Chapter 8, Longing in the Painting

Old Master Zhao discerned his son's thoughts and angrily said: "Whether the head of the family is the eldest son or the second son is not important. What matters is the Zhao family's prosperity! If the head of the family lacks this vision, the Zhao family will inevitably face decline one day"

Zhao Bingsong glanced at the pristine white bamboo paper spread out on the desk and the crumpled drawing beside it, feeling a bit anxious: "I heard that these few have been contemplating new designs, have they made any progress?"

Zhao Bingsong patted his son's shoulder, still filled with trust in him

Old Master Zhao snorted coldly and said without any courtesy: "So you have been the head of the Ren family for over twenty years, yet you have never taken back the brocade king for the Zhao family!"

Like a sudden shock, Zhao Bingsong felt a cold sweat running down his back. The pride he had previously felt for his son was completely extinguished. Soon after, a wave of discontent surged within him. Before the brocade was woven, the draft of the painting had been shown to the old master. Why was it not pointed out at that time, allowing his son to work hard for several months in vain? Is this not favoritism towards the eldest son?

Yes. Zhao Bingsong is actually quite unconvinced

In Zhao Bingsong's view, every piece available on the market is a rare masterpiece. He could not help but say, "Father, do you think too highly of the Yang family?"

Hearing the old master praise his son in such a manner clearly overshadowed the admiration for the eldest son of the second branch. Zhao Bingsong felt honored and a look of joy appeared in his eyes

In an instant, Zhao Bingsong became tense again. While he respectfully responded, he thought to himself that the old master would definitely not send the peacock brocade for the competition. If he sent the brocade of the eldest son and later favored the second son, the second and third brothers would have an excuse to cause a commotion. Having said this, it was a way to prompt himself to awaken the second son, lest he think that his peacock brocade painting was a sure win.

This is the most heavily guarded place of the Zhao family. The five main rooms of the Treasure Pavilion have been completely opened up, making it exceptionally spacious. The roof is not covered with a rolled-up canopy; instead, daylight pours in through the glazed tiles, illuminating every intricate detail of the brocade displayed in the screens.

It was his mistake! He was unwilling to accept the fact that last year, the Yang family had won the prestigious "Tiger Descending the Mountain" brocade. He was determined to weave a more vivid depiction of rare birds. However, he forgot that the essence of brocade painting lies in following in the footsteps of the Yang family. Zhao Xiuyuan raised his eyebrows, and a renewed fighting spirit surged within him: "Father, rest assured, before the ninth day of the tenth month, I will definitely weave a new brocade painting."

Rest assured, Father

Father! The old man's words flowed into Zhao Bingsong's heart like a warm current, making him feel a surge of emotion that brought tears to his eyes

Er Lang

Old Master Zhao let out a long sigh and turned to his son, saying: "Are you wondering why I hold such an opinion? Have you forgotten that last year, the Yang family won the brocade king with the piece 'A Fierce Tiger Descends the Mountain'? Even if Erlang weaves a living exotic bird, it would still lose due to lack of originality. Even if he wins this year, it would only allow the Yang family to mock our Zhao family for merely echoing others! If we cannot select a better brocade painting in the next two months, I would rather choose Dawang's 'Autumn Night on the River' than let Erlang's brocade be sent to the brocade competition and bring shame upon us."

Hearing his father's voice, Zhao Xiuyuan quickly rolled up the painting and threw it into the nearby vase. He turned around, and Zhao Bingsong had already entered.

Even if one is skilled in weaving, it does not necessarily mean they can win the brocade king

Old Master Zhao gently turned a screen. As the light changed, the brocade within the screen displayed different hues. He straightened his back and sighed, saying: "This autumn night scene of the river waves under the moon is indeed beautiful. The scattered reeds add a touch of tranquility, yet also a hint of desolate melancholy. It is rare for contemporary people to appreciate it. I wish to win the brocade competition, but I do not have complete confidence."

If the concept of the sketch was chosen based on the autumn night river waves, it caused Zhao Xiuyuan to miss the opportunity to meet with the *Tushi* master. Zhao Bingsong could not understand this no matter how hard he tried.

The current head of the Zhao family, Zhao Bingsong, is admiring the brocade with Old Master Zhao in the Cangzheng Pavilion, alongside Zhao Xiuyuan's father

About ten exquisite brocade paintings are arranged in a line. They feature birds, flowers, auspicious beasts, and intricate patterns, presenting a dazzling array. These have been carefully selected by the Zhao family. Each piece embodies the dedication of the Zhao family's skilled brocade weavers. However, it is difficult to satisfy the discerning Zhao patriarch.

