The Blame Laid on the Northern Painting School

Finally, Zhou Wenbai concluded. "Mr. Mei said that it's impossible to paint a perfect picture in a competition, which is judging others by one's own standards and is like a frog in a well. Having been a judge for so many years and seen many junior artists' paintings, both in their daily work and in competitions, I deeply feel that some people are just suited for competitions; they can paint even better pictures in competitions than in their daily work."

He pointed to Zhong Lei's painting. "That kid named Zhong Lei, that's him."

Zhou Wenbai is different from Kang Shilin. Kang Shilin is arrogant and doesn't like to participate in exchange meetings.

Zhou Wenbai simply loves painting. He's willing to observe and appreciate any kind of painting, learning from the strengths of others. Therefore, unless there are special circumstances, he always attends every exchange meeting.

He pointed to Zhao Ruxi's painting. "In my opinion, this is exactly what Miss Zhiwei's painting is like. This painting is flawless, and I give it a perfect score of ten. This is my honest opinion, without any bias."

Those who had initially doubted the score nodded in agreement after Zhou Wenbai Zhou Wenbai's explanation.

Leaving aside painting, the same principle applied to their participation in the imperial examinations.

Some people are afraid of exams and have excellent grades in normal times, but their grades plummet when it comes to exams; others, however, are very good at exams and perform better under pressure than usual, achieving high scores that they cannot achieve in normal circumstances.

Therefore, Mei Zhongjun's statement is untenable.

Mr. Zhou Wenbai is right.

Zhao Zhiwei's paintings are comparable to those of Mister Kumu, and even fetched higher prices at auctions than those of Zuo Qiusheng. However, compared to mediocre artists like Zhang Xiuwen, they wouldn't even get a tenth of the honor. That would be a gross underestimation of Mister Kumu and Zuo Qiusheng, while overestimating the abilities of Zhang Xiuwen and Zhong Lei.

One sits atop a high mountain, the other begins at its foot—how can they be compared?

It's truly not an exaggeration for the gentlemen to give Zhao Zhiwei's paintings a perfect score of ten.

Kang Shilin looked at Fang Jingye and the other man. "Do you two share the same view as Wenbai?"

Both nodded. "Yes, our thoughts are the same as Wenbai's."

Mei Zhongjun realized things were going badly. If they continued talking, there would be no turning back, and he would lose all his benefits.

His son has no talent for painting, and he's not good at studying either; he didn't even pass the imperial examination to become a Juren (a successful candidate in the provincial-level imperial examination). He only managed to get the title of Xiucai (a lower-level scholar) through all sorts of means. Now, he's almost forty and still living off his parents at home, which is a real worry for Mei Zhongjun.

Someone promised that if Mei Zhongjun could cause a scene here and embarrass Kang Shilin and his apprentice, they would find a good job for his son.

Mei Zhongjun didn't know who that person was; he didn't expect his son to be successful. But he deeply hated Kang Shilin. Back then, he framed Gong Cheng. If Kang Shilin hadn't helped Gong Cheng clear his name and even went to his door to curse him, ruining his reputation, his achievements would definitely have been much greater.

Even if that person doesn't promise any benefits, he'll still cause a scene; let alone if there are any benefits to be gained.

Therefore, if we're going to do this today, we must succeed. Even if it doesn't ruin Kang Shilin's reputation, it's perfectly fine to at least make people criticize him and his apprentice.

Human nature is complex; some are jealous, while others simply can't stand to see others succeed. After this incident, a small group of people will inevitably develop a negative impression of Kang Shilin and his apprentice.

As soon as Fang Jingye finished speaking, Mei Zhongjun quickly interjected, "You have Zhao Zhiwei, so your scoring is somewhat biased. Your previous attempts at sophistry were nothing more than attempts to cover up your selfish motives."

He sneered at Kang Shilin, "Mister Kumu, don't press these people anymore. With your usual domineering nature, if they don't give your beloved little apprentice a perfect score, you might just go and yell at them at their homes."

He pointed at Zhou Wenbai and his group. "Leaving aside Lord Peng, Mr. Zhou Wenbai and his three companions would absolutely not dare to provoke you."

"I heard you've even formed the Northern Painting School? Mr. Zhou Wenbai and Mr. Fang Jingye are both from your school. If you're from the same school, I absolutely don't believe there wasn't favoritism in today's competition. Three out of the five are from the Northern Painting School. Does this mean this painting competition will Northern Painting School your school from now on? Those who meet your standards will be ranked at the top; those who don't will be trampled into the mud? What chance do other schools have?"

He really knows how to accuse someone of something, demonstrating his skill in playing one faction against another.

The political struggle in the capital has become so intense, with various factions fighting each other to the death. There's no way around it; politics has never tolerated fence-sitters.

Outside of politics, people are no longer happy to see factionalism.

Beijing is such a big city, and there are many people who love to paint. Even if you don't love painting yourself, there's always a chance that your children or grandchildren will follow in your footsteps.

No one wants to see the painting competition dominated by the Northern Painting School.

Upon hearing this, Kang Shilin did not fly into a rage as he had before.

He was of noble birth and extremely talented. He was very proud and always acted directly, disdaining roundabout methods.

But ever since he teamed up with Zhao Ruxi and Wu Zong to scheme against several groups of people, the old man has come to enjoy the thrill of scheming.

It's so convenient to win without having to argue with anyone; all you need to do is complain and shed a few crocodile tears to subdue your enemy without a fight.

When they first formed the Northern Painting School, they didn't think too much about it. They just felt that everyone was like-minded and couldn't bear to break up, so they created a school to get together regularly, chat, paint, and enjoy the scenery. It couldn't be more pleasant.

Just as the talent competition was about to be held at the end of the year, Kang Shilin and Wu Zong discovered that three of the judges were from their Northern Painting School. With Zhao Ruxi also participating, gossip was bound to follow.

But then he ran into Zhao Ruxi and the Capital Women's Academy.

After discussing it, the master and his disciples decided to take this opportunity to get rid of the problem, so as to avoid being criticized all the time, which would not be good for anyone.

Seeing that Mei Zhongjun had finally brought up this matter, Kang Shilin breathed a sigh of relief.

He first bowed to Zhou Wenbai and Fang Jingye, then said with a wry smile, "I'm truly sorry, because of our master-disciple affair, I've dragged you two into this."

He bowed to Peng Guoan again. "I've also implicated Lord Peng."

Seeing Kang Shilin's unusual behavior, Zhou Wenbai and Fang Jingye were both a little flustered, feeling that something bad was about to happen.

Before the three could return the greeting, Kang Shilin bowed deeply towards the direction of the palace. When he straightened up, his face was filled with desolation and loneliness. "Throughout my life, I, Kang Shilin, have always been upright and honest, speaking my mind and never resorting to petty tricks. Now, in my old age, I am still being questioned like this. This kind of life is truly meaningless."