Time passed little by little, and Zhou Yuqing's plum blossom painting was gradually completed.
The gasps of surprise from the crowd grew louder and louder, and at this moment no one doubted his level as a disciple of Master Ye Xiangwen.
However, he did not stop, and began to write a poem in the blank space: "Do not compare automation to plain makeup, who can compare to white rainbow dress. Different kind of tranquility, natural style, do not go near the east wall. Ice skin and jade bones are given by heaven, along with desolation. Pity the long night, cold smoke and moon, sparse shadows across the window.
"Great!" The cheers grew louder as the poem was finished.
"As expected of a disciple of Master Ye Xiangwen, he is not only a top-notch painter, but also a first-rate poet."
"We were so focused on composing poetry that we forgot today's protagonist is Miss Song. Thank you for reminding me, Young Master Zhou."
"It seems to be about plum blossoms, but it is actually praising Miss Song. It not only does not make us lose face, but also brings the meaning to today's coming-of-age banquet. Young Master Zhou, I am impressed."
Zhou Yuqing cupped her hands to the crowd: "Since you all came to attend Bao Ning's coming-of-age banquet, how could she possibly mind? My poems and paintings are just to make the little girl happy."
"Young Master Zhou is modest."
"Young Master Zhou's talent is so great, yet it has never been noticed before. Would Young Master Zhou do us the honor of attending the literary gathering sometime?"
Seeing everyone surrounding Zhou Yuqing and praising her lavishly, Zhou Shuqing clenched his fists tightly. He never expected that Zhou Yuqing could actually write poetry, and write it so well, and use poetry to subtly criticize people, as if to make them look like they had been so ignorant just now.
At the same time, some ministers also congratulated Zhou Yongli, saying that he had two such outstanding sons.
Then someone who didn't get along with him deliberately asked, "I've only ever seen you boast about the young master in the manor, and I thought the eldest young master's literary talent was just average. But today, I see that he's even better than the young master Zhou. Lord Zhou, you can't treat the children differently!"
Zhou Yongli forced a smile: "Not at all, it's just that my eldest son has his master taking care of him, so I don't have to worry about him."
These words made people feel even more that he was being unfair, but no one said it outright.
Zhou Yongli thought to himself, "How come I didn't know Zhou Yuqing had such abilities? Was she deliberately trying to embarrass me by not telling me?"
That mother and son are really something, still not respecting themselves even now!
As the servants spread the word, Zhou Yuqing's poem reached the inner courtyard. Song Xia's smile deepened; she knew her son wouldn't disappoint her.
When the news reached Song Baoning, it drew envy from a group of young ladies from prominent families.
"Baoning, your cousin is so good to you. This poem was written especially for you, wasn't it?"
"On the surface, it's about plum blossoms, but in reality, it's using plum blossoms to praise you. Is your family intentionally trying to pair you two up?"
"Don't talk nonsense." Song Baoning said seriously, her little face still held high. "My cousin is just like my own brother. How can siblings be together?"
Seeing her serious expression, the noble ladies became even more excited. Didn't this mean they had a chance?
"Baoning, my family is having a banquet the day after tomorrow. Would you like your cousin to come along?"
"May I ask if Young Master Zhou is engaged yet?"
“Baoning…”
They all jostled and vied for the opportunity to meet Zhou Yuqing, as if afraid that if they were too slow, someone else would snatch it away, and they didn't care about being reserved.
Song Baoning covered her mouth and chuckled. She knew her cousin wouldn't be overlooked. What was Zhou Shuqing anyway? What was this "Young Master Zhou" or "Young Gentleman Zhou"? In the future, when people mentioned Young Master Zhou, they would only think of her cousin.
"Where's that calligraphy and painting? Have you put it away? I don't want it to get dirty. I want to frame it properly."
The servant replied, "It has been sent to the Crown Prince's wife. The ladies said they want to appreciate it carefully."
"Remember to bring it over after you're done reading, we want to read it too."
“Baoning, you really understand us. The poem is already so good. Just now, people outside said that Young Master Zhou’s painting is even better than the poem. We must see it with our own eyes later.”
"If only Young Master Zhou could paint a picture for me."
"Keep dreaming. How could Young Master Zhou paint so casually?"
“I’ll have my grandfather invite him. Even if he doesn’t paint for me, he can paint something else. Young Master Zhou will definitely become as famous as his master, Master Ye Xiangwen, and then the painting will be worth a lot of money.”
All you care about is money.
Although everyone was laughing and joking, they were actually having second thoughts.
These days, it's so difficult to get a painting by Master Ye. If we don't ask Young Master Zhou to paint now, are we going to wait until his fame spreads throughout the country before asking? Will they even have the chance to ask then?
What the noble ladies could think of, some ministers and noblewomen naturally thought of as well. People in the outer courtyard surrounded Zhou Yongli, while those in the inner courtyard surrounded Song Xia.
But how could Zhou Yongli dare to agree to Zhou Yuqing's request so easily? He would only suffer the consequences if he offended Song Xia.
He was just annoyed that his youngest son's poetry and painting were also very good, so why didn't these people seek them out? They really have no taste, they just follow the trend.
On Song Xia's side, few people asked Zhou Yuqing questions; most inquired about his marriage.
With such a handsome and talented son-in-law, why wouldn't they rush to choose him? Would they let someone else have him?
I had heard before that Mr. Zhou was in poor health since childhood, but judging from today's situation, he is much better now. I really regret not having made a commitment to such a good man sooner.
Song Xia almost laughed herself silly. She didn't agree to anyone's request, only saying that it was up to Zhou Yuqing to decide, as long as the children were compatible.
Previously, those from less privileged backgrounds dared not step forward, but now, hearing this, they began to consider it: why not give it a try, what if it works?
The inner and outer courtyards were in harmony, but Zhou Yongli and Zhou Shuqing were unhappy.
Just as Song Xia had thought, Zhou Shuqing was now filled with regret. He had originally intended to showcase his talent through comparison, but unexpectedly, he had given Zhou Yuqing such a huge opportunity to shine.
My stepmother and elder brother are truly patient! They have such ability, yet they've never shown it even once.
Why wasn't it me who became Ye Xiangwen's apprentice? If it were me, I would definitely be more outstanding than Zhou Yuqing!
He didn't think Zhou Yuqing was particularly talented; either he had been working on this poem for a long time, or he had received outstanding instruction from Master Ye Xiangwen.
After all, Zhou Yuqing had never beaten him since the beginning of his training. How could he catch up so quickly in just three or four years?
At the next literary gathering, he will definitely compose more than one poem; he must test Zhou Yuqing's true abilities once again!
Zhou Shuqing's indignation was gradually replaced by Song Baoning's amazement as the coming-of-age ceremony officially began. His heart pounded and he stared at her without blinking.
Unexpectedly, Song Baoning had grown into such a beautiful young man. He straightened his clothes and slowly squeezed in front of the group of young gentlemen.
Little did he know that Zhou Yuqing was watching his every move.
Zhou Yuqing's eyes turned slightly cold as she sneered at Zhou Shuqing, "So that's what you were planning. Don't you even know if you're worthy?"
It wasn't that he looked down on people, but Zhou Shuqing was just an illegitimate son, while his cousin Bao Ning was a proper young lady from a prince's mansion. Back then, his mother had married his father, which was a marriage of convenience, and she had suffered so much. How could he let Bao Ning go through that painful path again?
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