baffling.
These four words were all that was in Jiang Nian's mind.
It seemed that Madam Si disliked her from the very first moment she saw her.
But that's normal.
After all, her first phone call with Madam Si was about standing her up and breaking off the engagement, and her first meeting with Madam Si was when Madam Si caught her and Si Boye kissing in the entryway...
Although Jiang Nian never imagined that she would have any further interaction with Si Boye besides that absurd marriage of keeping her husband.
But the first impression a person leaves is indeed very difficult to change.
Jiang Nian was unaware that Ji Yuwei had also played a part in spreading rumors, slandering, and fueling the flames behind the scenes.
At this moment, everyone gathered in the inner hall.
On the antique-style wall hung a huge painting, about two meters long and nearly one meter wide.
Even those unfamiliar with ancient paintings would be shocked and widen their eyes upon seeing this.
The painting before me is actually a work by Master Qian Rui!
Qian Rui was the most famous master of traditional Chinese painting in the Yuan Dynasty. He loved to paint the complex scenery of overlapping mountains and ridges, and his painting style was varied and ingenious.
His paintings often depict lush, verdant forests and expansive spaces, possessing extremely high aesthetic and collectible value. Several of his surviving paintings have fetched astronomical prices at auctions both domestically and internationally.
For example, his painting "Mountain Thatched Cottage" depicts towering mountains and lush trees. At the foot of the mountain, a thatched cottage overlooks the water, with reeds swaying in the breeze. Inside the cottage, a recluse appears content and at ease, creating a profound and evocative scene. It sold for a staggering 50 million at auction.
The painting before us is even more impressive than "Mountain Thatched Cottage".
"Am I seeing things? Is this Qian Rui's 'Autumn River Retreat'?!"
Someone couldn't help but exclaim, "No wonder you invited us to appreciate the paintings, Mr. Si. We are truly fortunate to have benefited from your presence today and have broadened our horizons."
No wonder others were shocked.
This painting, "Autumn River Retreat," is Qian Rui's last work, but for many years it has only been passed down by word of mouth.
It's said that the last time it appeared was when someone bid a high price for it before it was auctioned overseas, and then there was no news about it. It's unknown whether it's still in the hands of the big spender who bid for it, or whether it has circulated elsewhere.
Now they've actually appeared at the Si family's residence.
Those standing here today are all from the upper echelons of Jiangcheng, but none of them have ever seen the original painting.
It's not an exaggeration to say that I benefited from this and had my eyes opened.
Old Master Si chuckled upon hearing this.
"It's all thanks to my daughter-in-law's filial piety. She knew I liked Qian Rui, and I don't know how much effort she put into finding this painting for me."
"It's precisely because this painting is so special that we invited everyone to come and see it together. It's also a good reason to get together."
When the old man praised her, Madam Si immediately put aside her dislike for Jiang Nian and her face lit up with joy.
"Dad, as long as it makes you happy, any amount of money, effort, and thought is worth it."
Madam Si had been eyeing the old man's estate abroad for a long time, and sending the painting was naturally an attempt to please him and get her hands on the estate.
She acquired this painting, "Autumn River Retreat," through a friend via the black market, spending a full 20 million yuan.
The seller claimed they were in a hurry to sell, hence the low price. If this painting were auctioned, it could be worth hundreds of millions now.
Selling it on the black market and rushing to sell it—how did they acquire this painting? It's obvious it wasn't obtained through legitimate means.
But Madam Si didn't care whether the painting was stolen, robbed, or obtained through tomb raiding; as long as it was genuine, that was enough.
After receiving the painting, she immediately had it examined by several appraisal experts, who all confirmed it to be an authentic work by Qian Rui.
She was relieved and immediately gave the painting to Mr. Si.
It was she who took the initiative to suggest that the old man invite these guests to his home to appreciate the painting together.
Having spent such a large sum of money, of course I have to make sure it's worth it and show off my face.
Just as Madam Si was feeling smug, Jiang Nian was also looking at the painting.
This painting, "Autumn River Retreat," is Qian Rui's last work from his later years. While it still employs the layered mountain style, its style is quite different from his earlier works.
Unlike the usual freehand or meticulous style, this painting features complex and varied tree shapes, with the trunks meticulously outlined and the leaves filled in with color using double outlines. The rocks are rendered with fine brushstrokes and repeatedly rendered with ink, blue, ochre, and other colors.
The entire painting depicts towering mountains, lush forests, and vibrant colors. Flowing springs meander, and winding paths lead to secluded spots, creating an atmosphere of seclusion and otherworldly tranquility.
It is indeed very well drawn.
Or rather, the imitation was very clever.
Jiang Nian knew at first glance that the painting in front of her was a fake.
The reason is quite simple.
She has seen the real thing and knows it better than anyone else.
He also knew that the painting was not somewhere else, but in Lu Zhaokun's hands.
When she was twelve, Lu Zhaokun enrolled her in an antique appraisal program. Her first lesson was about studying Qian Rui.
The master had explained all the key points of appreciating Qian Rui's paintings, but there was one painting, "Autumn River Retreat," that even the master had never seen in its original form, which was quite regrettable.
The next day, Lu Zhaokun bought the painting and presented it to her and her master.
"Mr. Yan, if my daughter Niannian lacks teaching materials for class, please let me know."
At the time, the man was sitting in a wheelchair with a thin blanket over his knees, and his tone was indifferent.
Even with half of their body hidden in shadow, the aura of the person in power is still oppressive.
Eighty million.
It's like saying you bought a textbook for eight dollars.
Jiang Nian came to her senses, and everyone present was already praising the painting.
"As expected of Master Qian Rui, this painting is truly exquisite."
"I think this painting is of a higher standard than Qian Rui's previous works."
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