Since she would likely have to give birth in Wusu, she needed to carefully consider all the details. However, giving birth at the Cao family's house was somewhat inappropriate, so she gently shook her head, "Miss Cao, I need to think this over more carefully."
Just as Cao Shuwan was about to continue persuading him, Ling Mo suddenly interrupted, "Miss Cao, would I have the honor of painting a portrait of you?"
Cao Shuwan was stunned for a moment.
Ling Mo, as the foremost painter in the Western Wei Kingdom, was renowned for his talent. His youthful good looks and free-spirited nature attracted the attention of countless beauties. Cao Shuwan naturally knew of his fame, but she never imagined that such an exceptional painter would condescend to paint her portrait.
Before she could answer, Jiang Huaiyu had already burst out laughing.
"This is truly wonderful news, Miss Cao. What are you still hesitating for? Why don't you agree quickly?"
Cao Shuwan snapped out of her daze, a faint blush rising on her face, and nodded gently.
Ling Mo then gestured to Li Kui to bring the Four Treasures of the Study. Inside the teahouse, he spread out clean white paper and began to wield his brush.
When he was painting, he was extremely focused, as if everything in the outside world was irrelevant to him, and his eyes were only on the rice paper in front of him and the beautiful woman under his brush.
Seeing a curious crowd gradually gathering in the teahouse, Jiang Huaiyu, worried about disturbing Ling Mo's work, quickly made a shushing gesture. The crowd, understanding the situation, simply watched from a distance, not daring to approach.
After about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, Ling Mo put down his paintbrush and finished the work.
Jiang Huaiyu walked over to examine it closely and saw that Cao Shuwan in the painting was so lifelike that she seemed about to leap off the paper at any moment. In particular, the peony on her forehead, which was transformed from a birthmark, appeared even more vivid and lively after being depicted by Ling Mo. The whole painting was truly amazing.
Jiang Huaiyu couldn't help but exclaim, "As we all know, Young Master Ling's paintings are mainly landscapes, with very few figure paintings. Everyone says that you are not good at painting figures, but after seeing you today, I realize that this is wrong."
Her eyes revealed genuine admiration.
Ling Mo smiled and turned his gaze to Cao Shuwan, "Miss Cao, the painting is finished. Please accept it."
"This...this is for me?"
Cao Shuwan found it somewhat unbelievable.
Although the figure in the painting is himself, it is, after all, the work of Young Master Ling. It is said that his paintings are worth a fortune on the market, and he actually gave it away so generously.
She was both delighted and surprised, and hurriedly said, "How can I accept Young Master Ling's painting for nothing? Why don't you name a price? Or is there something you cherish, or some unfulfilled wish..."
"There's no need for that."
Ling Mo gently shook his head. "If Miss Cao really feels bad about it, then lend me Master Jiang for the time being. I need her help with something today."
Jiang Huaiyu chuckled softly, a hint of playful mockery in her eyes. "Am I just some object in your hands, to be pushed around and fought over by you all?"
Although her words carried a hint of a joke, she still turned to Cao Shuwan and said gently, "Miss Cao, Young Master Ling specifically sought me out to discuss something, so I'm afraid I can't accompany you today."
Cao Shuwan immediately nodded in agreement, smiling broadly as she said, "Of course, Master. You and Young Master Ling can go and handle the important matters. Whenever you have free time, you are welcome to visit the Cao residence. I will have my mother prepare sweet fruit and flower drinks to welcome you!"
After the two left, Cao Shuwan slowly stepped forward, gently picked up the painting, and carefully savored its charm.
Just as she was engrossed in the painting, someone suddenly exclaimed in admiration:
"The beauty of the painting, the vibrancy of the figures, and the peony pattern on the girl's face are truly ingenious and unique!"
Immediately, someone echoed, praising, "Indeed, that painter, though young, already possesses the demeanor of a master. The girl he painted is so lifelike, as if she were a real person!"
Everyone was discussing Ling Mo's paintings, but Cao Shuwan only kept the phrase "the beauty of the paintings and the splendor of the figures" in mind.
She considered herself to be of average appearance, yet no stranger had ever praised her beauty so directly.
Do you all really think the peony pattern on my face looks good?
"Of course it looks good!"
One customer answered without hesitation: "Excuse me, miss, is this peony a popular makeup trend these days? Could you tell me what kind of rouge and powder are used so that I can buy some for my wife and let her try these novel decorations too!"
There were many people in the teahouse who knew or had heard of Cao Shuwan. Hearing this, they couldn't help but want to laugh out loud. However, when they saw Cao Shuwan's calm and composed eyes and her graceful demeanor, they couldn't help but suppress their mockery.
Cao Shuwan smiled slightly, her eyes shining with confidence. "I use Luo'er Yin, which I developed myself. Recently, I invented a new rouge, which I named Peach Mist. Its color is dreamlike and enchanting."
"Luoeryin and Taowu, these two names sound quite elegant, but I've heard that although your workshop is large in scale, your products are sold far and wide. Isn't that going the long way around? Why don't you showcase such exquisite products in Wusu first? If we want to see them for ourselves, where should we go?"
"Everyone, please don't be impatient. I will definitely convey your opinions to the employer truthfully."
Jiang Huaiyu had long planned to open a branch in Wusu, but he had been busy organizing caravans and had not been able to put it into action.
"You must act as soon as possible! Such a beautiful item will surely attract a large crowd when it's available, and we'll definitely flock here to show our support!"
Usu is famous for its blooming flowers and is also known for its thriving trade in cosmetics and face powder. As a result, both men and women are very familiar with the ins and outs of this trade.
Cao Shuwan responded with a smile, carefully putting the painting away, thinking that she would find someone to frame it carefully when she had more free time in the future.
In high spirits, she did not rush home after leaving the teahouse, but instead strolled through the streets with an umbrella.
Along the way, she no longer hurried along with her head down as before, but instead stood tall and accepted everyone's attention with composure.
"Is this the young lady from the Cao family?"
"Oh, that birthmark, she cleverly drew it into a flower? That's truly unique!"
"Honestly, looking at it this way, it really does look pretty! She painted peonies, right? I personally prefer apricot blossoms, and I plan to paint one on my face tomorrow too!"
"I think it's not that the peony on Cao Shuwan's face is particularly attractive; haven't you noticed that she seems completely refreshed?"
In the past, when Cao Shuwan encountered such discussions, she would always be eager to escape.
She was afraid of hearing people comment on her, and even more worried about their pointing fingers at her appearance.
However, today, she showed no reaction whatsoever. In fact, when she heard someone mention her name, she gave those people a warm smile.
Those who were talking about her were stunned at first, and then they also smiled.
"Cao Shuwan, you are indeed stunningly beautiful now."
(End of this chapter)
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
