Looking at the golden signboard of Ranmo Painting Gallery, Yue Ning asked, “Is this gallery quite prestigious?”
Having just returned to the capital, Yue Ning naturally didn’t know which restaurants were good or which painting galleries were excellent. When she mentioned wanting to buy paintings and calligraphy, Wei Qizhi immediately brought her here.
Wei Qizhi explained, “This gallery has many masters. Besides creating paintings for noble families in the capital, they also sell works by famous artists. Of course, one needs a reliable person to distinguish them, as some works are reproductions by later artists.”
Just as Wei Qizhi finished speaking, a young servant walked out from the gallery and was surprised to see Wei Qizhi.
“Young Master Wei! What brings you here today?”
Wei Qizhi glanced at Yue Ning, not revealing her identity, and simply smiled, “Bringing a friend to buy paintings. Is Master Ning in?”
The young servant apologetically replied, “Master Ning is out. There’s a banquet at the Zhongguo Duke’s mansion today, and they invited Master Ning to paint.”
As he spoke, the servant glanced at Yue Ning. He saw that she was tall and graceful, with clear and elegant features. Though she possessed a hint of delicate beauty, her bearing and demeanor were extraordinary. Yue Ning swept a glance at the young servant, who quickly smiled and invited them both inside.
Ranmo Painting Gallery was extremely spacious. Upon entering, they saw the main hall filled with hanging paintings. At a glance, there were many works by famous artists. As Yue Ning showed slight surprise, Wei Qizhi explained, “These are all reproductions. The genuine works the Princess is looking for are inside.”
Though Yue Ning wasn’t skilled in painting and calligraphy, having been raised by Lady Jiang, she couldn’t paint but could appreciate art. “These reproductions are very convincing. The master who painted them must be highly skilled.”
Wei Qizhi smiled, “Most of these are by Master Ning’s hand.”
He dismissed the young servant, and they casually browsed together.
Many famous paintings from the previous dynasty were renowned because the artists possessed superior painting skills, creating an unreplicable artistic conception and spirit. When later artists try to reproduce these famous works, they often can’t capture that essence. Art enthusiasts can usually spot the difference at a glance. However, some skilled painters carefully study the masters’ techniques and brushwork, and combined with their skills, can truly recreate seventy to eighty percent of the original. Some can even create reproductions that are difficult to distinguish from the originals.
Looking at the paintings on the wall, Yue Ning felt that this Master Ning Wei Qizhi spoke of was indeed quite talented.
Wei Qizhi continued, “This gallery belongs to Master Ning. He’s the most famous painter in the capital and has even been invited to paint in the palace. He creates his works and also paints for others. These reproductions are made for sale. Many of the original works have disappeared, and he recreates them based on copies he’s seen. Yet through his hand, he captures the original spirit. Don’t assume these paintings are cheap just because they’re reproductions.”
Yue Ning nodded as she listened to Wei Qizhi’s explanation. From what she could see, Master Ning’s painting skill was indeed remarkable. After thinking for a moment, she asked, “What genuine works does he have here?”
A genuine painting by a famous artist from the previous dynasty was worth considerable money. Since Yue Ning wasn’t particularly skilled in this area, she naturally had to ask more questions. Wei Qizhi replied, “I’m not entirely sure, but I know he has Cao Dejian’s ‘Pine Trees’ and Liu Qianshan’s ‘Thousand Rivers Flowing’ from the previous dynasty. I don’t know about others. I had hoped Master Ning would be here to receive you, but, unfortunately, he’s out today. Since you mentioned wanting to decorate rooms, why not choose a few pieces from the outer hall?”
Yue Ning had genuinely wanted to pick a painting for the An Yang Marquis, but with Master Ning absent, she abandoned this thought. For decorating rooms, it wouldn’t make sense to hang priceless masterpieces at home. The two pieces Wei Qizhi mentioned earlier, once acquired, would only be stored away and occasionally taken out for appreciation.
“In that case, I’ll just browse casually.”
Yue Ning walked around and selected several paintings: two for the Grand Princess, two for Yue Qing, and one for herself. As for Lady Jiang and Yue Rong’s quarters, the existing paintings would suffice.
After purchasing the paintings, Yue Ning left Ranmo Painting Gallery satisfied and mounted her horse. Wei Qizhi then led her to a porcelain shop. Since the Grand Princess loved official kiln works from the previous dynasty, Yue Ning met with two shopkeepers on Wei Qizhi’s introduction. They helped her select two pieces, along with several ordinary decorative items. Thus, she completed her antique, painting, and calligraphy shopping.
