Rebirth of Poisoned Empress, by 颜若优雅

Chapter 55

"But on what basis does he, a person whose never even learned the skills of painting, win me?" with her proud talent questioned and criticized, the spoiled Jiang daughter completely disregarded her father's suppression and pointed at Shen Liang, questioning him angrily. Many of those who were present couldn't help but scowl or shake their heads. A daughter of an affluent family like this was simply too impudent!

In contrast, Shen Liang who had been pointed and questioned at appeared both calm and indulgent, as if the matter didn't have anything to do with him. Such a contrast only served to highlight his more noble temperament. 

"Young Lady Jiang, don't be in a rush. This elder will give you an explanation that will fully convince you right now," Master Zhao called out with a sharp tone. The Elder Zhao was known as the most gentle-tempered among the three but even he wouldn't condone being questioned in public even at this old age. His words just well when two servants behind him unfolded Shen Liang's painting. Shen Liang's painting could be said the complete opposite of the Jiang daughter's. There wasn't a single figure in his painting, nor was there any gold for profit or iron horses riding through. There was only the endless desert and a setting sun that sinks into the depths of the desert. A few solitary graves scattered amongst the haze and smoke that had not yet diminished. A vigorous poem accompanied the painting at the side: Desolate smoke of the desert, vast river awaits the sun.

Although there wasn't a single figure in the painting and the painting itself was crude and couldn't be considered skilled, the desolate landscape and cruelty touched people's hearts. Those who saw the painting could tangibly see the abandoned landscape and graves after the ruthless war. The desert connected Heaven and Earth and depicted the bloodbath that had passed. Simultaneously, an indescribable sorrow enveloped them, especially the generals who had been on the battlefield. Peace was decided by the generals, but not given to them. Their colleagues and life was spent on the bloody war field, defending their homes and country, but whether the respect and treatment they deserved would be given to them couldn't even be guaranteed. The painting not only expressed the cruelty of war, but also alluded to the deaths looming over many of the soldiers and generals. No matter what happened, for them, it was a bloody loss paid with lives. 

The endless desert was home to the grand battlefield that deserted it. The setting sun falls down silently over the lonely tombs lined with dilapidated smoke. There wasn't anything there, but it was like everything was there as well. This was what war really was!

"Beautiful!" Amongst the deafening silence, the Marquis of Huaiyang was the first to stand and applause: "What a beautiful 'desolate smoke of the desert, vast river awaits the sun'!" 

Clap! Clap! Clap!

With his lead, applause echoed in the hall. Shen Liang's painting wasn't skillful or experienced, this the three elders didn't have to state. Perhaps Shen Liang's skills really couldn't compare to the Jiang daughter's but his painting pierced into people's hearts and resonated with their souls. It was clear with a single glance who won and who lost.

Those who were waiting for Shen Liang to make a fool of himself fell solemn. Not only did Shen Liang escape such a fate, he had actually won the competition as well as the praises of many present. They could only grit their teeth in dissatisfaction, especially those from the Shen Family.

What a shrewd little one! Pei Yuanxian appeared lazy, but had paid close attention from beginning to end. He chuckled lightly and even he himself was unaware of how indulgent and proud his smile was.

"No, this can't be... he clearly never learned how..."

Plop!

Unable to bear such a heavy blow and the sneers and disdainful gazes of those present, the Jiang daughter fell backwards and on her butt. She continuously mumbled her disbelief. It was just that no one bothered with her.