The woman in the painting stands smiling, surrounded by a profusion of flowers, but the attendant feels that no matter how beautiful the flowers are, they can never outshine the woman.
It has no charm whatsoever, because the woman's lifelike quality is incomparable to that of inanimate objects.
Yes, so lifelike. The woman was smiling, but her eyes sparkled with a bright and mischievous light. He could see her vitality at a glance, and the slight curve of her lips...
Her lips were slightly curved, her expression utterly serene, radiating an air of composure and calmness. Yet, she appeared remarkably young, a complex blend of qualities that...
However, this only made the woman appear even more charming. Of course, this also demonstrates Leng Caiwen's exceptional skill in painting, making him a true master.
The attendant inwardly admired his young master's skill, but when his gaze returned to the woman in the painting, a strange thought suddenly flashed through his mind, and he frowned slightly.
The next moment, her eyes widened in shock: "Young Master... this... isn't this the Third Miss Ouyang Yue from the General's Mansion?"
Leng Caiwen raised an eyebrow, remaining silent, neither confirming nor denying, which greatly alarmed his attendant. The young master's calligraphy and painting skills were quite high, but he had one flaw...
She didn't like drawing people. From the time she was by the young master's side, he only knew that the young master had drawn two people: one was the old matriarch, the young master's grandmother, and the other was the woman in this painting.
The attendant stared intently at Leng Caiwen's face, as if trying to find something good in it.
Leng Caiwen glanced at him sideways, a smirk playing on her lips, and said with an air of smugness, "What, you also want your young master to paint one? And those big eyes of yours, do you think..."
"Is this painting not good?"
The attendant immediately shut his mouth, but then said, "No, this servant is not worthy of having the young master paint this. This servant... this servant thinks the painting is too good, even..."
Every glance and movement seemed so real; this servant felt as if this person might step out of the painting at any moment. This servant was utterly astonished.
"Hmm, humph." Leng Caiwen curled her lips and glanced at her attendant indifferently, clearly knowing that there was something fishy about what he said.
The attendant wasn't telling the truth either. Having served Leng Caiwen for several years, he knew what to say and what not to say. The young master usually seemed...
He seems all smiles and easy to talk to, but that's only because you haven't offended him. The young master prefers to operate in the shadows; some people don't even know how they got into trouble.
It seems that the young master, who is quiet and always has a smile on his face, is much more hateful than those who put on a cold face. He is hard to guard against.
"Alright, you can go now. I'll be sleeping in the study tonight."
The attendant dared not say more and immediately withdrew.
Leng Caiwen's lips curled slightly, and with a flick of his hand, the painting was suspended from the ceiling. It then descended, and Leng Caiwen walked into the painting with a grin.
He stroked his chin slightly, a hint of pride on his face: "Hmm, my technique has indeed improved again. I never thought I'd give you my second portrait painting." (Ouyang)
"Oh, Ouyang Yue, you should feel honored." He chuckled to himself as he spoke, but gazing at the smiling Ouyang Yue in the painting, he couldn't help but narrow his eyes, staring intently.
After a long time...
On this day, Ouyang Yue was having a meal with Ouyang Zhide at Mingyue Pavilion. The two were chatting and laughing when Hei Da walked in: "General, someone in the mansion requests an audience."
"Hmm, who is requesting an audience?" Ouyang Zhide asked.
Hei Da hesitated, then said, "General, I don't know the details either. But that man told you to hurry up and leave. He seems to be someone important."
Ouyang Zhide frowned, slightly displeased with the man's behavior. This man had come to the mansion to request an audience, yet he hadn't told anyone and had only asked Ouyang Zhide to receive him; it seemed somewhat like the guest was usurping the host's role.
Meaning, but who was Ouyang Zengde? He was a high-ranking official in the court. Someone daring to act like this clearly meant this person was someone of considerable influence. Ouyang Zengde dared not be negligent and immediately stood up and addressed the person…
Ouyang Yue said, "Yue'er, you eat first. It won't be long. Dad will come back to keep you company later."
“Okay, Father, you go ahead.” Ouyang Yue nodded.
