Time Travel: The Noble Family-Chapter 1257 - 518: Destroying the Painting (Part 4)

Mingzhu didn’t understand why the painting had to be destroyed.

Niu Yanghui explained in detail. Simply put, destroying the painting was more effective than keeping it. Think about it, people first praised the painting, then saw it destroyed in front of them; true art lovers would feel uneasy at heart and naturally blame those spreading rumors. Of course, doing so also indicated Yueyao’s position.

Mingzhu was somewhat reluctant, and said softly: "Husband, that painting is really well done, I like it a lot! Destroying it is such a pity."

Niu Yanghui had not seen the painting, and hearing Mingzhu’s words, he was even less inclined to view it: "The better the painting, the more effective it is." Compared to Yueyao’s reputation, what was a single painting? Yueyao was still young now and would surely be able to create even better paintings in the future.

Mingzhu, having heard this, no longer hesitated: "Hmm, I’ll talk to Yueyao about it tomorrow."

Niu Yanghui, seeing Mingzhu looking downhearted, smiled and said: "Don’t worry, once we return to the Capital City, everything will be fine."

Mingzhu said: "Ah, had I known it would cause so much trouble, I should have advised Yueyao against holding that art exhibition back then." Although the paintings sold for a lot of money, their family didn’t need that much money, and bringing such a big hassle upon themselves seemed pointless.

Niu Yanghui deliberately smiled and said: "Didn’t Second Sister say that she plans to hold an art exhibition in the Capital once she returns? Why don’t you persuade her to give up that idea?"

Mingzhu did not respond to this suggestion: "No, thanks. Here, those scoundrels only dare to be so unscrupulous because they’re reliant on their local power, and we can’t do anything about them, which is why they can slander Yueyao so blatantly. If it were in the Capital City, let’s see if they dare."

Niu Yanghui agreed with Mingzhu’s words. Over the years, Yueyao had made such a big name for herself in the Capital without interference from outsiders, which was mainly credited to Prince Duan. Prince Duan had previously expressed his admiration for Yueyao’s talent and also sent word that anyone who goes against Yueyao would in effect be going against him. Naturally, Marquis Jingning’s Residence was also a factor. Once Yueyao returned to the Capital, with Prince Duan’s protection, no one would dare to slander her.

Mingzhu worriedly said: "What if cousin believes this rumor, what should we do?"

Niu Yanghui thought Mingzhu was worrying for nothing: "Relax! Nothing will happen." He himself knew that Yueyao would never do something so absurd, so An Zhichen would be even less inclined to believe such rumors.

Early the next day, Mingzhu sought out Yueyao to convey Niu Yanghui’s suggestion, omitting the part about outsiders deliberately slandering Yueyao. Some things were better left unsaid, speaking too much would only cause more trouble with no benefit.

Yueyao found Niu Yanghui’s suggestion favorable: "Destroying it is indeed good." Although the painting was excellent, it was insignificant compared to her reputation.

Mingzhu felt it was a pity and took Yueyao back to the studio. Looking at the painting, she sighed softly: "It took so much of your effort, destroying it really is a pity."

Xiang Wei sneered: "The painting definitely can’t be kept." Even without Niu Yanghui’s suggestion, she never planned to let Yueyao keep this painting. Thinking of Xiang Ru’s pretentious pity and her intentions to gain fame through this painting, it was just a pipe dream!

Mingzhu disagreed with Xiang Wei: "The people may be bad, but things are innocent."

Yueyao felt the two had deviated from the topic: "Shouldn’t we be talking about the important matters right now?" Having already decided to destroy the painting, saying more was futile.

Mingzhu already had a plan: "Five days later, my husband will step down from the Magistrate position, and three days after that he will assume the role of Inspector. My husband’s idea is to set it during those three days. Yueyao, what do you think?" An upgrade in position provides a justifiable reason for hosting a banquet. This time, the banquet would not only invite female guests, but also male guests.

Yueyao had no objections: "Within a few days, can we find a suitable substitute?" Everything else was manageable; finding a substitute was the hardest part. 𝒻𝑟ℯℯ𝑤𝑒𝑏𝑛𝘰𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝒸𝑜𝘮

Mingzhu smiled and said: "My husband suggests that Xiang Wei should not appear. He will handle this matter." Mingzhu also agreed that it was better for a man to handle affairs outside.

Xiang Wei dared not voice any further dissent.

Yueyao felt somewhat guilty, feeling she had indeed troubled Niu Yanghui this time.

Mingzhu cheerfully said: "If you really feel guilty, then give him that ’Lotus Garden’ painting, he likes it a lot!"

Yueyao nodded and said: "I’ll give it to him once I’m done with it."