Chapter 2222: Many Scholars Have Arrived

Chapter 2222: Many Scholars Have Arrived

Upon seeing the people in the backyard, the shop assistant immediately halted in his tracks, looking at Shu Yu with a hesitant expression.

The Duchess noticed and immediately said, "There might be an urgent matter in the front; you should go and attend to it."

"Yes, there's no need for you to serve here."

Shu Yu apologized, "I'll be right back," before quickly making her way to the assistant. She asked in a hushed tone, "What's going on?"

The assistant lowered his voice, "Mistress, there are many scholars outside, and they seem quite formidable."

"Scholars?" Shu Yu pondered for a moment and then hurried to the front of the shop.

In the backyard, the elderly ladies continued chatting about topics that the young ladies weren't interested in. Despite wanting to impress Madam Qi and the Marquis wife, they couldn't find an opportunity to join the conversation. Thankfully, Madam Qi was concerned about Shu Yu and instructed her servant, "You go and check on her. If Shu Yu encounters any trouble, lend a hand."

Madam Yao was also worried, so she told Kang Shi, "You should go as well."

Upon hearing this, the other young ladies quickly expressed their intentions to go too.

So, just as Shu Yu had gone to the front, these people followed her.

They walked quickly and, when they reached the shop's entrance, they saw a group of scholars stopping there.

Leading the group was a middle-aged man, and as the scholars reached the door, they seemed somewhat surprised. They halted, looking amazed, and asked the leader, "Is this the place you mentioned? Is this where Mountain Dweller scholar's paintings are?"

The shopkeeper, who was leading them, replied indignantly, "Yes, yes, I didn't lie to you. Shanju Master has indeed produced two paintings recently, and they're right here on the second floor."

"I knew it; you've definitely been scammed. Shanju Master's artworks are so precious. He hasn't released any work in four years. How could he suddenly produce two paintings and hang them in a shop like this?"

"Exactly, we hadn't heard any rumors about it beforehand. It must be a forgery."

Shu Yu listened to the scholars' chattering with a twitch in her mouth. She stood on the steps and smiled, saying, "Since you gentlemen have doubts, why not go upstairs to examine them?"

The scholars glanced at Shu Yu and politely bowed, "We believe you must be the owner of this establishment, County Princess Wen'an. We indeed have doubts and concerns about being deceived. Since you invite us to inspect the paintings upstairs, we shall go and take a look."

Shu Yu sighed internally, grateful for their concern.

She cleared her throat and said, "You're welcome to go upstairs to view the paintings. However, today is the opening day of Lu Ji's store. I hope you can maintain order and not disturb the other customers."

"That's only natural."

With the owner's consent, the scholars were somewhat excited and slightly nervous as they entered the shop.

Inside the shop, other customers turned their heads to look at them. Seeing the scholars all headed upstairs, they pulled the shop assistants aside and asked, "Is there a nut shop on the second floor? Why are they going upstairs? What are they doing?"

The shop assistants smiled and replied, "The second floor is a tea room. These scholars are going up to view paintings and discuss knowledge."

The customers were somewhat surprised. The second floor was a tea room? What an unusual arrangement.

They weren't particularly interested in the tea room, but the maidservant, Madam Qi's maid, and the young ladies who had been standing behind Shu Yu were in shock.