Time is Slow / Meet You in My Prime - Chapter 8 : Painting of Ducks Playing

The little girl gently pressed her teeth together, her complexion pale, the only vivid splash of color being the red dot on her forehead. It reminded people of apricot blossoms gracefully drifting in an apricot forest, or the fresh snow blanketing the tender red blooms when they first emerged, evoking a poignant sense of empathy for her without clear reason.

Yet, what Chi Can seemed to lack most was any sense of compassion towards women. He shot a discontented glance at Qiao Zhao and remarked, "Why bring this up now?"

"Brother Chi, is it too much trouble to talk?" Qiao Zhao replied, a casual smile playing at her lips.

Given his status and age, it was clear his visit to her father wasn't for formal matters but likely connected to his purpose from three years prior.

If that were the case, perhaps she could help him achieve what he wanted. She wasn't trying to boast; she simply wanted to repay him for saving her.

As for his unpredictable temperament... well, why would she let a rude person bother her?

When Qiao Zhao referred to Chi Can as rude, it wasn't meant as a harsh insult. She didn't know many people in the capital, but Chi Can stood out.

Part of it was because he had visited her grandfather, but more significantly, his family's reputation was quite well-known.

Princess Chang Rong, the Eldest Princess, was the younger sister of the current Emperor and had been adored by both the Empress Dowager and the Emperor in her youth. When the time came for her to marry, she carefully chose a handsome, talented scholar from a less privileged background.

In her view, scholars from humble origins lacked the pretentiousness often found in the children of aristocrats; they were grounded and trustworthy.

Perhaps this belief was validated, as the couple enjoyed a harmonious marriage, rarely arguing over the course of a decade. Despite the Princess's noble standing, the Prince Consort's patience and understanding were equally vital.

For a time, this enchanting couple became the envy of many. Initially, those who questioned the Princess's choice eventually came to admire her wisdom.

Yet, life proved to be far more dramatic than any script. The Prince Consort died unexpectedly, and during her period of mourning, a woman arrived at her doorstep with twin children-a revelation that they were the offspring of her deceased husband and his mistress.

What was even harder for Princess Chang Rong was that these children were only slightly younger than her son, Chi Can.

After over ten years of joy and pride, the blissful memories contrasted sharply against the bitter reality, leaving her emotionally bruised. The weight of her heartbreak was so heavy that she found herself devoid of grief.

With her husband gone, she had no outlet for her resentment.

Shortly thereafter, Princess Chang Rong took a lover openly, and nights of revelry took place in her mansion.

Amidst this wave of misfortune and the covert malice lurking around him, the young Chi Can grew increasingly troubled and erratic.

As he matured, he resembled his father more and more, becoming handsomer with age.

Meanwhile, the Eldest Princess's mood toward her son fluctuated between warmth and coldness, while young ladies in the capital flocked to him, only amplifying his peculiar behavior.

These whispers occasionally reached Qiao Zhao after she married into the Marquis Jing'an's Mansion.

Gathering her thoughts, she looked at Chi Can with a flicker of sympathy in her gaze.

In contrast to him, her own parents seemed so ordinary!

Feeling the weight of her lingering gaze, Chi Can, sensitive as he was, snapped coldly, "What are you staring at?"

He looked Qiao Zhao up and down, his disdain evident in the sneer forming at the corners of his mouth. "Why bother telling you now?"

Typically, Qiao Zhao's cheerful and easygoing nature would lead her to make a few jokes to lighten the mood. But considering her family had just gone through a significant tragedy, she simply wasn't in the spirit for small talk.

Noticing his reluctance to engage, she let it go with a soft "Oh," picked up the chess piece that Chi Can had tossed aside, and resumed playing her own game.

Chi Can waited for her reaction, but all he got was that dismissive "Oh" while she entertained herself, ignoring him entirely.

He felt a knot form in his throat, frustration rising as his handsome features darkened.

That 'Oh' is undoubtedly the most infuriating response!

Chi Can thought, clenching his teeth in annoyance.

