Soon, two maids entered carrying more than ten scrolls of paintings. They placed them on the long couch in the warm chamber, while Qin Wan and Meng Yao stood beside them to examine each one as they were unrolled.
The elderly matron said, “All the paintings Master ordered last time have been delivered. There are also several pieces that the masters painted casually while observing the courtyard scenery that day. The apprentice said that if Master likes them, he can keep them, and if not, they can be returned. He mentioned that Master Ning wouldn’t charge for those few pieces.”
Meng Yao nodded in acknowledgment. Qin Wan asked, “How many masters did the Meng household invite that day for painting?”
Meng Yao explained, “Since you’ve only recently returned to the capital, you might not know that Master Ning’s gallery is the finest in the capital. Besides Master Ning himself, there are more than ten other painters there. While Master Ning’s technique is certainly first-class, the other masters each have their specialties and styles. When wealthy families host grand banquets, they usually invite several masters together. Some excel at flowers and birds, others at human figures, some use bold and heavy strokes, while others have a more elegant and subtle style. That day, besides Master Ning, we invited two other masters – one known for landscapes and another for portrait paintings.”
Qin Wan had already met Ning Bu Yi, though she naturally wouldn’t mention this to Meng Yao now. While Ning’s gallery had been established for some time when she and her parents first arrived in the capital, they hadn’t hosted tea parties or invited painters like other nobles, so she wasn’t familiar with these customs. Now, hearing Meng Yao’s explanation, she understood.
As they talked, Meng Yao opened the first painting. It revealed a family gathering scene, with a courtyard of red plum blossoms and white snow in the background. It depicted a large family enjoying a garden party. Qin Wan looked carefully, and though she wasn’t very familiar with the various branches of the Meng family, she could immediately identify who was who. The three Meng brothers were shown drinking tea in the pavilion, with Meng Wei standing beside them. Outside the courtyard, Meng Yao and her siblings stood with another young girl in the snow. Meng Zi Yi and his wife stood beneath a plum tree, while the other three ladies were shown talking by the railing. Though the painting contained more than ten people, it didn’t appear crowded at all. Instead, it portrayed the harmonious relationships between the Meng brothers, their wives, and the family’s prosperity. Qin Wan scanned each person in the painting, finding every likeness remarkably true to life.
“This is Master Ning’s work. He excels at both figures and scenery, and his composition is always masterful. We were quite scattered that day… It was the Laba Festival, the weather was cold, and snow had fallen. Nobody wanted to stay outside for long, so after sitting in the courtyard briefly, we returned to the Mingde Tower nearby.”
Qin Wan nodded, “Master Ning’s painting skill is indeed exceptional.”
Meng Yao smiled and nodded, examining the mounting and inscription before being satisfied enough to roll it up and set it aside.
Next, Meng Yao opened another painting, this one showing just Meng Zhou, Meng Yao, and Meng Zi Chen – a family of three. In the painting, Meng Zi Chen appeared particularly vibrant, his eyes especially seeming to come alive on the paper.
Meng Yao’s eyes softened with warmth. “It’s painted beautifully.”
When commissioning paintings, the purpose was to preserve memories, so naturally, they needed to be lifelike. As Qin Wan observed the family of three, her thoughts turned to her own family of three, and though her expression remained neutral, her heart felt a touch of bitterness.
After this painting, Meng Yao opened the third scroll. This one showed the three Meng brothers standing atop a three-story building. Meng Zhou stood in the center, with Meng Hui and Meng Jin on either side. Whatever Meng Zhou had said had brought a broad smile to Meng Hui’s face, while Meng Jin’s expression remained indifferent. Moreover, Meng Jin’s gaze was downcast, looking in a different direction from Meng Zhou and Meng Hui. Though this painting of brothers viewing heights appeared to have an air of transcendence, upon closer inspection, one could see that the brotherhood wasn’t truly harmonious. Qin Wan couldn’t help but marvel at how meticulous the painter had been in capturing these subtle details.
