Returning to Nuanxin Garden, Mrs. He felt out of sorts and decided to start inventorying the warehouse, re-registering everything anew.
Tianmi returned to report that Mrs. Han had gone out.
"Gone out again!" Mrs. He said, feeling a sour twinge in her heart.
Mrs. Han actually lived quite freely. Seeing that the two concubines in the manor were now pregnant, she was not anxious at all. Whether they bore sons or daughters, she would spend her days either at Qiyue Academy living her own life or going out. It was said she went to the bookshops to buy paintings, and who knows what she wanted with so many paintings. But Mrs. He had never seen Mrs. Han bring any paintings back, so she assumed they were sent to the Han Family.
"Flush with cash to burn!" Mrs. He said bitterly, her jealousy towards Mrs. Han growing stronger.
When Mrs. Han arrived at the bookshop, the shopkeeper greeted her enthusiastically, "Madam, are you here to buy more paintings?"
Mrs. Han nodded slightly, "Mm, do you have the artworks of Scholar Han Shan today?"
"We do indeed. Yesterday, twenty pieces arrived. Scholar Han Shan said he’s preparing for the imperial examination and will thereafter not send anymore paintings!" the shopkeeper said as he brought out all the paintings that Feng Wushuang had sent.
It was unknown to him why this madam, out of all the masterpieces by famous artists available, would have a preference for Scholar Han Shan’s works.
Though Scholar Han Shan’s artworks were indeed respectable, he was yet unknown and a scholar from a humble background. It was also uncertain whether he would come out on top in the upcoming imperial examination.
"Just bring them all and calculate the cost," she instructed.
Mrs. Han didn’t particularly like any paintings, but Yun Jinnian had chanced upon them once and bought a few back. Since Mrs. Han thought Yun Jinnian liked them, she often came to buy more and left them at the Han Family’s place for Yun Jinnian to enjoy upon his return.
After Mrs. Han had left the bookshop with the paintings, Feng Wushuang stepped out from behind the counter, momentarily unable to regain his composure.
It was her, the lady he had seen at the entrance of Xufuji—presumably the mother of Yun Jinnian’s fourth sister.
Why would she want to buy all his paintings? Was it appreciation, or did she know of his difficult life?
But the difficulties were all part of the past. Now that he had sold so many paintings, his mother’s illness had improved. Life would get even better after the examination. He had already decided to stop selling his paintings, but now...
Feng Wushuang hurriedly followed her out.
As Mrs. Han was about to board her carriage, he called out to her in haste, "Madam, please wait a moment!"
Mrs. Han frowned, while Bai Que was already on guard and watched Feng Wushuang closely.
"What is it you want?" Mrs. Han asked indifferently, looking at the young man standing before her.
He was clad in simple blue attire, and although he looked quite presentable, his plain clothes could not mask his inherent refinement and grace.
Feng Wushuang bowed respectfully, "Madam, are you purchasing Scholar Han Shan’s paintings?"
"I have Scholar Han Shan’s paintings in my possession. Since madam likes them, perhaps I could give you a few?" Feng Wushuang ventured tentatively.
It was really just a ploy to get more familiar with Mrs. Han.
Should he achieve success in the examinations...
At this thought, Feng Wushuang felt a surge of excitement.
"I am not fond of paintings. It is my daughter who likes them, which is why I’ve been buying them. If you have any, deliver them to this bookshop, and I will come every now and then to purchase them!" With that, Mrs. Han boarded her carriage.
Feng Wushuang stood rooted to the spot, taking a long time to recover his senses.
She likes them. She likes his paintings.
She actually likes...
"Heh heh!" Feng Wushuang began to laugh foolishly to himself, overjoyed as he went home and directly into his room.
He was determined to paint a few even better ones to keep, so he could personally give them to her in the future!
Bai Que hesitated, wanting to speak.
Mrs. Han glanced at her, "Speak your mind!"
"Madam, I found that scholar a bit odd. How could he possibly have Scholar Han Shan’s paintings?" Bai Que said.
Mrs. Han laughed, "Because he is Scholar Han Shan!"