Chapter 1: Famous Paintings in Rural and Urban Areas.

Can all of them be used?

The studio may be small, but the works inside are rich and diverse, including famous mountains and rivers, celebrities, beauties, rare birds and animals... The paintings by Lu Fangqing are vivid and lifelike, making people feel like they are in a fairyland. It's hard to believe that the scenes and objects in front of us are just ink on white paper.

Today is the most special day of every month, because in the middle of each month, the fragile wooden door that seems to break with a single kick will open. Only on this day, Lu Fangqing may sell one or two of his paintings. Even in such an ordinary countryside, people still hold expectations.

The official immediately became respectful, and the identity and status of this old man were far beyond his reach.

Could it be that you are Grand Secretary Ji Yun?

Priceless paintings can be obtained for free, which excited everyone present. Even though they controlled their voices, the small art studio still seemed noisy. As the studio was already full, those who could not enter stood outside the door, feeling anxious at this moment.

People in the court... Li Qingsong frowned. He had always disregarded wealth, fame, and official positions, and had never had a good impression of the courtiers. If it weren't for the fact that this was his friend Lu Fangqing's studio, he really wouldn't want to have any dealings with those arrogant courtiers.

Although there was a mix of surprise and excitement, the scene was not chaotic. That small art workshop was their sacred place in their hearts, making them not dare to show the slightest hint of disrespect.

Mr. Lu's paintings are a rare sight in a century. Today, no matter what, I must buy a painting from Mr. Lu.

After all, the common people cannot fight against the officials. Hearing what the official said, everyone couldn't help but feel a sense of fear.

May I ask what brings you here? Even in the face of these dignified court officials, Li Qingsong remains composed and confident, which earns him even more admiration from those who suddenly fall silent. They think highly of Mr. Li, considering him a friend of Mr. Lu. They are just commoners and dare not speak to court officials in such a manner.

Li Qingsong said: "There is no need to be anxious, there are still many paintings here. Although not everyone can get a piece, those who did not receive a painting today will still have a chance when Fang Qing returns. So please be patient."

Yes, that's right. You came here without Mr. Lu's permission and actually wanted to take all the paintings here as your own. Is there no law?

People who have met Lu Fangqing once hurriedly pulled the person next to them and said, "Don't speak nonsense. This is Mr. Li Qingsong. He is not only highly talented but also not seeking wealth, fame, or personal gain. He is a respectable person, and he is also a friend of Mr. Lu."

Even if you were to lose your entire fortune, it still wouldn't be as precious as a casual painting by Mr. Lu.

Li Qingsong's eyebrows raised slightly, feeling dissatisfied. He took a step forward, about to speak, but an old hand stretched out from behind the official and stopped him.

Being able to obtain an original artwork by Lu Fangqing is a dream come true for many. It is said that even the emperor, who holds the highest authority, cannot easily acquire Lu Fangqing's artwork. How fortunate are those present!

Li Qingsong knows what the speaker is worried about," he said with a smile, "Fang Qing paints not for the purpose of making money. I am grateful for everyone's support and would like to give some of my works to everyone. Please take care of him in the future as well."

Isn't it... free of charge?

We are officials, and our power is not for us to abuse, but to seek justice for the common people. Moreover, what they say makes sense. Mr. Lu's paintings are extraordinary and cannot be compared to ordinary ones. Even we must abide by the rules.

Li Qingsong said: "Fang Qing told me this, but each person can only take one painting, not more."

That...Mr. Li, can we really take these paintings here?

Wow!! It's really... a masterpiece!!

Everyone was amazed, but they just couldn't think of any words to praise it. In the end, only the phrase "masterpiece" was used. However, even so, they still felt it was far from enough, and couldn't help but admire Lufangqing even more.

How could you do this? Mr. Lu's paintings were already promised to us. Even if you are officials, you cannot ignore reason!!

Yes, all of them can. This is also Fang Qing's exact words.

This is an ordinary city street, but on this ordinary city street, there is an extraordinary place, which is a small art studio.

That official immediately snorted and said, "Under the heavens, there is no land that is not the king's. Do the people of our court need to seek the permission of Lu Fangqing to come here? Even these rebellious people dare to argue with me about the law. It seems they have no fear. Let me teach them a lesson!"

Hearing this person's identity, everyone couldn't help but show great respect.

The wooden door gently closed, but people stood about ten meters away, as if on a pilgrimage, waiting with devout hearts.

The art gallery is small, but the owner of the art gallery is very famous. Rumor has it that Lu Fangqing's paintings are even rare for the emperor. So it is hard for anyone to imagine that in such a small village street, there would be an ordinary art gallery owned by Lu Fangqing.

Really... really can...

It's rare to see one in a hundred years? You underestimate Mr. Lu too much. Even the famous painters in history, which of their works can compare with Mr. Lu's? Mr. Lu's paintings are only worthy of being seen by heavenly immortals. It's already a great honor for us ordinary people to have the chance to see his paintings. As for being able to buy one, that's the blessing of several lifetimes.

Suddenly hearing a noise, people held their breath and waited, only to see the wooden door gently open, and a scholarly-looking middle-aged man of about thirty years old appeared at the door.

Is it Mr. Lu?

We hope to see more of Mr. Lu's artworks in the future, so we will definitely not do anything against the rules. We just don't know about these paintings...

Is Mr. Lu the person?

The slightly overweight official shouted in a loud voice, "Master Ji is here to find a painting. All of you, step aside. The painting here belongs to us."

At this moment, the crowd was forcibly separated into two lines. A group of people walked in, and no one dared to stop them because they were all wearing official uniforms.

People who were originally overjoyed at the prospect of obtaining paintings by Lu Fangqing did not expect the officials from the court to be so domineering upon their arrival, directly snatching away the paintings they were about to obtain, all at once! Although the title of Grand Scholar Ji is loud, and the court officials are imposing and domineering, when a rabbit is anxious, it will bite people. Where there is coercion, there will be resistance, so they protested one after another.

Li Qingsong smiled slightly and said, "Fang Qing left a month ago and has not returned yet. However, he instructed me that if he hasn't come back by today, I should help him open the door. As for the paintings in the studio, everyone is welcome to take a look. If you find any that you like, feel free to take those displayed on the table."

Yes, this is for sure. This is Mr. Lu's art studio, and we must follow the rules.

Not bad, not bad. If I could really get Mr. Lu's artwork, I would be willing to give up everything I have, even if it means bankrupting myself.