“Where have you seen this painting?!” After Qin Wan’s exclamation, Yue Ning also became quite interested.
Qin Wan stood up. “I saw it at the Distant Security Count Manor. This same painting hangs in their main hall—I remember clearly, that it was on the left wall after entering!”
Yue Ning’s lips curved slightly. “What a coincidence. It seems the Ranmo Gallery’s copy is exceptionally well done—”
Qin Wan stared at the painting on the wall, suddenly lost in thought. “The government office investigated many people, but they probably haven’t looked into the art and antiques angle. Could the Wu family’s young master know people from the Ranmo Gallery?”
“Even if he knew Ning Buyi, what about Hu Dequan and Zhao Jiaxu…”
At this thought, Qin Wan’s eyes brightened slightly. “Zhao Jiaxu is a teacher who often sells his paintings, perhaps he sold them to the Ranmo Gallery. And what about Hu Dequan and Wang Shouchang…”
As Qin Wan muttered to herself, Yue Ning watched with some trepidation. “What are you saying? Is this painting connected to the murder case? Don’t scare me.”
Qin Wan shook her head and turned to look outside. The day was growing late, with the sun setting in the west—it would be dark in another hour. Qin Wan grabbed Yue Ning’s hand. “Come on, didn’t you want to know what this case is about? Let’s go to the Ranmo Gallery! Let’s go look at paintings—”
Yue Ning didn’t understand Qin Wan’s meaning. As she was pulled along, she said, “What do you mean? Are we going to the gallery now? It’s almost dark—”
Qin Wan’s eyes darkened. “That’s exactly why we need to go when it’s almost dark!”
Yue Ning rarely saw Qin Wan act against common sense. After thinking for a moment, she realized there must be a deeper meaning to this visit, so she said nothing more. They first bid farewell to the Grand Princess before taking a carriage together.
As the carriage slowly moved forward, Yue Ning asked, “What are you planning to do? What does that painting prove? Why are we going to the gallery now?”
Qin Wan thought for a moment before saying, “The first victim had your copy of ‘Thousand Rivers Competing Flow’ hanging in their home. The second victim was a teacher who often sold paintings to several galleries. I want to see if the Ranmo Gallery has any paintings from the second victim.”
Yue Ning’s eyes widened. “You suspect the deaths are connected to the gallery?”
Qin Wan shook her head. “Not necessarily. There’s no evidence right now, so nothing can be confirmed. I just suddenly noticed this coincidence and want to investigate it, to see if there is a connection.”
Yue Ning understood. “Four people died in succession. If the gallery is connected to two of the victims, that would be an extreme coincidence. Then we could investigate the third and fourth victims, and might find the real killer!”
Qin Wan nodded. “Exactly, and tonight is a very special night.”
Yue Ning quickly asked, “What’s special about it?”
Qin Wan narrowed her eyes. “If following the pattern, tonight the killer should kill their fifth victim.”
Yue Ning let out a soft “ah” of surprise. “So we’re going to the gallery to see if anyone is suspiciously absent, and if the gallery happens to be connected to the other victims, then the killer must be someone from the gallery?”
Qin Wan nodded. “That’s exactly right, so we’ll need to stay at the gallery for quite a while tonight.”
Yue Ning’s eyes rolled mischievously. “I have a way! Staying until midnight won’t be a problem!”
Qin Wan smiled slightly at Yue Ning’s crafty expression.
After about two incense sticks’ worth of time, the carriage arrived at the Ranmo Gallery. As soon as they alighted, a servant at the door stopped and, seeing Qin Wan and Yue Ning, hurried forward to bow. Yue Ning asked, “Is Master Ning here? Are all the masters in the gallery?”
The servant quickly smiled and replied, “Please enter, Princesses. Master Ning is here, resting in the back courtyard. As for the other masters, Master Zhao and Master Song have gone out to paint for clients, but the others are all here.”
Yue Ning nodded. “Good. I’d like to commission the masters to paint at our manor, but I’m not sure about their skill levels. If they’re not busy today, I’d like to see them paint later.”
Since the Peaceful Sun Marquis Manor was an imperial family, the servant didn’t dare be negligent. He quickly agreed, first sending someone to call Ning Buyi from the back courtyard, then escorting Qin Wan and Yue Ning upstairs. Only after serving the finest tea did he withdraw.
Ning Buyi quickly came upstairs. Today he wore a green robe, appearing carefree and elegant. Though he still wore powder on his face, it wasn’t jarring—from a distance, it only made his complexion appear jade-like, refined, and graceful.
“Greetings to the two Princesses. My apologies for not welcoming you from afar, given your esteemed presence.”
