Chapter 293 Hot Soup

Voices of admiration continued to ring out in the darkness, and everyone exclaimed that the painting was exquisite.

"This thing is truly ingenious and extremely elegant!" This is Mr. Liu's comment.

Lord Song said softly, "Mr. Liu's words are a bit exaggerated, but the Lu family's thousands of miles of rivers and mountains are indeed rare treasures."

He had extremely high attainments in art appreciation and was well-known for his straightforward temper throughout the court and the country.

Hu Xiner actually received his praise, which made everyone re-examine Hu Xiner.

The male officials were not willing to be too direct in their opinions, but the female guests were quite excited, especially the girls from aristocratic families. Although they considered themselves to be aloof, they had a real appreciation for literary works.

"She is just a peasant girl, how could she have such high attainments in calligraphy and painting?" someone asked in surprise.

Someone said disdainfully, "You believe this? Someone else must have done it for her, and she's just using the name."

"That's right." Someone else echoed.

The peasant girl they usually ridiculed actually had such talent? Didn't this make them seem quite shortsighted? No, they couldn't accept it!

But more people began to whisper: "I know that this Mrs. Lu is a big shot. The shop she opened..."

"What? She opened that? No wonder she looks so elegant and doesn't seem like someone from a humble background."

"It's true, although Madam Lu looks a little naive, she is not careless in her daily dealings with others!"

…

Hu Xiner stood in the middle holding a lamp, feeling slightly relieved.

Fortunately, I didn't mess this up.

The reason why she dared to confront the Duke was that she felt that although the Duke was wealthy, he was ultimately a military commander, and his temperament was not very compatible with the literati and aristocrats in the capital.

No matter how valuable the jade is or how fine the carving is, I was taught by the wife of the Duke, and it exudes the craftsmanship of a nouveau riche.

Therefore, Hu Xiner's painting of the vast landscape appears particularly fresh, refined and elegant.

After the lights came on, the hectic scene returned to calm.

In such a grand occasion, it is rare to see a scene of lively discussion like the one just now in the darkness, and each family tried their best to maintain their aristocratic style.

Only the Duke's expression was extremely ugly.

Hu Xiner's move not only reversed her own image, but also belittled the Duke's jade screen!

The emperor laughed and said, "This is the first time I've seen such a unique painting!"

Hu Xin'er put down the lantern and explained, "This is just a trifle. The painting is inlaid with thin sheets of gold and silver. Because they are so thin, they don't affect the appearance of the painting. But once the light is reflected, it will be extraordinarily brilliant."

"She's truly ingenious and skillful! This kid, Lu Yunjue, has stumbled upon a treasure." While praising her, the emperor also considered the Duke's meeting. "Both of the Thousand Miles of Rivers and Mountains painted today are very much to my liking!"

Hu Xiner retreated back to her seat, thinking that His Majesty was truly a master of keeping things balanced.

In fact, it is not easy for Your Majesty either.

If she had to greet and exchange pleasantries with a bunch of people like an emperor on her birthday, she would definitely doubt her life.

The birthday gifts were presented one after another, and it was time for the banquet to begin.

Xuanyuan Eri stood up silently.

The Duke held her back, his eyes warning: "What are you going to do?"

Xuanyuan Huili felt a little aggrieved: "Father, why are you looking at me like that? I just went to the toilet."

"Your mother has really spoiled you," Duke Xuanyuan said with a frown. "Why are you drinking so much water on such a grand occasion?"

Xuanyuan Huili's eyes were red.

Duke Xuanyuan had no choice but to wave her off, but he still reminded her worriedly, "Go quickly and come back quickly, don't cause any trouble."

Xuanyuan Huili said aggrievedly: "My daughter knows."

But the moment he turned around, a dark light flashed in his eyes.

After a long wait, the banquet finally began. Hu Xiner was already starving, but for the sake of her image, she had to suppress her impatience and slowly savor the food in front of her.

Mu Qing was very considerate and picked up some food for her, saving her the time of picking up the food.

Hu Xin'er was a little touched: "Husband, you are so kind! Come and eat it too."

Mu Qing's lips suddenly curled up, as if he was laughing at her: "I'm not as good at eating as you are."

"You!" Hu Xiner glared at him.

The tone is like raising pigs! Is there anyone who talks like that?

Mu Qing quickly coaxed her, "You are a double-bodied person, don't be angry..."

Hu Xin'er snorted and said with some resentment, "Mu Qing, you have become worse and worse since you got married."

When they first started dating, she thought her husband had a very good temper.

At home, she has the final say. Mu Qing is like a kept gigolo. He is cold and aloof in front of outsiders, but he is gentle and kind to her every day.

Now that I think about it, the signs of all the inconsistencies had already appeared at that time!

After getting married, the two had in-depth contact. Due to her personality, she was a little restrained, so she was always bullied, from the bed to under the bed!

But no one can understand this bitterness.

Because her husband's acting skills are very good, he is always serious and taciturn in the eyes of outsiders. He only behaves gently in front of Lu's mother.

When we first got married, he only said those indecent things in private...

But now he actually dared to tease her blatantly in such a solemn occasion!

She ate her meal with a look of resentment on her face.

And Mu Qing's gentle and doting expression once again blinded everyone's eyes.

They felt that the Lu couple had a very good relationship.

Xuanyuan Huili came back from outside the palace and was blinded by the scene.

However, her fists were clenched tightly, and the corners of her mouth curved into a gentle arc.

Hu Xiner felt the gazes of the crowd, and felt a sense of loneliness in her heart.

Alas, no one understands her troubles!

She was just turning her grief and anger into appetite when she suddenly heard several shouts: "Be careful!"

Behind her, Xuanyuan Huili staggered a few steps, and a basin of boiling hot soup was poured right at her!

Before Hu Xiner could turn her head, Mu Qing grabbed her and carried her to the side. But even so, a drop of hot soup wiped the back of her hand, and in the blink of an eye, the burned area turned red.

Mu Qing checked her injuries, then stood up with her, looking down at the woman who "accidentally fell" in front of him with an unhappy expression.

Xuanyuan Huili sat on the ground with tears in her eyes, sobbing softly: "Yes, I'm sorry, I didn't mean it..."

The maidservant beside her shrank back a little guiltily, and said in a thin voice: "I'm so sorry, our young lady just sprained her ankle..."

It was clearly their fault, but now they act like victims!