It’s quite common for young ladies who have not yet married to showcase their talents at social gatherings, and no one views this as a loss of decorum; rather, it’s seen as an opportunity and platform to display the excellence of one’s daughters.
Without seeing it with one’s own eyes, rely hearing from others hardly assures its truth.
Moreover, the one suggesting this is Princess Anping; who among those present would dare oppose her proposal without risking offense?
Sure enough, as soon as she spoke, all the Madams had no choice but to respond. The Madam was first to follow along, taking out a jade hairpin as a prize, while the others scrambled to offer up so of the jewelry they wore as prizes.
Song Ci was equally generous, taking a tourmaline hanging from her lapel as a prize, while closely observing the young ladies present.
Despite their shyness, the girls were all at an age comparable to blossoming flowers, each with a heart keen for competition. After so polite refusals, Guan Shuyan was the first to step forward to perform.
Guan Shuyan smiled and said, "I usually enjoy dabbling in food and drink; when it cos to artistic pursuits, I rely dabble. I fear my skills wouldn’t stand against those of my dear sisters, so I’ll perform finger painting, just for so clever amusent."
Everyone was intrigued; what exactly was finger painting?
Song Ci raised an eyebrow, a smile playing on her lips.
Wondering what finger painting was, they saw her lay out the drawing paper, pour ink into a large ceramic bowl to dissolve, and had her maid help tie up her sleeves with armbands to reveal her two smooth, pale arms.
Fortunately, the scene was composed of won only; otherwise, such bare hands would be deed improper, perhaps even immodest.
Song Ci casually glanced at the faces of the young ladies, pausing briefly on Wen Zishan before moving her gaze elsewhere.
Soon, Guan Shuyan demonstrated what finger painting was, wherein she dipped her hands in ink and painted on paper, pressing randomly, while using slender fingers or fingertips, and even fingernails, to embellish fine details.
"Quite the air of a playful scholar," Song Ci remarked with a smile to Princess Anping.
Princess Anping nodded in agreent, saying, "Quite novel; yet I wonder what it portrays."
Guan Shuyan worked quickly, and within monts, she had completed a painting of winter plum blossoms, with ink for branches, red blooms, dotted blossoms, and leaves beneath the tree, full of artistic feeling.
"Not bad," Princess Anping praised.
Guan Shuyan had been paying close attention to the comnts from Song Ci and Princess Anping; upon hearing this, her lips slightly curved as she rose to offer a salute: "I apologize for my daughter’s impertinence, which amused the Princess and Madam."
Song Ci remarked playfully, "Where is the amusent? This is clearly interesting, and this painting is quite lively. Do leave it behind to let this old lady admire it."
Guan Shuyan, in slight apprehension, said, "My daughter’s idle work might stain the Madam’s eyes."
"Even idle work harbors a unique sense," Song Ci laughed. "I covet this sense. Guan Liu Miss has a lively personality and open-minded nature; you’ve raised her quite well."
Guan Shuyan gracefully showed humility, although internally curious; Song Ci was evidently elevating little Liu, contrary to what they believed about her fondness for the Wen Family.
The Madam watched Song Ci’s deanor carefully, also sparing a few extra glances at Guan Shuyan, privately uncertain.
Madam Wen gazed at Song Ci through the corner of her eye, then at Guan Shuyan, silently sipping her tea.
Inspired by Guan Shuyan’s performance, other young ladies took to the stage, but eschewed painting. After all, Guan Shuyan had been praised by the two most distinguished figures, and doing poorly might only invite ridicule, so they opted for other pursuits.
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