In the past, there really were no silver notes with a face value of fifty taels. It was only after the new emperor ascended the throne that he ordered the banks to issue them. It had already been over twenty years.
Fifty taels of silver would weigh about three or four jin. Having it as a silver note was much more convenient to carry.
When Yang Mingyi came, he only brought two boxes of pastries. Old Master Wu had thought it was somewhat impolite, but seeing how happy Fang Zichen was when he received the silver note, he knew Yang Mingyi's 'gift' had also hit the mark.
But originally, it was said that painting the birthday portrait for Old Lady Zheng, if done well, could earn thirty taels of silver.
Fang Zichen didn't know how the other masters' paintings had been received, but he remained confident in his own work.
However, since he had now been given fifty taels, he felt he should return twenty.
The silver at home was all managed by Zhao Ger. This little brother hid silver like a mouse, hiding it so deeply that Fang Zichen simply didn't know where he kept it.
Zhao Ger had only stored six taels of silver in the clothes chest for daily use.
He said he would give him the twenty taels after Zhao Ger returned, but Yang Mingyi said it wasn't necessary.
The portrait was very much liked by Old Lady Zheng. The remaining twenty taels were a reward from Old Lady Zheng.
"Ah, your grandmother is truly a wonderful person!" Fang Zichen felt as if fortune had literally fallen into his lap today; his luck was truly shining. He said with a smile: "Good people live long lives—it's no wonder she reached her seventieth birthday. If you look around our village, very few people live to such an old age!"
Old Master Wu: "..."
At first listen, these words seemed like flattery, but upon careful consideration, they felt somewhat off.
He looked at Fang Zichen and slowly sighed.
Every time he met the other party, the other party always managed to choke him up enough, but also always managed to give him a surprise.
He originally thought he only had good knowledge, exceptional martial prowess, and exquisite chess skills. He never expected he also had this skill.
Old Lady Zheng's birthday celebration had invited several great masters. Old Master Wu knew about this too. The leading figure, Old Master Qin, had also gone.
Thirty taels of silver couldn't hire someone of Old Master Qin's stature. Moreover, scholarly families looked down the most on merchant families.
But Old Master Qin had once received a favor from Old Lady Zheng, which was why he had traveled the long distance to attend.
However, such a person actually sighed while looking at Fang Zichen's painting: "Truly, the younger generation is to be feared. I am ashamed of my inferiority, ashamed of my inferiority!"
There were many people at the time, and these words spread.
Old Master Wu was also curious. When he came, he sent a letter to Old Lady Zheng, asking if he could borrow the portrait to appreciate it for a while.
The two families were related by marriage, so Old Lady Zheng naturally had no objection.
At noon, Yang Mingyi brought the portrait.
Old Master Wu unrolled the scroll and was immediately struck with awe.
He had never encountered such a painting technique before. The portrait of Old Lady Zheng was strikingly lifelike, her eyes luminous and spirited, each strand of hair rendered with such realism she seemed to breathe on the paper.
This young man was truly remarkable and exceptional.
So talented and versatile, 'excelling in everything', he was not someone a small family could cultivate.
But this family probably didn't have many people.
Otherwise, just based on Fang Zichen's mouth, if he were in his family, probably... probably...
Such talent, so outstanding, perhaps it wasn't impossible to tolerate.
"Young man," Old Master Wu said sincerely: "Last time, we were truly greatly indebted to you. Otherwise, my grandson and I, grandfather and grandson, probably would have no path left to live."
"No need to thank me." Fang Zichen was righteous and stern, speaking with justice: "Seeing injustice on the road, drawing one's sword to assist; it's all what should be done. I'm just a good-hearted person. I can't stand the strong bullying the weak the most. There's no need to specially thank me. However..." He paused, pursed his lips, and said: "Old man, you aren't very honest, are you!"
Old Master Wu frowned: "I am not honest?"
"Of course," Fang Zichen said: "You just taught my son that lying is wrong, but you tricked me last time in the bookstore, making me feel quite sorry for you for a while. Truly, no respect in old age."
Old Master Wu: "..."
"But a magnanimous person doesn't dwell on the faults of petty men, and won't bicker with you." Fang Zichen advised slowly: "Still, you should know that lies are like trying to wrap fire in paper—they can't be hidden forever. I suppose when you get older, your skin gets thicker and you care less about embarrassment, but it must still be rather awkward for you, isn't that right?"
Old Master Wu: "..."
"Yes, yes!" Guaizai nodded vigorously, looking at Old Master Wu, his small eyebrows knitted together: "Old grandpa, Guaizai knows, telling lies is wrong. You can't trick people next time."
Yang Mingyi immediately looked at Old Master Wu, worried he might pass out.
Old Master Wu: "..."
He took two deep, slow breaths, drank some water, and forced himself to endure: "...I know."
Guaizai nodded: "Acknowledging your mistake is the first step to correcting it. That's a very good thing."
Yang Mingyi touched his little face: "Didn't you say last time you wanted to let me hold your little dog? Where is it?"
"Ah, Guaizai almost forgot! Come with Guaizai," Guaizai exclaimed. He slipped from Yang Mingyi's arms, grabbed his hand, and tugged him toward the house: "The little dog is sleeping. Guaizai will take you to see it, and my little bicycle too. It's so much fun."
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