Chapter 38 So? They were childhood sweethearts?
Chen Yuan raised her eyes and looked at Gu Yao in confusion.
Seeing her puzzled expression, Gu Yao simply told her everything, "It's just that people say that big brother is interested in Nan Shuqing, saying that they are a perfect match made in heaven."
"That's all fake. My brother doesn't like that green tea bitch at all."
Gu Yao kept talking along the way.
Chen Yuan concluded, "So, your elder brother and Nan Shuqing are childhood sweethearts?"
"Of course not!" Gu Yao saw that Chen Yuan misunderstood and quickly changed the subject, "Sister-in-law, let's hurry up. The Spring Banquet will start soon. All kinds of young handsome men will be displayed in front of you. That taste is really wonderful."
After spending a long time with Gu Yao, Chen Yuan could already understand her words. Xiaoxianrou refers to a young and handsome man.
Everyone loves beauty. Youth and beauty always make people yearn for them. Chen Yuan couldn't help but become interested.
When the two returned to the Spring Banquet, the poetry competition had already ended.
Nan Shuqing stood on the stage, surrounded by endless congratulations.
Gu Yao curled her lips and said, "Showing off."
However, Shen Yuan said very pertinently: "She is the adopted daughter of the president of Nanshu Academy, so she must be talented and knowledgeable."
Speaking of this, Shen Yuan suddenly became interested in her appearance, "Yao'er, have you seen what Nan Shuqing looks like?"
"No, it is said that she only wants her future husband to see her appearance. Who knows what she looks like? She is just being mysterious. Maybe she is ugly."
Chen Yuan looked at Nan Shuqing and said, "Judging from her features, she must be a beauty."
As they were talking, several drawing tables had been set up in the distance, on which were placed brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones, as well as various colors of azurite, gamboge, and other colors.
When the decorations were put in place, the students around immediately became excited.
"The painting test has finally begun. I'm lucky enough to see Miss Nanshu's paintings again!"
"Yes, Miss Nanshu's paintings are unparalleled in the world. We are far behind!"
"As expected of the adopted daughter of President Nanshu, she truly deserves to be called the most talented woman in the capital!"
Nan Shuqing accepted the compliments with a smile, maintaining a graceful smile on his face, "You are too kind. We should learn from each other."
"Sister Shuqing, please don't be so modest. Everyone knows that you've won first place in the painting exam for two consecutive years, and you've even received calligraphy from the Prime Minister himself for two consecutive years. This honor is unprecedented in the entire capital!"
"Yes, Sister Shuqing will definitely be first this year. It was the adults who recommended the characters, and she has been in first place for three years in a row!"
Nan Shuqing covered her lips and smiled, looking shyly at Gu Huailing on the high platform in front of her, but unfortunately the latter didn't even look at her.
Nan Shuqing bit her lip, turned her gaze towards Chen Yuan, and walked over gracefully.
Gu Yao got angry when she saw this green tea bitch, and crossed her arms and said cautiously: "I don't know anything, what are you doing here?"
Nan Shuqing smiled politely, "I naturally know that Sister Yao is naturally innocent and doesn't like these things. What I want to ask is, is Miss Shen interested in taking the painting test?"
She looked at Chen Yuan. Although the jealousy in her heart was about to burn her out, she still pretended to be generous and elegant. "It doesn't matter if the painting is not good, it's just for fun."
Several eyes on the high platform in the distance looked over at the same time, and everyone's eyes were focused on Shen Yuan.
Some were exploring, some were curious, and some were looking forward to the show.
You should know that Nan Shuqing never invites anyone to compete in painting skills, because no matter who the other party is, he will only be crushed by her.
Gu Yao glanced at Chen Yuan worriedly and was about to refuse on her behalf.
Chen Yuan met Nan Shuqing's gaze and stood up. "I'm only slightly knowledgeable in writing. Since Miss Nan Shu has so kindly invited me, I won't refuse."