Zhu Yan, unable to bear the awkwardness, coughed lightly into his fist and said, "Shi Xi, I apologize. If I hadn't insisted on seeing Old Master Qiao's painting, it wouldn't have been ruined, and you wouldn't have had to come all this way for nothing..."

Chi Can, usually patient with his good friend, waved him off, saying, "There's no point in discussing it now; I'll find another solution."

Zhu Yan replied, "My father also has a 'Five Oxen' painting by Master Han..."

But Chi Can cut him off. "My mother isn't interested in paintings by other great masters; she only admires the works of Old Master Qiao."

Qiao Zhao's eyes widened, curiosity igniting within her.

So, Princess Chang Rong admires her grandfather's art?

Her keen mind wandered back to the time Chi Can had visited her grandfather over three years ago, seeking lessons in painting.

Everyone knew her grandfather's health had declined, making it impossible for him to teach anyone.

Could it be that Chi Can's request for painting lessons had been a ruse, with the real intention being to obtain her grandfather's paintings?

With her grandfather's esteemed position in the literary world, he likely would have turned down a direct request for artwork. Instead, Chi Can had approached him under the guise of seeking guidance, ultimately leading her grandfather to part with one of his pieces.

Qiao Zhao couldn't help but cast a deeper glance at Chi Can.

Back then, he was merely fifteen or sixteen, but he was certainly not an ordinary person.

As she pondered this, the rumors floated back to her mind, adding layers of confusion.

Wasn't it said that Chi Can and Princess Chang Rong had a strained relationship?

Why would he invest so much time and effort over a painting cherished by her?

While Qiao Zhao was lost in thought, Yang Hou Cheng suddenly slapped his forehead. "I just remembered! My father had a painting by Old Master Qiao, gifted to him by the Empress Dowager years ago."

As the eldest son of Marquis Liuxing-Empress Dowager Yang's family-Yang Hou Cheng technically referred to her as his aunt.

With a sideways glance at Yang Hou Cheng, Chi Can replied with a half-smile, "Oh, it just came to you, did it?"

Yang Hou Cheng scratched his head sheepishly. "I thought if we could get Master Qiao to make a copy, I could avoid dealing with my father. That painting from the Empress Dowager is very precious to him. If he found out I swiped it, he'd probably break my legs..."

"But Master Qiao isn't especially skilled at painting," Qiao Zhao couldn't hold back and interjected, drawing the immediate attention of the three.

"How do you know?" Chi Can shot back, clearly irritated at being interrupted once more.

The little girl's eyes opened a bit wider, and her voice took on a serious note: "I really look up to Old Master Qiao. I've been copying his artworks and paying attention to what his son, Master Qiao, has been up to. But I haven't heard anything suggesting that Master Qiao is good at painting."

As her words hung in the air, the three of them exchanged glances.

It struck them that although Master Qiao had held an official position in the capital for many years, none of his paintings seemed to be known to anyone. They had assumed that he must be talented simply because he was related to Old Master Qiao; it turned out they were mistaken.

"Could I see the ruined painting?" Qiao Zhao inquired.

Chi Can looked over at Zhu Yan.

Three years ago, he had requested the painting to gift to his mother. When his best friend expressed a desire to see it, he decided to bring it out. Sadly, the painting had gotten damaged and lost its worth.

Zhu Yan gave a wry smile and retreated into the cabin. A short while later, he returned carrying a long box.

It was clear he valued paintings greatly. After opening the box, he carefully lifted the artwork using a clean white handkerchief as a protective cushion and spread it gently in front of Qiao Zhao.

The scene depicted a serene pool of clear water, partially illuminated by the glow of sunset, with a small bridge reflected in the water and seven or eight ducks rendered so vividly it felt like they might swim right out of the painting. Unfortunately, an ink blot had marred the piece.

Qiao Zhao's expression soured.

This was certainly the painting that her grandfather had gifted to Chi Can.

Her grandfather gained recognition in his early years for his duck paintings, capturing the playful essence of ducks, which had also been her initial style of learning and the one in which she excelled.

With a plan forming in her mind, Qiao Zhao remarked, "I can draw this."