The Inverted Dragon’s Scale Chapter 376-379

Chapter 376: Attract ridicule!

Cui Yu, Cui Zhaoren's younger brother of the same mother.

Cui Zhaoren's death was a huge lost to the entire Cui family.

However, if one asked who resents Li Muyang the most, then that would be Cui Yu——

Cui Zhaoren possessed profound cultivation, and was powerful and skilled in tactics. Young and successful, he had become a trusted aide of the Emperor and the chief of the Monitoring division at a young age. He was a young outstanding talent who could have had boundless opportunities in his career.

Cui Yu was good at drinking, an expert in poetry, and had the reputation of 'one bucket of wine, one poem'. His name was well known across Tiandu and he was deeply loved by scholars. He could be called a celebrity and a regular guest in various major banquets and dinner parties.

Cui Yu had the unrestrained and unruly manner of a scholar, and after drinking he often went out of line.

For example now, he went over to pull Third young master of the Song family to drink with him, but unexpectedly he ran into the sister of the murderer that killed his brother Cui Zhaoren instead.

Ever since the Lu family had taken Li Shinian to Tiandu, Cui Yu had been planning his vengeance and had even send people to follow her several times before.

But the Lu family was extremely careful about this girl's safety. Whenever Li Shinian traveled outside there was always skilled masters protecting her. On the other hand the Cui family did not take the revenge of Cui Zhaoren as serious, and had not deployed more powerful masters to come help out. It was impossible for his group of servants and bodyguards to stab her one or two times, let alone kill her——  

However, having seen her several times already, Cui Yu was very familiar with Li Shinian's face. He recognised her right away.

"As long as this person is not killed, I cannot quell anger and hatred." Cui Yu's eyes were blood red, unblinkingly glaring at Li Shinian.

Snap.

Cui Yu exerted force to his finger, crushing the gla.s.s in his hands into pieces, the wine trickling through the gaps between his fingers.

"Cui Yu." Song Tao interrupted in a cold voice. "This is the gathering of distinguished scholars, we only talk about the refined activities. We only talk about the beautiful sceneries and not enmity. What were you doing just now?"

"Third young master——" Cui Yu refused to obey and retorted, "A gathering of distinguished scholars is for intellectual activities, but what if there are indecent people? This person is the daughter of a servant, a murderer's sister, are such people eligible to join our gathering of distinguished scholars? Is Third young master not afraid of lowering the reputation of Still water dew and destroying its name as the 'Most elegant in Tiandu'?

After listening to Cui Yu, those who were friends with Cui Yu or those with beneficial dealings with the Cui family immediately echoed what he said.  

"Yes, third young master, we gathered here to have a good time, why did you invite this boring person?" A young man dressed in black said aloud.

"Third elder brother, do you think we are too ordinary and not pleasing to the eye, I know many talented and good looking young ladies, why did you invite the daughter of a servant here? This certainly makes our sisters feel awkward and embarra.s.s, how do we treat her as a sister? Or do you want us to be cold and indifferent to her and pretend we can't see her?" A woman dressed in a silk robe said in her sharp voice.

"Third young master, think carefully, why let a——an unimportant person damage our good relationships——"

Li Shinian's face darkened.

All along, she had a clear understanding of her ident.i.ty and status.

She was also aware that the wealthy and pampered young master and young ladies were making sarcastic remarks, insulting and attacking her because they could not accept her joining their social circle.

But, when the truth was plainly put in front of her, she still had a feeling of coldness and her body trembling——why?

However, at this moment, she was glad that she had come to this gathering.

She got a clearer picture of these people, became more deeply aware of the malevolence of these people——to truly see them as enemies. 。

The blade can't sc.r.a.pe it away, and time can't erase it.

Otherwise, she would have naively believed that there was goodness in human nature.

Cui Xiaoxin ‘s eyes were equally as ice cold.

Her good friend was insulted and belittled, how could she still look at them like nothing had happened?

However, she did not speak out immediately.

But her line of sight shifted to Song Tao, the one who invited Li Shinian to come to partic.i.p.ate in the scholarly gathering.

You were the one who invited her, did you invite her here to be attacked?  

Song Tao's complexion was gloomy, sweeping his eyes around, and said in a low voice, "I just admired Miss Shinian's n.o.ble character and brilliant mind, so especially invited her to attend the gathering tonight——Ladies and gentlemen, why did it turn to this? Why did it turn to this?"

"Third elder brother, I am crazy for wine and woman, but I am selfless." Cui Yu held his head high. "I have always respected Third elder brother's character and admired Third elder brother's talent——Third elder brother and I have never had any personal grudge between us, even a little argument had never happened before."