The black-clad man quickly said, "General, that person specifically requested that the Third Miss also come along."
"What? Let Yue'er go too? What does this person mean?" Ouyang Zhide's mind raced, and Ouyang Yue was also taken aback. Judging from this person's background, besides recognizing him...
If Baili Chen doesn't recognize anyone else, is he up to something again? Ouyang Yue wasn't too worried and followed Ouyang Zhide directly to the...
Inside the hall.
To their surprise, when they arrived at the hall, the person they had requested an audience with was not there. Hei Da's expression also turned sour: "Master, this man said..."
"Have your subordinates invite the master first, then go out of the manor to fetch him."
Ouyang Zhide frowned, and Ouyang Yue's face darkened. However, given Baili Chen's status, no one could find fault with this. Ouyang Zhide was displeased, but still...
He waved for Hei Da to go fetch someone, then turned to Ouyang Yue and said, "I wonder who it is that dares to torment me like this in the Great Zhou Dynasty. It's truly rare to see such a thing." Ouyang Zhide
His voice was somewhat cold when he said this.
Ouyang Yue slightly lowered her brows. Baili Chen could indeed be... She glanced at Ouyang Zhide, but said nothing. What could that scoundrel possibly do?
She wasn't surprised at all.
A moment later, Hei Da walked in. With a swift movement, Ouyang Zhide and Ouyang Yue saw the person behind him, but they were both stunned. They saw that behind Hei Da was...
Three people entered. Two were cold-faced men dressed in black, walking with ramrod straight backs and powerful strides, clearly skilled in martial arts. The man in front of them was...
The grey robe, made of rather ordinary fabric, was adorned only by intricate embroidery on the grey sleeves, alongside a row of smaller tigers.
The outfit added a lot to his appearance. However, compared to these external things, the man's aura was even more astonishing. He stood tall, like a tree with straight branches, exuding a powerful presence.
This man was quite young, only in his early twenties, with a sculpted face, rugged and handsome, with sharp and prominent features. He was definitely not one of those pleasure-seeking officials in the capital who only knew how to eat, drink, and be merry.
Incomparable to him, the moment he stepped into the hall, Ouyang Yue was startled. She searched her memory, but had absolutely no recollection of this person. However, this man...
As soon as he entered, his eyes were fixed on her, never looking away. The emotion in his eyes chilled her to the bone. Could it be that the original owner of this body had some memories left behind after her death?
Is it down?
Ouyang Zhide was stunned for a moment, then exclaimed in surprise, "General Xuanyuan!"
Upon hearing this, Ouyang Yue was immediately startled. General Xuanyuan? There was only one General Xuanyuan who could surprise Ouyang Zhide like this: the one who held the most military power in the court and had great influence.
The First General of Zhou – Xuanyuan Chaohua!
☆、127、Rival in Love? Undercurrents
Ouyang Zhide and Ouyang Yue were both very surprised, because their family had no connection with the Xuanyuan family, and Xuanyuan Chaohua's identity was indeed surprising and made them wait.
This Xuanyuan Chaohua was none other than the only grandson of Princess Shuangxia. Years ago, after the Great Zhou Dynasty's First General, Xuanyuan Hu, was killed by refugees, Princess Shuangxia directly adopted a young general from Xuanyuan Hu's army—Xuanyuan Zheng, Xuanyuan Chaohua's father. Princess Shuangxia treated him as her own son and, despite considerable pressure, insisted on making Xuanyuan Zheng Xuanyuan Hu's successor. However, this happy period was short-lived. Seven years after succeeding Xuanyuan Hu as the First General, Xuanyuan Zheng also died in battle. Fortunately, before this, Xuanyuan Zheng had married a woman at the border, and they had Xuanyuan Chaohua.
