Chapter 506: Chapter 313: With Xiaofan in Hand, the Contest Is Won; Li Xian the Thief, a Turtle in the Jar (Part 4)

Thinking again... During the Great Yu Dynasty, Zhong Lianshan, though often lacking, had true intentions to save the nation. Now, under the Great Wu Dynasty, traitors rule, even worse than before. The heart can’t help but mourn.

He deeply feels a similarity in fate with Zhong Lianshan.

As time flows, his sense of mourning grows even stronger, his emotions complex to the extreme. With no way to relieve, he contemplated painting to dispel his gloom, hiding all his feelings in the painting. Thus came the "Sword Bamboo Welcoming Snow Painting."

Upon completion, he laughed heartily, feeling very satisfied. He then lamented several times, "Such a pity," self-assured that the true essence of the painting would remain undiscovered.

As Wen Caishang said, no different than before.

He Wentian clapped, marveling, overwhelmed with admiration. To truly appreciate such a painting requires unraveling the layers, demanding not just quick thinking but also deep scholarship as a foundation. One must master historical theories, painting schools, botanical miscellany, and psychological comprehension... among others.

He Wentian asked himself how he could compare. Fu Haoran said, "Compared to Madam Wang’s scholarship, I’m not the least inferior."

Wen Caishang laughed, "Far from it. My humble opinions shouldn’t make a laughingstock of myself." Fu Haoran said, "Madam Wang is too modest. Your profound knowledge and talent, how many in the world could compare?"

Wen Caishang said, "I enjoyed reading as a child and indeed accumulated quite a bit. But I ask myself, knowledge isn’t just ’accumulation.’ I’m fairly competent in martial arts; as for knowledge, I dare not be pretentious."

Fu Haoran said, "Madam Wang, please come in and have a seat. I have quite a collection of paintings, please come and view them."

Wen Caishang smiled, "Alright." Thus, for about half a day, they were all engrossed in appreciating and viewing paintings. He Wentian was delighted, feeling he had been richly rewarded.

After the painting appreciation ended. Wen Caishang asked, "Yes, Fu Master’s beloved disciple seems very refined; where is he from?"

Zhou Shijie was unaware of the connection between "Li Xian" and "Li Xiaofan," so hadn’t thought much of it. Fu Haoran said, "My little disciple is from Qiong Heavenly Mansion."

Wen Caishang said, "I see his aura is quite extraordinary; could he be from a noble family?" Zhou Shijie hurriedly replied, "Brother Xiaofan is quite impressive, not from a noble family, but relied on his abilities, passed the winter exam to earn entry into Teacher Fu’s tutelage."

He feigned praise, but actually highlighted Li Xiaofan’s humble origins. Li Xiaofan remained composed.

Wen Caishang pretended to be surprised, "That’s not easy." She inspected Li Xiaofan, secretly thinking, "This young man bears some resemblance to his older brother’s demeanor; his calmness truly makes one disoriented."

At this moment, they arrived at the stone pavilion. Wen Caishang patted her skirt and sat elegantly, gesturing to Li Xiaofan, "Brother Xiaofan, come let your sister take a look."

Fu Haoran said, "Madam Wang, this..." Wen Caishang said, "Only Fu Master can mourn old friends, can’t I too as a young woman?"

Fu Haoran wondered, "Madam Wang is..." Wen Caishang said, "Young Xiaofan is quite like my deceased husband; I shall examine him closely."

Li Xiaofan walked over obediently. Wen Caishang examined him carefully, thinking, "The eyebrows bear three parts resemblance, surely he’s the younger brother of the thief, this boy is fair and refined, yet far from Mr. Li La. Everything already aligns. Good... With this boy in hand, despite his myriad skills, no matter how crafty like a fox, he’s already caught in my net. I originally wanted to match wits with him again, but this session is already won."

Her lips curled upward, raising a hand, "You may go."

Li Xiaofan retreated behind Fu Haoran. Wen Caishang said, "How long does Fu Master intend to stay here?"

Fu Haoran said, "I plan to depart soon." He Wentian was tearful, saying, "Teacher, I still wish to study under you, please stay no matter what!"

Fu Haoran said, "I and Xiaofan still need to travel for further studies. This matter is..."

Wen Caishang said, "Fu Master, I’ve been full of doubts since childhood, with no one to resolve them. Encountering someone of your stature, I truly don’t want to miss out. I ask you to stay a few more days, allowing me to consult you well."

"This..." Fu Haoran said, "Alright then!"

Wen Caishang chuckled politely, "Very good, for today, let us part here. From tomorrow, I will come daily for guidance." She glanced subtly at Li Xiaofan and turned to leave.

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