Chapter 2206: The Second Painting

Chapter 2206: The Second Painting

Aunt Feng was ecstatic and determined to overcome any small difficulties at home. Shu Yu listened to her arrangements and didn't say much more.

Aunt Feng had been quite reliable during the past few months of work here. Especially when some people came by recently looking to approach Meng Yunzheng, not being able to meet him in person, they turned their attention to Aunt Feng. However, she had remained tight-lipped and didn't reveal any information.

Shu Yu initially planned to pay Aunt Feng one tael and five mace per month, just like she did for Aunt Hong. However, considering that she was planning to utilize the second floor and would need to hire one or two more assistants, Aunt Feng would have more tasks. Her wages weren't high, mainly because her tasks were simple and didn't require much time.

Especially since the other assistants in her shop were locals, like Yun Qide, who had a higher wage due to his family's financial situation. He had rented a house near Futai Street and his wife would bring him lunch and dinner. Well, he claimed he was used to his wife's cooking.

Shu Yu couldn't help but think they were showing off their affection.

Everything was fine on Aunt Feng's side, and Shu Yu signed a contract with her.

The next day, she took Aunt Feng to the shop to get acquainted with it. Afterward, she went with Meng Yunzheng to a stationery store to purchase ink, paper, inkstones, and brushes.

Meng Yunzheng was now somewhat of a celebrity and needed to wear a conical hat whenever he went out. However, with him around, there was no need for Shu Yu to specifically list items. Whenever Meng Yunzheng took a closer look at something, Shu Yu would just wave her hand, and it was bought. The shopkeeper at the stationery store was very pleased and even gave them a not-so-valuable piece of paper as a gift.

Shu Yu accepted it without any reservations. Although the paper was not as expensive as Xuan paper, it could be used for practice writing for the assistants.

In just one day, she had completely redecorated the second floor. At a glance, it looked like a study, very elegant.

Now, she only needed the two paintings from Mountain Dweller.

The first painting of the sunflower field was already complete, and Shu Yu cherished it. She was eagerly awaiting the second one.

When the initial outlines of the second painting appeared, Shu Yu knew what it was.

Wasn't this the academy he was about to establish?

The academy nestled among the mountains and forests appeared vague yet intriguing. It had a sense of grandeur, and one couldn't help but yearn for it. It was a bit mysterious, making people want to explore it. Outside of the academy, there was a vast golden-yellow field of sunflowers, perfectly complementing the first painting.

People who inquired a bit would easily find out that these two places actually existed.

This was Mountain Dweller's interpretation of the sunflower field and the academy! This was impressive because it not only attracted customers to her shop but also served as an advertisement for the academy.

Mountain Dweller's reputation was well-deserved. Shu Yu was sure that the more people saw these two paintings, the more students would visit the sunflower field and the academy.

When they visited the academy, it would be up to Meng Yunzheng to impress them.

Shu Yu couldn't help but give him a thumbs-up. "Well done, hitting three birds with one stone."

Meng Yunzheng smiled and handed her the seal. "Want to stamp it?"

"Sure, I'll do it." Shu Yu took a deep breath, held the seal, and stamped it firmly on the painting.

With two paintings completed, Meng Yunzheng didn't even have time to catch his breath.

The palace examination... the results were out.