Time Travel: The Noble Family-Chapter 1256 - 518: Destroying the Painting (Part 3)

Niu Yanghui shook his head and said, "This is a stage that our second sister must go through."

Mingzhu suddenly widened her eyes, "What do you mean?"

Niu Yanghui sighed lightly. If Yueyao were a man, not only would she not be defamed, but she would also become a celebrated figure. In the eyes of the world, women are supposed to stay at home, supporting their husbands and raising children, and should not be out in public. Yet, Yueyao often has to go out to paint, which in the eyes of many, especially those scholars, becomes a bad example.

Mingzhu finally spoke after a long while, "Is someone deliberately slandering Yueyao, spreading rumors to ruin Yueyao’s reputation?" She initially thought it was a coincidence. After listening to Niu Yanghui, Mingzhu suddenly realized that the rumors outside were spreading wildly.

Niu Yanghui nodded, saying, "Otherwise, why did Gu Li reveal Yueyao’s whereabouts after drinking? Who cares about Gu Li? Moreover, he was unfamiliar with Suzhou, so why would anyone invite him for drinks? It was a setup to make him talk. However, Yueyao wasn’t on the Qinhuai River that day, so the matter was dropped." Thinking about it, Niu Yanghui told Yueyao another thing, "You may not know, at the beginning of the year Elder Liu stated in front of everyone that Yueyao’s future achievements would surpass both his and Mr. Yu Shan’s, reaching an unattainable peak."

Niu Yanghui knew when he heard those words that trouble would surely follow. Yueyao had achieved great success, and as a young woman, how could those people who had strived for years, boasting of their talent yet still unknown, accept it? So, not long ago, when rumors about Yueyao visiting brothels and mingling with brothel women spread wildly and became increasingly exaggerated, he wasn’t surprised at all. Because he knew that even without the brothel rumors, there would be other matters awaiting Yueyao.

Mingzhu found it odd, "What’s the big deal? Mr. Yu Shan had said long ago that Yueyao’s future achievements would surpass his."

Niu Yanghui smiled wryly, "Is that the same? Mr. Yu Shan certainly wouldn’t say such a thing in front of outsiders. But Elder Liu said it in front of many Great Painters. This is equivalent to setting up countless enemies for Yueyao." Niu Yanghui truly believed that Elder Liu was deliberately provoking hostility against Yueyao!

Upon hearing this, Mingzhu finally understood, "So the trouble this time was caused by Elder Liu’s words?"

Niu Yanghui shook his head, saying, "Not entirely. These people were originally looking for an opportunity. This time the matter of Xunfang Pavilion emerged, causing these people to believe they’d caught something on Yueyao, so they spun lies and fabricated stories, just wanting to destroy Yueyao’s reputation." A person without a reputation, no matter how good their painting skills are, amounts to nothing.

Mingzhu sneered, "It boils down to these people being jealous of Yueyao, unable to tolerate her, and thus spreading rumors outside." Lacking ability themselves, yet jealous of Yueyao, using such degrading means, truly laughable.

Niu Yanghui’s response was simple, "A tree standing above the forest is sure to be destroyed by the wind." Yueyao’s exhibition achieved great success, earning both fame and fortune, already making people envious beyond measure. With Elder Liu’s high praise, how many people must be consumed by jealousy.

Mingzhu asked quietly, "Husband, knowing all this, why did you stay silent? I felt so distressed, yet you said nothing. You didn’t believe the rumors outside, did you?"

Niu Yanghui laughed and shook his head, "Our second sister has always been discreet in her actions. How could she do something so foolish as to give others leverage? She didn’t speak up, so it’s not my place to interfere. Honestly, I admire her quite a bit; despite the rumors spreading so wildly outside, she remains so composed. Such resilience is beyond me." Niu Yanghui thought that this incident was just the beginning; Yueyao would face more malicious defamation in the future. If one cannot endure now, there’s no hope for what lies ahead.

Mingzhu recalled her own hasty agitation while Yueyao seemed unbothered, and discontentedly muttered, "Anyone who didn’t know better might think the rumors were about me. Honestly." After speaking, Mingzhu suddenly asked, "Husband, do you think Yueyao knows there’s someone causing trouble?"

Niu Yanghui shook his head, "You don’t know, how would I know?" Although Yueyao was staying at his place, he rarely met with her, and therefore could not know Yueyao’s thoughts.

The more Mingzhu thought about it, the more she felt Yueyao must be aware, "Husband, what do you think of Yueyao’s plan? Is there anything she overlooked?"

Niu Yanghui indeed offered a suggestion, "When the time comes, have the stand-in take the painting to Xunfang Pavilion and destroy it in front of everyone."