Still in First Place

Zhao Ruxi sighed and looked helplessly at Lady Zhu.

Some things, once said once or twice, I really don't want to say a third or fourth time.

Lady Zhu felt uncomfortable being watched by her daughter.

She raised her hand. "Alright, alright, I know what you're thinking. If the Peng Family weren't really a good fit for you, I wouldn't have tried to persuade you."

Zhao Ruxi sighed again.

Life is so hard.

In her past life, she was thirty and hadn't dated anyone, so being forced into blind dates by her aunt was one thing. Now, she's not even fifteen yet, and she's already being forced into marriage?

"Sister Ruotong just told me something important. I need to go see my master. Also, it's too noisy at home, and I need to paint and read, so I'm thinking of moving to Beining tomorrow and coming back for the New Year. Mother, please tell Grandmother and Father about this for me."

After saying that, Zhao Ruxi went to her bedroom to change her clothes and prepared to go out.

Lady Zhu was quite frightened by Zhao Ruxi's words and quickly said, "Alright, alright, I won't bring it up anymore, okay? It's freezing cold, and you don't have any official duties, what would you do in Beining? Just stay at home, I promise I won't let anyone bother you, and I won't bother you myself, okay?"

Zhao Ruxi waved her hand and went straight out the door.

Lady Zhu watched Zhao Ruxi leave, feeling utterly exhausted.

On the way back to the main courtyard, she complained to Matron Zhou, "Tell me, which other girl her age doesn't worry about her future? Look at those two girls from the second branch of the family, they're racking their brains to find good marriages for themselves. But our Miss Xi is different; she wants to move out as soon as this is mentioned. Do you think it's easy for me as her mother?"

Matron Zhou laughed and said, "That's why our daughters can do things that are even better than men, while other girls can't do anything and rely entirely on their fathers, brothers, and husbands to bring them wealth and honor."

Seeing that Lady Zhu still looked unhappy, she added, "If you have a phoenix tree in your home, the phoenix will come. Look at the Heir of the Marquis of Pingnan, and look at the Peng Family. Didn't they all come to you on their own initiative? Our young lady is outstanding; she doesn't need to worry about marriage at all. You should stop worrying about it."

"You're absolutely right." Lady Zhu was finally comforted by these words and let out a long sigh of relief.

"So, you should just tell Fifth Miss about this. If she refuses, don't try to persuade her anymore. She's a very smart girl; she knows what's going on. Maybe one day she'll personally find you a wonderful marriage that you'd never expect."

"Putting everything else aside, just look at these two excellent marriages. How could we have dared to even dream of them before? Back then, how much effort did you and the old lady put into arranging this marriage for our eldest daughter with the Peng Family? In the end, it was a close call that it didn't work out. At that time, our mansion was still a marquis's mansion, and old ties were still strong."

Lady Zhu nodded, feeling deeply moved.

People say that things that are rushed are not good deals. As the woman, you should be reserved.

But there are only so many good families in the capital. Not for any other reason than the Peng Family family's upright character and their family rule that a man can only take a concubine if he is forty without a son, how many powerful and wealthy families who dote on their daughters would want to marry their daughters into their family? Such a good marriage, how could they not fight for it?

So back then, she and the old lady really went to great lengths to secure a marriage alliance with the Peng Family family. This caused some people to be dissatisfied and brought a lot of trouble to the Earl of Suiping's Residence.

But now, the head of the family, Libationer Peng, has taken a liking to Zhao Ruxi and has chosen a woman of similar age and appearance from within the family to propose marriage. Comparing the two situations, isn't the reason obvious?

Zhao Ruxi went to the Kang Residence to discuss the matter that Xiao Ruotong had mentioned with her master.

What if, to appease the master and disciple, the emperor actually makes her take over her master's position as a judge in the competition? And if the master thinks it's good for her and agrees immediately, it won't be easy to back out later.

Upon hearing this, Kang Shilin nodded and said, "Even if you hadn't come, I would have sent someone to inquire about this matter. The Emperor is very likely to use this method to make amends to you and appease me. Since you are unwilling, then forget it."

"You're inexperienced and young. Becoming a judge so soon after you've even begun to show promise will not only cause you a lot of trouble, but also easily attract criticism. Those who have been eyeing this position for years probably hate you. It's better if you don't become a judge."

No sooner had he finished speaking than a servant rushed in to report that Eunuch Xie had arrived.

The master and apprentice exchanged a glance, Kang Shilin stood up. "Let's go, come with me to the front hall."

As expected, Eunuch Xie came to apologize to the master and disciple on behalf of the Emperor.

However, he didn't mention the person behind it, only the final result and compensation. "Lord Peng reported this matter to the palace, and the Emperor immediately announced that the first place in this competition would still Miss Zhiwei. It's a matter of merit and popular support; there's no need for her to withdraw from the competition because of the machinations of a villain. It's not worth it."

"Zhang Xiuyan, who came in second place, questioned the fairness of the imperial court without cause and disrupted the competition. He is hereby disqualified from second place and is permanently banned from participating in any competitions. His teacher, Mei Zhongjun, was even more egregious; he was expelled from the capital, and his descendants for three generations are prohibited from participating in painting competitions."

Kang Shilin nodded, seemingly satisfied with the punishment.

This is, after all, just a talent competition. Mei Zhongjun and his apprentice are only questioning the fairness of the competition, and there are reasons for it. The teacher-student relationship between Kang Shilin and Zhao Ruxi is a fact. If the punishment is too harsh, public opinion will turn in their favor, and Kang Shilin and his apprentice will be criticized.

This kind of punishment is just right.

No one thought the punishment was that severe, but as a fellow artist, Kang Shilin knew all too well that it was more painful than death to prevent someone with a talent for painting from achieving success through it.

From then on, all the glory they had gained from painting vanished. But the emperor didn't block their other paths. If they didn't want to paint, they could do other things; the imperial examination was still an open road for them. And even if they wanted to paint again, they could change their name, change their style, and sell their paintings on a small scale.

He bowed slightly towards the palace and said, "Your Majesty is wise."

"His Majesty says that Miss Zhiwei is young, her painting skills have already reached the level of a national master. Since Mister Kumu is too old to be a judge, why not let Miss Zhiwei take your place as a judge in next year's talent competition?" Eunuch Xie added.

If Zhao Ruxi hadn't come, Kang Shilin might have agreed on her behalf.

What he said earlier about causing trouble is true, but it also has significant benefits.

Why do so many people go to great lengths to become judges? It's not just because it brings benefits and attracts many admirers; it's also a symbol of the highest level of painting in the Great Jin.

These five judges were not appointed arbitrarily, but were nominated based on public approval; it was an affirmation of your painting skills by the imperial court and the public.

Zhao Ruxi is so young to be able to be a judge, what an honor that is! Even if Kang Shilin himself doesn't like it, he won't push such a good opportunity away for his apprentice.