He said this to see what the Marquis of Dai would do next.
Yet, to everyone's surprise, when Su Ziji heard the refusal, he merely looked regretful and sighed. "What a pity. Perhaps these two works and I simply aren't destined to meet."
Then he rose and said, "In that case, I won't trouble you any further, Minister Jiang. I still have matters to attend to at my residence, so I'll take my leave."
His abrupt farewell stunned both Minister Jiang and Eunuch Zhao, who was eavesdropping in the secret chamber.
Could the Marquis of Dai really have come just to buy paintings and calligraphy? Eunuch Zhao was utterly astonished.
"My lord, my lord, please wait!" Equally surprised, Minister Jiang caught a meaningful glance from Eunuch Zhao and hurriedly called after Su Ziji, who had already taken several steps away.
Su Ziji turned back. Minister Jiang hastened to say, "I heard that you're collecting paintings and calligraphy to paint a Thousand Blessings Painting for His Majesty?"
"Yes." Su Ziji nodded.
Minister Jiang smiled. "Though I don't sell the paintings and calligraphy in my collection, your sincere filial devotion is an example to all under heaven. I would gladly give them to you."
Su Ziji declined. "Thank you for your kindness, Minister Jiang, but that would resemble a bribe. I would never dare accept."
Hearing this, Eunuch Zhao signaled to Minister Jiang again from the secret chamber.
Minister Jiang quickly said, "In that case, my lord, three hundred taels of silver will suffice for these two works."
The price was neither high nor low. After a moment's consideration, Su Ziji smiled and agreed. "Then I'll accept with gratitude. Thank you for being willing to part with your treasures, Minister Jiang."
"Go and fetch the two works I keep in the collection