Feng Yan looked at him without anger or argument.
Instead, he called toward the door, "Someone, come in."
A servant entered at his call.
Feng Yan pointed at the long brocade box Shen Duan had brought and said,
"Open the gift Grand Secretary Shen brought me. Let me have a look."
Two servants stepped forward, opened the brocade box, and took out a scroll, slowly unrolling it on the long table in the center of the Main Hall.
It was a "Spring Forest Picture of a Hundred Birds."
Rendered in color on silk, it measured roughly four feet tall and six feet wide.
It depicted a mountain forest in spring, with lush trees, flowers in full bloom, and a hundred birds gathering and soaring-a scene brimming with life.
The brushwork was meticulous and the colors vivid. One glance was enough to tell it had been painted by a master.
Yet after a few glances, Feng Yan's brow creased slightly.
"Which renowned artist painted this?" he asked.
Shen Duan rose, walked over to the painting, and stood with his hands behind his back, his tone even.
"A newly emerged painter in Hangzhou. His surname is Zhou. He has no reputation to speak of, but his style stands like a tree apart from the rest.
"I happened upon it, found it interesting, and bought it. Please give me your appraisal."
Feng Yan rose as well, approached the painting, and studied it for quite some time.
"A hundred birds?" he asked.
"A hundred birds." Shen Duan nodded.
Feng Yan shook his head and gave a dismissive laugh.
"Neither fish nor fowl."
Shen Duan turned to look at him, his gaze sharpening slightly.
"What makes you say that?"
Pointing at the birds in the painting, Feng Yan spoke unhurriedly.
"Look at these birds. Orioles,