Qin Wan waved her hand. “Please rise, please rise. We’ve come to trouble Master Ning again today.”
Ning Buyi quickly asked, “Do the Princesses need something from me?”
Qin Wan looked at Yue Ning, who said, “It’s like this—we’ve been back in the capital for a while, and I heard it’s fashionable to have portrait painters here. I’d like to find some masters here to paint several portraits of my grandmother, but I’m not sure which master’s skill is best, so I wanted to come see for myself…”
Ning Buyi immediately understood Yue Ning’s intention and smiled. “Simple enough. I’ll go get some of their paintings now, and after the Princess looks through them all, you’ll know.”
Just as Ning Buyi turned to leave, Yue Ning smiled. “I don’t want to see paintings. I heard several masters are in the gallery—I want them to paint something for me right now, so I can see who paints best and most accurately, then I’ll invite that person to our manor!”
Though Yue Ning’s request was unreasonable, given her noble status, wealth, and position as Ning Buyi’s benefactor, he smiled without hesitation. “That’s certainly no problem. However, usually, one painting takes two hours, and painting meticulously and realistically might take even longer. Are you sure you want to do this today? Why not let them start early tomorrow morning?”
Yue Ning waved her hand. “I just don’t want to waste their time. Who knows what work they might have tomorrow?”
Ning Buyi quickly said, “Once the Princess makes a request, nothing is more important than your command.”
“No, no, no, that wouldn’t be right. Just sorry to keep the masters out late today…”
If they could gain the Grand Princess’s favor, their reputation in the capital would greatly increase. Such an opportunity was sought after—what did staying out late matter?!
Seeing Yue Ning had made up her mind, Ning Buyi said, “Very well, please wait a moment, I’ll go prepare right away!”
Yue Ning nodded, and Ning Buyi quickly withdrew.
Yue Ning winked at Qin Wan. “How’s that?”
Qin Wan couldn’t help laughing. “The Princess is truly so clever! I hadn’t even thought of this method!”
Yue Ning knew that if Qin Wan wanted to achieve her goal, she would have a hundred ways to do so—she was merely playing along. She also couldn’t help laughing. They spoke quietly for a few more moments before Ning Buyi returned with four painters. The four painters all looked somewhat nervous but also eager and ambitious. Ning Buyi said, “This space is too small. Please come to the back courtyard, Princess. Let them paint under the corridor—that way we won’t waste the Princess’s time—”
Yue Ning looked at Ning Buyi. “Oh? Do they need to stare at me the whole time?”
Ning Buyi laughed. “For portrait painting, that is indeed necessary. If the Princess is uncomfortable, I can set up gauze curtains in the back garden pavilion?”
Having already spoken, it would seem capricious if Yue Ning didn’t cooperate now. She smiled wryly at Qin Wan. “Alright then, fortunately, Princess Yongci is here to keep me company.”
Qin Wan covered her mouth and laughed, going downstairs with Yue Ning.
The Ranmo Gallery’s two-story building facing the street was the main part of the gallery, while the courtyard behind served as storage and Ning Buyi’s rest area. Though the courtyard wasn’t large, it featured artificial mountains, corridors, waterside pavilions, and viewing pavilions that complemented each other beautifully. Ning Buyi was a refined person, and the courtyard was extremely elegant. To ensure Qin Wan and Yue Ning would be comfortable in the pavilion, Ning Buyi had tea and snacks served, hung gauze curtains, and placed cushions on the seats. After they entered, he had bright lanterns hung throughout the courtyard, illuminating it as bright as day. The lanterns reflected like a river of stars, and amid the starlight were exquisite pavilions, beneath which sat two beauties. Though Yue Ning had thought waiting for the paintings would be tedious, seeing Ning Buyi’s thoughtfulness made her feel content and at ease.
Directly opposite them under the corridor, bright lanterns hung high, with painting tables arranged below. The four masters stood with brushes ready, each with a young apprentice grinding ink beside them. As night gradually fell and darkness completely enveloped the courtyard, the lantern-lit scene became increasingly enchanting. The early summer breeze passed gently through the gauze curtains as Qin Wan personally brewed tea for Yue Ning. Smelling the lingering tea fragrance, Yue Ning was even more pleased that she had used the right method—
Soon after, Ning Buyi brought in several painting albums. “After searching for a while, I only found these. The wait will be quite long; would the Princesses like to look at these to pass the time?”
When they first started painting, the four painters stared intently at Yue Ning. Though she was uncomfortable at first, she gradually got used to it. Soon enough, the four painters began their work, and Yue Ning found herself constantly watching them.
