Painting Doctor Jinhua

Chapter 157 The Reward She Wants, Head-on Confrontation

it has started!

Two blank sheets of Saeki paper were unfolded to more than seven feet and placed in front of the two.

Xiao Jinyu calmly picked up her brush, ground the ink, and glanced at the people at the banquet again. Just like the last time in Chen Shubao's East Palace, she also imprinted everyone's expression in her mind and presented them on the scroll one by one.

As the sleeves dance and the ink is ground, there is a kind of smooth and graceful elegance condensed in the tip of the pen.

Seeing her painting, the banquet became silent for a moment, and everyone's expression became extremely focused.

"How beautiful! So this is how Fourth Sister-in-law paints. It's really beautiful, like a scroll painting!" Gao Yanzong couldn't help but sigh.

Gao Xiaoheng and Gao Xiaowan were also stunned.

"It's really beautiful! This is the perfect combination of dance and painting. Watching her paint is such a pleasure!"

Amid the shocked and obsessed gazes of the dignitaries, Gao Zhan was stunned for a long time, then suddenly became interested, looked at Gao Changgong and said with a smile:

"Chang Gong, I remember that you play the recorder very well. Come and help your princess to have fun!"

Regardless of whether Lanling Wang was willing or not, Gao Zhan directly ordered someone to bring a jade flute and asked him to play it.

If this had happened at an ordinary banquet, Gao Changgong could have rejected this excessive request on the spot. But now, seeing the fascinating self-confidence that Xiao Jinyu exuded in her dance and painting, he couldn't help but play the flute.

The music was like the sudden dispersal of forest mist and the flow of clear spring water, moistening everything silently and reaching the ears of everyone at the banquet. The listeners also felt relaxed and refreshed, as if a beautiful landscape was unfolding before their eyes, which was so beautiful.

Everyone knows that Prince Lanling is handsome and brave, and has been training in the military camp since he was a child. However, few people know that he is actually a man who is well-versed in music and is both civil and military.

Xiao Jinyu also felt his encouragement from the music. Occasionally, she looked up and couldn't help but smile at him.

At this moment, anyone can see the unbreakable trust and affection between these two people.

Gao Zhan's expression was somewhat gloomy, while He Shikai and Lu Lingxuan looked at the two of them in an unpredictable manner.

Until the end of the song, Xiao Jinyu also put the last stroke of the painting.

This time she painted very seriously and attentively, so she felt a little tired after finishing.

Lanling Wang noticed her fatigue and quickly put his arms around her waist to steady her.

At this time, several people had gathered around the scroll unfolded on the ground, with Gao Zhan and Zu Ting at the head. Gao Xiaoheng also squeezed to the front. As if afraid of damaging the scroll, Gao Xiaoheng carefully stopped the people behind him and stood beside the scroll.

Everyone who saw it was shocked and sighed!

"Not to mention placing the entire Ice Well Platform in the painting, even the flowers and grass, and everyone's expression are vivid and lifelike!"

"This is the first time in my life that I have seen such a vivid painting!" Gao Xiaoheng couldn't help but sigh.

"Zu Zhongshu, where are your paintings?" Gao Yanzong asked.

Zu Ting's face darkened. He was good at painting nectarines. It was with these paintings that he attracted Gao Zhan, then Prince Changguang, and gained his appreciation. Later, he was recommended by Lady Lu and got the position of Zhongshujian today. However, after seeing the paintings of the Princess of Lanling, Zu Ting's self-confidence obviously dropped.

He had never seen such a lifelike work... It was so amazing, it seemed like the real thing!

At this time, Gao Zhan had ordered people to bring both paintings to him so that he could observe them carefully!

After watching for a long time, the young emperor suddenly became very silent, and it was impossible to tell what his expression was.

It was not until the entire banquet was so quiet that you could hear a pin drop and everyone's breathing became tense that Gao Zhan let out a sigh.

"I used to think that Xiao Zheng's paintings were unmatched, but now I know that there are always people who are better than you!"

"Princess Lanling, I want this painting. I want to reward you. What do you want?"

He suddenly said something very seriously, and then suddenly changed his words, "However, what you just said about seeking justice for your husband, Lanling King, does not count. The matter of falsely conveying the imperial edict is a case in itself, and it should be handed over to the Dali Temple for review before a final decision is made!"

"You should think of some other reward, right?"

As soon as he finished speaking, he heard Xiao Jinyu confidently say:

"Then your majesty, please reward me with a female official to do the job!"

what?

These words were undoubtedly like a thunderclap, echoing in everyone's ears.

Gao Zhan simply couldn't believe his ears.

"What did you say?" he asked again.

Even her husband, Prince Lanling, showed a look of surprise on his face. It was obvious that this was Xiao Jinyu's sudden idea and no one had expected it.

"Since Your Majesty has asked me for a reward, then please reward me with a female official!"

Xiao Jinyu raised her voice and said it again!

This time, not only Gao Zhan heard it clearly, but all the dignitaries on the Ice Well Platform heard it clearly!

Some of the noble ladies who came with their husbands couldn't help but cover their mouths and sneer.

