Time Travel: The Noble Family-Chapter 1371 - 560: Art Exhibition (Part 2)

Yueyao understood immediately upon hearing this, staring blankly at An Zhichen for a while before finally saying, "Alright." If this were true, she wondered if life would continue to be as happy as it is now.

Kexin was sent to Marquis Jingning’s Residence, and the little girl who stayed at home was directly referred to by Yueyao as Keer. The next day, Keer announced to the outside world that she was ill.

Brother Shengsheng came to visit upon hearing that Keer was sick. Yueyao initially wanted to explain the situation to them. However, as soon as she started to speak, Brother Shengsheng said, "Mother, we know."

Yueyao was at a loss for words and turned to Xiang Wei, saying, "Do you think An Zhichen is pushing things too quickly by doing this?" Yueyao always felt that An Zhichen’s method of education was too hasty. The children were still young, and knowing about these dangerous things would only add unnecessary worries.

Xiang Wei found it hard to comment: "The Earl will know what to do. Besides, didn’t you say the man is responsible for the external affairs while the woman manages the internal ones? Leave the matter regarding Brother Shengsheng to the Earl’s teaching." Xiang Wei thought that if Brother Shengsheng could learn even half of An Zhichen’s skills in the future, there would be no worries.

Yueyao mumbled a couple of things but did not speak to An Zhichen about it.

Before they knew it, the day of the art exhibition arrived. This time, Yueyao’s exhibition included her original works, twelve new paintings of Jiangnan’s scenic beauty, and a Beauty Painting. In addition, she included four countryside-themed paintings.

On the first day of the exhibition, hundreds of people went to Qingfeng Bookhouse specifically to view the paintings. Among them, Yueyao’s Beauty Painting was the most sought after.

This Beauty Painting by Yueyao depicted seven beauties in total, each with unique characteristics: ethereal, enchanting, graceful, innocent, pitiful, charming...

In the Great Yuan Dynasty, many painters had painted beauties, but it was rare to see someone like Yueyao depict seven at once, each with a unique charm. Yueyao’s profound skills brought each beauty to life, making it hard not to be admired.

The painting incited significant debate, as everyone’s tastes differed: some argued the ethereal beauty was the most beautiful, others praised the fresh and charming one, while some thought the enchanting beauty was the most captivating...

Xiang Wei laughed and said to Yueyao, "Madam, you wouldn’t know that people outside nearly fought to decide which of the seven beauties is the most beautiful."

When painting this piece, Yueyao invested the most effort. It’s no small feat to depict seven beauties, each with a distinct personality, and ensure no similarities.

Yueyao chuckled, "That’s a bit exaggerated." The painting is good, but not to the point of provoking fights. Furthermore, Yueyao believed that among the exhibited works, the Beauty Painting wasn’t the best.

Xiang Wei laughed, "The Beauty Painting may not be the best, but it can’t be helped that men fancy it! Madam, will you sell the Beauty Painting later?"

Yueyao shook her head, "I won’t sell it, but I might not keep it for myself." This painting is likely to be requested by someone.

What surprised Yueyao was that her art exhibition became the talk of the Capital City, especially this Beauty Painting, which spurred debates among people.

Due to the painting’s fame, many in the Capital City visited out of admiration, even those not interested in paintings. The sheer momentum compelled them to visit. Even An Zhichen’s subordinates had gone to see it.

Upon returning, An Zhichen asked Yueyao, "Is the painting really that good?" His subordinates, big and tough as they were, knew nothing of appreciating art, yet returned full of praise. Unfortunately, with so many of Yueyao’s paintings, An Zhichen glanced through them all until his eyes blurred and couldn’t remember which was which.

Yueyao smiled, "It’s all due to the hype. If you ask me, the ’Lotus Garden Painting’ is the best. Of course, the other artworks are also good."

An Zhichen didn’t press further and asked, "Which paintings do you plan to sell? Are you considering selling the Beauty Painting?"

Yueyao shook her head, "I won’t sell this painting; it might be given away." If Prince Duan requested it, Yueyao would have to gift the painting to him.

The art exhibition lasted seven days, and during those seven days, there were no issues. Afterward, there was an auction. Yueyao was very frugal this time, auctioning only three paintings. Considering she exhibited over thirty paintings, only auctioning three drove the Qingfeng Bookhouse staff nearly insane. But there was nothing to be done; Yueyao was the owner, and no one could force her to sell.

The three paintings were quickly sold, and the money from the paintings soon reached Yueyao’s hands. Holding the silver note, Yueyao asked An Zhichen, "Are the backgrounds of the buyers clean?"

An Zhichen nodded, "The checks showed they are very clean." It’s been over half a month, yet Zhou Shu hadn’t been seen, which was increasingly perturbing.

Yueyao hadn’t expected Zhou Shu to be so patient. Calmly, Yueyao said, "We can’t rush; being hasty only gives him opportunities to exploit." From his ability to escape from Haikou, it was clear how cunning this man was.

An Zhichen despised this feeling of being out of control: "Yes, we must remain patient." Guarding against a thief requires vigilance; otherwise, the thief takes advantage.

Yueyao asked, "Is Kexin alright at the Marquis’ household?" Although she knew Kexin would be safe there, she couldn’t help but worry.

An Zhichen shook his head, "Don’t worry! Kexin will be fine." With strict security at Marquis Jingning’s Residence and given the special circumstances, someone skilled in martial arts was placed by Kexin’s side. Zhou Shu, regardless of ability, couldn’t possibly kidnap Kexin.

With Kexin secured, Yueyao shifted her worries to Brother Shengsheng and his two brothers: "I noticed Brother Shengsheng and Brother Feifei have lost a lot of weight." The knowledge that someone intends harm against their parents understandably made them anxious, leading to weight loss.

An Zhichen said, "Once this matter is resolved, let’s ensure the children are well-nourished."

Yueyao nodded.