Chapter 67: Literary Competition - A Slap on One’s Own Face

“I do believe that Elder Hua is a person who loves wine more than paintings. So,” his gaze switched from the wide-eyed Hua Zhentian to Hua Shuirou beside him. With a gentle gaze and a light smile, distracting her, “I present this painting to young miss Hua Shuirou.”

Hua Shuirou’s whole body trembled, clenching her hands, forgetting to move. Her gaze met with Wuchen’s, and they were now face to face.

All of a sudden the scene went silent. People looked at one another in dismay, not expecting such an outcome. They started to covertly observe Lin Xiao. Everybody from the Tian Long Nation already knew that Hua Shuirou had been promised to Lin Xiao. Their wedding day would be on her sixteenth birthday. The man with such brilliant talent and the woman with such gorgeous beauty, this was what everybody regarded as the perfect couple. That was also what cowed other handsome and talented men who admired Hua Shuirou from having any improper intentions.

But now, the young master of Ye family even dared to give the Twin Lotus Flower on One Stalk painting to the young lady of Hua in front of everybody. Was this not a clear indication that he is digging Lin Xiao into a deeper pit? What kind of man would tolerate this offense?

Two things incited the most hatred in a person. One is for killing one’s father, the other is for taking away one’s wife…What will be the reaction of the young master of the Lin family!?

Although Lin Xiao had yet to say anything, his eyes emitted an innumerable level of anger. No matter how self-restrained or gentle the temperament, if it tarnished a man’s dignity, he will find it difficult to be at peace with himself.

“Young child of Ye, what’s the meaning of this!” Lin Zhan stood up, shouting. Using a painting to secretly express love to his future daughter-in-law in the presence of Lin family and this number of people no less. Does he not have a shred of respect for the Lin family? This cannot be tolerated. If the members of the Lin family do not stand up for themselves after being ridiculed, then they would surely lose face. Only a fool would fail to grasp underlying meaning of the painting.

“Oh?” Ye Wuchen looked puzzled, then asked in return. “What is the meaning of your words?”

“Hmph!” Lin Kuang exclaimed heavily, wishing violence upon this man. “We Lin and Hua family have made our marriage arrangements. Young miss of Hua family was betrothed to my son Xiao-er six years ago. What is the meaning of you giving this painting as a gift?”

The audience nodded simultaneously, thinking Ye Wuchen should not have committed this act.

“Oh!” Ye Wuchen suddenly realized, but did not deign to look at him, still fixing his gaze on Hua Shuirou, causing her to turn away and hang her head low. He turned around. “I dare to ask if young miss Hua is already a part of Lin family.”

“Of course not right this moment, but in a week’s time she will become part of our Lin family.”

“Since she is still not part of your Lin family, then my giving her this painting is still none of your business.” Ye Wuchen give him a disgusted look.

Lin Zhan become speechless, for a period of time he couldn’t think of anything to retort back.

“I would like to give this Twin Lotus Flower on One Stalk to young miss Hua and not to any person of the Lin family. You have no right to hinder it! How mighty is your Lin family that young miss Hua, who has yet to be married into your family, is subject to your irrational and tyrannical behavior. Even going so far as interfering with her personal affairs. If she is really marries into your family…“ Ye Wuchen did not continue further. Instead he exhaled, giving a pitying gaze at Hua Shuirou —purposely in view of Hua Zhentian.

Hua Zhentian disapproved at first, but upon hearing Ye Wuchen’s final remarks he suddenly became angry and stood up to shout. “Old man Lin! As the father, I didn’t even utter any words. What kind of people are you of the Lin family, meddling in my daughter’s affairs! You listen carefully. I, Hua Zhentian, have only this one daughter. Anyone who does not treat her properly will be torn to your bones! If my daughter really likes this painting, even the emperor or gods should get lost!”

To curse both the emperor and the gods in front of the man himself, Hua Zhentian might be the only man who would not lose his life in that process. If any other person were to do so, then Long Yin would surely be mad, but for this instance he just smiled, paying it no mind. He was well aware of the Hua Zhentian’s personality. He is very loyal to the imperial family, but his temperament is fierce; he is outspoken and straightforward. Never being restricted by rules, his actions were open and candid, he kept to his word, he loved wine as much as his life, and he was extremely protective.

Lin Zhan couldn’t help but to swear profusely…I only care about the reputation of my Lin family, not your goddamn daughter, you brainless impertinent man seems easily moved by a few words!

Hua Zhentian was unaware that the words he used to protect his daughter implied him siding with Ye Wuchen, which only served to give the Lin family a big resounding slap to their face.

Lin Xiao observed the situation. Deciding that this might bring harm to both Hua and Lin family, he promptly broke the silence. “General Hua, father, please don’t be angry. A sweet, fair, graceful, and wise lady is always being chased by men. Young miss Hua’s beauty is captivating to even the birds and beasts, her admirers are countless. Young master Ye’s actions are a commonplace. Even if young miss Hua and I are engaged, she is still not yet a part of Lin family, so everyone still has the right to seek after her. We of the Lin family have absolutely no rights to interfere. In fact, young master Ye just came back after losing his memory, so he might not be aware that young miss Hua was already engaged. There is no need to blame him.

Many people nodded surreptitiously. Lin Xiao’s statement not only used Ye Wuchen’s memory to cover the embarrassment of the Lin family, but also showed off his broad-minded attitude which was highly respected by others, making them remark that this son will surely have a bright future.

“Good! Good! You said it right!” Ye Wuchen clapped his hand in approval, then he said beaming at Lin Xiao. “Indeed very remarkable words from a gentleman. Like being born from a successful court academician. Young master Lin deserves to be called a brilliant and capable individual, such wise opinion and high tolerance has earned my utmost respect. Speaking of tolerance, compared to me, the difference is quite huge.”

He then used a voice that can only be heard by Lin Xiao alone. “Such a high degree of forbearance. If I were you, I would really give two big slaps to any person who has real intentions towards the woman that I love.”

Lin Xiao gritted his teeth tensely, whole body slightly shaking.

Even without that remark, any sane person would be able to determine that these words were meant to mock him. If they only heard what Lin Xiao had said, they would feel that Lin Xiao has a very distinctive moral character and certainly bright future. If they had heard Ye Wuchen’s remark... they would think him a coward!

Still showing good will even though his future wife had been treated like this, if not because of cowardice, then what?

However, young master Ye had mentioned “court academician” what was that? One by one the audience asked each other the same question, but nobody knew the answer.

Translated by: Fatty_Uncle

Edited by: patrick_the_father_of_dragons