Upon learning that Zhu Jiayu was not only unharmed but had also managed to subdue them completely, Jiang Shaoxing felt relieved. However, he also found Xu Yuanrui quite annoying. Before she could finish speaking and bring up a new topic, he said coldly, "I'm leaving now. You... go home early after the banquet."
Xu Yuanrui, who wanted to talk to her cousin a little longer: "..."
"Oh." She puffed out her cheeks and nodded reluctantly. After waving goodbye to her cousin, she returned to Yu Qinglan's study.
Although Zhu Jiayu had previously proven that she was not some uncultured country bumpkin, on the contrary, she knew far more about antiques and collectibles than any of the ladies present.
But some people still didn't believe it and took out the root carving, laughing, "Miss Zhu, since you are so knowledgeable, why don't you take a look at this root carving of mine? It's a masterpiece by Mr. Zhang Yuanzhi of the Jin Dynasty. You know about antiques, calligraphy and paintings, porcelain and jade, but I wonder how much you know about root carvings?"
The root carving in her hand depicts a handsome young man with his eyes closed and head tilted back, looking serene. He holds a wine pot aloft in his hand, appearing to be reclining in the breeze, his robes fluttering in the wind.
Zhu Jiayu glanced at it, and the smile on her face became strange.
She didn't know anything about root carving, but coincidentally, she had seen the root carving in this person's hand many times and was quite familiar with it.
In his previous life, Rong Heng had a fondness for wood and stone carvings for a period of time, and someone gave him this root carving, which he liked very much.
She examined the root carving in the girl's hand for a while, seemingly serious, and said with a light smile, "I once heard a poem that said, 'One is suddenly drunk, then suddenly awakens; one hears no thunder, sees no Mount Tai, feels no cold or heat, no desire for gain. Looking down at all things, they are chaotic and turbulent, like duckweed floating on the Yangtze and Han rivers.'"
"Although the drunken figure in the sculpture is vividly portrayed, what is hidden beneath the drunkenness is his clear-headedness, which is indifferent to the turmoil of the world and seeks a life of seclusion and freedom. Mr. Zhang Yuanzhi's carving skills are outstanding, but his skills are mostly used to serve the imperial family. The finished products are all exquisite and skillful works, with more craftsmanship than spirit."
"This root carving has clear veins and distinct knife marks. What's particularly remarkable is that it portrays the spiritual pursuits of the figures with remarkable depth. In my opinion, it bears some resemblance to the work of Mr. Li Yin of the same era. Miss Lu, could it be that you were deceived by the seller?"
Miss Lu naturally knew that this was Li Yin's work. She deliberately said it was Zhang Yuanzhi's work in order to trick Zhu Jiayu, but she did not expect that Zhu Jiayu would know the styles of the two of them so well, and even set a trap for her instead.
If she admits that she was deceived, wouldn't that be blatantly admitting that she's stupid?
She gave a dry laugh, not wanting to admit she was stupid, but also not wanting to say that she deliberately gave the wrong name to set her up. After thinking for a while, she said, "Perhaps... I remembered the name wrong."
Zhu Jiayu nodded and said calmly, "Then Miss Lu should be careful. You're so young, and your memory is already failing. Won't you become even more forgetful in a few years?"
Lin Yulou couldn't help but burst out laughing.
It's not that she has a low threshold for laughter, but Zhu Jiayu's serious and sarcastic manner is indeed a bit too funny.
...
Yu Qinglan is the host today. Regardless of how she views Zhu Jiayu, one thing is certain: she does not want to see the guests' harmony damaged at the banquet.
Minor skirmishes are fine, but when things get out of control, she will step in to prevent them from escalating.
For example, seeing that Miss Lu was almost crying from anger, Yu Qinglan felt that if she didn't intervene, the Cold Dew Banquet today might not go well.
Thinking of this, she called out to Zhu Jiayu and said with a smile, "I just remembered that I asked the cook to make yam and jujube paste cake. Miss Zhu, would you like to come with me to the kitchen to take a look?"
Zhu Jiayu agreed, and Yu Qinglan then led her out of the study.
He didn't take her to the kitchen; the two just walked in the garden without saying a word.
Zhu Jiayu was always calm and collected. Since Yu Qinglan didn't speak, she lowered her eyes and followed behind Yu Qinglan slowly.
Yu Qinglan was about to speak when she looked up and saw the young man walking towards her. She swallowed her words and called out, "Young Master Jiang."
The visitor was none other than Jiang Shaoxing.
Lost in thought, he was suddenly called out. Startled, he saw Yu Qinglan and Zhu Jiayu in front of him and was forced to freeze.
Fortunately, he always managed to keep his composure when he was out, so he quickly recovered and nodded, saying, "Miss Yu."
After speaking, he looked at Zhu Jiayu, a faint smile appearing on his aloof face, as bright as the moon over a spring mountain, making even the most beautiful jade shine. He said, "Sister."
A simple form of address, yet in his words, reveals the closeness or distance between people.
Yu Qinglan looked slightly surprised, her probing gaze sweeping over the two faces. After a while, she excused herself and left, leaving the empty space to the two of them.
Zhu Jiayu then spoke: "Ah Xing."
Jiang Shaoxing's smile deepened, but he didn't show it on his face. He said, "I came to the Yu residence to ask my uncle for advice on writing. I didn't expect to run into you, sister."
Zhu Jiayu smiled at him: "It's quite a coincidence."
Jiang Shaoxing's hand, hidden in his sleeve, gradually clenched.
The woman who appeared in his dreams every night always spoke in such a detached tone. Her voice was as aloof and distant as the solitary spring moon hanging in the sky, its clear light shining down upon the world without any bias or concealment.
But she would make him delicious pastries and sew him warm winter clothes.
He slowly released his hand and said in a casual tone, "I heard that you are from Suiping. My mother has recently taken a liking to Suiping pastries. However, I have searched all over Yujing but have not been able to find a pastry chef who can make authentic Suiping-style pastries. If you know any chefs, could you lend them to me? I will definitely repay you handsomely."
Zhu Jiayu smiled. She had been worried about not having a chance to get close to Madam Jiang, so when she heard Jiang Shaoxing's words, she naturally agreed and said, "If Madam Jiang doesn't mind, I'd be willing to give it a try."
Jiang Shaoxing was indeed pleasantly surprised: "Won't this be too much trouble for you, sister?"
Zhu Jiayu shook her head and smiled: "It's alright. I cook in my spare time, just some pastries. It's not troublesome at all."
After she finished speaking, a servant rushed over and whispered in Jiang Shaoxing's ear, panting. Jiang Shaoxing's originally cheerful expression gradually became serious.
Seeing that he had encountered some trouble, Zhu Jiayu took the initiative to say, "I suppose Miss Yu has been waiting for me for quite some time. If A-Xing has nothing else to do, I will go over first."
Jiang Shaoxing lowered his head, concealing the unfathomable look in his eyes, and said, "Very well, I will visit you again next time I have the chance."
Zhu Jiayu smiled and agreed. She turned around and went to find Yu Qinglan. Jiang Shaoxing's smile also vanished in that instant. He said to the servant beside him indifferently, "Let's go."
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