There is a god in the sky

Chapter 95 The Arson Case at the Yu Mansion (Part 16)

This was also the first time Madam Song had ever met Shen Lan.

Previously, she always stood behind Xiao Ji, behaving herself properly and quietly.

I never expected him to be such a competitive and talkative person.

This made Madam Song feel that Xiao Ji's taste was nothing special. In comparison, although her own son was a scoundrel, he never upset her over matters involving women.

"Miss Shen's painting... judging from the signature, it is indeed an authentic work, but... I've never heard that the Hermit of Rongshan also paints portraits of handsome men."

Madam Song had heard in her early years that the Hermit of Rongshan loved to paint portraits of beautiful women, and she had the opportunity to see one of them, which she found truly astonishing.

If this painting wasn't created by Rongshan Jushi, then this little maid must have bought a fake from somewhere.

Madam Song didn't rule out the possibility, but Lin Qingqian didn't think so.

"Madam, there's no need to cover for her. Rongshan Jushi has already said that he doesn't paint men at all!"

Shen Lan put the painting away and bowed to Madam Song, saying, "I've been away for quite some time now, so I need to go back and pack my things. I'll take my leave now."

She was too lazy to argue with them; whether it was true or not, she knew it in her heart.

Moreover, to gain their approval, we would have to invite the old gentleman here to testify in person; otherwise, they wouldn't believe us.

"You can't leave! We haven't explained ourselves yet. What are your intentions in forging counterfeit goods?"

Shen Lan grew irritated. "It's just a painting. What could be the motive behind it?"

Song Yalian covered her mouth and laughed, "Qingqian, don't make things difficult for Miss Shen. She's definitely doing this to please Lord Xiao. As long as Lord Xiao is happy, that's all that matters."

Shen Lan handed the painting to Song Yalian and asked, "Miss Song, would you like to buy this painting?"

"What?" She was stunned.

"Everyone has seen this portrait of a handsome man. He's absolutely stunning. Selling it for five hundred taels wouldn't be too much of a bargain, would it?"

Song Yalian blushed instantly. The handsome man was indeed captivating, but as an unmarried young woman, how could she possibly buy this painting in public? What about her reputation?

"You...you're going too far!"

Madam Song's eyes lit up; she felt that this girl's temperament was quite to her liking.

She came to their rescue, saying, "Alright, I'll buy the painting. At my age, it's not too much to look at handsome men."

Madam Song invited Shen Lan to return to the manor together, as they would be setting off tomorrow. Madam Song had some things she wanted to tell Shen Lan.

Just as the two were about to go downstairs, they saw the shopkeeper leading a boy upstairs.

Upon seeing Shen Lan, the boy excitedly exclaimed, "Sister Shen! So you really are here!"

"Yang Feng? What brings you here?"

Yang Feng, holding three scrolls in his arms, handed them to Shen Lan, saying, "Grandpa said that the paintings you took were his early works and are not worth much. These three paintings are for you."

Shen Lan was helpless; she had no intention of selling the paintings for money.

"No need, these three paintings are fine enough, you're too kind, sir."

Madam Song, who was standing to the side, asked in confusion, "And who is this young man...?"

Judging from his clothes and appearance, Yang Feng was just like any other ordinary farm boy, but he also had a certain air of elegance in his demeanor.

The restaurant owner replied with a smile, "Madam Song, this is my master's son."

This restaurant is quite famous in Jiangzhou; otherwise, Song Yalian and the others wouldn't have chosen it.

But they never knew who the owner was. When they asked the shopkeeper, he would just give them a few vague answers each time.

Unexpectedly, the young master of the landlord was someone who played in the mud.

Lin Qingqian said unhappily, "With a boss like this, it's clear this restaurant isn't very good. Let's go somewhere else next time."

She thought the boy would be furious, but to her surprise, he politely said, "Guests are free to come and go as they please. You are Sister Shen's friends, so this meal is on me."

"Who would be friends with a maid like her?" Lin Qingqian voiced everyone's thoughts.

Yang Feng's expression darkened; he already looked quite mature for his young age.