Yue Ning rode alone, with all purchases loaded in Wei Qizhi’s carriage. Wei Qizhi had no choice but to accompany her to An Yang Marquis’s mansion. At the gate, Wei Qizhi declined to enter, but when Yue Ning learned that Yue Qing was home, she couldn’t let him leave after all his help. She called Yue Qing out to receive Wei Qizhi, who then had no choice but to enter. He first paid respects to the Grand Princess and Lady Jiang before conversing with Yue Qing.
When Wei Qizhi entered the An Yang Marquis’s mansion, he had sent his servant to inform the magistrate’s office. When Zheng Baishi received the news, he ordered Zhan Yang to investigate, and soon Zhan Yang obtained the information.
Qin Wan learned of this news only by evening. After spending half a day at the office, she had already left when Wei Qizhi’s servant came to report. Yan Chi specially sent someone to inform her.
Bai Ying said, “The messenger reported they found Zhao Jiaxu’s concubine living outside. She’s been living there for six months, bought from a brothel by Zhao Jiaxu. The girl was originally from an official family, but they fell from grace due to crimes. Her uncles eventually sold her. Zhao Jiaxu was attracted to her and redeemed her, setting her up in that small residence in the alley. This was all kept secret from Zhao Yushi. According to Zhao Jiaxu, he planned to bring her home once she conceived and bore a child, to prevent Zhao Yushi from rejecting her. Zhao Yushi had never been able to bear children, which greatly displeased Zhao Jiaxu.”
Qin Wan narrowed her eyes. In this world, a woman’s failure to bear sons after marriage was considered a crime.
“Did Zhan Yang take people to question her?”
Bai Ying nodded, “Yes, this is what the girl said. She’s now living in constant fear and doesn’t dare approach Zhao Yushi. Though Zhao Jiaxu gave her money, the residence is only rented. She’s planning to pack up and return to her hometown, as she can’t make a living in the capital. However, with Zhao Jiaxu’s case unresolved, though she knows he might not have truly cared for her, they did develop feelings over these six months. She still wants to know what happened to him, which is why she went to the Wei mansion that day to ask.”
This matter was discovered by Wei Qizhi, and Qin Wan was quite surprised when she first heard Bai Ying’s report.
Just as they were talking, Yue Ning arrived.
Seeing the darkening sky outside, Qin Wan was surprised and hurried out to welcome her. Yue Ning, accompanied by Rain Nanny, came to Pine Wind Court. Qin Wan asked, “Why have you come at this hour? Is it Grandmother’s health…”
Yue Ning smiled, “Don’t worry, Grandmother is fine.”
When Yue Ning arrived so urgently, Qin Wan instinctively thought the Grand Princess had fallen ill and Yue Ning had come to ask her to examine her.
Qin Wan sighed in relief and took Yue Ning’s arm as they entered the courtyard. “Then why did you suddenly come? I was planning to visit Grandmother and Mother tomorrow…”
Yue Ning said, “Last time I told you to take me along when investigating cases, but you forgot.”
Qin Wan laughed upon hearing this, “You came for this?”
After entering the room and sitting down, Yue Ning asked, “Aren’t you investigating a tutor’s death?”
Qin Wan was surprised as she poured tea for Yue Ning, “How did you know?”
Yue Ning smiled mysteriously, “Today while out shopping, I met Wei Qizhi. Guess what he was doing?”
Hearing this, Qin Wan’s eyes twinkled as she immediately understood what Yue Ning was referring to, and couldn’t help but laugh wryly, “Don’t tell me he was following some respectable lady…”
Yue Ning had originally planned to tell the story to Qin Wan, but she hadn’t expected Qin Wan to guess it right away. She immediately realized Qin Wan already knew about this matter!
“You already know about this! How so quickly!”
Qin Wan smiled, “Prince Yan sent someone with the news. I went to the magistrate’s office this morning. I helped with the autopsy in this case, so I’m also interested in any news.”
Yue Ning understood, and Qin Wan asked, “So, you saw Young Master Wei following someone?”
Yue Ning nodded, “Not only did I see Young Master Wei following someone, but I joined him in following them.”
Qin Wan blinked, “You followed along with him?”
Yue Ning’s face glowed with a smile, showing excitement from doing something unconventional. “Yes, I even know where that girl lives. When I first ran into Wei Qizhi, I thought he was up to no good.”
Since Yue Ning was always one to detest wrongdoing, Qin Wan couldn’t help but laugh, “Did you try to punch him?”
Yue Ning lifted her chin, “If he hadn’t explained himself, I certainly would have.”
