Chapter 401 - Lands of Our Nation (1/2)
Translator: StarReader
Editor: Elitecoder
“His Majesty has arrived!”
The sharp voice announced. The emperor in his dragon robe walked through the center of the hall with large confident steps, followed by dozens of guards.
The princes stepped aside in a respectful bow. Be it the officials, the houses or Quanrong delegation, everyone stood up and bowed to the man’s glorious and stern countenance.
The emperor took his seat on the throne and his eyes roamed the crowd, “Today is my birthday, a day to celebrate for the entire nation. Everyone is welcome to the festivities, as are the far away Quanrong delegation. Take your seats.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty, may you live a long and prosperous life!” Everyone bowed again before sitting.
The Crown Prince came before the emperor with a salute and a bow, “The entire empire is in jubilation of your anniversary, imperial father. I have also prepared a special gift for this unique occasion. May Your Majesty live a long and prosperous life!”
“Oh, Crown Prince has always been wise. I would like to see this gift. It must be a truly remarkable item, ha-ha-ha…” The emperor laughed, “Bring it forth!”
Two servants lifted a painting and unveiled it before the crowd.
Masterstrokes of the pen, a poignant ink smell and flamboyant writing were presented. The painting showed lofty mountains and vibrant rivers, so vivid they could practically jump out of the paper.
In the right corner was written Danqing Shen in bold strokes.
Tuoba Liufeng cried out, “Is that… Mad Painter Sheng, the best in the western lands’, the Lands of Our Nation masterpiece?”
“Correct, young master Touba has a good eye. It is indeed one of senior’s rare heirlooms, Lands of Our Nation!”
Crown Prince grinned, looking at the guests in pride.
Zhuo Fan didn’t get it. What was so great about some brushwork? In a world where might made one right, what was an egghead painter supposed to be worth?
He would soon find out though, just how valuable and shocking this painting was.
“Everyone knows, be it Quanrong or Tianyu, that the western lands hold a tiny and insignificant little kingdom. Yet eight centuries ago, a talent was born in the same kingdom. Not only did his power surpass the kingdom’s, but he was a scholar fascinated by painting, excelling in pen and sword. He alone had overcome ten great sects, becoming the uncontested number one!”
Everyone was watching Crown Prince, their ears focused.
Every clan with even an ounce of renown had heard of this legend. But no one took it to be true, that a man like that was a painter.
As for the newcomer Zhuo Fan, he was oblivious to it all.
But every single man here held deep respect for such an unworldly expert, so he listened as well.
Crown Prince cleared his throat, basking in the gazes of everyone, “Legend has it that he drew one incomparable masterpiece, the Lands of Our Nation. In those days, he watched his lands in turmoil and a crazy ambition was born from his obsession with painting. And anyone who brings this painting to him will have their dearest wish fulfilled, even helping them establish their own nation!”
Everyone was startled. With western lands’ first expert’s help, one could have all the lands he wanted, even the entire west.
Tuoba Liufeng was grave, trembling each time he watched the scroll. [If the legend turns true, that means Tianyu has a deadly weapon!]
[We have to have it!]
Tuoba Liufeng and Han Tiemo’s eyes met and they gave each other a secret nod.
A casual voice was heard, “Your Highness, where is this Danqing Shen now?”
Ugh!
The Crown Prince turned to Zhuo Fan, cleared his throat once and said subdued, “They say the senior has been missing for eight centuries and no one has found any clues of him since…”
“Tch!”
Zhuo Fan mocked, “What damn use does a damn painting have if you can’t find the right damn person?”
Pff!