Chapter 2232: This Painting Depicts the Academy

Chapter 2232: This Painting Depicts the Academy

Shu Yu nodded and explained, "They are aware of our decision, and my parents and grandmother won't interfere. Both my father and mother and my grandmother don't have ambitions for wealth and power. For them, as long as our family is safe and healthy, it's enough. I'm already the County Princess, and in our region, I can provide them with ample protection."

Yao Tianqin had intended to ask more questions, but Shu Yu's words made him close his mouth.

He understood the temperament of the Lu family very well. Both Lu Erbai and himself were devoted to their work, and Ruan Shi, who wasn't assertive, mostly followed her mother-in-law and her children's wishes. The eldest elder in the family was the old lady, and as long as the family was united, she wouldn't interfere in others' affairs.

With such a vast Lu family, the one who could make the decisions was the young lady in front of him.

Seeing Yao Tianqin, Shu Yu, however, had not expected him to be so understanding. When she saw him approach, she quickly stepped forward and served tea to both of them. "Minister Qi, Uncle Yao, please sit down and have some tea to moisten your throats."

Yao Tianqin sighed, "I just feel it's a pity."

Minister Qi nodded in agreement, "Shu Yu, I came here because I hope you can persuade him. Meng Yun Zheng is well-versed in literature and extraordinarily intelligent. We could see that from the time he exposed Gongqiu three years ago. If he serves in the court, he undoubtedly has a promising future. A talent like him running off to teach is truly a waste. The Emperor also mentioned it in the court today—if he agrees to stay, he can be promoted by two ranks, which is unprecedented in our dynasty. In just a few years, he might become the number one figure in the court."

Shu Yu was surprised by the generous conditions offered by the Emperor and impressed by Minister Qi's high opinion of Meng Yunzheng.

Seeing the anxious expressions of the two elders, Shu Yu pursed her lips, stood up, and walked slowly to the two paintings hanging on the wall. She asked them, "Do you know who painted these two pictures?"

Yao Tianqin was only interested in construction work and wasn't familiar with the world of art, so he didn't recognize the artist's style. However, Minister Qi did. He looked at the paintings and praised them in his heart before nodding. "I heard from my wife that there are two paintings on the second floor of Lu Ji shop, and they were painted by the Mountain Dwelling Master Shanju."

"Yes, these were painted by the Mountain Dwelling Master," Shu Yu confirmed. "Now, do you know what these two paintings depict?"

Minister Qi nodded and pointed to one of the paintings. "This is your family's sunflower field."

"That's correct, this is our family's sunflower field," Shu Yu said. "But the other painting is not."

Minister Qi stood up, walked over to the other painting, and admired it for a moment before nodding. "This painting, although it showcases beautiful scenery and seems to depict another perspective of the sunflower field, is actually focused on the house on the hill."

Shu Yu smiled and asked, "So, Minister Qi, can you guess whose house that is and what it's used for?"

"It seems to be someone's villa, and..." Minister Qi hesitated midway through his guess.

Following his pause, Shu Yu continued, "This is the academy, the one Yunzheng is going to open. Although the painting doesn't show the interior, the exterior is depicted clearly. The flower beds at the entrance, the pathways, the bamboo grove, the stone table, and even the trees in the courtyard were all carefully arranged and renovated."

Shu Yu turned her head to face Minister Qi, who was struggling to find words. She smiled and said, "Minister Qi, we bought this academy several years ago, and it has been fully renovated. All the flowers, plants, and trees inside were selected by our family and Ah Yun together. Last year, Ah Yun invited many scholars to visit this academy."