After the entertainment session,the gifting session was right next. Yin Yue was an expert at painting humans so he presented a portrait of the emperor as a gift while Shen Wu entirely painted nature so he presented a painting depicting a mountain wishing the Emperor would live long like a mountain. Wherever the two went people couldn't help but shower them with praises. Their humility and respect towards others was something that impressed many. Their presence at the banquet was the emperor's greatest gift- Yin Yue the wise young man who always knew the right thing to say and the right time to say it. The princes had tried to befriend him over the years aiming to win their father's favour through him.
Emperor Yang received several gifts which included Jadeite Ruyi Scepter - a scepter made from the finest jadeite, representing prosperity and good fortune. The Ruyi scepter was a traditional symbol of power and good luck, often given to emperors.
-A silk Brocade Robe- an exquisite robe woven from the finest silk brocade, adorned with intricate patterns of dragons and phoenixes. This garment would be both a symbol of luxury and a display of the emperor's majestic status.
- An Imperial Porcelain Vase: a beautifully crafted porcelain vase from the imperial kilns, decorated with scenes of nature and mythology. Such vases were highly prized for their artistry and craftsmanship.
- A Pearl-Encrusted Crown: a crown adorned with the most precious pearls and gemstones, symbolizing the emperor's divine right to rule. This crown would be a dazzling addition to the emperor's regalia.
- An Ancient Calligraphy Scroll: a scroll featuring the calligraphy of a renowned ancient master, with a poem. This gift would reflect the emperor's appreciation for art and literature.
- A Bronze Incense Burner: a finely crafted bronze incense burner, designed with intricate patterns and inlaid with gold and silver. This burner would be used in rituals and ceremonies, adding a touch of elegance to the emperor's court.
Other gifts were presented as well and almost everyone presented a gift except Empress Chen and her naughty daughter - Yang Zhi. The mother and daughter duo hadn't prepared any gifts and they didn't intend to give one because they felt he didn't deserve it.
In the middle of the gift presenting session,Yang Zhi had slipped out of the hall unnoticeably while Empress Chen was still there behaving indifferently. Emperor Yang felt humiliated by her actions - she had embarrassed him in front of the ministers but he tried his best to act cool about it. He faked smiles and sought comfort in Consort He who kept stroking his hand from time to time.
*****
After leaving the party,Yang Zhi left the palace to meet Zu Mo who was waiting for her at an inn. Yang Zhi had agreed to meet him to show off her new look but something important came up making their meeting even more urgent. Immediately she entered the inn she spotted Zu Mo seated at the farthest corner of the inn. On the table where he was seated there was a small teapot and two small porcelain cups.
"Your Highness you look..."Zu Mo paused mesmerized by the sight in front of him.
"You'll compliment me later. Tell me what's the news you wanted to tell me?"Yang Zhi asked impatiently pulling the chair to sit.
"The Huang State wants to form a marriage alliance with us and they want portraits of the princesses. Also Miss Yi found something on the Mystic Bell painting. If you hold portrait against candlelight an almost faded logo of the Canvas Academy can be seen so the mysterious painter must be from the academy,"Zu Mo spoke all in one go.
Yang Zhi leaned back biting her lower lip and sank into contemplation. She couldn't shrug off the feeling that the Huang State was targeting her by initiating the marriage alliance. She could sense they wanted to chain her for life that way the Xiang State would just be like one of their puppets.
*****
The news of the Huang State's demand for a marriage alliance hit the Xiang state court like a bombshell. Emperor Yang and the ministers were speechless for a moment. On top of that the Huang State had threatened to attack them and kidnap the emperor if they didn't give in to their demands.
The Huang State demanded portraits of the three princesses to be sent over to the Huang State and they would the ones to decide which one of the princesses would marry their prince. They insisted on clear portraits outlining the girls' facial features well otherwise if they sent over cheap blurry portraits the Huang State wouldn't hesitate to squash them like mere ants.
The emperor was the most important figure in a country and someone had to sacrifice for his wellbeing and the princesses were no exception. Hundreds of painters were invited to the palace to paint the portraits of the princesses and then the best portraits would be picked out and sent over to the Huang State. The palace was bustling with different faces,the smell of ink filling the air. The princesses sat on display in front of the painters posing elegantly.
The painters were busy with their brushes, dipping them in paint and transferring their artistic skills on paper. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity for one to get recognized in the capital and get rewarded by the emperor.
*****
Shen Wu and Yin Yue settled on the rooftop drinking wine under the moonlight. The night breeze kissed their handsome faces gently. Their lips were moist with the sweet liquid they were drinking to relish the beautiful moment. They chatted excitedly with Yin Yue narrating how chaotic it was at the palace because he was among the painters invited to design the portraits.
"Shi Xiong I'm sure yours will be chosen,"Shen Wu said confidently.
"I'm not sure about that. I didn't put in much effort,"Yin Yue chuckled softly at the thought.
"Are you taking all the disciples to the Art Conference ? "Shen Wu asked suddenly changing the subject.
"Yes. Do you want me to take yours too?"
"No he'll stay here with me,"Shen Wu replied in a serious tone.
"Don't you think he should go out and gain insights from his peers?" Yin Yue questioned and turned to look the other man in the eye.
"When is the art conference?"
"Five days from now but my disciples and I will make a few stops along the way to paint and advertise our work,"Yin Yue explained.
"Good for you. You're usually passionate about painting and making your work known to others,"Shen Wu remarked.
While Yin Yue had a dozen of disciples to instill skills into,Shen Wu had only one disciple- Mu Zixin,a playful thirteen year old boy, someone he cherished probably more than Yin Yue.