Time Travel: The Noble Family-Chapter 1233 - 514: Niu Yanghui Gets Promoted (Part 6)

When Tingyi stepped out, he bumped into Tingyuan, who was just returning home. Tingyi casually asked, "Where did you go? Why are you back so late?"

Tingyuan feared Tingli, primarily because Tingyi was stern. However, Tingyi was known to be quite approachable in the Lian Mansion. Tingyuan didn’t hide anything and said, "I went to visit Fourth Sister." Tingyuan had always wanted Yuehuan to move back to the Lian family, but Yuehuan was adamant about not returning, even preferring to stay in that pastry shop despite their father’s promises.

Tingyi’s expression darkened. With his many years of experience in the political scene, how could Tingyi not understand why Yuehuan refused to return? And as for their father’s promises, what were they worth? If Yuehuan still held any value, their father certainly wouldn’t hesitate: "Fourth Sister is no longer young; has she considered remarrying?"

Tingyuan murmured, "Fourth Sister said she’s committed to Chenghong and won’t remarry." Tingyuan had considered persuading Yuehuan to remarry, but her determination was unwavering.

Tingyi responded, "Then let her be. A woman’s first marriage follows her father, her remarriage follows herself. As long as Yuehuan doesn’t live with the Lian family, she can make her own choices."

Speaking of Yuehuan naturally led Tingyi to think of Yueyao: "Has Fourth Sister been in touch with Third Sister? How is Third Sister faring in Jiangnan?" The news of Yueyao being the Hermit in the Wild not only startled the Capital City but left even Tingyi incredulous. After all, the Hermit in the Wild had been famed for over ten years, back when Yueyao was merely in her teens. Tingyi had even doubted the authenticity of this news, but unfortunately, it proved true.

If the fact that Yueyao was the Hermit in the Wild was surprising, then the praise she received in Jiangnan as the Painting Immortal was enough to shock him. The news caused a sensation upon reaching the Capital City. Many people were eager to view Yueyao’s artworks. It was then that everyone realized that very few of her paintings were in circulation. Yueyao had created many works over the years, but they were mostly portraits of elderly people or Buddhist images, and who would sell their family elders’ portraits or offerings of Buddha? Moreover, those who could commission Yueyao were powerful and influential, and no matter how much money the buyers offered, they refused to sell. This led many to approach her father for paintings. However, within their home, aside from the plum blossom seal script Yueyao gifted him, they possessed none of her works.

Tingyi’s face showed a trace of bitterness as he pondered this. Yueyao was from the Lian family; her being heralded as the Painting Immortal could have elevated the family’s reputation. Unfortunately, Yueyao had severed ties with them long ago, and if not for her concerns, they likely wouldn’t maintain even the facade they do now.

Tingyi was no longer a teenager; he understood well by now that his mother’s foolish actions were tacitly approved by his father, even if he hadn’t actively participated. Otherwise, given his father’s capability, ensuring Yueyao and Tingzheng’s well-being wouldn’t have been difficult. Tingyi truly couldn’t comprehend why his parents acted as they did, how they could do such a thing over tens of thousands of taels of silver. His father often spoke of restoring the Lian family’s glory, but his actions starkly contradicted his words.

Tingyuan, unaware of the flurry of thoughts in Tingyi’s mind, simply shook his head and said, "I asked Fourth Sister, and she said she hasn’t corresponded with Third Sister. She only knows about Third Sister’s affairs through hearsay." Tingyuan admired this elder cousin greatly for making such a prominent name for herself.

Tingyi felt somewhat disappointed.

Tingyuan mused, "Second Brother, with the battle in the Northwest, Third Sister is likely to return soon. Do you think she might hold an exhibition in the Capital when she comes back?"

Tingyi shook his head and said, "With the war in the Northwest, Third Sister wouldn’t hold an exhibition." Additionally, there was something Tingyi didn’t mention: An Zhichen was in the Northwest, and if Yueyao were to hold an exhibition at this time, who knows how much criticism she would face!

Tingyuan felt a tinge of disappointment: "I was hoping that once Third Sister returned, there’d be a chance to appreciate her artworks! But since Yueyao isn’t close to the family, Tingyuan knew visiting the An Mansion for paintings was out of the question. Only through an exhibition would they have the chance to see Third Sister’s works.

Tingyi smiled and said, "Now isn’t the right time for an exhibition with the Northwest at war. But once the war ends, Third Sister will surely hold an exhibition in the Capital. Then, we can see her paintings." Tingyi had heard from a friend that Yueyao originally planned to return to the Capital for an exhibition. Since she was preparing, she would certainly host it, albeit at a later date.

Tingyuan couldn’t help but lament, "I heard the Li family, the Ma family, and the Marquis’ household have quite a few of Third Sister’s paintings, but we..." Tingyuan trailed off as he noticed Tingyi’s expression turn sour, quickly stopping his words.

Tingyuan, born a concubine’s child and the youngest, received little attention, further shielded by Maternal Aunt Su’s excessive protection, resulting in a gentle nature and somewhat naive demeanor.

Tingyi gave a bitter smile, said no more, and walked out the door.

The brothers’ conversation about Yueyao ended as Yueyao finally completed the task set by Elder Liu. Watching her diligent efforts materialize in the painting, Yueyao heaved a sigh of relief.

Xiang Wei admired the painting and laughed, "It’s beautifully done. Are you sure you’ll get it back once you give it away?" To Xiang Wei, the chances were slim.

Yueyao laughed, "I need to take this back to the Capital for the next exhibition." Yueyao wasn’t worried about losing the painting, confident that her teacher could retrieve it if needed.

That afternoon, Yueyao uncharacteristically stayed out of the studio, much to Mingzhu’s surprise. Upon inquiry, she learned Yueyao had completed her painting.

When Niu Yanghui returned in the evening and heard the news, he immediately pulled Mingzhu along to view Yueyao’s painting.

The painting was fresh, requiring a few days before Yueyao could send it out. Yueyao glanced at Niu Yanghui, "Your news travels fast."

After appreciating the work, Niu Yanghui promptly asked Yueyao for it.

Yueyao smiled, "Elder Liu gave me this topic; I must send it to him for feedback."

Xiang Wei interjected, "This painting is meant for the exhibition in the Capital later, so it can’t be given away."

Niu Yanghui, thus, refrained from asking again.

Two days later, Yueyao delivered the painting to Elder Liu. After taking two days of rest, she resumed painting, fulfilling a promise to Xiang Ru.

Regrettably, Yueyao tore apart two of her attempts as she felt they lacked a certain ’feel’. Yet, she couldn’t pinpoint what that missing feeling was.

Xiang Wei suggested, "Maybe it’s been too long. Why not invite Xiang Ru over to dance for you again? It might help you find the inspiration."

Yueyao hesitated, "Let me think about it."

While Yueyao pondered whether to invite Xiang Ru over, she heard the news of Niu Yanghui’s promotion.