Time Travel: The Noble Family-Chapter 1209 - 511: Brothers

After sending everyone off, Yueyao felt both grateful and ashamed. She now understood that the teacher’s main purpose for bringing the children was not just to visit, but also to support her. If it weren’t for the teacher, these invited guests might not all have come.

Mr. Yu Shan smiled and said, "You have the ability. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have done me this favor. Yueyao, as long as you do well with today’s painting, your reputation in Jiangnan will rise to another level. So, you must seize this opportunity."

Elder Liu’s suggestion might be considered a test for Yueyao. Even if her painting sells for a fortune, without recognition from the stalwarts of the art world like Elder Liu, Yueyao could only be regarded as a top-tier painter without being considered the best. Conversely, gaining the recognition of those present today would mean Yueyao has climbed to the pinnacle of the art world, securing her position. This is actually what Mr. Yu Shan expects of Yueyao.

Yueyao nodded solemnly and said, "Teacher, rest assured, I will give my all." As long as she puts her heart into it, she can create a good painting.

Mr. Yu Shan smiled and said, "Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Just perform at your normal level." He also has confidence in Yueyao; otherwise, he wouldn’t have allowed Elder Liu to present such a difficult challenge.

After dinner, Mingzhu came to find Yueyao to chat privately, "Yueyao, I didn’t expect Elder Liu and Elder Zhu to come over; you really have quite the prestige."

Yueyao put down the water cup in her hand and said, "It’s not my prestige; it’s my teacher’s. Mingzhu, I have to rush to finish a painting, so I can’t work on the Picture of Guanyin for Blessing with Children for you temporarily."

Mingzhu felt a bit disappointed but still smiled and said, "Your matters are important; finish yours first, then paint for me!"

They talked for quite a while until it was announced outside that Niu Yanghui had returned, and only then did Mingzhu leave Yueyao’s courtyard.

Upon seeing Mingzhu, Niu Yanghui asked, "Did the second sister host the gentlemen today without any issues?" He respected Yueyao’s courage for daring to invite so many prominent figures from Suzhou.

Mingzhu took Niu Yanghui’s coat and laughed, "I used to hear many people say Mr. Zhu and Mr. Lau have strange tempers and are difficult to talk to. Today, the servants mentioned the two gentlemen were amiable and kind, surprisingly easy to talk to."

Niu Yanghui shook his head, "Mr. Yu Shan is an old friend of theirs, so they would give some face for Mr. Yu Shan’s sake. Speaking of which, Yueyao has indeed found herself a good teacher." Niu Yanghui also wished for his son to study under a renowned master, but his two younger sons were too mischievous, making them unappealing to the masters. Now Yueyao had the chance in Jiangnan, leading her son to study under a master, which left Niu Yanghui feeling envious.

Mingzhu understood her husband’s regret, "It’s a pity Ruirui has to return to the Capital City; otherwise, he could also study under a master." Her younger sons were rowdy, but the eldest was quite steady. Unfortunately, Little Bun couldn’t stay long in Jingnan. After being away for a short time, Old Master Niu frequently wrote urging him to return. Only after Mingzhu’s persuasion did Niu Yanghui agree to let Little Bun return next spring.

Mr. Yu Shan stayed in Suzhou for six days before planning to head back to Hangzhou.

Brother Shengsheng and Brother Xuxu pleaded with Yueyao that evening, "Mother, we don’t want to go back. Mother, wherever you are, we want to be." Previously, they lived with Master and felt as comfortable as they did at home because mother was there. But since mother went to Suzhou, they acutely felt that Master’s house wasn’t their home; they were merely guests in Master’s house.

Yueyao and Dong Yuan weren’t very familiar, and Brother Shengsheng and Brother Xuxu were even less acquainted with them. Moreover, Dong Yuan’s three grandsons were around the same age as Brother Shengsheng’s group, naturally diverting some of Mr. Yu Shan’s attention. Although Dong Yuan was nice to the two brothers, there was still a noticeable difference compared to her grandsons. Brother Shengsheng and Brother Xuxu, being sensitive since young due to An Zhichen’s absence, felt uncomfortable with Dong Yuan’s differential treatment. Then there was Gu Li’s wife, Madam Miao, who was narrow-minded and often said ambiguous things to the two children. Madam Miao thought they didn’t understand when, in fact, Brother Shengsheng and Brother Xuxu understood her implying that they weren’t part of the Gu Family, having parents yet staying with the Gu Family. This was the moment the brothers learned what it meant to live under someone else’s roof.

Yueyao smiled as she stroked Brother Xuxu’s head and said, "That won’t do; you two have to go to school!" Yueyao thought the two children were reluctant to part with her.