Princess Shuangxia raised Xuanyuan Chaohua with ruthless methods, ensuring he would inherit General Xuanyuan's mantle. The difficulties she faced were immense, given that Xuanyuan Chaohua wasn't her biological grandson, making his claim somewhat illegitimate. However, Xuanyuan Chaohua proved exceptionally capable, displaying remarkable intelligence and diligence from a young age. He excelled in both literature and martial arts, surpassing all others to become the top martial arts scholar at the tender age of thirteen. He then went to the border, where he repeatedly distinguished himself in meritorious service. Even those who had initially hoped to see Xuanyuan Chaohua and Princess Shuangxia fail fell silent; compared to his father and grandfather, Xuanyuan Chaohua was clearly far more outstanding.
His grandfather, though brave and skilled in battle, possessed a terrifying aura and appearance. Despite his reputation as a fierce and powerful general, he inspired a sense of unapproachability and fear. His father, Xuanyuan Zheng, was the complete opposite of Xuanyuan Hu. He was born with the appearance of a refined gentleman. Although he was educated by Princess Shuangxia and possessed exceptional literary and martial skills, he would have been an outstanding figure as a civil official. Unfortunately, he was far less impressive on the battlefield. Xuanyuan Chaohua, on the other hand, was exceptionally handsome and talented in both literature and martial arts, possessing the best qualities of both his father and grandfather. When he was only thirteen years old, he went to the border as a general. Who would respect him? Yet, Xuanyuan Chaohua, through his martial arts skills and intelligence, managed to win over the soldiers in the camp, which was truly remarkable. He served in the army for over eight years, and this year, Xuanyuan Chaohua is twenty-one years old.
Xuanyuan Chaohua was talented and handsome, and had become famous at a young age. In addition, Princess Shuangxia doted on him, so he could be considered the number one young talent in the Great Zhou Dynasty. Women flocked to him. However, he was always stationed at the border, which saved him some trouble. As a result, he was over twenty years old and still unmarried.
Ouyang Yue had read all of this in a book, and she never imagined that she would have any connection with Xuan Yuan Chaohua. Looking at Ouyang Zhide, she didn't seem to know him well either. What did he mean by coming to visit her now?
Ouyang Zhide was shocked because he hadn't heard that Xuanyuan Chaohua would return to the capital. His unauthorized return and visit—if this got out, it would be a serious crime of treason. Ouyang Zhide's expression changed drastically. "General Xuanyuan, your sudden return to the capital... this..."
Seeing Ouyang Zhide's expression, both Ouyang Yue and Xuanyuan Chaohua understood his worries. Ouyang Yue looked at the latter, only to see his calm smile, without a trace of concern, as he said, "General Ouyang, I have long heard of your illustrious reputation and have always wanted to find an opportunity to meet you. This time, upon returning to the capital, I couldn't resist coming to see you. I hope you won't blame me for my abruptness." Xuanyuan Chaohua's voice was very restrained and deep, which, combined with his sculpted and masculine face, gave people a sense of breadth and weight, which was extremely reassuring for women.
No one would believe that he came to visit because of Ouyang Zhide's reputation, but when Xuanyuan Chaohua said it, it was sincere. Although Ouyang Zhide had the thought of sending him away, he still smiled and said, "Not at all. I also greatly admire General Xuanyuan's reputation and have always wanted to find an opportunity to meet him. However, General Xuanyuan is often away from home and rarely returns to the capital. I have missed the opportunity before, and I have always regretted it. I am very happy to meet you today. General Xuanyuan, please have a seat."
"Then I won't stand on ceremony, General Ouyang, please."
"please."
The two men and Ouyang Yue took their seats. Xuan Yuan Chaohua smiled and said, "Speaking of which, General Ouyang is a senior general of my grand-nephew generation. General Ouyang, please don't call me General. Just call me by my name. It would be unsettling for a junior to speak to an elder like that."
Upon hearing Xuan Yuan Chaohua's words, Ouyang Zhide's brow twitched. Putting aside the fact that Xuan Yuan Chaohua himself was extremely capable and talented, deserving of the title of general, he was also the grandson of Princess Shuangxia. He could even call the emperor "uncle" affectionately, making him a true member of the imperial family, and one of the most closely connected. Why would he need to be polite to ordinary ministers? This immediately made Ouyang Zhide wary. He smiled and said, "General Xuan Yuan, what are you saying? You are exceptionally talented and have the ability to lead a general. I admire you greatly. This courtesy cannot be lacking, it cannot be lacking."