"Tonight my behaviour was presumptuous, because I just want the enemy's sister to disappear from Still water dew. Otherwise, how could I stay calm? My elder brother who had died tragically will also not be able to rest in peace——Third elder brother allow me to be rude once more, tomorrow morning I will come to Third elder brother's door to personally apologise."

"We also will apologise." The others shouted in unison.

Everyone was silent.

All waiting for the decision of Song Tao, the host of the scholar gathering.

Pa Pa Pa——

Li Shinian lightly clapped her hands.

The applause was clear, spreading through the small building on the empty night towards the more distant riverside and forest.

Everyone was looking at her with a baffled expression, had this girl gone crazy?

Everybody is scolding you, everybody is driving you away, what are you clapping your hands for?

Cui Yu's eyes were cold when he sneered, "what? The servant's daughter also thinks that what we say is correct. You finally realise your mistake, so you applaud for us, right?"

"What a pathetic and pitiful group of people." Li Shinian said with a disdainful smile. "Are these the elites of the West wind? This is the future of the Kingdom? If that is the case, it really is a disappointment to a girl from the small city of Jiangnan."

"What are you saying?"

"What are you? What qualifications do you have to be disappointed in us?"

"A summer insect cannot talk about ice, why waste time talking to an ignorant girl? Tell her to leave. Besides, I don't think a girl from a lowly family who hasn't read any books has any talent to show."

Li Shinian raised her head and looked at the crowd with a mocking expression, "Do you hate my brother? Hate my brother for killing Cui Zhaoren——hate my brother for killing your people. You are shocked, you are angry, and you are all powerless."

Li Shinian glared at Cui Yu. "As my Brother travelled to his new school, haven't your Cui family sent people to kill him? But, you were defeated time and time again, and you continued to send groups of people after another to die——until then you have realised that your elite troops and generals, the power and wealth that you are proud of, could not do anything to a little ordinary youngster from Jiangnan city."

"You were shocked by his strength, envious of his excellence, and powerless to do anything about your hatred——there was nothing you can do. You could only helplessly watch him step into the Starry sky, and hear his name and matters spread across the divine continent again and again."

"The more outstanding he is, the more it shows your incompetence. The more powerful he is, the more he makes you fear. You could not do anything to him, but you needed to vent your anger. And at this time I came to Tiandu, a servant's daughter——no power, no status, isn't that the best target for revenge to you?"

Li Shinian looked Cui Yu with contempt as she continued, "This young master, if I remember correctly, this is not our first encounter? You have repeatedly met with me, a servant's daughter, you have sent people to follow me countless times, you just want to avenge your brother right——you want to kill me, a weak, powerless girl?"

"Time and time again, why haven't you done it yet? If I had been killed by a sword earlier, would I have been invited by Third young master to join the scholar gathering? Would you have to tear your face and throw away your scholarly manner to argue with the daughter of a servant?"

"Your Cui family could not kill my brother, and you could not even do anything to a weak powerless girl——you say, what else could you do?"

Li Shinian reached into her sleeves to take out a dagger inlaid with precious jade.

Someone screamed out, "Be careful."

Some people stepped back and some blocked Li Shinian's path, shouting: "What do you want to do?"

"Shinian——" Cui Xiaoxin grabbed Li Shinian's hand. She knew the temper of her good friend, if she really stabbed someone here then even the Lu family will not be able to protect her.

"Miss Shinian——" Song Tao also tried to persuaded her. If there was a murder at the Still water dew, it will affect his reputation.

Che！

Li Shinian unsheathed the dagger and handed it over to Cui Yu. "Here, I'll give you another chance. Don't you want to avenge your brother? I thought you said you can't stay calm until you kill me."

"Take it, take the blade——" Li Shinian untied the ribbon on her neck, and took off the Fire fox cloak, pointing to the position of her heart. "In front of everyone, use it to stab me here, then I will die. My brother killed your brother, and you kill me——You see, then your Cui family would have avenged Cui Zhaoren, the resentment in your heart will be dissolved. right?"

Li Shinian stepped forward with the dagger and pressed it into Cui Yu's hand. "Hold it, kill me."

Cui Yu's face was deathly pale, and under the pressure of the girl he couldn't help but draw back.

Clang!

The dagger dropped to the ground, producing a loud, crisp sound.

Li Shinian lowered her head to look at the beautiful dagger, gently sighing, "You could not even kill me, stop mentioning revenge——it will only attract ridicule."

Chapter 377: Twists and turns!

The whole audience was so silent that even the drop of a needle could be heard.

No one could imagine that the situation would develop to this extent.

A delicate and fragile girl, after taking out a dagger, showed such a determined and fierce manner.

Everyone could tell that, the dagger that she drew was a real dagger, and if she made people stab her it will be a real stab——

She had gone all out.

You don't let me have an easy time, then I won't let you live easily.

You insult me for being from a lowly background, and I will make your reputation hit rock bottom.  