Meng Yao also noticed these nuances in the painting. To those unfamiliar with the Meng family’s internal affairs, nothing would seem amiss, but to those who knew, the painting revealed some of the brothers’ conflicts. Meng Yao gave a bitter smile. “Master Ning has always been attentive to detail. Second Uncle wasn’t listening to Father and Fourth Uncle at that moment…”
Qin Wan, not wanting to make Meng Yao uncomfortable, suggested, “Perhaps he was admiring the scenery.”
Meng Yao shook her head as she rolled up the painting. “Second Uncle is gone now, and as juniors, we shouldn’t say more. No matter what happened, none of us wanted anything bad to happen to anyone in the family. Zi Chen mentioned the other day that Second Uncle used to buy him many small toys.”
Even though Meng Jin had been greedy, from Meng Yao’s words, it was clear he had shown great care for the younger generation, giving people reason to remember him fondly.
The first three paintings were all by Ning Bu Yi, but when Meng Yao opened the fourth, the style changed noticeably. This painting depicted the Meng mansion after a snowfall, with its connected pavilions and buildings covered in white snow, yet unable to conceal the family’s noble status and wealth. The artist had created a grand composition with extreme attention to detail. Having visited many parts of the Meng mansion, Qin Wan could tell from just the lake scene that the master’s skill was considerable. Following this, Meng Yao opened several more paintings, which were individual portraits of the family members. Qin Wan saw portraits of other branches of the family as well. The Fourth Branch showed a family of three, with Fourth Master Meng Hui’s arm around his wife’s shoulders and their young daughter standing beside them, all with bright smiles. The Third Branch, showing a widow and son plus a daughter-in-law Xu Shi, also appeared harmonious. The only somewhat strange portrait was of the Second Branch, where Second Madam and Meng Jin stood side by side but not particularly close. Though Meng Jin was smiling, Second Madam’s face was stern with barely a trace of joy. Meng Wei, however, stood casually on Meng Jin’s other side, his face full of vitality.
As she examined each painting, Qin Wan gained insight into the Meng family’s internal dynamics. When they reached the Second Branch’s portrait, Meng Yao sighed, “Second Aunt isn’t one to smile much. The painter was quite troubled that day, but eventually added his interpretation – if you look closely, you can see her lips are slightly upturned.”
The next scroll revealed a painting of just Meng Zi Yi and Xu Shi. They stood beneath a corridor, with Meng Zi Yi holding Xu Shi’s hand and pointing to some plum blossoms in the distance, apparently explaining something to her. This painting featured only the two of them, and the artist had captured their deep affection, painting both their expressions with relaxed smiles. Seeing this, Qin Wan’s lips curved slightly. “Fourth Young Master and his wife truly have a wonderful relationship.”
Meng Yao nodded. “Indeed they do. Fourth Brother has always been sickly and struggles with a stutter. After their Third Uncle passed away, he and his Third Aunt rarely smiled. It wasn’t until the Fourth Sister-in-law married into the family that their household gained some life again. However, perhaps because Fourth Brother is so weak, even though Fourth Sister-in-law has been married for two years, she hasn’t conceived yet. The third Aunt is quite worried about this – her health isn’t good, and she wants to see her Fourth Brother have an heir before she can rest easy… Because of this, Fourth Brother has been taking medicine continuously.”
Meng Yao spoke openly to Qin Wan, holding nothing back. The subsequent paintings showed either the younger generation or the various wives. While there was nothing particularly noteworthy about the younger generation’s portraits, those of the three wives revealed certain dynamics. In the family group portrait, these weren’t as apparent, but here it was clear that the Third Madam and Fourth Madam stood closer together, while the Second Madam stood apart, appearing somewhat isolated.
Seeing this, Meng Yao remarked, “Second Aunt has had a hard life.”
Qin Wan hesitated before asking, “You’ve mentioned that Second Madam is Second Master’s second wife. Why hasn’t she had any children all these years?”