Seeing Ouyang Zhide's expression, Xuanyuan Chaohua didn't insist any further. He just smiled. At this moment, a servant brought over tea and snacks. Xuanyuan Chaohua picked up the teacup, took a small sip, and couldn't help but sigh, "The tea at home is still the most flavorful. I couldn't drink such good tea when I was at the border."
Ouyang Yue squinted at Xuan Yuan Chaohua. What was this man's purpose in coming to the General's Mansion? He even said the tea at home was good—was this the General's Mansion his home? Of course, her "home" probably meant returning to the capital, but it still made people feel that his words had a hidden meaning. Xuan Yuan Chaohua suddenly turned his head, his eyes flickered as he looked at Ouyang Yue, and then he smiled slightly, which was quite meaningful. This made Ouyang Yue feel inexplicably uneasy. This Xuan Yuan Chaohua was really strange. Was he here to win over her father? Her father was indeed very advantageous in front of the Emperor, and many ministers in the court wanted to win him over. As the number one general of the Great Zhou, Xuan Yuan Chaohua's status and power were stronger than her father's. Normally, he shouldn't be doing this. However, the higher one's position and power, the more people would be wary of him. If that were the case, it wouldn't be understandable. But if he were to try to win over her father, it would probably bring trouble to the General's Mansion.
The news of Xuan Yuan Chaohua's return to the capital was not heard at all in the capital. He may have returned to the capital against the imperial decree. If Ouyang Zhide had known it was him at the time, he probably would not have met with him.
"Uncle Ouyang, this tea is so fragrant, was it brewed with dew?" Xuan Yuan Chaohua asked with a smile, engrossed in sipping his tea.
As a military officer, Ouyang Zhide was not likely to notice such subtle details and was taken aback. Ouyang Yue was even more confused. Xuan Yuan Chaohua, on the other hand, was a very observant person and said, "General Xuan Yuan is right. This tea was brewed with morning dew. General Xuan Yuan has a good eye."
Xuanyuan Chaohua smiled: "I can't call it a good eye. I just tasted it once when I was a child and I couldn't forget it. This must be the third young lady of your household. I've heard of your great name before."
Ouyang Yue simply smiled faintly: "It's probably not a good reputation. I'm sorry to have made General Xuanyuan laugh at me."
Xuan Yuan Chaohua simply looked at Ouyang Yue and smiled, "Good names and bad names are all just people's opinions. As for the facts, many times they are just rumors and cannot be taken seriously. I, however, truly believe the facts that I have seen with my own eyes."
Ouyang Yue raised an eyebrow and couldn't help but ask, "Oh, so what kind of person am I in General Xuanyuan's eyes?"
Xuanyuan Chaohua took a sip of tea: "Intelligent, cunning, brave, and resourceful, if he were a man, he would probably be no less talented than me."
Ouyang Yue's eyes flickered, glancing at Xuan Yuan Chaohua's face. At that moment, the latter's lips curled up slightly, a pleased smile playing on his lips. Ouyang Yue couldn't help but wonder if he had been flirting with her earlier. Yet, she said, "I'm completely bewildered that a hero like General Xuan Yuan would praise me so highly."
Xuanyuan Chaohua didn't say anything more, but quietly drank a cup of tea. After finishing it, he drank three more cups in a row, then stood up and said, "General Ouyang's reputation and prestige are indeed remarkable. It was right for me to come and visit you after arriving in the capital. If there are any official difficulties in the future, please do not delay, General Ouyang."
Ouyang Zhide quickly stood up and said, "Of course, of course, of course. I'll see General Xuanyuan off."
Xuanyuan Chaohua smiled and said, "There's no need for that. My visit is already an inconvenience, and it would be too much trouble for General Ouyang to see me off. It would be better if Miss Ouyang could see me out."