Other young ladies would ask for silks, satins, or jewelry as rewards, but this young lady, on the other hand, directly asked His Majesty for an official position!

"This princess of Lanling King is so ignorant that she actually asked the emperor for an official position. What kind of official position can a delicate woman hold?"

"Do you want to paint for the emperor every day? Become a civil servant specializing in painting?"

“This is so funny!”

"Prince Lanling doesn't even care about his own woman?"

Gao Changgong also cast an inquiring look at Xiao Jinyu, but Xiao Jinyu just gave him a reassuring look in response.

At this time, she came forward and said solemnly:

"Your Majesty, I heard that Lord Lu once prayed for rain for Qi State, and thus was given the title of Lord. I am so bold as to pray for rain for Qi State and end the drought in Ye City!"

She had heard from Gao Changgong that now, outside the various districts, the area within thirty miles around Yecheng was all public land.

Public land means that all the grain harvested by farmers must be collected into the national treasury.

However, there had been no rain in Yecheng for a month, and it was suffering from a severe drought. Gao Zhan was worried about this and asked Lu Lingxuan to pray for rain, but Lu Lingxuan always said that it was not the right time yet!

At this moment, when I heard Xiao Jinyu actually said to pray for rain for the State of Qi, I didn't know whether I should be more surprised or happy!

What made him feel even more incredible was that such an arrogant tone actually came from the mouth of a woman!

"Can you really pray for rain?" Gao Zhan asked, even finding it a little funny.

"Princess Lanling, you cannot speak nonsense in front of the emperor. If you can't pray for rain, you will be guilty of deceiving the emperor!"

At this time, He Shikai finally spoke, and as soon as he opened his mouth, he wanted to kill her!

For a moment, all the dignitaries in the room were stunned and speechless. They never thought that Princess Lanling would have the courage to ask for rain.

Is she really not afraid that His Majesty will kill her if she fails to pray for rain?

This is no joke!

At this time, even Gao Yanzong, Gao Xiaowan and Gao Xiaoheng were worried and frightened.

Unexpectedly, Gao Zhan said, "Yantong, this is too serious. She is just a woman. I don't mind her occasional temper. Besides, she is a talented woman. What should I do if you say she is deceiving the emperor? Kill her?"

When Gao Zhan said this, He Shikai felt something was wrong and thought to himself: This woman has just established a good impression in front of Gao Zhan, it seems that I should not be too hasty!

"Yes, Your Majesty, I was talking nonsense! It is rare that Princess Lanling has the courage to propose praying for rain. It also shows that she has a heart that serves the country and the people!" He Shikai immediately changed his words.

At this time, Gao Zhan turned to Xiao Jinyu again.

"Princess Lanling, do you really want to be an official?"

Xiao Jinyu nodded very seriously and said, "Yes, and I am willing to make a bet. After three days, if you can't pray for rain, I will let you do whatever you want. If you can pray for rain, I want the position of Grand Historian and a wish!"

"One wish?" Gao Zhan asked in confusion, "What wish?"

Xiao Jinyu knelt down and asked Gao Zhan very respectfully: "I only wish to be the wife of Lanling King Gao Changgong in this life. I hope Your Majesty will grant my wish!"

What do you mean? You are already disfigured, are you still afraid that I will snatch you from Gao Changgong?

"Alright, alright, I allow you to get married in Yecheng, you can pick an auspicious day to hold the wedding!"

Gao Changgong was overjoyed. Gao Zhan couldn't help but look at him again and thought: This Gao Changgong is really a loyal lover. Although the woman he found is a beauty, no matter how beautiful she is, her appearance is ruined. But he doesn't care at all and cherishes her like a treasure!

"Chang Gong, take your woman back!"

Gao Changgong said yes, took Xiao Jinyu's hand and was about to leave. At this moment, he heard Lu Lingxuan shout, "Wait--"

Xiao Jinyu suddenly turned around and looked at her.

Lu Lingxuan walked out slowly from among the dignitaries and said with a smile, "Aren't you two too happy too early? If I heard correctly, you said that if you pray for rain, His Majesty will grant you an official position and fulfill your wish, but what if it doesn't rain?"

"What do you want?" Xiao Jinyu asked back.

Lu Lingxuan curved her lips and smiled.

"Where there is a reward there must be a punishment. If you cannot pray for rain, then you will be handed over to me for punishment. What do you think, Your Majesty?"

As she spoke, she turned her gaze to Gao Zhan.

"If I cannot pray for rain, I will kill myself in front of Your Majesty!"

With a loud bang, like a bolt from the blue, flashed in front of the ice well platform. Gao Changgong looked at Xiao Jinyu in confusion, thinking: Why did you make such a solemn oath?

Lu Lingxuan seemed to be surprised as well, and looked at Xiao Jinyu with an incredible smile.

"Okay! This is what you said!"

"I said it, and I never tell lies!"

After Xiao Jinyu finished speaking, she turned to Gao Zhan.

"Your Majesty is the ruler of a country, and your words are law. When the time comes, please come as a witness. If it works, please fulfill my wish. If not, I am willing to die!"

