Then Zi You rotated in the air again. She flicked her sleeves out to paint on the screen. After she rotated a few times, everyone saw a lifelike painting of plum blossoms appear. Her actions were done in one movement, like moving clouds and flowing water. She was like a drunk and captivating Chang’e.
A lot of people seemed to be drunk too. They looked at Zi You in infatuation and watched her sleeves dance and the ink slowly dry. The painting was elegant and excuded a faint fragrance, like Zi You. She lightly flicked her long sleeves and the contrast among red, black, and white was strong. Her clothing actually seemed like the rainbow-colored clothing worn by the Eight Immortals. It was part of a beautiful dance.
When the dance was nearing the end, she held a brush dipped in ink. While she recited, she wrote down the poem. “When the middle of winter comes, the flowers are withered. The red plum blossom doesn’t yield and stands tall among the wind and snow.” She finished writing just as she finished reciting the poem.
A plum blossom painting appeared in front of everyone. The ink branches were strong. The vermilion flowers vividly depicted the plum blossoms’ pride.
The structure of each flower and branches shape was dynamic and fluid. The brushstrokes and ink collaborated seamlessly. The lines were rigid, but soft and fluid. The ink was used exquisitely and cleverly, while the composition was vibrant. The painting was passionate and vivid. The spirit and essence of the ink painting fused brilliantly with the dance.
The poem was also graceful and elegant. The use of the ink was exquisite. The writing was charming and natural, but also very proper.
The palace hall was silent at first. Finally, Xuanwu Emperor started to clap his hands. In an instant, the applause was thunderous and deafeaning.
Xuanwu Emperor was so excited that he actually walked to the middle of the palace hall. He stroked his beard and admired the painting left and right. He finally exclaimed and said, “This…… These plum blossoms look like plum blossoms at first glance, but they actually form the word ‘Longevity,’ right?”
“Yes, Emperor.” Zi You calmly replied. She looked at the Empress Dowager and bowed deeply and gratefully. “Chen didn’t prepare a gift for the Empress Dowager. This Plum Blossom Longevity painting is dedicated to the Empress Dowager. Chen wishes Empress Dowager happiness as immense as the East Sea and a life as long as Mount Zhongnan!”
If you take a closer look at the plum blossom painting, you would discover that the branches and flowers were scattered and made up the word “Longevity.” The fusion of words being embedded, yet hidden in the painting was something unheard of.
The Empress Dowager didn’t expect that Zi You actually drew this painting for her. She stood up excitedly and went to the middle of the palace hall with Shangguan LingRan’s help. She looked at it and smiled. She finally pulled Zi You over and said, “Good child. You kept your imperial grandmother in mind.”
She removed a blood jade bracelet from her wrist. She placed it on Zi You’s jade-like wrist. “En. It looks good.”
Zi You looked at the blood jade bracelet. It was bright red, as if there was blood flowing in the jade. She knew it wasn’t ordinary. It must have been worn for a long time for it to look like this. It was extremely valuable, so how could Zi You dare to accept it?
She quickly refused, “Empress Dowager, this is too valuable. Chen can’t take something you’re fond of.”
Yi He (Shangguan LingRan) immediately scolded Zi You lovingly. “Fool! Imperial grandmother dotes on me the most. Of course her good things will be given to my wife. Wife, take it. There’s nothing to be embarrassed about.”
Zi You’s face turned red. She glared fiercely at Yi He.
Yi He shuddered. He shouted injustice in his heart. Little martial aunt, it’s not my fault!