After tonight, most likely that the reputation that Cui Yu had established with great difficulty will collapse with a loud bang——Someone who bullies a woman is shameless, but someone being bullied by a woman is incompetent. A shameless and incompetent man, what face does he have to recite poems and show off his sophistication in front of the crowd?

This was Li Shinian's daring and bold side; a large part of Li Muyang's character was influenced by Li Shinian.

It could be said that Li Shinian was half a teacher in Li Muyang's life.

At that time, everyone around praised Li Shinian as beautiful, smart, and talented. Even Li Muyang thought so.

So, he couldn't help it., the black charcoal Li Muyang learned his little sister's manner of speaking and behaviour——Otherwise, how would a pig-like guy have such a poisonous tongue?  

The daughter of a servant had pushed a young master of the Cui family to this kind of distress. This is not what anyone had ever thought of before.

Cui Yu's complexion was pale, his eyes red, the residue of alcohol in his body had long become sweat and released out from the countless pores.

"You dare——" Cui Yu pointed at Li Shinian's face, grunting, "you dare——"  

"I dare." Li Shinian looked Cui Yu right in the eye, her lips curved in a disdainful smile. "You dare not."

"Lowly slave."

At the time of speaking, Cui Yu suddenly aimed his fist at Li Shinian's head.

The fist turned purple, emit.i.tng the roar of thunder.

This punch evidently contained strong qi, and if struck, Li Shinian's head most likely will be smashed into flesh.

Cui Yu, repeatedly infuriated by Li Shinian, had the desire to commit murder.

He was a young master of the Cui family. Even if he killed a servant's daughter, no one would be willing to stand up for Li Shinian to get back justice, right?

Now he was going to make the lowly woman pay the price for the tragic death of his brother.

Swoosh——

Cui Xiaoxin stepped forward, using her body to shield Li Shinian.

Cui Yu was horrified; he did not expect Cui Xiaoxin to do such a stupid thing, using her priceless body to protect a servant's daughter.

The fist was already thrust out and it was too late to take it back.

 His pupil swelled, there was an inability to breathe and to think.

If his punch killed Cui Xiaoxin, the Cui family——will absolutely not allow this, even he may not have the face to live in this world anymore?

Cui Xiaoxin was the little princess of the family, the woman that every man of the Cui family would do their utmost to protect.

Pa——

Cui Yu's fist hit upon another fist, sending a loud boom resounding across. A glow of white and purple qi directly clashed, which sent Cui Yu reeling backward and onto the gra.s.s.

Raising his head, he saw Song Tao standing at Cui Xiaoxin's side with a cold look on his face.

Song Tao stared at Cui Yu, hissing, "Enough."

The whole audience was silent.

In just a few seconds of time, the situation had gone through many twists and turns.

First it was Cui Yu suddenly administering a blow to kill Li Shinian, then Cui Xiaoxin unhesitantly used her body to defend Li Shinian and then Song Tao counterattacked in the nick of time——

Many twists and turns!

"Sister Xiaoxin——" Li Shinian looked with astonishment at Cui Xiaoxin.

She believed in the friendship between her and Cui Xiaoxin. She believed that Cui Xiaoxin treats her with all sincerity, but she did not think that, at such a life-or-death moment, Cui Xiaoxin would unhesitantly risk her life to save her——

Cui Xiaoxin looked at Li Shinian with her gentle eyes, saying softly, "I just did what I should do."

When she was in Jiangnan, an a.s.sa.s.sin suddenly attacked her. A dark skinned youngster bravely fought back, and all of a sudden his palm was pierced by a dagger——

At the Thousand Buddha temple, in the hot springs, an a.s.sa.s.sin turned into dark crow, and a knight bravely came forward again and a trident pierced his palm once again, causing blood gushing out——

The first time, the boy was Li Muyang.

The second time, Cui Xiaoxin suspected that it was Li Muyang.

Li Shinian was Li Muyang's sister. Li Muyang can do all those for her, so she was willing to do these for Li Shinian.

"Sister Xiaoxin——" Li Shinian's eyes reddened, firmly grasping Cui Xiaoxin's hand.

At a time when everyone was belittling her, everyone was attacking and insulting her, there was a friend stood up to support her and protect her——It was not sending charcoal in snowy weather, it was sending a life when she was almost dying.

Cui Xiaoxin grasped Li Shinian's hand back, saying in a firm voice, "I took you here, and I will take you back."

Song Tao coldly swept his eyes across, "Let's drop this matter, how about it?"

"We will listen to Third young master——"

"Yes, this is a gathering of distinguished scholars, why fight here?"

