has entered the capital. The capital will be lively now," the Emperor chuckled, his tone unreadable.
"Should we strengthen the guards at the Wang family's estate?" Song Wei asked.
Song Wei trembled. Wang Ningqing had been in the capital for many days, and they only discovered it today. The Qianniu Guard had lost face.
"Withdraw everyone."
"Withdraw?" Song Wei was confused.
"Wang Ningqing will soon submit a memorial to the palace." After all, he was the maternal uncle of the Great Wei, how could he continue to live as a lowly coachman?
"Yes!"