At this moment, while looking at these portraits, everyone’s eyes lit up. Compared to the previous portraits, these are far more exquisite.

It’s not that the painters have improved; on the contrary, their skills remain the same as before.

It’s just that this time they used different materials; instead of silk or bamboo slips, they used this modern paper.

This resulted in a noticeably superior effect.

After finishing the painting, it was immediately placed in front of Lin Yi. After glancing at it, Lin Yi nodded in satisfaction, though he mused that nowadays, the art is good but still somewhat abstract.

Although it can depict the contours of human features, achieving a perfect likeness is impossible.

Of course, it’s not that this style is bad, just that each has its own merits.

Furthermore, the limitations of current technology mean having such paintings is already quite an achievement.

"Very good. Nicely painted. Take it and let them have a look."

Lin Yi lightly shook the paper in his hand before addressing the painter.

The painter responded affirmatively and hurriedly took the painting away.

When all present saw the painting, they were all astonished, everyone wide-eyed.

Especially the Right Chancellor, who, upon seeing his own likeness on the paper, beamed with a sun-like smile, his wrinkled face blossoming with joy.

He had truly never seen such an expressive painting, and the best part was that the person in the painting was himself, thrilling him even more.

Especially now, with so many officials around him, he could enjoy showing off, which excited him tremendously.

For a moment, the old man was in a buoyant mood.

Not only him, but the other seven people around him also wore expressions of pride and anticipation.

They all eagerly awaited the completion of their portraits so they could admire them properly.

After all, art of this caliber and style is truly rare.

Each wished to rush to their painter to see if their portrait compared to the Right Chancellor’s.

Fortunately, the skills of these painters were roughly equal, so the timing wasn’t too far off.

Hence, not long after the first portrait was finished, the others were also completed.

All were presented to Lin Yi.

After all, Lin Yi was the highest authority here, and until he had seen them, they naturally wouldn’t show the portraits to others.

Rules dictated that in the Royal Palace, everything revolved around Lin Yi.

And just like before, after his review, Lin Yi waved them off, instructing them to distribute the paintings among the officials, while also praising the painters for their excellent craftsmanship. 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚

As a result, every painter’s face lit up with excitement.

For them, receiving the Emperor’s approval was a greater thrill than anything else.

Ultimately, their purpose was to paint for the Emperor and those in his court.

Not only was Lin Yi satisfied, but the officials below were even more delighted when they saw these portraits, especially when spotting their own likeness.

They grinned as broadly as the Chancellor, nearly stretching their mouths to their ears.

Amid the clamor of voices, Lin Yi coughed, interrupting their thoughts and conversations, and focused his gaze on the eight people in the front row.

Upon Lin Yi’s cough, everyone quieted down, turning their attention upwards to him.

The leading eight stepped forward, ready to bow and offer thanks, but Lin Yi surprisingly waved them off, pausing their actions.

With a friendly smile, he said:

"Are you all satisfied?"

After he posed the question, who dared express dissatisfaction? They didn’t need to converse or gesture, unanimously kneeling to thank the Emperor for his favor.

Lin Yi interrupted their words of gratitude with a dismissive wave and spoke:

"Oh, there’s no need for excessive gratitude. After all, it’s what you deserve. I’ve mentioned before how you’ve dedicated much of your lives to Dayou. Thus, bestowing these paintings is a small token compared to your contributions."

Pausing briefly, Lin Yi glanced over everyone present.

Upon his gaze, the other officials felt indignant and couldn’t help murmuring to themselves.

It seems this new Emperor is no different; a flatterer among flatterers, openly praising these eight before all. This sort of thing was something even the previous Emperor had never done, speaking directly and with authority.

While their capabilities might be limited, pride kept them from showing any weakness compared to others.

The eight in the front felt smug, each mentally calculating their futures.

With this, surely there would be a second time.

It meant their lives would improve further.

Perhaps their power would even double.

After all, a weak Emperor is the easiest to manipulate and seize power from.

But Lin Yi’s next words froze their smiles and left them stunned, each glancing around in disbelief.

He said:

"Earlier, several ministers expressed that if I reward you with portraits for your service, you’d prefer retirement. This shows a high level of awareness, putting Dayou first, and happily..."

[To be continued...]