"Drink, drink wine, come brother Fenglin, let's have another drink——"

Cui Yu blankly looked around, realising that no one was willing to look him in the eye. Everyone was doing their own thing, talking cheerfully and joking around with their companions. He was originally an influential figure of this party, but he had reduced to become a trash that everyone ignored——

Cui Yu felt his heart tingling with pain, his face was cloudy and uncertain.

Sitting lifelessly for a long while, he suddenly burst into laughter.

"Hahaha——"

Cui Yu got up from the ground, his long hair scattered about, his clothes dishevelled, waving about his wide sleeves as he strode away, disappearing into the whirlwinds of snow.

"For fame, my head is now all white, old pines and bamboos age with my name, obstacles hinder my homeward journey, I express my worry through the qin with too few audience. Who listens to broken strings? Who listens to broken strings? Ha ha——Who listens to broken strings?"  

The crowd watched Cui Yu disappear into the distance, Song Tao turned and looked at Cui Xiaoxin, saying with a smile, "Xiaoxin, you also understand your seventh older brother's temper. He likes to drink, but he talks nonsense after drinking too much——When he sober up, he will forget everything. You don't have to take it personally."

Cui Xiaoxin nodded, "Third elder brother thank you for helping out. Just that this has happened, Shinian must not be in a good mood, I'm also not in the mood to draw or recite poems——Why don't I take Shinian back him. So she does not make the others feel awkward."

There was a complaint evident in Cui Xiaoxin's tone.  

You have invited the guest to come over, but ignored her till now, what is the point in staying? Since your friends do not like her, then we might as well leave.

Song Tao gave a wry smile, "Xiaoxin, you should understand, I really have good intentions. I just didn't think this would happen——If you just walk away, what would the other people think? If this matter goes out, they will say I, Song Tao, favour the rich and disdain the poor, judge people by their status——Then, what about my face? Our Song family will become a target of public criticism."

Cui Xiaoxin inwardly sighed; Song Tao had thrown out the Song family's reputation, if she insisted to leave at this moment, that is equally to not giving face to the Song family.

Anyway, just now it was him that saved her from his brother's hand.

Cui Xiaoxin turned to Li Shinian, who also understood Cui Xiaoxin's difficulty. She smiled and said, "Sister Xiaxoin, since we have come, we should stay a little longer? I have admired the Still water dew gathering for a long time, I also want to personally see the talents of the young masters and older sisters present."

Cui Xiaoxin nodded and turned to Song Tao. "Then we will stay a little longer."

"Please come in." Song Tao laughed. "Whoever comes into the Still water dew building becomes a part of our scholar gathering."

At the invitation of Song Tao, Cui Xiaoxin and Li Shinian together entered the Still water dew building.

The small building was divided into three floors, some people were drinking, some playing chess, some walking along the corridor to find inspiration to produce a masterpiece, and there were people painting on a wide table.

A girl in yellow came over, greeted Cui Xiaoxin, and then her sight shifted to Li Shinian, asking with a smile: "We all know Xiaxoin is an expert in literature, painting and poetry, but I do not know what Miss Shinian is good at? They all say that Jiangnan produce many talents, I wonder if Miss Shinian can let us see the talent of Jiangnan women."

Li Shinian shook her head, an apologetic look on her face. "Sister, sorry, I do not have any talent."

The woman in yellow did not believe her. "Little sister Shinian is too modest. I've heard that you are the Fourth bright moon of Tiandu, you are both talented and beautiful——how can you have no talent? Are you deliberately hiding your talent, worry that it will make us sisters feel ashamed?"

"It must be so. Which one of the other three bright moons of the imperial capital is not an outstanding talent?"

"Little sister Shinian, you don't have to be polite with us——let us learn from you——"

"Yes, I heard that a painting that your brother Li Muyang casually drew attracted a wisp of spring breeze and spring flowers to bloom."

Li Shinian knew that, no matter what these people say or how pleasant their words were to the ear, they were secretly hoping to see her make a fool of herself.

If she did not show them something today then they will not let her go, and the daughter of a servant will be looked down upon even more.

Tomorrow there will be such a joke spread through Tiandu: The daughter of a servant became an idiot in the Still water dew gathering and could not show any talent.  

Li Shinian took out a folded paper from her sleeves, looked at the woman in yellow and said, "There is a cart driver in my family who draws pretty well. If older sister do not mind, why don't we admire this together?"

Chapter 378: Winter plum blossoms bloom proudly in snow!

In the hall, Li Muyang's head and upper body was leaning forward, like he was about to get up, . But his lower body was unable to move an inch, like someone had disabled his physical movements.

Ning Xinhai was holding a cup in one hand, and the other firmly grasping Li Muyang's wrist.

The hall and the main hall were not far apart, if the masters and ladies in the small building raised their voice, it can be clearly heard by people over at this side.

For the same reason, if the bodyguards quarreled loudly with each other, the masters in the small building can also hear them. So, most of the time, the several people in this small hall were quietly drinking tea and did not speak.