"This..." How could this be? Ouyang Yue is an unmarried woman. If she were to see Xuan Yuan Chaohua off like this, it would be difficult to explain. Ouyang Zhide was about to object when Ouyang Yue smiled and said, "Alright, Father, then I will see General Xuan Yuan off first."
Before Ouyang Zhide could stop her, Ouyang Yue smiled and said, "General Xuanyuan, please."
Xuan Yuan Chaohua nodded to Ouyang Zhide, turned around and left the hall first. Ouyang Zhide had a sullen face, and Hei Da couldn't help but advise, "Master, don't worry. The servants in this mansion are always on the move, and there are guards following behind. I think Xuan Yuan Chaohua wouldn't dare to have any improper intentions towards the Third Miss."
Ouyang Zhide nodded slightly, but his expression remained unpleasant. Xuan Yuan Chaohua's arrival was too sudden. If he truly came because of his reputation, why didn't he speak with him more? He left after only three cups of tea, even insisting that Ouyang Yue see him off. Ouyang Zhide couldn't help but worry. Yue'er was still very young. She had been deceived by Hong Yicheng before. If Xuan Yuan Chaohua really did something to her this time, Ouyang Yue could forget about getting married for the rest of her life.
Walking along the path to the General's Mansion, Ouyang Yue deliberately kept her companions at a distance. She had a bellyful of questions she needed to ask. The two of them walked leisurely, neither taking big nor fast steps. Xuan Yuan Chaohua sighed, "It feels like the capital has changed a lot since I last returned to it after so many years."
Ouyang Yue nodded slightly and said, "That's true. Things easily change over time."
Xuan Yuan Chaohua glanced back at her and said, "I didn't expect that Miss Ouyang would have such insights into life at such a young age. It's not like you would have such thoughts at your age."
"Oh?" Ouyang Yue looked at him and smiled, "Then what physiognomy does General Xuanyuan say is normal for a young girl like me?"
Xuan Yuan Chaohua didn't speak, but turned and walked forward. After a few more steps, he said, "Miss Ouyang probably has some questions for me. I'm all ears."
Seeing that he had spoken frankly, Ouyang Yue stopped trying to evade the question and said, "A person of General Xuanyuan's status and position should not be the one to be prioritized upon returning to the capital, but this is not to say that my father is not important. It's just that this is really not reasonable. It's as if General Xuanyuan did it on purpose. I really can't understand it. I wonder if you could enlighten me?"
Xuan Yuan Chaohua nodded: "You're right. General Ouyang's status is indeed not worthy of my visit. Besides, we can meet at court another day. This trip is indeed a bit unnecessary." Xuan Yuan Chaohua suddenly stopped and looked at Ouyang Yue with a smile, "So, I came here for you."
Ouyang Yue's heart skipped a beat, and she raised an eyebrow at Xuan Yuan Chaohua: "So General Xuan Yuan is this curious. You went to such lengths just to see what I, one of the three ugliest women in the capital, look like. It's really not easy." There was clearly some sarcasm in her words, but Xuan Yuan Chaohua didn't care. "Miss Ouyang should know that it's not wise to lie in front of smart people. You know perfectly well that's not what I meant. I came here for you, not for fame or anything else, just for you."
Ouyang Yue's smile had vanished. She simply said, "Unfortunately, I don't remember ever meeting General Xuanyuan. General Xuanyuan's behavior is truly perplexing."
Xuanyuan Chaohua said, "You're wrong. Although you've never seen me, I have seen you." Ouyang Yue looked at him in confusion, and the latter said, "I saw you once when you were a child. You were fighting with a group of boys and actually managed to drive away those arrogant boys. That was the first time I had ever seen a girl like that. It was really interesting."
Ouyang Yue squinted: "So General Xuanyuan came to the capital this time to see what kind of tigress that domineering and fierce girl from his youth has grown into."
Xuanyuan Chaohua laughed and said, "You're even cuter than when you were little."
Ouyang Yue stared at him coldly. As a woman, no one would like to be called a tigress. Although she didn't care, it was not a pleasant thing to be called a tigress by someone she had never met before, yet he saw her as a security lock and treated it as a joke.