After the father passed away, Zhao Xiuyuan began to ponder the ten exquisite items of the Yang family

This is good. I have heard that the Yang family is weaving a tapestry this year called "Ten Patterns of Brocade." It is kept secret, and I do not know what it looks like. From its name, it must be a dazzling work that the Yang family is accustomed to creating. You should ponder over it carefully. Time is short, and you must strive to bring honor to your father! Although your father has lived his life without shame to the Zhao family, he has never been able to win a title of Brocade King. It is truly a regret. This year, we are counting on you.

Your grandfather would never use the peacock brocade you wove for a competition Zhao Bingsong eagerly conveyed the old gentleman's meaning to Zhao Xiuyuan

Beneath the lush green, there are homes with white walls and black tiles, where colorful butterflies dance by the window. A girl in a green dress reaches out her hand, wanting to catch them, her fair wrist as white as snow. Though it is a freehand style, it vividly captures the lively and delicate beauty of Ji Yingying.

Zhao Bingsong's face turned red. He felt somewhat unconvinced and pointed to the brocade painting woven by Zhao Xiuyuan, saying, "This piece woven by Erlang this year is truly impeccable in my son's opinion"

Zhao Xiuyuan is a bit strange: "Is the father eager for his son to create a new brocade?"

Zhao Xiuyuan smiled and greeted his father: "Father, what brings you here?"

Zhao Xiuyuan's inspiration flows like a spring, and with the rise and fall of the pen, a painting is sketched out in the space between the strokes

After the old master Zhao had his episode, he walked out of the Cangzhen Pavilion. Standing on the stone steps, he gazed at the undulating Zhao family estate and softened his tone: "You have managed to maintain the family legacy and prevented the Zhao family from declining, which makes you a benefactor of the Zhao family. However, your two younger brothers are inevitably somewhat dissatisfied. If you can reclaim the title of Jin Wang this year, it will not be as difficult for you. Erlang's talent far surpasses that of Dalang. The reason I have not guided him is that I have given him one last opportunity. I have greater hopes that Erlang can carry forward the glory of the Zhao family." If you can reclaim the title of Jin Wang this year, it will not be as difficult for you. Erlang's talent far surpasses that of Dalang. The reason I have not guided him is that I have given him one last opportunity. I have greater hopes that Erlang can carry forward the glory of the Zhao family.

Old Master Zhao struck a stick and fed a piece of candy, feeling that the lesson was nearly complete. He then said meaningfully: "The elder brother of the matriarch of the Yang family, Shi, is a sixth-rank official in charge of the judicial affairs in Yizhou Prefecture. He is related by marriage to Ambassador Chen of the Ministry of Works. If the Zhao family wishes to seize the title of King of Brocade, they must ensure that their colors and weaving techniques far surpass those of the Yang family. In the eyes of the public, even if the Yang family has the support of the government, they will have no justification. For over twenty years, the Yang family has monopolized the top position; if they cannot reclaim the title of King of Brocade, no matter how well the Zhao family weaves, their reputation will not be sufficient, and they will eventually fade into obscurity. As the family business declines, what significance is there in determining who the head of the family is? If Erlang cannot grasp this point, it would be better for Dalang to take on the role of head of the family. Dalang is honest and is suited for preserving the family legacy. In the future, after a hundred years, you need not worry about the Zhao descendants lacking food to eat."

He is very satisfied with this painting. However, the patterns used in brocade are generally depicted with meticulous detail. This expressive painting, created with broad strokes, is still uncertain in terms of how it can be woven. He softly said, "Yingying, in the future, I will definitely weave this painting."

Since grandfather believes that his weaving skills are on par with those of the Yang family, the only difference lies in the artistic conception of the brocade. One person's plan may be short, but two people's plans can be long. Zhao Xiuyuan naturally decided to consult Ji Yingying.

This hidden flower ripple peacock pattern brocade by Erlang is indeed remarkable. It captures the true essence of the Zhao family's brocade. Elegant and magnificent. Each feather changes with the light, and the birds are woven so vividly that they seem to stand alive before one's eyes

"Ten varieties of brocade, ten varieties of brocade. What kind of brocade can truly be called ten varieties of brocade?" Zhao Xiuyuan pondered for a long time, unable to imagine the content of the Yang family's brocade painting. He sighed and thought of Ji Yingying, "You clever one, if you were here, you would definitely be able to guess it."