Li Muyang intended to keep a low profile. Even if no one greeted him when he came in, he did not care too much. He sat in the corner next to Ning Xinhai, finding peace and quiet by himself.

Then a pretty girl came in to serve them tea, it was enjoyable and comfortable.

Unexpectedly just as he sat down, and before he had a sip of the fragrant tea, he heard that in the courtyard outside someone was making things difficult for his Little sister Li Shinian.  

At the beginning he wanted to endure, he knew he must not expose his ident.i.ty. But hearing those people getting more and more out of line, and that sister Li Shinian had even pulled out her dagger, Li Muyang could not sit still anymore. The desire to do violence was soaring within him. He summoned up the courage to rush out to fight against them with his life.

He felt a strong impulse to kill all the human beings that humiliated and attacked his sister Li Shinian with flames.

Yes, he knew well that, at this time, the black dragon's rage had begun to prevail and begun to take over his body.

But he had no objection at all, it was what he wanted to do in his heart.  

"The masters are talking, what right does a cart driver has to speak?" Ning Xinhai calmly took a sip of tea, before he continued with a smile, "Most likely that before going inside, you'll be dragged out and struck with a wooden stick thirty times?"

"Let's go." Li Muyang hissed. He felt there was no way of controlling the destructive power of his body. He knew all the reasons to not go out, he knew all the dangers, but, if someone dared to bully his little sister, then he must not let them live.

"Young man, you're a little too foolish." Ning Xinhai showed no intention of releasing his grip on Li Muyang's wrist. On the contrary, he was  applying force, in order to resist the struggle of Li Muyang. "It's better if you don't go, if you go out, Miss Shinian would become the target of criticism even more——If even a cart driver dares to be so undisciplined and disrespectful, how would those people stand you? At that time you'll be killed."

"Besides, there is Miss at Miss Shinian's side, will she let Miss Shinian get hurt? Do you not believe in our Miss or do you not believe in Miss Shinian——sit down and drink tea, it will be fine."

"Let go of me." Li Muyang was in no mood to hear what other people have to say, he only wanted to rush out there and protect his sister from being harmed.

He heard his little sister telling the other person to take the dagger to stab her, if the that Cui Yu of the Cui family really did——he could not even imagine the consequences.  

"Don't struggle, it's no use fighting back." Ning Xinhai wore a calm expression like a Buddha. "Do you think you can break through my Bodhidharma soul-locking

hand?"

"——" Li Muyang was calculating in his mind, whether or not to exercise his supreme skills to get rid of him. But, then his ident.i.ty may possibly be exposed———

As the two people were refusing to budge, Cui Yu had left, and Song Tao invited Li Shinian into the building.

When the dust settled and the commotion ended, Ning Xinhai loosened up his grip on Li Muyang's wrist. He thoughtfully looked at him, before he gently sighed, "How loyal. Miss Shinian is not wrong about you——Drink tea."

——————-

In the hearts of everyone, there was currently ten thousand 'gra.s.s mud' horses galloping across their hearts. [TN note: Gra.s.s mud horse sounds like the word f.u.c.k your mother].  

Please, this was a scholar gathering in Still water dew. Although it was not said what kind of status was required to be able to attend this gathering, but of those that were present in this gathering, which one was not from an influential background?

Everyone knew that the few people from ordinary background were deliberately invited by Third young master Song to block the other people's mouth. Their Song family had the reputation 'Imperial Library', and received the love from the people of the world and scholars.  

If the common people felt that he was biased towards the elites and royal family, blocking ordinary young people's road to fame, then they naturally would be attacked and cursed. The Song family, which has a deep harmonic understanding of the world's principles, obviously would not do such a thing that went against public will.

Moreover, the few ordinary people all possessed outstanding talent, and had a little fame in Tiandu, and were valued and accepted as an advisor for the second Prince Chu Jiang——In order words, they were hidden among the elite cla.s.s, so had the opportunity to enter the small building of the Still water dew, joining the most talented and most powerful group of youngsters in the entire West Wind Kingdom

But what is this about admiring the 'masterpiece' of a cart driver?

The fact that Third young master Song invited servant's daughter Li Shinian over to partic.i.p.ate in the scholar gathering had already made many people unhappy. Due to the Song family's reputation, but also to give the Song family some face, everyone stifled their dissatisfaction and did not say anything more.  

But now the servant's daughter was telling everyone that her cart driver draws very well, and invited everyone over to admire his painting——

"Is this woman's head a piece of c.r.a.p?"

The young ladies cannot easily explode, or they would have hurled all kinds of abuse at her already.

The cart driver of the daughter of a servant, what status does he have?

The status of a servant's daughter was low enough, the cart driver of a servant's daughter——What words can describe this person's status?