After saying that, Xiao Jinyu took Gao Changgong's hand and walked out of the ice well. At this moment, none of the dignitaries and their wives at the banquet dared to speak, and they were all stunned by the words of the Princess of Lanling.

Are you really willing to sacrifice your life just to become an official?

Some people couldn't help but sigh: After all, she is a talented woman, and she should have been a talented woman with an extremely beautiful appearance!

It would be such a pity if she really died at this moment!

Before the two of them had walked far, they heard Lu Lingxuan shouting from behind:

"Xiao Jinyu, if my information is correct, your mother was Xiao Luan, a third-rank female official during the reign of Emperor Wenxuan of Qi!"

"So, do you want to be the second Xiao Luan?"

These words made Xiao Jinyu stop in her tracks suddenly. At the same time, even Gao Zhan looked at her with suspicion.

"I have inquired about some of your affairs in the State of Chen. You are a very skilled doctor. You even cured your uncle Xian, who had been paralyzed for more than ten years and was destined not to live past the age of 25. So, is it true that this wound on your face cannot be cured?"

"Or do you simply want to conceal your identity?"

Amid Lu Lingxuan's repeated questioning, Gao Zhan's eyes narrowed slightly, and whispers were heard around him.

"What exactly does Lu Junjun mean by this?"

"This Princess Lanling actually knows medical skills?"

"..."

"My ancestor Zhongshu of Qi is also a very good doctor. Do you want him to help you?" Amidst the discussions, Lu Lingxuan asked again with a provocative smile.

Gao Changgong could no longer suppress his inner anger and shouted coldly: "My princess, who dares to touch her!"

This shout made Zu Ting dare not take a step closer, and also made all the powerful people here realize how much Gao Changgong valued the woman from the Southern Dynasty whom he married.

Even Gao Zhan couldn't help being moved.

"Chang Gong——"

Xiao Jinyu held his hand, looked at him and shook her head, then turned to Lu Lingxuan.

"Whether it can be cured or not, there is no need for Lord Lu to worry about me. But the point of the problem is not whether my injury can be cured, but why I got this injury? Isn't it?"

"Lanling Wang and I survived many deaths before returning to Yecheng. How can the murderer be at large and even confidently ask me if this injury can be cured?"

"Lord Lu, didn't you bribe the famous assassin Nie Yinniang to kill Chang Gong and me?"

Having said this, Xiao Jinyu felt that there was no need to continue, so she held Gao Changgong's hand tightly and walked out of the hall. Gao Changgong also seemed to be extremely tired of such banquets, so he simply picked her up and strode out of the hall to the Ice Well Terrace.

Gao Yanzong looked at Lu Lingxuan and He Shikai angrily, then ran out after Lanling King.

The atmosphere at the banquet was a little strange and cold. Xiao Jinyu's words seemed to echo in the ice well, and soon other dignitaries also dispersed with speculation and doubts.

After the ministers had dispersed, Gao Zhan turned his attention to He Shikai and Lu Lingxuan.

"Did you two do this?" he asked.

"Your Majesty, I am not a minister. Even if I had a hundred guts, I would not dare to steal your Majesty's jade seal and do something like falsely conveying the imperial edict."

He Shikai hugged Gao Zhan's legs and cried again, looking extremely aggrieved.

"Alright, alright, I don't know you yet. Go find out who is the person who forged the imperial edict and hand him over to the Dali Temple for punishment. I still need Gao Changgong, so he must be given an explanation for this matter!"

"Yes!"

"Then Lady Lu, what about you?" Gao Zhan turned and asked.

Before Lu Lingxuan could answer, a boy of about seven or eight years old ran over from behind and begged him, "Father, don't blame my sister. Everything my sister did was for the good of our Great Qi State. She would never do anything bad to let you down!"

This is the crown prince Gao Wei! Gao Wei's feelings for Lu Lingxuan now surpass those for his biological mother, Queen Hu.

This is also one of the reasons why Gao Zhan is so tolerant of Lu Lingxuan.

When asked at this time, Lu Lingxuan smiled and admitted frankly: "Your Majesty, I did send people to assassinate Princess Lanling. That's because I asked the wizard in the Bronze Sparrow Palace, and the wizard predicted that this woman from the Southern Dynasty has a stunning beauty and is likely to endanger the country of our Great Qi. So I am helping Your Majesty to eliminate the hidden danger!"

"What a stunning beauty! Her appearance is ruined like that, and only Gao Changgong would treat her as a treasure." Gao Zhan said disdainfully.

Although this woman does have some talent...

"Your Majesty, it's not certain whether his face is really disfigured!"

Gao Zhan narrowed his eyes and asked, "You mean, she really concealed her true appearance on purpose?"

"Your Majesty, my secret agent reported that when she was in the State of Chen, it was not until she married Lanling King and left Jiankang that the people of Chen knew her true appearance. That's why her reputation as a peerless beauty spread!"

Hearing this, Gao Zhan felt annoyed for no reason. Even if she was truly a beauty, so what? Gao Changgong regarded her as such a treasure. Moreover, this young lady had clearly played a trick on him today, offering to pray for rain in exchange for her being Lanling King's wife for the rest of her life!

When I think about it this way, it seems ridiculous!

Can she really pray for rain?