Chapter Fifty-Four: Counterattack
This time, Chang Zihao presented the “Proud Eagle Scroll,” a painting that rendered a landscape from the soaring perspective of an eagle. The sense of looking down from above was truly irresistible; Yu Hualiang had to admit, the young man had indeed improved.
“Hah, little painter, just as you said—your junior truly has talent,” someone remarked.
Yu Hualiang responded with a refined smile, “Yes, he’s made real progress. The overhead view is well done; if only the mountains at the lower corners were angled a bit more, it would be perfect.”
“Oh? Did the little painter fly up for a look? How are you so certain?” came the teasing question.
Yu Hualiang explained, “I dreamed it... hahahaha.”
The man in blue, hearing Yu Hualiang’s praise, was inwardly seething. He raised his voice, “Ha! Painting a mighty eagle? Such a lofty, commanding view of all beneath—who else would dare? Tsk, these mountains and rivers are indeed beautiful!”
Mu Qi caught the undertone, “What do you mean by that?”
“What do I mean? I know nothing. But I certainly don’t know what Chang Zihao intends by presenting the Proud Eagle Scroll!” The implication was clear: to some, such a painting could be seen as coveting the emperor’s realm—a capital offense, especially when uttered before the Fourth Prince.
“I had no such intention. Please, do not twist my meaning,” Chang Zihao protested.
The man in blue smirked, “Twist your meaning? Young Master Chang, surely you know your own heart.”
Chang Zihao’s explanations fell on deaf ears. After all, this was the Qionglin Painting Society, whose members harbored resentment toward the Yu family’s society. This incident gave them an opportunity. Soon, the hall was abuzz with gossip. The Fourth Prince looked serenely at Yu Hualiang and asked, “Little painter, what’s your view?”
Yu Hualiang, indignant, replied, “This is outrageous, bullying, plain and simple!” Abruptly, he stood; the hall fell utterly silent.
Seeing him rise, Chang Zihao’s tightly furrowed brow eased a little.
“How amusing,” Yu Hualiang said, a cold smile playing at his lips as he addressed the man in blue.
The man’s bravado faltered. “What’s so amusing?”
“From time immemorial, the Son of Heaven is likened to a dragon among men. You claim my junior’s eagle painting is coveting the emperor’s realm? Then by likening the emperor to a mere eagle, are you not guilty of disrespect?”
Yu Hualiang’s counterstroke was masterful. To show contempt for the emperor was also a capital crime. The Fourth Prince was right there, and the man in blue’s heart pounded wildly.
Forcing a smile, he stammered, “Hah, I meant nothing of the sort. An eagle is insignificant compared to the true dragon. How could I dare compare them?”
Yu Hualiang’s eyes flashed. “And what about you all?” he demanded of the others.
Those who’d echoed the man in blue shrank back. Chang Zihao, deeply moved, hadn’t expected Yu Hualiang to come to his defense—he who had once mocked and even struck him.
Now, for the first time, Chang Zihao bowed his head and murmured, “Thank you...”
Yu Hualiang patted his shoulder and, as he turned to leave, overheard the man in blue mutter under his breath, “Damned cut-sleeve.”
Yu Hualiang paused. “Oh? My friend, don’t go just yet.”
The man in blue stopped, suddenly servile. “It is said that Young Master Yu is a true talent. Today I am convinced; henceforth, I must take you as my example.”
“An example I dare not be. But tell me, isn’t your painting rather lacking in filial piety?”
“Hmm? Hahaha, what do you mean, Brother Yu? How is my painting of pine and bamboo unfilial?”
Yu Hualiang grinned mischievously. “Bamboo is the mother; the shoot is the child. If the mother has no child, it’s disloyalty. If the child fails to serve the mother, it’s unfilial. Doesn’t your work capture both faults?”
This was clearly a willful misreading, and everyone knew Yu Hualiang was looking for trouble. Still, everyone also recognized that the man in blue had started it, and with the Fourth Prince watching over Yu Hualiang, none dared defend the man in blue.
Veins bulging with suppressed anger, the man could only force a laugh. “Your remarks have truly enlightened me. I am indeed disloyal... unfilial. I shall mend my ways.”
Satisfied, Yu Hualiang returned to his seat beside the Seventh Prince. The Fourth Prince laughed, “Who would have thought the little painter so sharp-tongued? No one would dare cross you.”
“Your Highness flatters me. Some people simply don’t appreciate the power of words—let them taste it for themselves, and perhaps they’ll learn.”
The man in blue, hand trembling with rage, was comforted by Ji Yuzhe. “You’d best not provoke him again.”
“Brother Yuzhe, I just can’t swallow this! Why should Yu Hualiang come here and criticize us?”
Ji Yuzhe analyzed, “The Fourth Prince must think highly of Brother Yu, likely wanting him as an advisor.”
The man in blue, smashing his teacup, cursed under his breath, “That damned cut-sleeve, more coquettish than a woman—passed around by the princes, yet still so pleased with himself!”
“Say that again,” Chang Zihao said coldly.
Still fuming, the man in blue shouted, “So what if I do? Has he seduced you too? How is it, enjoying men?”