The woman in yellow was called Chen Wenting, a daughter of an important general.

Chen Wenting was an expert in poetry, skilled in calligraphy and painting, and had read an abundant of books, and was given the t.i.tle 'Literature lady'.

But because her appearance was inferior to Cui Xiaoxin and the other three women, she had been unable to receive the beautiful t.i.tle of 'Bright moon of the Imperial capital'.  

She was inferior to Lu Qiji, Cui Xiaoxin and the Song family's Song Chenxi, because these women really look like as stunning as the moon in the sky, and were all talented and from extraordinary background. Even if she was bitter about losing to such opponents, she wouldn't say any malicious words in public. After all, that would only offend the families of the three women and their crazy admirers, who would scold her as a crazy woman who says grapes are sour when she can't eat them.

However, when the daughter of a servant also surpa.s.sed her, and was praised as 'the fourth bright moon' of Tiandu, it was a direct slap in the face for Chen Wenting.

She had repeatedly said in a joking tone at the gatherings: 'Aren't there too many moon over the sky of Tiandu?  Now even cats and dogs are becoming moons to shine on the earth?"

It was not only Chen Wenting who had this thought, the young ladies who were ignored and neglected were also displeased with Li Shinian. Chen Wenting was only one of the representative figures.

"Miss Shinian, are you joking with us?" The smile on Chen Wenting's face gradually faded, asking aloud.   

If Li Shinian was serious, this was an insult to them——she was deliberately using a cart driver to insult them?

"Miss Shinian is thinking that you do not need to do anything and a cart driver in your family can be compared to us?"

"Really confident. Most likely that if Miss Li waves her hand, there won't be any moon in the sky, only Miss Li, this blazing sun, illuminating the earth?"

"Shinian——" Cui Xiaoxin interrupted, she understood the meaning of Chen Wenting's words, and knew that in such a hierarchical place, the actions of Li Shinian would be regarded as humiliation by these girls.

Li Shinian looked at Chen Wenting, then at the unfriendly expression on the other girls' face, before she said hesitantly, "I am just stating a fact, our family's cart driver's painting is really good. The 'Winter plum blossoms bloom proudly in snow' painting he drew this morning is very good, and I purposely put it away to give to Sister Xiaoxin——"

Cui Xiaoxin nodded, smiled and asked: "Is it Li Mu's painting? Li Mu can paint?"

"It is Li Mu." Li Shinian answered.

"Oh, Li Mu has this ability?" Song Tao smiled. "Then we should show some appreciation to his talent." "

Worried that Chen Wenting and other people would be dissatisfied, Song Tao actively tried to explain, "Li Mu indeed is the cart driver of Miss Shinian, but also Xiaoxin's saviour——Xiaoxin, isn't he?"

"It is so." Cui Xiaoxin nodded. She looked around, her mouth curving with a faint smile as she continued, "I respect Mister Li Mu."

When Cui Xiaoxin stood up for cart driver Li Mu like that, the others did not have much more to say.

They had to give face to Cui Xiaoxin——First they had to give face to the Song family's Third young master, and now they had to give face to Cui Xiaoxin. In life, there are always all sorts of rules to be followed.

While enjoying their privileges, they also had to be aware of the mood of the group of people that are more powerful and privileged than they were.

Cui Xiaoxin turned to Li Shinian, saying in a complaining tone, "since it is a gift from Li Mu, why don't you let me see it earlier?"

Li Shinian knew that Cui Xiaoxin was deliberately easing the relationship between the two sides, so she would not offend the pampered young ladies of Tiandu. "Sister Xiaoxin, this is not a gift from Li Mu, but because I saw his painting was very good, so I took it to give to you——We just walked into the small building. I didn't have time to say a word with you."

While speaking, Li Shinian pa.s.sed the painting scroll over. "Sister Xiaoxin, you are an expert in painting, see if its good enough for everyone?"

Cui Xiaoxin smiled and nodded: "if Shinian thinks it's good, then it is certainly very good——"  

But worried that Li Shinian spoke too confidently about the painting and Li Mu's painting was not good enough, which would lead to Li Shinian become the target of ridicule, she then added: "However, Mister Li Mu is responsible for the safety of Shinian, he must not have much time to draw and rest. It is understandable if his skills are a little flawed."

Chen Wenting snorted, the meaning in Cui Xiaoxin's words was clear–it was to shut their mouth in advance.

Cui Xiaoxin received the painting scroll that Li Shinian handed over, also did not invite others to look at it together. She went straight over to the windows of the small building and spread out the scroll on a table.

Strange things soon followed, as the scroll was slowly unfoldeded, a faint plum blossom aroma wafted out from the scroll, filling the room, penetrating into everyone's heart and refreshes the mind.

Chapter 379: A piece of white paper!

