It was apparent from the emperor's frown that the paintings so far were unsatisfactory. Moreover, to everyone's incredulity, the emperor called an expert to count whether or not there truly were a thousand petals on the painting.
The people who had presented theirs quietly stepped aside, wondering if there would even be a painting that could satisfy the emperor's heart. In the first place, painting a 1,000-petalled lotus was already unreasonable even if they were given 2 months to prepare.
After an hour passed, it was finally time for Tian Qing-Shan to present his painting. When the emperor saw it, his expression finally improved. His posture straightened, and he looked at it much longer than all the other paintings prior to it.
He looked at Yu Shen-Jia standing next to Tian Qing-Shan in appreciation. "Child, did you truly paint this yourself?"
"Answering Your Majesty, this humble subject indeed painted it himself," Yu Shen-Jia politely answered.
"If this is truly your work, We are certainly blessed by a rare genius." The emperor handed it to the head eunuch to have the expert count the petals. "Minister Yu, since you have a son to inherit your position, We do not mind taking your gher son as the next imperial painter in the future. He may take an apprenticeship under Master Xia."
Minister Yu was elated by the favour. Both he and Yu Shen-Jia saluted with a deep bow. "This subject is honoured by Your Majesty's grace. This subject's son will certainly not disappoint."
The expert announced that although it didn't reach 1,000 petals, there were already 725 of them. It was the highest number of petals so far.
The emperor was slightly disappointed but was already aware he might be demanding the impossible since even Master Xia himself couldn't paint 1,000 petals. Still, he was reluctant to compromise. If the last 2 paintings couldn't fulfil it either, he rather not offer any painting at all.
The head eunuch went to take the next painting which was the prime minister's. The emperor knew that the prime minister's painter was a master in the painting circle, only second to the current imperial painter.
When he unscrolled it, it indeed didn't disappoint. Although Yu Shen-Jia's painting was already very good, it still couldn't beat a true expert who had been perfecting his skills and techniques for more than 60 years.
"As expected of Master Han, this is an exquisite work of art. Is this not your best painting so far?"
Master Han saluted and bowed. "This humble subject is honoured with Your Majesty's insight. This humble subject has waned and aged. His hand could no longer articulate his brush as he did in his prime. It is time for this humble subject to retire and dote on his grandchildren. This humble subject dedicates his last work to pray for good luck in Your Majesty's pilgrimage."
The head eunuch handed the painting to the expert and a few minutes later, he announced that there were 920 petals. The people inside exclaimed in awe and looked at Master Han in reverence.
But with even Master Han not able to paint 1,000 petals, everyone was certain now that it was truly impossible. The emperor also thought as such, but for fairness's sake, he still let Huo Zhang present his painting.
Huo Zhang let the escorts help the head eunuch carrying the painting box. Compared to the others, his box was significantly larger which required 3 people to carry it.
"Please pardon the unusual size, Your Majesty," Huo Zhang said. "This subject's painter insisted on enlarging the painting's medium to be able to meet Your Majesty's requirement."
Hearing it, the emperor immediately straightened, and the hall lowly buzzed. They never thought of literally painting 1,000 petals since they never expected the emperor to have someone manually count the petals.
They wondered whether Huo Zhang's commissioned painter was crazy or stupid. But if they did manage to paint 1,000 petals, Huo Zhang could be said to be incredibly lucky.
The escorts took out the painting and, with one person holding each end, unrolled the large scroll and presented the painting inside. Once the emperor finally witnessed it, he shot up from his seat in exhilaration. Even the head eunuch and the expert were blown away.
Painted on the white paper was a white lotus purer and brighter than the paper itself with a subtle gradient of pink towards its centre. Every petal was painted with minute detail and placed with careful calculation without diminishing its aesthetic value, creating a perfect circle with no crook in sight. Each stroke was fine and delicate, looking as if they would be softer than real lotus petals themselves.
Instead of letting the remaining space empty, 2 golden koi fishes were drawn, one on each side, to accompany the lotus. The curve of their body and the trailing strokes of the paint by their tails made it as if they were an illusion from heaven swimming under the hazy moonlight.
"Dear heavens and ancestors." The emperor had no words that could describe the emotion overwhelming him. He turned to the expert. "Quickly count the petals!"
"Yes, Your Majesty!" The expert snapped out of his daze and rushed to count the petals. Once he finished, his whole being trembled from excitement and deeply saluted the emperor. "There are exactly 1,000 petals, Your Majesty."
The hall exploded in shock and disbelief. When the emperor ordered the escort to show the painting to everyone, their incredulity turned into veneration. No wonder the emperor was so moved.
This was a new height of art! Was it possible for a human to be capable of creating such a divine art? Such detail, such delicateness…
"General, We wish to see the beautiful painter who is capable of birthing this heavenly painting." The emperor couldn't contain his eagerness. If their painting was this beautiful, just how breathtaking would its painter be?
"Before this subject calls for him, there is one other thing that this subject wishes to convey concerning his circumstances." Huo Zhang didn't immediately agree.
"Yes, pray tell."
"This painter was driven out of his house and represented this subject's family to create this exquisite painting and gain approval to marry this subject. His family is present right now, and this subject fears that he will be taken away from this subject and deliberately make things difficult for our union." Huo Zhang deeply saluted. "Your Majesty, might this subject be brazen enough to have your sacred approval and blessing to legally unite with his beloved painter under the heaven?"
The emperor and everyone inside were surprised to hear the painter was Huo Zhang's lover. Who of them didn't know that the general was infamous for scaring away his suitors and pursuers left and right?
They even thought the general was impotent since he was never seen entering brothels or spending any time with either females or ghers. When he wasn't on the battlefield, he swamped himself with other work.
But now that they thought about it, there were rumours Huo Zhang had been visiting his ancestral home every day since 2 months ago. He would leave his residence before sunset and return when the moon fell from its peak. Within this time frame, he refused any visit or invitation.
He also said earlier that he had to retrieve the painting from his ancestral home. Could it be that he was sheltering the painter from their family there and came to visit them every day?
General Huo could actually be this enamoured!? The painter must be a heavenly beauty!
"General, We have been concerned that you will have no descendant to inherit your faithful legacy in serving Our nation. We are nothing but delighted to hear that you have finally found your fated one." The emperor stretched out his hand in declaration. "Our beloved general, you have Our approval and blessing to wed your love. Anyone who dares to oppose it will be opposing against heaven itself and shall be met with severe retribution."
Everyone present knelt upon his decree. "Long live the emperor!"
As they were pardoned to rise once more, Huo Zhang wiped the smile off his face and excused himself to call Bai Liang. He swept a glance at Lan Qi-Yuan next to him before walking away.
When Lan Qi-Yuan heard the painter was driven out of his home, they had an ominous feeling and Huo Zhang's look made it certain. This would explain why after sparing no effort in looking for his brother, he couldn't find him anywhere.
The door to the hall opened once again upon Huo Zhang's return and every single attention was turned towards it. Once the immortal beauty was unravelled upon their eyes, it was as if the world itself came to a halt.