Meng Yao’s expression turned hesitant. “Actually… The second Aunt did become pregnant in her second year of marriage, but she miscarried. After that, she was never able to conceive again. Later, doctors said she couldn’t have children anymore. Since then, Second Aunt has become increasingly withdrawn. She used to get along well with Third Sister-in-law, and while she wasn’t close to the Fourth Branch because of the relationship between Fourth Uncle and Second Uncle, Third Sister-in-law is a truly kind person. Even after losing Third Uncle, although she became somewhat reclusive, she would return others’ kindness twofold. Zi Chen used to enjoy visiting the Third Branch when he wasn’t ill, but in the past six months, as his condition has worsened, he rarely goes out anymore.”
Listening to this and looking at the Third Madam’s haggard appearance in the painting, Qin Wan sighed inwardly. First to suffer the loss of a child, then to lose her husband – one could only imagine the depth of her sorrow.
“Both Second Madam and Third Madam have led unfortunate lives,” Qin Wan remarked.
Meng Yao nodded, sighing as she opened the remaining paintings. Besides several garden scenes, there was a final formal family portrait with everyone from the Meng household. The elders sat in the front row while the younger generation stood behind them – a very formal and proper family portrait. Meng Yao scanned it for any errors, then rolled it up and sent the matron out to deliver a message before inviting Qin Wan to sit and have tea.
“With such events in our household, losing two people at once, these paintings will become the final records, never to be created again.” Meng Yao had cried earlier over Meng Wei’s death, and even now, speaking of it brought back the sorrow. “My eldest brother was quite mischievous in his youth. He bullied all of us younger ones. When he grew older, though still somewhat unruly, he treated us younger ones better. After he started working with Second Uncle in business, he improved considerably. Before the New Year, Second Uncle and my father had arranged to find him a marriage match, planning for the wedding this year, but who would have thought…”
“Do you believe he committed suicide?” Qin Wan asked.
Meng Yao gave a bitter smile and shook her head. “How could I believe that? My brother, even when he was punished as a child – like when Fourth Brother fell from his horse, which was partially his fault. Fourth Brother’s hand was permanently injured, and for a long time, he couldn’t write or eat properly. Father was furious and first beat him with the family rod, then locked him in the ancestral hall for two days and nights without food. Even then, though he resented Father for a while, he never became so despondent as to consider suicide.”
Listening to this, Qin Wan confirmed her initial suspicions. In this world, some people would never consider suicide – some always maintain hope, while others, even in desperate situations, would rather cause others pain than take their own lives. Though Qin Wan couldn’t say which type Meng Wei was, she believed he died full of unwillingness – how could he die before finding that key?
Thinking this, Qin Wan continued, “If so, it seems he was murdered…”
“Murdered? But who in this household would want to harm him?” Meng Yao’s eyes reddened, her expression helpless, clearly believing no one in the Meng household was capable of such evil.
“The authorities are investigating again. Try not to think too much about it. The dead cannot return to life, and with your weak constitution, you shouldn’t grieve excessively. The young master still needs your care.”
Qin Wan offered comfort, and Meng Yao wiped her moist eyes, nodding, “Don’t worry, I understand.”
As they talked, Qin Wan noticed two books in the corner of the couch table. Changing the subject, she brought up Meng Yao’s love of poetry and literature. This topic somewhat lessened Meng Yao’s grief. Though Qin Wan wasn’t as versed in poetry and literature as the capital’s noble ladies, she enjoyed reading and knew much. They chatted pleasantly for two more cups of tea. Seeing the day growing late, Qin Wan rose to leave, with Meng Yao reluctantly walking her out.
“Because of my illness, I rarely socialize with other young ladies. It’s been so long since I’ve had such an engaging conversation. Ninth Miss, I’m truly grateful for today.”
Qin Wan smiled. “As friends, there’s no need for thanks. Both you and your brother should continue taking the medicine, and we’ll check again in three days.”