"Do you smell it? It's the fragrance of plum blossom——"  

"Are the plum blossoms in the courtyard blooming? I noticed that there were two plum trees in bloom, but the aroma was not this strong——"

"It's a fragrance emitting from the painting, did that cart driver add plum blossom essence to the ink——"

In the process of the scroll being unfolded, all sorts of guessing and questioning voices could be heard from time to time.

Obviously, no one believed that a cart driver could draw a painting of this standard.

They didn't want to believe it either.

When Cui Xiaoxin had completely unfolded the scroll, everyone gazed at the 'Winter plum blossom blooms proudly' painting on the table in silent.

Utter silence.

A deathly silence.

After a long while, everyone burst into laughter.

"So funny, I'm dying from laughter——"  

"Is this a painting from a cart driver? It indeed expresses the cart driver's highest standard——"

"Haha, good painting, the best painting, never seen before, and will never see again——"

It was no wonder that the others broke into laughter.

Because on the scroll, there was nothing.

No plum blossom, no snowflakes.

Empty and clean, white and pure, it looked like a piece of white paper.

A paper that had nothing on it can be called 'extraordinary painting skills'?

"How could this be?" Li Shinian said, a bewildered look on her face, dashed over to touch the paper and said, "I clearly saw a painting, how come there's nothing? Did I bring the wrong painting scroll?"

"Miss Shinian really is funny." Chen Wenting said in a mocking tone. "Such a painting, we do not have the ability to appreciate it. I heard that your brother Li Muyang has entered the tenth realm of painting, and with the stroke of a paintbrush he can trigger a courtyard of peach blossoms to bloom——Has your cart driver also reached the tenth realm of painting, and with one stroke of his paintbrush can make the very sky snow."

Chen Wenting exchanged glances with the girls next to her, pretending to be surprised, "The snow destroyed the city, the snow this year is more ferocious than that in previous years——Is this caused by Miss Shinian's cart driver? If that is the case, the matter must be kept secret. Otherwise, those people that are snowed in would definitely curse him."

"There really was a painting." Li Shinian said in an embarra.s.sed tone. "I didn't mean to deceive everyone. Maybe I brought the wrong one. I'm really sorry."

Cui Xiaoxin rolled up the scroll, held Li Shinian's hand and uttered in a comforting tone, "never mind. You must have taken the wrong painting scroll in a hurry. Since this painting is for me, then I will cherish this——but, send me the one left in your house too."

"Sister Xiaoxin, I'll send someone to your residence later." Li Shinian looked at Cui Xiaoxin in the eye, thinking that could she be suspecting something?

"It is best to tell Li Mu to personally bring it over, if his paintings are really good, then perhaps I should evaluate it properly." Cui Xiaoxin looked at Li Shinian, a pensive expression in her bright and beautiful eyes.

"Certainly." Li Shinian readily agreed. As long as Cui Xiaoxin was willing to talk with her brother, no matter what ident.i.ty her brother has at that time, he will be very happy to see her.

"Miss Shinian really makes one take notice." Chen Wenting said with a smile.

"However, since we are all sisters, it doesn't matter if you don't understand talent——Since Third young master has invited you to come, he does not need you to show what talent. However, making things unnecessarily complicated, and teasing others, that's extremely boring." A girl in a red dress said aloud.

"I know, I really had high expectations for the cart driver——if this matter goes out, we're all going to be laughed at by the entire Tiandu——" said a green-dressed girl holding a golden handwarmer.

"I'm sorry—I'm sorry—" Li Shinian bowed in apologetically——

Song Tao ran his finger along a puddle of water stains on the table, his brows knitted together thoughtfully.

Seeing Cui Xiaoxin put the piece of white paper away, he said with a smile, "Xiaoxin, can I take a look at the painting again?"

Cui Xiaoxin cast a puzzled look at Song Tao, "Third elder brother, it's just a blank piece of paper, what is there to see?"

"Maybe we're wrong, I need to evaluate it again." Song Tao explained.

"Third elder brother, you're joking, right? Even if you want to praise a cart driver, you do not need to take your reputation as a joke——" a young man advised. Song Tao was a well-known scholar in Tiandu, skillful in the four arts, zither, chess, calligraphy, painting, and was an expert in painting. He had great potential of becoming a 'national champion'. If he made an error of judgment today, mistaken a piece of white paper as a good painting, his reputation would be harmed and he will become a laughing stock.

"There's no harm in taking a look." Song Tao was very insistent.  

Cui Xiaoxin chuckled, "Third elder brother, if you're really that interested in Li Mu, he is in the hall——Why not invite him over and tell him to draw another 'Winter plum blossoms bloom proudly' painting again in front of everyone? Wouldn't that be better? That can make him famous, and prove to the world that Third elder brother is broad-minded and does not restrict talent. We can also test his painting skills, put an end to everyone's suspicions and jealousy. What do you think Third elder brother?"