Though Wei Qizhi was a man, his martial skills were ordinary, and he truly wouldn’t have won in a fight. Qin Wan hadn’t expected Yue Ning and Wei Qizhi to have such an encounter, so she asked more questions. Yue Ning said, “Later, he took me to buy paintings and some antique porcelain pieces. We went to a place called Ranmo Painting Gallery.”
Qin Wan’s eyes brightened, “Is the owner Master Ning Buyi?”
Yue Ning exclaimed, “You know him too?”
Hearing this, Qin Wan knew her guess was correct and smiled, “He’s quite famous in the capital. I’ve seen paintings he’s done for other families. His technique is excellent, yet he’s not arrogant. Many people in the capital like to invite him to paint for them.”
Yue Ning realized Wei Qizhi’s words were true.
“Tell me about this case. I know someone else died before this.”
With nothing pressing at the moment, and since it was Yue Ning asking, Qin Wan briefly explained the case’s background. After listening, Yue Ning’s eyes widened, “There’s so much to it?! So the mastermind behind this must have some shocking purpose. How can that arrested Daoist Zhang be released?”
“According to Daoist Zhang, the killer might be demanding something. For him to be released, they need to catch this killer and see if they’re the same person from the case six years ago. Only then can he clear his suspicion.”
Yue Ning furrowed her brows, “And this killer is connected to both families…”
As Yue Ning appeared deep in thought, Qin Wan shook her head with a smile. She hadn’t told Yue Ning these things to worry her, “If you want to know, I can tell you, and I can inform you when we have results. But you don’t need to puzzle over this yourself. The officials will investigate.”
Yue Ning understood and didn’t ask further. After a pause, she said, “Both your sisters are about to have their grand weddings. Have your uncle and aunt discussed your marriage matters?”
Qin Wan sensed something amiss and replied, “The Empress Dowager said my marriage requires her approval, so uncle and aunt can’t do much. Why do you suddenly ask about this?”
Yue Ning sighed, “Someone came to propose marriage to me!”
Qin Wan was surprised, “Who? Who wants to marry you…”
Yue Ning shook her head, “I didn’t ask, and Mother didn’t agree, but I still found out about it.”
So Yue Ning hadn’t come just to hear about the case. Seeing the slight worry on Yue Ning’s face, Qin Wan pressed her lips together. Yue Ning’s personality was quite different from ordinary girls, and she was a year older than Qin Wan. In Da Zhou’s view, she had indeed reached the age for marriage proposals. Even Qin Wan herself had reached that age in her previous life.
“What do you think about it? You’ll have to face this eventually.”
Yue Ning leaned against the window, propping her chin up, and sighed, “Can’t one just not marry?”
Qin Wan remained silent. In Da Zhou, only one type of woman could remain unmarried – nuns in Buddhist temples.
“Haven’t you found anyone you like at your age?”
Qin Wan asked tentatively. Yue Ning turned to look at her, “Do you also think one must marry to be happy?”
Knowing Yue Ning had misunderstood, Qin Wan quickly shook her head, “Of course not. That’s not what I meant. It’s just that you know how society is now. If you don’t marry, life will be very difficult for you. I naturally hope for you to follow your heart’s desires.”
Yue Ning lay on the windowsill. Thinking about it, among all the women she knew, there truly wasn’t a single one who remained unmarried. Those who lived alone were either widowed or separated from their husbands. Most endured the hardships of marriage, suffering through it. Yue Ning couldn’t understand the point of marriage.
“The very best scenario is finding someone you admire who also loves you, spending a lifetime together. That would be perfect. The ordinary case is choosing a reliable husband with good circumstances and character. Though you might not love him, he respects you. He might take concubines, but you’d live respectfully together. Only then comes what you mentioned – not marrying. If Da Zhou truly allowed women to remain unmarried, not just you and me, but many other women probably wouldn’t think of marriage. But in Da Zhou, even if you desperately try to avoid marriage, in the end, you’d still face a lonely life following your heart. The terrifying nature of society isn’t as simple as we imagine…”
Qin Wan spoke slowly and sincerely. Yue Ning sighed, “So my idea becomes the worst option.”
Qin Wan smiled bitterly. If she hadn’t met Yan Chi, she might have thought the same as Yue Ning. Moreover, she carried the burden of a deep blood feud. After thinking, Qin Wan continued, “As a Princess, you have ways to live freely. You could marry someone reliable who understands your feelings. Though married, it would be like not being married – you’d just be living in a different place. How does that sound?”
Qin Wan understood Yue Ning’s thoughts but dared not encourage her to simply not marry. That was something only young girls would say. Now she understood the ways of the world better.
Yue Ning thought for a moment, her expression brightening, “Your suggestion isn’t bad. I believe there must be men who don’t particularly want to marry either. Unfortunately, I don’t know where to find such a person.”