Meng Yao quickly said, “Then in three days, I’ll bring Zi Chen to your mansion to save you the trip.”
Three days later would be the tenth. Qin Wan considered and nodded, “That would be fine. Let’s make it around the afternoon hour.”
Having agreed on the time, Meng Yao’s expression lightened, and she insisted on seeing Qin Wan at the main gate. “You came with His Highness the Prince of Rui. How will you return now?”
Qin Wan replied, “His Highness is probably still in the mansion. I should go find him.”
“Then let me take you there. He’s likely in the Second Branch’s area,” Meng Yao said, then added, “Are you quite familiar with His Highness the Prince of Rui?”
Noting a deeper meaning in Meng Yao’s tone, Qin Wan responded, “We met earlier in Jinzhou. We’re not particularly close. Why do you ask?”
Meng Yao stepped closer to Qin Wan. “Do you know His Highness’s reputation?”
Qin Wan feigned confusion. “What reputation?”
Meng Yao glanced around before whispering, “The title of Demon King – and more than that, some say his fate is hard, that he carries an aura of disaster…”
Qin Wan inwardly smiled bitterly. She didn’t know how Yan Chi’s reputation had spread back here. Before meeting him, she had reacted like other noble ladies, alarmed at the mere mention of his name. She nodded slightly, “I’ve heard some of that, but after knowing His Highness for some time, I’ve found him quite different from the rumors.”
Hearing this, Meng Yao relaxed slightly. “You’re wise. If you say he’s not like that, it must be true. However… still, please be careful.”
Seeing the concern in Meng Yao’s eyes, Qin Wan felt touched and somewhat amused. “I understand, don’t worry. I was also afraid of him at first, but after getting to know him better, that fear disappeared. He’s helped me many times.”
Meng Yao seemed relieved. “That’s good, that’s good…”
As they walked along the corridor toward the Second Branch’s courtyard, Qin Wan increasingly appreciated the mansion’s excellent layout. Suddenly looking up, she spotted a small building and remembered the scene from the painting. “Is that Mingde Tower?”
Meng Yao followed her gaze and nodded. “Yes, this tower is close to the main courtyard. We use it for entertaining guests, and sometimes we younger ones play there too, though it’s usually closed.”
Qin Wan nodded, specifically noting the third-floor windows. In that painting, the three Meng brothers had stood at those windows, surveying their domain. “I see, so that’s what was depicted in the painting.”
Meng Yao confirmed, “Yes, exactly. On the Laba Festival when we commissioned the paintings, they painted for an entire day. These painters are highly skilled – those dozen or so paintings would have taken others much longer, but they have their methods.”
While viewing the paintings earlier, Qin Wan had wondered how so many could be completed in one day. Those detailed figures and scenes couldn’t have been done instantly, and after leaving the mansion, wouldn’t they forget what they’d seen? Yet the paintings’ intricate details were astounding.
“Each master painter brings two apprentices who can also paint. The apprentices sketch the initial layouts of the scenery, while the masters sketch the figures. From figures to composition, they take about an hour per painting, with the coloring and additional scenery details completed later at their studio. Our household doesn’t do this every year, so this year we had everyone painted. Some households only commission one or two paintings, which the master completes entirely alone. These take longer but are more meticulously detailed, and naturally more expensive.”
“When Master Ning paints for the palace, he’s even more painstakingly careful.” Meng Yao pointed and continued, “That day, Master Ning followed my father and the others as they walked around casually. When Master Ning saw particularly good scenes, he would discuss with Father how to paint them. After Father agreed, Master Ning would sketch the basics. The other two masters followed the three aunts and us, choosing scenes to paint as they pleased.”
Qin Wan found it fascinating to learn how noble families commissioned paintings.
As they reached the Second Branch’s courtyard, they saw more than ten black-clad guards standing outside. They all bowed upon seeing Qin Wan. Meng Yao appeared slightly surprised at the scene, and soon after, Yan Chi emerged from inside.