Song Tao laughed. "Good idea. Servants, please ask Miss Shinian's cart driver Mister Li Mu to come in."

The way he addressed Li Mu was strange, but no one spoke out about what was wrong with the introduction.

Soon, disguised as cart driver, Li Muyang was brought into the small building by the servants.

Wax-yellow complexion, a gaunt figure, and his eyes filled with blood veins; he looked like he had not had a good sleep for days.   

Dressed in the grey cart driver uniform of the Lu family residence, he kept his head low to avoid any eye contact. Because his robe was too wide, it seemed like Li Muyang's body was empty, and a gust of wind can sweep this sickly man away.  

The West wind pays particular attention to beauty and personal image. It was easier for good-looking to attract people's affection and to get promoted faster than others.

There was a young man named Kou Zhong who had been governing a county for ten years, made remarkable achievements and was deeply loved by the civilians. However, every time there was an evaluation for promotion, his name was not on the list.  

Later someone asked the City Lord why he didn't give Kou Zhong a promotion. The City Lord bluntly said it was because he was too ugly, makes him feel disgusted, and he was almost sick and tired of seeing him. It was better to leave him in the county to do more good deeds for the people.

Later, this Kou Zhong indeed served as a county Lord his whole life until he was old.

This cart driver clearly did not meet the beauty standard that the West Wind seeks, and the girls were extremely disappointed with the cart driver who had stirred the emotions of everyone at this gathering.

Chen Wenting also felt frustrated. A cart driver that she usually wouldn't lay her eyes on had unexpectedly turned the gathering to this state. What a waste of time.

Li Muyang headed straight to Li Shinian and greeted her first.

Then he bowed at Cui Xiaoxin and Song Tao the two acquaintances, as for the people around he gave a slight bow of his head in greeting.

Song Tao looked at Li Muyang, and said with a smile on his face, "Li Mu, your Miss says you are good at painting, and took your 'Winter plum blossoms bloom proudly' painting for us to appreciate, but the painting scroll was empty when it was unfolded. We all feel extremely disappointed. Why don't you create another one in front of everybody, with the winter plum and snow scene in front of you as the subjects?"

Li Muyang looked at Li Shinian, waiting for the order of his Miss.

Li Shinian nodded. "I embarra.s.sed myself in front of everyone just now. I depend on your performance now."

She lightly bit her thin lips and smiled, "Li Mu, don't let me down."

It was only then when Li Muyang agreed, "I won't."

"Servants, bring brush and ink." Song Tao shouted.

When the servants had prepared and grinded the ink, Li Muyang rolled up his sleeves and walked up to the table.

Cui Xiaoxin had all along been paying close attention to Li Muyang's arm, when she saw that Li Muyang's arm was wax yellow, similar to the skin of his face and there was not a trace of scar when he unfolded his palm, she could not help but sigh.

There was always an inexplicable feeling that this person is the person she was waiting for, but the fact very clearly told her that this person was not that person——

Li Muyang dipped the brush into the ink, and then pressed on the white paper in one heavy stroke.

Everyone was initially surprised, then overjoyed.

A youngster who was good at painting explained to the girl next to him: "The most important thing about painting is the composition. The composition shows the overall view of the painter, but is also the root and bone of a painting. If the bones are crooked, then what's the point of the other parts of the painting being well drawn? Of course, if the first stroke is ruined, then the painting won't be good."

"This painting is ruined, it's not pleasant to the eye." A man in white shook his head and sighed. "A cart driver, after all, is a cart driver, the way he put the brush to the paper was like swinging out a horsewhip. Barbaric and rough. Does such a person understands the way of painting? What a disgrace."

Even Song Tao's expression was slightly stiff, a hint of regret flickering in his eyes.

"Could it be that he really is just a cart driver? I am bringing trouble to myself by putting my mind on this person." 

Only Li Shinian stood behind Li Muyang, her hands balled into fists, placing all her attention on her brother who was painting seriously.

It looked as if she was cheering on her cart driver, and still firmly believed him even when the world did not believe that her cart driver can paint.

It made the other young Miss look at Li Shinian with increasing contempt in their eyes. She sees a cart driver as a precious person?

Only Li Shinian knew that she was itching to go up to her idiot brother and bite him to death.

"Idiot, you idiot——just draw a few strokes, why are you putting so much effort——"

Li Muyang ignored the comments of the outsiders and the insults directed at him, and did not notice Li Shinian gnashing her teeth, after leaving a heavy brush stroke in the upper left corner, he indifferently began to draw in the lower right corner.

As the paper was filled with black ink, the sneer on the spectators' face, one after another, solidified into frost.

It was as if the temperature in the room was colder than the outside.