Chapter 1210: A City in Exchange for a Painting!
Translator: Lordbluefire
Because Sun Mo already had an idea in his mind, he was able to draw and produce twice the results with half the effort.
He finished his painting in a mere twenty minutes.
“So quick?”
The three famous artists were directly scared to death. It was like when they were watching p*rn, and Sadako suddenly climbed out from their computer screens. Their little brothers withered immediately.
Because Zeng Gongnian and the other two had produced famous paintings before, they understood how shocking Sun Mo’s current performance was.
“Someone come, put the painting up for display!”
The Qi Emperor instructed.
Two eunuchs initially wanted to go forward. In the end, they were being kicked away by the internal affairs butler of the emperor. After that, the butler personally headed forward to display this painting for everyone to view.
(This is such a good chance to fawn. Whoever dares to seize it will be killed by this daddy!)
Si~
At the instant everyone saw the famous painting, an immense sense of sorrow and tragedy flowed forth like the eruption of a volcano from the bottom of their hearts. Everyone felt extremely unbearable.
“I…isn’t this too pitiful?”
The queen sobbed, and her tears flowed down uncontrollably.
The others also felt the same way.
“Beloved Subject Sun, isn’t your painting a little too sorrowful?”
The Qi Emperor choked and sobbed. However, he felt even more remorse.
What did Sun Mo paint?
On a broken land, a young girl of four to five years old, as skinny as bones, was crawling there while being on the verge of death. Not far away, a vulture was eyeing her like how a tiger would eye its prey. It could already smell the stench of death. Once this little girl died, the vulture would immediately swoop forward to devour her corpse.
This little girl was skin and bones. Her legs weren’t strong enough to support her to walk. She didn’t even have the slightest bit of strength to lift her head or to glance forward.
Many people shifted their gazes away after taking a look because the scene was too overly cruel.
“Isn’t this something that has happened in many places before and is even happening now?”
Sun Mo rebutted.
The content of his painting originated from ‘The Vulture and Little Girl.’ It had once stunned the world in the modern era. Because of this photo, many international organizations had strongly increased their support to the country it originated from.
That photographer also received the Pulitzer Prize for this, but he was also mocked and ridiculed by many. All of them said that he didn’t help the little girl and in the end, the photographer suffered so much pressure that he chose suicide.
When Sun Mo first saw that photo, he was deeply stunned. He felt the most fragile part of his heart was stirring.
In the modern era, he was an ordinary person and had no authority to speak. He couldn’t even do things he wanted to. But now, he was a great teacher whose fame resounded through the Nine Provinces!
(What should I do?)
Sun Mo’s gaze swept past these people. They were all crown princes, princesses, and high officials. Five among them would become the emperor of the Five Empires in the future. The words and actions of these people would affect the fates of countless commoners, whether they be happiness or sorrow.
Those who were looked at by Sun Mo subconsciously wanted to evade his gaze, not daring to meet it.
“Death of a person can come in many forms. Murder, suicide, or even dying from a fall when venturing outside because of bad luck. However, the most tragic thing is none other than dying from starvation!”
Sun Mo chortled as a smile appeared on his face. “Everyone here is clothed in luxurious clothes and eats fine food every day. Even the food your pets eat is countless times better than the commoners’ food. This is why you guys cannot imagine that someone could possibly die from starvation.”
“Do you know? If a human truly suffers from hunger, they can even eat tree bark and soil!”
Sun Mo gave the Qi Emperor some face. However, he looked at Xia Taikang. “Everyone here is an educated individual and there’s no need for me to explain how people would trade their children for food in famine, and the tragic lives they lead after war or a disaster, right?”
“Teacher Sun, during the few years of famine, we did our best to provide disaster relief!”
Wei Wu`an rebutted, not wanting to bear the blame.
“And then?”
Sun Mo counter-asked. “Do you guys feel that by doing it, others wouldn’t be able to blame you anymore? What irresponsible thinking. After citizens paid their taxes, you guys naturally have the responsibility to protect their lives and assets instead of treating them like garlic chives waiting for you to harvest!”
Let alone Wei Wu`an, the expressions of the others also turned unsightly. After all, they were at the top of the social ladder and the people who benefitted the most!
“I painted this because I want you guys to remember a point. Each and every meal you enjoy comes from the flesh and blood of the commoners. After eating them, please do things that won’t let down the wealth brought to you by the sweat and effort of your people.”
Boom!
Priceless Advice activated.
Golden motes of light illuminated the entire Victory Public Square.
Many people sank into silence.
“Teacher has truly spoken well!”
Xianyu Wei felt a sense of worship.
“Yeah. Those in power shouldn’t squander it. The fall of every dynasty is caused by massive exploitation and the emperor losing the hearts of his people!”
Helian Beifang sighed.
“Our teacher has spoken beautifully, but his words would undoubtedly offend many people here!”
The sickly invalid felt worried.
“This is the responsibility a great teacher ought to bear. Could it be that one shouldn’t say it just because they fear offending people?”
Lu Zhiruo felt that her teacher had done correctly and could stand shoulder to shoulder with Saints.