Unable to restrain himself, Chang Zihao punched him, giving him a black eye.
Chaos erupted; the two began to brawl. The man in blue was no match for Chang Zihao—if he had landed a blow, the Chang family would never let it go. Yu Hualiang, having overheard the earlier insult, was afraid Chang Zihao might go too far. He was about to intervene when the Fourth Prince pulled him back, watching the spectacle with amusement. “No rush, little painter. Sit and watch.”
Yu Hualiang sat down, puzzled. Did the prince want Chang Zihao to get in a few more hits, simply turning a blind eye?
Only when Chang Zihao was tired did the Fourth Prince step in and casually order him to reflect on his actions, letting the matter drop.
The selection results were postponed due to the incident, meaning Yu Hualiang could linger here for a few more days.
The Fourth Prince had wanted to take Yu Hualiang back to his residence, but Yu Hualiang found excuses to stay. With no alternative, the Fourth Prince had his attendant Ye Hao follow Yu Hualiang, and returned alone.
Freed from the Fourth Prince’s company, Yu Hualiang felt a sudden lightness, as if the sun itself shone brighter.
After the fight, Yu Hualiang checked on Chang Zihao, who bore some scrapes and disheveled hair. Mu Qi urged him to wash up and change, but Chang Zihao was still fuming and refused to move. When he saw Yu Hualiang, he looked a bit embarrassed. “What’s with you? Did the fight rattle your brains?”
Chang Ziliang retorted, “He’s the one who should be rattled.”
Yu Hualiang, as if coaxing a child, set down a bottle of medicine. “Apply this, or you’ll have scars—wouldn’t want to mar your handsome face.”
Chang Ziliang snapped, “Can’t you be more discreet? Do you know what people say about you?”
Yu Hualiang was stunned by the outburst—was he actually concerned about the rumors regarding Yu Hualiang’s supposed cut-sleeve tendencies? A warmth spread in Yu Hualiang’s chest; perhaps this was what brotherhood meant.
“Yes, yes, I understand. Now put the medicine on.”
“Mind your own business!” Chang Zihao grumbled.
“Zihao!”
“Zihao! Eldest brother, second brother are here. Who bullied you?” Two men entered, evidently Chang Zihao’s elder brothers. Yu Hualiang immediately saw the family resemblance, though these two were clearly more robust.
In their presence, Chang Zihao truly seemed like the younger brother. It was said one brother held an official post while the other was a merchant.
Seeing their little brother in such a state, the elder immediately swept him into a bear hug. “Zihao, who did this? I’ll break his legs!”
The other sat down, “Let me see, how badly were you hurt?”
Chang Zihao struggled free. “Why are you both here?”
The eldest brother cried, “How could we not come when you’ve been bullied?”
“Indeed, tell us what happened,” the second brother gently pressed.
Limping, Chang Zihao headed for the door. “I’m fine, you two are so annoying!”
His eldest brother wouldn’t have it—he picked him up in his arms, catching Yu Hualiang off guard, and Chang Zihao looked even more disgruntled.
The second brother, taking advantage, slipped off his shoe to check his foot. The two moved in perfect unison—a testament to their brotherly bond.
Unable to escape and mortified, Chang Zihao shouted to Yu Hualiang and Mu Qi, who were gawking, “Get out! Don’t look!”
Startled, Yu Hualiang quickly dragged Mu Qi out.
“Big brother! Don’t take off my clothes!”
“Let us see if you have any wounds.”
“Second brother! Hey! Let go!”
“Zihao, you’re not a child—stop shouting.”
Outside, Yu Hualiang and Mu Qi listened, thoroughly entertained. Mu Qi confided, “I saw Third Brother’s foot clearly—it was sprained while he was chasing that man.”
Yu Hualiang couldn’t help but laugh; who would have thought that such a notorious rake would show such vulnerability before his brothers?
Mu Qi went on, “You don’t know, do you, Senior Brother? Ever since Third Brother lost to you that day, he’s been muttering about you behind your back.”
“Muttering about me?” Yu Hualiang was curious.
“He wants to beat you. He stayed up for three days and nights trying to surpass you.”
“So diligent?” Yu Hualiang’s opinion of him rose.
Mu Qi nodded, “In the end, he collapsed from exhaustion. His two older brothers took turns nursing him, and even in his dreams, he kept mentioning you.”
“Hahaha, he must really resent me!” Yu Hualiang joked.
Mu Qi agreed, “Indeed. His brothers were furious—wanted to break your arm. Later, Third Brother had to explain himself when he woke.”
“Hahaha, is that so?”
“No laughing!” came Chang Ziliang’s shout through the door, having overheard them.
“How’s Young Master Chang?” Ji Yuzhe arrived, his younger brother tagging along like a bodyguard.
Yu Hualiang chuckled, “He’s fine; his brothers are giving him a thorough checkup.”
Mu Qi added, “Third Brother sprained his foot.”
Ji Yuzhe grew concerned. “That’s serious; we’d better fetch Doctor Wang.”
For a moment, Yu Hualiang thought he saw Ji Yuyun’s face darken at the mention of Doctor Wang.