Chapter 73: Chapter 35: Drawing
Ma Chengteng immediately ordered someone to fetch the painting tools. Yueyao, not skilled in the use of colors, simply relied on the interplay of black and white. She painted a scene of Begonia Garden.
Ma Chengteng stood quietly to the side, watching Yueyao paint. As he watched, he became utterly enchanted.
The painting surely took no short amount of time. Come the hour for lunch, Old Granny Deng came over to remind Ma Chengteng. Ma Chengteng, observing Yueyao deeply engrossed to the point she was unaware of others’ presence, shook his head and said, “Have the meals laid out in the courtyard. Tell Madam we won’t be joining her for lunch.”
Lady Cheng had prepared an entire table of fine dishes to welcome Yueyao, but was not expecting to be brushed off with such a comment from Ma Chengteng. Immediately her face fell, “What are Old Master and Cousin Miss doing at Begonia Garden?” What could they possibly be discussing that would make them miss lunch?
The maid who had gone to pass the message shook her head, “Madam, I do not know.” Those serving in the courtyard were all maids brought over by Yueyao, and the other servants were not in the Inner Courtyard, so they truly had no idea what Old Master and Cousin Miss could be discussing in the courtyard that made them miss the time for lunch.
When Yueyao finished painting, Ma Chengteng was still in a daze. It wasn’t until Yueyao spoke up that he snapped out of it, “Uncle, if the painting is not good, please don’t laugh at me.”
Ma Chengteng then urgently replied, “Yueyao, tell your uncle, have you truly only studied painting for five years?” He knew that Yueyao had begun learning to paint at the age of three. But now, looking at Yueyao’s painting, the skill she exhibited suggested at least a decade’s worth of experience. This was utterly astonishing.
In truth, Yueyao was intentionally playing down her abilities, not revealing all her talents. She understood well enough that showing off was acceptable, but being too prodigious could arouse suspicion.
Of course, Ma Chengteng would never suspect his niece of being a freak of nature. However, looking at Yueyao’s artwork, he could only shake his head and then nod.
Old Granny Deng hurriedly came over saying, “Old Master, Miss, it’s time for lunch.”
Yueyao said with a smile, “Nanny, I’m starting to feel a little hungry. Has Tingzheng had his meal? He shouldn’t have to go hungry as well, should he?”
Old Granny Deng replied with a smile, “Not yet. The young master has already been summoned. However, Uncle Master has not eaten yet.” Honestly, Uncle Master, making the young miss miss her meal time. Of course, Old Granny Deng groused, but she was nevertheless pleased.
After lunch, Ma Chengteng began to critique Yueyao’s painting. He had much praise, but there were also areas needing improvement. Of course, considering Yueyao’s age, the shortcomings were understandable, “Yaoyao, why can’t you be a boy. If you were, I would recommend you to Mr. Yu Shan and have him take you on as a student. With Mr. Yu Shan’s guidance, you would surely achieve great things in the future.”
A flicker passed across Yueyao’s eyes. She was all too familiar with that name – Mr. Yu Shan, one of the three Great Painters of the world, more renowned than her mentor, Teacher Wen, with the title of a national treasure. If she could receive guidance from Mr. Yu Shan, it would be an immense opportunity. Yet Yueyao quickly composed herself; no matter her skill, Mr. Yu Shan would not accept her as his student, just as Teacher Wen did not – because she was a woman. “Uncle, are you good friends with Mr. Yu Shan?” If Mr. Yu Shan was a close friend of her uncle, perhaps there might be a chance to meet him.
Ma Chengteng nodded slightly, “Friends would be an overstatement; we have met a few times. However, I am somewhat acquainted with his brother. It’s a pity you’re a woman, such a pity.” With Yueyao’s talents, if she were a man, he believed Mr. Yu Shan would definitely take her on as a student. To date, Mr. Yu Shan had only taken on two students, and recently he heard that Mr. Yu Shan was considering taking a Closed-door Disciple.
Yueyao held no such expectation, but that didn’t prevent her from asking Ma Chengteng, “Uncle, if there’s a chance in the future, I hope to receive guidance from Mr. Yu Shan.” Even a chance to see him and have him point out the deficiencies in her painting would be much better than her trying to figure things out by herself since he was such a master.
Ma Chengteng looked at his niece’s painting and chuckled, nodding, “There should be an opportunity in the future.”
Yueyao felt somewhat disappointed upon hearing this. The future – that opportunity seemed so distant! Confined to the inner chambers, her chances to venture out were extremely limited. With this thought, Yueyao couldn’t help feeling a bit downcast.
Seeing his niece’s disappointed look, Ma Chengteng felt a tinge of pity, “How about this? I’ll show him your painting and have him critique it. Afterwards, I’ll relay to you what needs improvement. How does that sound?” This was the best compromise he could offer.
Yueyao shook her head, “Uncle, I don’t want others to know the level of my painting skills. Nor do I want them to know that I’ve dabbled in poetry as well.”