"In that case, please enjoy your meal, distinguished guests. I will take Sister Shen with me now."

"Wait a minute, you gave her these paintings? Do you know how hated people are for forging paintings by Rongshan Jushi!"

Yang Feng looked at the girl in front of him and suddenly realized: "So you're jealous. My grandfather can give his paintings to whomever he likes. He also said that if people can imitate the essence of his paintings or even surpass him, he would be overjoyed."

Madam Song asked excitedly, "Your grandfather is... the Hermit of Rongshan?"

“My grandfather is downstairs. Do you want to confront him face to face?”

Shen Lan tugged at Yang Feng's hand, "Let's go, there's no need to say anything more to them."

The two went downstairs, and Madam Song hurriedly followed. The other girls crowded around the second-floor window to look down.

There was indeed a donkey cart parked in front of the restaurant, dusty and grimy, and no one would believe that the hermit of Rongshan was inside.

Then they saw Shen Lan walk to the donkey cart, and an old man came out and greeted her as an equal.

Madam Song had seen the hermit of Rongshan from afar; he was living in seclusion in Jiangzhou, and Prefect Song must have known about it.

She never expected that she would be able to meet this elusive and legendary painter through Xiao Ji's maid.

Seeing someone running towards him from afar, the hermit of Rongshan quickly hid back in his car. "My dear grandson, run!"

Yang Feng jumped onto the donkey cart and sped off, cart and all.

Xiao Huan exclaimed in surprise, "Miss, is that the painter Wen?"

The person chasing after the donkey cart without any regard for appearances was actually the painter Wen!

Song Yalian was also stunned. Could it be that the old man just now really was the Hermit of Rongshan?

"So the Hermit of Rongshan really was living in seclusion in Jiangzhou!" Lu Xiangxiang muttered to herself.

Before anyone else could react, she left with her maid.

Although she doesn't like painting, she has an older brother who loves painting. If he could become a student of the hermit of Rongshan, he would surely achieve great success.

Song Yalian is such a fool. That lonely maid was so familiar with the hermit of Rongshan; she had a great chance.

Shen Lan followed Madam Song's carriage back to the mansion.

Throughout the journey, Madam Song looked at her strangely, and her attitude was noticeably more enthusiastic than before.

She didn't ask Shen Lan how she got to know the Hermit of Rongshan; it was probably because of Xiao Ji.

But the hermit of Rongshan has a bad temper; even Prefect Song was turned away when he went there. It's quite an achievement that this girl could stay there for three days.

Upon arriving at the Song residence, Madam Song made an imperative request.

"Miss Shen, could you lend me these paintings for a look?"

Shen Lan handed the painting to Madam Song's personal maid, then got out of the carriage to say goodbye.

She was decisive and showed no sign of reluctance, which earned her high regard from Madam Song.

When Shen Lan returned, the happiest person was Xuan'er, who surrounded her and asked her many questions.

"Sister, take a look at my packed luggage. Is there anything I'm missing?"

"It's getting colder, just make sure you bring enough clothes."

They have lingered in Jiangzhou for too long; if they don't hurry on their journey, they may not be able to return to Bianjing before the end of the year.

In the afternoon, Madam Song returned the paintings she had admired and also brought a thousand taels of silver.

"The lady said that if Miss Shen is willing to part with it, this is the price for the painting."

Shen Lan casually quoted 500 taels; she had no idea how much Rongshan Jushi's painting was worth.

Moreover, he probably doesn't have many masterpieces that will be passed down through generations, and his daily practice paintings shouldn't fetch such high prices.

Madam Song sent double the money; it was unclear whether it was for the painting or a favor.

"Thank you for your hospitality these past few days, Madam Song. Please accept this painting as a gift." Xiao Ji's face darkened when Shen Lanruo actually accepted Madam Song's money.

"This..." The maid was in a dilemma. She had brought the money, but she hadn't expected this person to refuse it.

Xiao Ji opened the painting, glanced at it, raised an eyebrow, and handed it to Madam Song's maid.

"Take it back, consider it a New Year's gift from your nephew to your aunt in advance."

The maid took the painting back to report.