Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 276 - 112: 3 Years Later

Tall willows and new cicadas, warm breezes and gentle rains, lotus ponds and pomegranate flowers, crystal beads and Qingquan, weaving together a beautiful early summer scene.

It was now early summer, and the June weather was not as stifling as midsummer, allowing people to enjoy a faint coolness in the early morning.

Gu Chengyu looked at the lotus pond in the courtyard, adding color to the lotus painting on the desk. His daily morning routine now included calligraphy and painting.

"Young Master! It’s already 5:30 AM, when shall we leave?" Ming Mo stood in the corner of the study, asking Gu Chengyu softly.

The three years had stretched Ming Mo’s figure significantly, now a handsome fourteen-year-old lad. However, at this moment, he watched his young master helplessly. The young master was increasingly unhurried, composed in all matters, but the servants were anxious!

Ming Mo’s gaze fell on Gu Chengyu, who, not yet at the age of maturity, had his hair tied with a purple ribbon.

In a purple long-sleeved round-collar satin robe adorned with dark patterns, the white inner collar was visible at the neckline, with silver floating cloud embroidery edges lining the collar and cuffs. The morning light from the window cast a dazzling sheen on the satin. A moon-white cloud-patterned belt fastened his waist, with a lustrous mutton fat jade pendant hanging from it.

This attire made Gu Chengyu appear very noble. Although only eleven, he was not short. By Ming Mo’s estimation, he was only half a head shorter than Ming Mo himself, among peers, he was not short!

Gu Chengyu used a small Lang Hao brush to dip into the paint and meticulously outlined the lotus flowers in the painting. Lotuses weren’t all of one color; the coloring must proceed from top to bottom, from dark to light, to avoid stiffness.

Ming Mo knew he couldn’t disturb the young master when he was fully absorbed in painting and dared not urge him further, only standing by and watching him work.

After about half a pillar of incense, Gu Chengyu finally put down the brush, glanced at the lotus painting, feeling it still lacked some spiritual energy.

In ancient Chinese paintings, the focus was on artistic conception and abstract beauty. Once, Gu Chengyu had a sudden idea to integrate certain characteristics of Western painting from his previous life, such as texture, into traditional Chinese painting. This endeavor, with just a hint of Western elements, made his artwork quite unique.

There was a reason for doing this. Three years ago, when Gu Chengyu first arrived at the Prefecture School, he heard students discussing the former Grand Secretary Liang Zhirui. Any student studying at the Prefecture School wished to become a disciple of Liang Zhirui, which made Gu Chengyu even more eager.

From various inquiries, Gu Chengyu concluded that Liang Zhirui was a man of erratic tastes, with no particular favorite activity or preference, which left students at a loss on how to win his favor.

Gu Chengyu then thought, this person was casual. Liang Zhirui dabbled in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, with deep achievements in all. Gu Chengyu thought instead of searching for his likes, why not present something distinctive to pique his interest.

After racking his brain for over half a month, Gu Chengyu still couldn’t think of a good plan. After all, his only outstanding skill was calligraphy, but though his writing was good, others weren’t bad either, and there were certainly better writers in the Prefecture School.

In music, chess, and painting, he had only learned a little, just basics. Eventually, he focused on chess; what was most famous in his previous life? Of course, the Steamed Chess Board! But he was clueless about chess and found related materials after searching everywhere. However, it wouldn’t work to rashly throw out the chessboard.

Initially, he learned some chess at home for several days, only slightly understanding the basics. Even if he sought someone to play against, he wouldn’t succeed in attracting Liang Zhirui’s attention. He couldn’t just present the chessboard from the start! Even if it sparked interest, he’d still be disregarded.

After much thought, he decided to use the chessboard as a last resort, leaving painting and music. He hadn’t practiced music for long, struggling even with the basics.

Ultimately, only painting was left, fortunately, he had some talent in it. After studying traditional Chinese painting for over a month, he suddenly realized this was still not enough. Although the Prefecture School had a teacher for painting, Gu Chengyu hadn’t learned before, only copying at home. To create a stunning work in such a short time was challenging.

Therefore, after considering it for a long time, Gu Chengyu decided to incorporate elements from Western painting into his art. Gradually, after over two months, he successfully piqued Liang Zhirui’s interest. Of course, this alone wasn’t enough.

While painting, Gu Chengyu diligently practiced chess. Although still not skilled, he had entered the field, seeking people to play against everywhere. Eventually, he presented the chessboard. Gu Chengyu patiently planned for three months. Three months later, he finally became Liang Zhirui’s closed-door disciple.

"Young Master! When are we leaving?" Ming Mo saw Gu Chengyu lost in thought over the finished painting and had to interrupt him, urging him to leave, otherwise, they’d miss lunchtime, and the grandfather and grandmother at home would surely be worried.

Gu Chengyu snapped back to reality at Ming Mo’s voice, instructing Ming Mo, "Let’s set out now! Take the painting and burn it!"

It was early summer; there was no fire pot in the room. Gu Chengyu could only instruct Ming Mo, as a lighter couldn’t appear at this time, could it?

"Ah? Young Master, this painting is so well done, you still want to burn it, what a pity!" Ming Yan entered the main room from outside, exclaiming at the sight of the painting on the table.

In Ming Yan’s view, Gu Chengyu’s painting was already good enough. It was a shame, the young master was never satisfied, countless artworks had been destroyed.

Gu Chengyu furrowed his brow slightly, then shook his head with a smile. He recalled his teacher’s words, his paintings did have character, vibrant colors at a glance, lively figures, even quite realistic. However, he hadn’t grasped the essence of Danqing, those simple lines depicting the soul of figures or objects, he couldn’t achieve, meaning it still lacked a bit of spirit.

Ming Mo glanced at Gu Chengyu and then looked at Ming Yan but said nothing.

Gu Chengyu didn’t respond, heading inside to wash up. The Provincial Examination was approaching in August this year; he would go home for a while before setting out for the Capital. This time going home, he could only stay for half a month, his teacher advised him to quiet his mind at home as his calligraphy had stagnated.

Reading ten thousand books is not equal to traveling ten thousand miles, this saying is utterly true. Being confined without perspective, how could there be progress?

It had been a month since he last saw his parents, and Gu Chengyu missed them. Especially since Wang Qikai and they had passed the county and prefecture examinations, they would participate in the Academy Examination this August. He must go back to offer encouragement. It’s a pity when they came to the Prefecture, he had already gone to the Capital.

Listening to Ming Mo’s faint scolding in the courtyard, Gu Chengyu smiled. Ming Yan indeed was too restless, it seemed like bringing Nanny Liang over to teach the servants proper conduct was necessary. Although the family had instructors, none instilled rules as effectively as Nanny Liang, given her official background.

Ming Mo seemed to have his own little thoughts, worried he might be displeased with Ming Yan? Otherwise, why scold where he could hear?