Chapter 102: Portrait

Gong Sun He Lan was the future head of the Gong family, a precious young master who could not afford any accidents. Du Zigu spoke with genuine sincerity and affection, yet Liu Yizhi detected a trace of hostility in his words, hostility aimed directly at him.

What did this young master mean? Liu Yizhi felt somewhat puzzled and glanced at Du Zigu, wondering if he had ever offended him before.

Although Gong Sun He Lan was generous, he was not crude and naturally caught the subtle hint in Du Zigu’s words. His face showed displeasure at once. He told Du Zigu, “Younger brother thanks you for your concern. Yet there is no such thing as absolute perfection in this world. Younger brother is not one of those delicate young masters who cannot withstand wind and waves. If the elder brother truly possesses a tool that can make me stand, even with some risk, I will certainly try it.”

Gong Sun He Lan looked at Liu Yizhi and added, “Moreover, I believe the elder brother’s gift will surely not disappoint me.”

Only then did Liu Yizhi realize how adorable this young Gong Sun He Lan truly was. He nodded, rose to his feet, and said, “He Lan’s words are correct. A hero should travel between heaven and earth, with a righteous spirit in his chest. How could he shrink back because of a small accident or danger, letting others laugh at him?”

“A true man should face difficulties head-on; how is there the principle of retreating when one knows the difficulty?” A rough voice rang out as Gong Sun Wuda pushed the door open and entered, followed closely by Gong Sun Wenda.

“Uncle Gong Sun!” Liu Yizhi and Du Zigu rose quickly and bowed.

“Hmm.” Gong Sun Wuda nodded and gave Liu Yizhi an appreciative glance; his words had pleased him greatly.

Seated on the stool brought by the servant, Gong Sun Wuda waved a hand toward Liu and Du and said, “Both nephews sit down as well. In my presence there is no need for excessive restraint.”

“Thank you, Uncle Gong Sun!” The two brothers bowed again to the Gong siblings before sitting once more.

“Eldest Brother, why have you come at this time? Is there any important matter?”

“Oh, I have come to bid you farewell.” Gong Sun Wuda regarded Gong Sun He Lan with loving eyes and continued, “The assassin has now been captured, Xiao Lan’er’s injuries have largely stabilized, and there are many affairs in the capital that require my attention. Therefore, I will depart for the capital at dawn today.”

“Ah, Eldest Brother is leaving so soon?” Gong Sun He Lan sat up, his face full of reluctance. In his heart he held a profound admiration for Gong Sun Wuda, far greater than for his own father, the old man.

Seeing this, Gong Sun Wuda glared and said, “Do not act like a little girl. How can the men of our Gong family behave in such a manner?! Chang’an is only half a day’s journey from here. If you miss your uncle, once you have recovered, simply ride over to Chang’an to see me.”

“Hmm, Uncle’s teachings are correct. Xiao Lan’er has lost his composure.” Gong Sun He Lan quickly suppressed the reluctance and asked, “I wonder when Uncle will set off? Xiao Lan’er cannot leave his bed; I fear I cannot come out to see him off.”

In the East Palace, a middle-aged scholar was led by a palace attendant into the Crown Prince’s study.

In the study, Li Chengqian was quietly conversing with Li Ji.

“This minister, Yan Liben, the Minister of the Ministry of Justice, greets Your Highness the Crown Prince!” Yan Liben bowed respectfully.

Li Chengqian straightened up, looked at Yan Liben, and nodded. “Lord Yan, no need for formalities. Please sit down first.”

Yan Liben bowed again and said, “Thank you for the seat, Your Highness the Crown Prince.” He then sat carefully, received the teacup from the servant with both hands, raised his head, and asked softly, “I wonder what instructions Your Highness the Crown Prince has for this official summoned late at night.”

Li Chengqian picked up the teacup, blew on it lightly, and set it on the table. Looking at Yan Liben, he said, “I have heard that besides outstanding literary talent, Lord Yan is also skilled at painting, particularly adept at depicting the expressions and spirits of figures, such that the people portrayed resemble real persons in every detail. Therefore, I would like to ask Lord Yan to paint a portrait for me. I wonder if Lord Yan is available?”

“Your Highness has an order; how dare this official not obey?” Yan Liben rose and cupped his hands toward Li Chengqian. “Please provide this official with brush, ink, paper, and inkstone. I will immediately paint a portrait for you.”

“Oh, this is not urgent,” Li Chengqian waved his hand. “The person to be painted by Lord Yan this time is not me, but another individual. Moreover, this person is somewhat special and is not currently within the East Palace.”

Li Chengqian glanced at Li Ji beside him and continued, “Furthermore, only Lord Li Ji has seen this person’s true appearance. I wish to ask Lord Yan to depict this individual’s likeness on paper according to Lord Li’s description. I wonder if this poses any difficulty for Lord Yan?”

“This…” Yan Liben pondered. Merely based on a verbal description, to paint a person one had never seen before seemed like a task never attempted.

Raising his head to meet the Crown Prince’s gaze, Yan Liben saw Li Chengqian’s earnest expression and realized it was not a jest. Gritting his teeth, he cupped his hands and said, “This official is willing to try, but if the portrait does not resemble him, I hope Your Highness the Crown Prince will not blame me.”

“Lord Yan need not worry. I also know this is somewhat forcing, so no matter the outcome, I will not blame you.” Li Chengqian reassured him and then winked at Li Ji. To Yan Liben he said, “Brush, ink, paper, and inkstone have been prepared for Lord Yan. Lord Yan may paint at ease. This king will take my leave first.”

“Respectfully sending off Your Highness the Crown Prince!” Yan Liben and Li Ji rose together and bowed, escorting Li Chengqian out of the study.

“Lord Yan, shall we begin now?” Straightening up, Li Ji smiled and addressed Yan Liben.

“Hmm,” Yan Liben nodded and said, “Please have Lord Li first describe in detail the appearance of the person to be painted for this official.”

“Laboring Lord Yan,” Li Ji began his detailed description: “A man approximately eighteen or nineteen years old, with hair tied in a bun and a hairpin on his head, though some strands still stray loose. Eyebrows dark and thick, shaped like sword edges. Eyes slightly large, black and white distinct, full of spirit. Nose high and straight, face somewhat thin…”

Whenever Li Ji finished a description, Yan Liben sketched the corresponding feature on the paper. When Li Ji completed his account, a humanoid head appeared on the page.

“Lord Li, please review: is there any place that does not match?” Yan Liben handed the finished portrait to Li Ji and asked.

“Hmm,” Li Ji took the paper, examined it for a long time, and finally pointed firmly at one eyebrow in the image. “Lord Yan, except for this eyebrow being somewhat similar, the others are similar but not exact. Shall we do it again?”