Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 667 - 503: Read More Books

"The back side should have dried by now, right? Let’s turn it over and see if this painting technique, enhanced by natural pigment, possess more spiritual energy than usual methods."

Zhou Yuewei believed that seeing is believing, and he just wanted to witness this new painting technique.

Gu Chengyu nodded, Qin Min hurried forward to take the painting, without calling for a servant, intending for Zhou Yuewei to help unfold it.

Unexpectedly, Lu Chen stepped forward to take the other end of the painting, which made Qin Min somewhat surprised. However, neither spoke, as everyone seemed a bit impatient.

"Wow! This Qionghua is painted beautifully. The enhancement with natural pigment is indeed effective. We’ve learned a new painting technique today."

Shao Lin was very interested in Gu Chengyu’s new technique. Gu Chengyu’s painting skills were truly marvelous, and the form of the Qionghua was depicted with incredible realism.

It could be said that the intention preceded the stroke, and the painting was imbued with its essence. No wonder Gu Chengyu was so confident, he had such extraordinary skills hidden away.

"I wonder which book Mr. Gu saw this painting technique in—he’s truly well-read and widely knowledgeable. I admire him."

Shao Lin was somewhat obsessed with painting. Even though he lacked innate talent, it didn’t hinder his love for Danqing.

There are quite a few rare copies in his house, none containing such techniques.

"It was fate that I came across it in a historical anecdote. Unfortunately, it was damaged earlier on, mentioned only briefly!"

This technique was encountered by Gu Chengyu in books that existed in a previous life, which he naturally couldn’t show to others. 𝐟𝗿𝐞𝚎𝚠𝐞𝚋𝕟𝐨𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝕔𝕠𝚖

Though he often used historical anecdotes as excuses, others might suspect—but what of it?

He indeed saw it in a book, and how others perceive it is none of his concern.

"Mr. Gu’s library at home is indeed rich, with many rare copies and historical anecdotes. He always seems to find techniques unknown to others among those books."

Upon hearing Shao Lin’s words, Min Feng reluctantly pulled his gaze away from the painting.

He was very dissatisfied with Gu Chengyu’s explanation, thinking Gu Chengyu didn’t want to share what book he saw it in, lest others learn it, and he lose his uniqueness.

Much like the Yan Style that Gu Chengyu created, which seldom circulates in workshops—those wanting to imitate it must pay a high price.

Indeed, rarity makes it precious; fewer copies mean fewer learners.

Gu Chengyu’s Yan Style is also difficult to learn; to this day, it’s estimated few can write it.

Even if imitated, they can’t capture the spirit of Yan Style—isn’t this Gu Chengyu wanting to keep it exclusive?

Gu Chengyu and Min Feng were naturally rivals, initially only maintaining superficial harmony.

But Min Feng started with sarcastic remarks because of the painting; Gu Chengyu certainly wouldn’t indulge him.

"I have always read extensively, never just focusing on the Four Books and Five Classics. I meticulously study every interesting miscellaneous book I come across, always gaining richly. Min Bianxiu, if you are interested in those miscellaneous books, feel free to search at the bookshops more frequently. Eventually, you’ll find something that suits you— books are best read selectively, for enjoyment’s sake."

Gu Chengyu implied that Min Feng only read the Four Books and Five Classics, so naturally found nothing useful.

Do not forget that last time in the Imperial Study Room, when the Emperor questioned about Da Yan Law, Min Feng couldn’t answer.

What benefit is there reading only the Four Books and Five Classics? He doesn’t read, yet complains—that’s simply unreasonable, isn’t it?

"One must read more! Reading enlightens the mind and broadens knowledge." Gu Chengyu softly mocked him twice, then looked away.

Min Feng’s face immediately turned sullen, as he naturally recalled the incident in the Imperial Study Room. Was Gu Chengyu subtly implying he’s a bookworm who only knows the Four Books and Five Classics?

And insinuating that he reads less and knows less.

Zhu Pang tried hard to suppress his laughter; Min Feng was asking to be humiliated.

Everyone knew that Gu Chengyu and Xia Qing did not get along, and since Min Feng was Xia Qing’s disciple, it was only normal for him to target Gu Chengyu; hence, no one was surprised.

"What a pity. Still, Mr. Gu must have taken a long time to perfect this technique?" Zhou Yuewei admired the painting and respectfully bowed to Gu Chengyu.

Gu Chengyu had only spent a little more than an hour to paint this, surely indicating a high level of proficiency; he must frequently use this technique.

Gu Chengyu nodded, "I pondered over this technique for two years at the time. Using natural pigment enhancement is extremely complex; if not painted well, it appears rigid and lacks spirit."

Gu Chengyu truly did not deceive, for he pondered for two years and discussed it many times with his teacher.

Everyone nodded in agreement, as mastering Danqing is not an overnight achievement; some masters have painted for decades to become renowned.

Such talent at a young age! Gu Chengyu’s diligence is unquestionable, but what’s most important is innate talent.

"Min, have you finished painting yours? Let me see it." Princess Rong Jia was anxious; she tugged her mother’s sleeve, signaling her to speak and bring over the painting.

Seeing the noble sons praising Gu Chengyu’s painting, she knew Gu Chengyu surely painted well.

"Third sister! You must have seen Mr. Gu’s paintings before—this enhancement technique he speaks of—have you witnessed it?"

Yao Menglian was also curious; she had some insight into Danqing.

Her family’s female school offered Danqing lessons, and she often consulted her teacher, showing great interest in Danqing.

"Indeed! Third sister, do not deceive us; you often visit your maternal grandfather’s home, surely you’ve seen Mr. Gu’s paintings? Even second sister personally asked you!"

Yao Mengdie had been sitting beside Yao Mengxian since Princess Rong Jia danced, and seeing their second sister ask, she joined in, merely out of curiosity!

Yao Mengxian couldn’t deny further and could only nod, "I saw it once in grandfather’s study, painted with white plum, using the same technique."

When Gu Chengyu brought over the painting, the ladies couldn’t help but exclaim.

"No wonder there’s talk of Mr. Gu’s extraordinary talent—all this appeared so realistic!" The madams were immensely shocked, and it truly opened their eyes.

Even the Eldest Princess, who had high standards, nodded in approval, "Mr. Gu certainly did not disappoint me. Both I and the Princess are very satisfied; presumably, the Empress will also like it."

The Eldest Princess intended to present this painting to her mother; even palace artists couldn’t paint as well as this.

However, hearing this, Princess Rong Jia’s previously joyful mood suddenly sank, was her mother suggesting to present it to her grandmother?

But she felt reluctant; the painting was done so beautifully, and she couldn’t believe her own reflection in it was so stunning, intending to cherish it greatly.

Others naturally noticed the Eldest Princess’s intention to present it to the Empress, meaning Gu Chengyu was about to gain fame once more.