His neither humble nor arrogant attitude put Gu Yao at ease.
Gu Jingchu looked at Gu Huailing and Dean Nanshu with a look of dismay, "Miss Nanshu, what do you mean? Yuan'er can't paint."
Dean Nanshu was also very embarrassed, and the Fourth Prince had an expression of enjoying the show.
Only Gu Huailing kept his eyes on Shen Yuan without saying a word.
A hint of satisfaction of success flashed in Nan Shuqing's eyes, and she deliberately stood next to Chen Yuan's painting desk. She did it on purpose. She wanted Gu Huailing to see that she was better than Chen Yuan.
She wanted to let Gu Huailing know that she was the most talented woman in the capital, and that she and he were the perfect match made in heaven.
The title of today's painting is a single word, spring.
When the gongs and drums sound, the painting must be completed within one stick of incense, otherwise it will be considered eliminated.
Nan Shuqing was determined to push Chen Yuan into the quagmire, and soon he got into the state, laying out the paper, grinding it, and adjusting the colors in one go.
On the other hand, Chen Yuan seemed very relaxed. She spread out the paper and began to paint with a single ink color without mixing any colors.
"That's hilarious. You can't even mix colors. I'm afraid you can't paint, right?"
"Then why did Sister Shuqing choose her? I've never heard of such a noble lady in the capital."
"Who knows? Look at her coquettish appearance. She must have been seducing some young man and was seen by Sister Shuqing. She just wanted to teach her a lesson."
In the eyes of some people, beauty is original sin.
The two ladies put their heads together and whispered.
Gu Yao raised her hand and grabbed one person's hair, saying sinisterly, "Long-mouthed woman, if you say another word about my sister-in-law, I'll cut off your tongue!"
The two men grimaced in pain, but they didn't dare to fight back, so they could only shut up in disappointment.
After a stick of incense, everyone stopped writing. The first few paintings were unfolded, and they were all in good condition. But when it came to Nan Shuqing's paintings, everyone's eyes were focused on hers.
She painted a picture of spring flowers. The flowers were gorgeous and the butterflies were lifelike. The colors were bright and gorgeous, which attracted admiration from those around her.
"As expected of Miss Nanshu, her painting skills are indeed exquisite!"
"Not only are the colors of this painting beautiful, but the brushwork is also very sophisticated. Miss Nanshu has truly inherited the true teachings of Dean Nanshu."
Nan Shuqing stood in front of the crowd, accepting everyone's praise gracefully, looking at Gu Huailing on the podium with admiration in her eyes.
Dean Nanshu realized it later. He looked at Nan Shuqing's eyes, then glanced at Gu Huailing, who had no expression on his face. His old face suddenly turned red. What the hell was going on?
Nan Shuqing had enjoyed enough praise, so he cast his gaze on Shen Yuan's face, "Miss Shen, please unfold your painting and let everyone appreciate it together."
As if sensing the gaze from the high platform, Chen Yuan raised her eyes and met Gu Huailing's gaze.
The man's eyes instantly became tolerant and indulgent.
"What is this girl doing? Is she not drawing anything?"
"With such talent, what else do you need?"
Two well-dressed young men were talking quietly. Behind them stood a young scholar, plainly dressed and handsome. He frowned at them and said, "How can you criticize a woman?"
Seeing that Shen Yuan was still not moving, Nan Shuqing stepped forward and pretended to be generous and tolerant, "Miss Shen, you can't paint, right? Even if you can't, it doesn't matter."
"It's great that you have the courage to stand here. As for women, everyone says that virtue lies in lack of talent. Miss Shen's dignified character is also worthy of praise."
"Damn, how many mushrooms have you eaten!" Gu Yao let go of the two long-mouthed women and stepped forward to protect Chen Yuan.
Who knew that the next second, Shen Yuan unfolded the painting and looked at Nan Shuqing: "Miss Nan Shu, who told you that I can't paint?"
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