8 Chapter 8: Twin Pines, Level Distance
As real as she felt in this body, it simply wasn't possible for her to really exist in this 'world', so she had unconsciously just chosen the painting. Nevertheless, she suddenly realised that this was indeed a historical painting and she might be accused of copying the original piece!
A sharp pang of uneasiness rose in her chest and she quickly looked up, meeting with each of their eyes...
Finally, she let out a breath in relief - there was clearly no recognition...
Despite her relief, for the first time in a long time, she was feeling an unsettling feeling bubbling up in her - uncertainty.
Looking at the condescending people before her, she just wanted to leave this place... she still had a life back at home, so she could only hope that after this matter was settled, she could wake up tomorrow in her own bed.
Master Jiang's nervous voice brought her back to her senses. "Yue'er... well... what is this painting that you have drawn for me today..."
With a slight hunch in her back, she gazed up at her father through her long lashes that accentuated her delicate brown eyes. She held up the pretence of an unsure child as all eyes in the room scrutinised her movements.
HA, it was too bad that she had gone down the path of being a surgeon... with skills like this she could have become an actress already.
In a quiet voice, she explained the painting, seemingly hesitant. "Father, as you can see, I have named this painting 'Twin Pines, Level Distance'."
All eyes immediately took note of the characters on the right side of the painting. They were even more shocked at how beautiful each character was written. Just like the girl in front of them, each stroke was slender and angled perfectly as if it was the writing of a calligraphy expert, not of that of a 10-year-old.
Master Jiang scrutinised the characters, stroke by stroke... How could it be...? There was no way that his famously useless daughter had written something... so... skillfully!
The creases in his forehead and the wrinkles by his eyes had already said everything... it was impossible for him to hide his emotions at this moment.
Seeing his reaction, Yingyue internally frowned... the painting was really just too perfect beyond explanation.
It was needless to say that Madam Jiang's face had contorted in both fury and confusion... a face that nearly made Yingyue laugh aloud.
At this moment, Concubine Lu could not make any sense of what was going on... not only had her daughter chosen to paint, but she had somehow created this masterpiece before their eyes... there was no way that it was simply the product of practice. Her frown showed the wrinkles upon her once youthful face that had been aged by years of worry.
Madam Cha, though surprised, managed to compose herself... and it was her clear voice that woke everyone from their trance.
"Little Yue'er, could you perhaps explain the meaning of this painting...?"
Hearing this, every person was immediately surprised... the woman was just so cold a moment ago, yet she was suddenly addressing Yingyue with such endearment.
Unfazed by the murmurs of surprise, Yingyue explained in her childish voice.
"Well... the twin pines represent two lonely people. Though pine trees are not the most beautiful, they are still green during winter, and are able to last through difficult conditions... they're a symbol of survival... and strength."
With her head slightly bowed and her delicate little hands clasped together, she instantly evoked a sense of pity.
The painting itself had already exuded a feeling of utter loneliness... and with the child standing by its side, it could've brought an audience to tears...
The intention behind the painting was only too obvious... no words were required to tell the story.
A father had pushed aside his daughter and her mother for others who seemed more appealing, yet they had still managed to persevere through those hardships...
What more was needed to be said...
Sitting to the side in silence, Concubine Lu had tears in her eyes... Her daughter was merely 10 years old, but was brave enough to voice their many years of sufferings; however, as a mother, she was still unable to do anything for her.
With Madam Cha positioned on his right side, he could feel cold sweat slowly dripping down his back. He had expected this child of his to be a complete disaster... but why did it seem like it was his reputation that was now a disaster...
There was no way that his useless daughter had drawn such a thing, let alone done so with such profound meaning... leaving him completely and utterly embarrassed...
He let out a nervous laugh, which had all the attention turned back to him. From his high seat, he had been feeling superior to everyone just a moment ago, but suddenly he was feeling so small.
Madam Cha had been examining his face thoroughly as one emotion after another flashed across his face, unable to be hidden from her keen eyes...
As Master Jiang noticed her piercing gaze, he could hear his heart pounding in his head...
He took deep breaths, using his sleeves to wipe the sweat beading on his forehead...
Finally retracting her gaze, she addressed him.
"Prime Minister Jiang, it seems you have quite a talented daughter, and I had never heard her name before... Others might even think they you've been hiding her away on purpose..."
At this point, Master Jiang could only smile slightly and nod in an attempt to hide his uneasiness.
"No need to be nervous, Prime Minister Jiang... I will make sure to send people over in a few weeks to deliver you a formal handwritten letter from me. With that, she will be able to enrol at the Junior Academy of Arts if she wishes to. I'm sure this is satisfactory?"
There were three levels of academies for girls - the Junior, Intermediate, and Senior Academies.
While it may have seemed as if anyone could join the Junior Academy as long as they had money, there was no possibility of such. Young girls were only able to join if they had a respectable recommendation, regardless of their family background. As such, a recommendation from Madam Cha was like a recommendation from the emperor himself.
Bursting with excitement at the possibilities, he quickly nodded in affirmation and replied.
"Of course, Madam Cha. I dare not ask for any more, but perhaps, my other..."
He trailed off as he met her sharp eyes. In his spurt of happiness, he had nearly been daring enough to ask about his other daughters, but had to swallow his words at her obvious disapproval.
Instead, he cleared his throat, and turned to address Yingyue whose head was still slightly lowered.
"Yue'er... you have done much better today... I will be sure to reward you. Tell me if you ever want anything... And when I visit your courtyard, be sure to paint for me some more, okay?"
"Yes, father!"
Her beautiful eyes curved into two delicate moon crescents as she beamed happily and displayed the innocent smile that a child would... inside, she rolled her eyes at his words...
Yesterday you hit her until she can't walk, today you try to embarrass her publicly, and yet you want to visit her...?
She could fell the intensity of two eyes glaring at her. Meeting both of their eyes, she laughed internally... that mother and daughter really made a perfect pair...
As she returned to her seat, Concubine Lu clutched her hand, as worry clouded her eyes. She patted the lady's soft hands to soothe her... it seems that there would be a lot of explaining to do pretty soon...