While brewing tea, Qin Wan invited Ning Buyi to sit. “We came suddenly and have troubled Master Ning. Do you have any plans tonight? Don’t let us delay you—”
Yue Ning immediately added, “Yes, yes, if Master Ning has a business, please go attend to it.”
Ning Buyi laughed. “I’ve been quite free these days. Besides, with both Princesses here, I should certainly keep you company. Not just me—even the servants and attendants outside wouldn’t dare be negligent.”
Qin Wan poured Ning Buyi a cup of tea. “In that case, does this mean everyone has stayed?”
Ning Buyi replied, “It’s nothing special—we show the same courtesy to all guests!”
Qin Wan and Yue Ning exchanged glances, and Yue Ning quickly asked, “I see Master Ning’s gallery is quite large. How many people work here as painters now? If you get too many commissions, wouldn’t you be unable to keep up?”
Ning Buyi smiled. “Not counting myself, there are six painters total, each with an apprentice. Add to that one manager for the main hall and three other attendants responsible for receiving customers. Today two painters and their apprentices are out.”
Hearing this, Yue Ning and Qin Wan understood the situation. Qin Wan asked, “Are all the paintings sold here painted by your painters?”
Ning Buyi shook his head. “Not at all. We also have scholars and literati from outside who sell paintings, though we have high standards and don’t accept ordinary works.”
The Ranmo Gallery enjoyed great renown in Lin’an City, so naturally not just any painter dared to come to sell their work.
Yue Ning seemed about to speak but held back. Seeing that Qin Wan hadn’t asked about Zhao Jiaxu, she also remained silent. Since Ning Buyi was intent on keeping them company, Qin Wan and Yue Ning chatted with him. They learned that Ning Buyi was originally from Huzhou, born to a wealthy family that had wanted him to become an official. However, he was particularly fond of painting and, because of this, had broken with his family years ago to apprentice under a master. After achieving some success, Ning Buyi returned home. Though his family accepted him back, the clan had declined, his parents had passed away from illness, and his relationship with his uncles was merely ordinary, so he came to the capital to open the gallery.
“Master Ning dared to do what others wouldn’t dare, no wonder you’ve achieved such success. If my family opposed what I wanted to do, I would probably give up…”
Ning Buyi smiled bitterly. “I was young and impetuous then. Growing up in good circumstances, I didn’t understand the hardships of the world. Only after leaving home did I realize how treacherous the outside world was, but by then how could I go back? I couldn’t return without making a name for myself in painting. When I finally did return home, my parents had passed away one after another—that remains my greatest regret.”
Indeed, most things in life don’t go as planned. Hearing this, Yue Ning felt some sympathy. “Master Ning now has such prestige in the capital, which counts as some success. Why were you so cold to that young lady we saw that day?”
Ning Buyi’s face reddened slightly. “I must have seemed laughable to the Princess. Her family is a great clan in Huzhou, all scholars and officials. Though I might count as half a scholar, I would be unacceptable to their family. Her parents both disapprove, and I don’t want to implicate her, so it’s better to make things clear to her early.”
“Her family is in Huzhou? Did she come all this way for you?”
Ning Buyi smiled bitterly again. “Not at all. Her family wants to marry her off in the capital and brought her here after the New Year. If all goes smoothly, she’ll probably be married within the year…”
Marriage has always been decided by parents and matchmakers. Ning Buyi had no choice but to be resolute with the infatuated young lady. Yue Ning felt somewhat embarrassed. “I’m sorry, I didn’t know it was like that.”
Ning Buyi sighed. “The Princess need not apologize. My parents are gone, and no one can decide my marriage for me, so I’ll let nature take its course. If fate brings it, I’ll marry and have children; if not, I’ll keep company with paintings! Isn’t that delightful!”
These words carried quite some spirit. Yue Ning raised her teacup. “Master Ning is so free-spirited, let me toast you with tea instead of wine!”
Qin Wan also raised her teacup. “Don’t leave me out—”
The three chatted pleasantly while waiting for the paintings, time flowing by imperceptibly. They had been sitting in the pavilion for over an hour. As the night grew later, Ning Buyi ordered new pastries brought in. Seeing him so enthusiastic and attentive, Yue Ning had almost forgotten they had come with suspicions. After the hour of Zi (11 PM-1 AM), the painters finished their work one after another. As Qin Wan’s group entered the front hall to appreciate the paintings, having just looked at two of them, White Ying suddenly hurried in from outside.
Coming to Qin Wan’s side, White Ying said in a low voice, “My Lady, something’s happened at the mill.”