“Sun Mo’s ego is too high. He doesn’t know how tall the heavens are and how immense the earth is!”
Han Cangshui coldly laughed. Even though these people didn’t say anything now, they definitely would hate Sun Mo deeply in their hearts. No one liked being lectured.
(Besides, the Qi Emperor clearly wanted you to paint a famous painting that is worthy of collection. In the end, you actually painted this nonsense? How disgusting.)
Gradually, voices also rang out from beneath the platform.
“This painting is filled with the meaning of education. Sadly, it isn’t a famous painting!”
Someone sighed with regret.
“Who told you that this isn’t a famous painting?”
“Isn’t this clear? All famous paintings would invoke the Wondrous Blossom Realm. That is the most important mark. A famous painting wouldn’t be in black-and-white but filled with colors!
“You are really ignorant. Great Teacher Sun intentionally didn’t fill the colors because he wanted to enhance the artistic concept of this painting!”
The audience below kept arguing and discussing. However, the Qi Emperor and the others on the platform had a broader horizon. They naturally knew that Sun Mo didn’t color the painting intentionally.
Black and white would look more solemn and serious!
“Great Teacher Sun, it’s truly regretful if such a good painting doesn’t have a poem to accompany it!”
Wang Zan spoke, beseeching Sun Mo to write a poem!
The Qi Emperor smiled bitterly. This was indeed a good painting, but its concept truly caused one to feel embarrassed. It was simply scolding a monk for being bald under the pretense of mocking a donkey. However, Sun Mo was truly impressive. Even when it came to scolding someone, he was still so outstanding. He wasn’t vulgar at all.
Sun Mo had an idea in his heart. He then used the semi-cursive script and wrote some words at the bottom left corner of the painting.
“Peaks like brows knit, angry waves spit, with mountains and rivers far and near!”
“Gazing on the Western Capital, I hesitate, alas! To see the place the ancient warriors did pass. The ancient palaces, hall and all, are all turned to dust, one and all.”
“Before my eyes, the empire’s rise is the people’s woe. The empire’s fall is the people’s woe.*”
“Good verse!” Wang Zan praised.
Zeng Gongnian and Zou Yin both sighed in their hearts. They couldn’t help but be convinced!
Although everyone had already had some clear understanding of Sun Mo’s talent from the 100 poems of Li Ziqi, they suddenly realized that it wasn’t Sun Mo’s complete form yet.
“If all talents in the world can be rated as high as 10 points, Teacher Sun alone will score 9.9!”
The Qi Emperor sighed ruefully. After that, he bowed deeply to Sun Mo. “Many thanks for Great Teacher Sun’s teachings!”
When the others saw this, despite them not being willing to do so, they also bowed to him. After all, even the Qi Emperor had bowed. The others naturally had to put up an act even if they didn’t want to.
Naturally, there were exceptions like Xia Taikang.
At this moment, those words suddenly glowed with a golden light and produced a halo that illuminated the surroundings.
When Xia Taikang was struck by the light, a sense of shame and self-reproach filled his heart. After that, he couldn’t help but bow.
“This is actually a famous painting with an aphorism?”
Grand Tutor Su was dumbfounded.
“Ah?”
The Qi Emperor was puzzled.
Everyone also looked over. They had never heard of this verse before!
“All great teachers have to educate and impart the dao. It is impossible for them to spend all their energy on improving their painting techniques. However, in the long river of time, there would always be a few extraordinarily talented individuals. They were not only great teachers but also famous artists. The paintings they produced had an additional layer of educational intent compared to works from ordinary famous artists!”
Grand Tutor Su explained.
“Those great teachers could imprint the effect of a halo into a famous painting, and everyone who viewed the painting would be affected by the halo. Such a painting is known as a famous painting with an aphorism!
“For such a famous painting…there are only nine in the entire great teacher world according to my knowledge. Their number hasn’t even surpassed the number of fingers on two hands!”
Si~
Upon hearing Grand Tutor Su’s explanation, everyone was stunned. After that, when they cast their gaze on this famous painting again, a deep desire to possess it rose in their hearts.
“Quickly, keep it for this emperor!”
The Qi Emperor urged the butler in charge of internal affairs.
He originally felt that this famous painting was a mood-damper and signified unluckiness. But now, he felt that this probably would be the most valuable treasure in his treasury.
“Your majesty, this famous painting was created by Great Teacher Sun. It isn’t too good for you to do this, right?”
Li Xiu spoke. She also wanted it. She even secretly cast a glance at her niece, wanting Li Ziqi to help persuade Sun Mo.
Such a famous painting could be claimed as a national treasure that possessed a great collection and educational value!
“Beloved Subject Sun, I’m willing to give Taicang City to you in exchange for this famous painting!”
The Qi Emperor directly gave a price.
The moment he said this, everyone here was stunned.
Taicang City was a major city with a population of a million. It was located at the north of the Qi Empire and was bordering on Xia. Although it wasn’t a grain-producing zone and also didn’t have any mines, this city possessed immense value.
This sentence of the Qi Emperor meant that Sun Mo could become the Taicang City Lord and enjoy taxes paid by this city. He would even have the power over the life and death of the people living there.
This was more exaggerated when compared to the rewards granted when someone was given an Earl title. At the very least, the emperor would grant them slaves and fields but not ordinary citizens.
When would they give ordinary citizens?
Only during times when they were defeated during the war and had to pay compensation.
Hence, when the high officials regained their senses, they immediately knelt in unison.
“Your Majesty, please take your order back!”
“Your Majesty, please think thrice!”
“Your Majesty, this is an action that might doom our country!”
A few of the officials were so agitated that their stances indicated that they were ready to die if they could change the emperor’s mind.
Grand Tutor Su had a headache. The Qi Emperor was really too random. Even if this was meant as a joke, such words couldn’t be uttered recklessly. After all, an emperor’s words were worth their weight in gold.
Li Xiu actually looked at the Qi Emperor in a new light when she viewed things from his perspective.
The Xia Empire had grand ambitions. Because of the existence of the Saint Gate, they didn’t dare to openly invade other countries. Hence, they merely armed their soldiers and trained them very well. This was why Taicang City that was bordering Great Xia kept getting plundered by bandits.
In order to oust the bandits and maintain order there, the Qi Empire had to send soldiers to defend the city. This was something that cost money. Hence, the taxes from Taicang City were lacking every year, and the Qi Emperor even had to inject a lot of money for military funds.
How good would it be if he could use that sum of money for enjoyment?
So, the Qi Emperor had long since been thinking of how to resolve Taicang City’s problem. Now that Sun Mo had appeared and after witnessing his talent, especially his ancient massaging technique, the Qi Emperor decided to recruit Sun Mo.
After all, exchanging troubles for days of relaxation and enjoyment was simply way too beneficial. In the future, if Great Xia attacked Taicang City, that would be Sun Mo’s problem and not his.
Given Sun Mo’s strength, he could suppress the Xia Empire and most probably resolve Taicang City’s problem forever!
At the same time, the Emperor could forge a good relationship with Sun Mo!
In the future, after Sun Mo became a Saint, it would also be hugely beneficial to the royal clan of the Qi Country.
The subjects naturally wouldn’t be able to think of all these things. They only saw a city being gifted away. Other than heartache, they also felt indescribable envy.
Zeng Gongnian and Zou Yin seemed to have been soaked in jars of vinegar for 1,000 years. Their stench of jealousy was extremely strong, and they wanted nothing more than to be the one to replace Sun Mo.
Using a city to exchange for a painting, even Wudaozi, a Saint Artist, wouldn’t have such glory!
No, it should be said that the entire painting world had no such character.
“In history, there have been people using cities to exchange for jade or absolute beauties, but I’ve never heard of someone using a city to exchange for a famous painting. Now, our teacher has filled the slot!”
Qin Yaoguang chortled. “Our teacher’s name will definitely leave a mark in history!”
“Our teacher should now have the qualifications to be called a Saint Artist, right?”
Xianyu Wei muttered hopefully.
“Be braver, remove the word ‘should now have’.”
Jiang Leng calmly spoke in an imposing manner.
The entire Victory Public Square burst into a huge uproar because of the Qi Emperor’s words. Many ordinary folks started staring at him with unhappy looks like seeing the wastrel son of a rich landlord.
(Using a city to exchange for a painting? Just this point alone is enough to qualify you as a foolish emperor!)
“Your Majesty, I have taken note of your admiration in my mind. However, I cannot take Taicang City!”
Sun Mo was also started. After calming down for a few seconds, he quickly rejected it.
He was also a man with a mine and fields (Greenhaze Forest). The income he generated yearly wasn’t less than Taicang City. Moreover, being a city lord wasn’t his ambition.
(No matter how impressive a city lord is, is he more impressive than a great teacher? This great teacher can simply depend on my fame to sleep with all the courtesans in thousands of brothels along the two shores of Qinhuai River. All of them are waiting for this great teacher to bring happiness to them!)
Sun Mo was very rational and he wouldn’t stir such trouble.
If he truly dared to take Taicang City, maybe someone would try to assassinate him the next day for daring to mislead the emperor.
“Alright, alright. Let’s discuss this matter in the future!”
The Qi Emperor moodily waved his hands. When he saw a few people wanting to speak more, he directly waved his hands and sent his guards to remove them from the area.
“Beloved Subject Sun, why don’t you draw another painting, the ordinary kind?”
The Qi Emperor beseeched. “I wish to hang it in my study so I can admire it daily!”
Sun Mo actually didn’t want to paint anymore, but since the Qi Emperor had given him so much face, he felt embarrassed to reject him.
“Alright then!” Sun Mo nodded. “But I dare not guarantee that it will be a famous painting!”
“No problem, no problem. I believe in Beloved Subject Sun’s talent!”
The Qi Emperor laughed loudly.
The little eunuch was very shrewd and took the initiative to grind the ink. However, the moment he took the ink slab, he was kicked away by the Qi Emperor.
“Beloved Subject Sun, allow this emperor to personally grind the ink for you!”
[1] note: poem reference taken from https://m.kekenet..com/kouyi/201408/322141.shtml