The Leisurely Life of a Peasant Woman in the Tang Dynasty

The next morning, Tang Youyou got up early. After washing up, she carefully wrapped the ancient book and put it in a bamboo basket. She also put some cakes that the children liked in the basket and set off.

She went to Wu Huazi's house first.

Wu Huazi came from a poor family and lived in a dilapidated little house.

Tang Youyou knocked on the door, and soon Wu Huazi opened the door.

He was wearing old clothes that had been washed white, his hair was a little messy, and there was a hint of fatigue on his face.

"Mr. Wu, good morning." Tang Youyou greeted with a smile.

When Wu Huazi saw Tang Youyou, he was stunned at first, but then he reacted and quickly stepped aside to let her in: "Madam Tang, please come in."

The room was simple, with only a bed, a table and a few chairs.

There are several paintings hanging on the wall, all of which are works by Wu Huazi. Although the paintings are exquisitely crafted, they reveal a hint of loneliness.

After Tang Youyou explained her purpose, Wu Huazi seemed a little uneasy.

He rubbed his hands, a look of worry on his face. "Madam Tang, I appreciate your kindness. But... my creative inspiration has been drying up recently, and I really can't produce any good works. I'm afraid I'll let you down."

Tang Youyou went to Zheng Shizu's house again.

Zheng Shizu's residence was slightly better than Wu Huazi's, but it was just an ordinary house.

Zheng Shizu is a free and unrestrained poet. He wears clean and tidy clothes, his hair is tied up with a wooden hairpin, and he has a gentle smile on his face.

Upon hearing the purpose of Tang Youyou's visit, Zheng Shizu also expressed his gratitude, but he also admitted that he had not been in a good mood for poetry recently and was worried that he would not be able to write a good work.

"Don't worry, you two." Tang Youyou took out the ancient book from the bamboo basket, "I accidentally got an ancient book. It records many strange stories and ancient skills. Maybe it can bring you some inspiration."

Wu Huazi and Zheng Shizu took the ancient book, flipped it open, and their eyes lit up at the same time. The contents of the book were exactly what they had dreamed of!

Zheng Shizu excitedly pointed to one of the pages and said to Wu Huazi, "Look, this records a long-lost painting technique..."

Wu Huazi also pointed to another page and said to Tang Youyou, "Madam Tang, here..." He suddenly stopped, his eyes fell on an illustration in the ancient book, and his expression became a little strange.

"Madam Tang, this describes a unique method for making pigments that I've never seen before!" Wu Huazi pointed at the illustration, his voice trembling. "But the pigment in this picture seems to be made from an extremely rare mineral..." He paused, his expression gloomy. "This mineral is probably extremely difficult to find."

Tang Youyou smiled slightly and encouraged: "Nothing is difficult in the world if you are determined. Since this kind of mineral is recorded in ancient books, it means that it must exist. We can try to look for it." Her tone was firm, as if carrying a power that could infect people's hearts.

Zheng Shizu also looked up from the ancient book, his eyes sparkling. "Madam Tang is right! We can't give up easily. This ancient book has given me great inspiration, and I already have an idea for a new poem. However..." He paused for a moment, "I need an absolutely peaceful environment to transform this inspiration into poetry."

Wu Huazi nodded in agreement. "Me too. The production method of this pigment is very complicated and requires undivided attention. If I could find a quiet place to concentrate on my creation, I would definitely get twice the result with half the effort."

Tang Youyou looked at the longing eyes of the two people, and a warm feeling surged in her heart.

She readily agreed, "Okay! I'll help you find a suitable place where you can create without being disturbed by external things."

She pondered for a moment, and a figure emerged in her mind.

"Perhaps, I can ask Mr. Li for help. He has a quiet courtyard outside the city that he might be able to lend to you."

Zheng Shizu and Wu Huazi looked at each other, their eyes full of anticipation.

"Then I'll have to trouble Madam Tang." Zheng Shizu bowed.

Tang Youyou smiled and waved her hand, then stood up and prepared to leave. "I'll contact Mr. Li first, and let you know when I have any news."

When she reached the door, she suddenly remembered something and turned back to the two of them and said, "By the way, if you need anything else, just let me know."

After saying that, Tang Youyou quickly left Wu Huazi's house and walked towards Li Yuanwai's residence.

She secretly thought that Mr. Li had a good relationship with her and would probably agree to her request.

But... she thought of Mr. Li's unruly and willful daughter, and her brows couldn't help but frown slightly.

Miss Li has always been critical of her, but this time...

She paused, a look of determination flashing in her eyes. No matter what, she was determined to secure this opportunity for Wu Huazi and Zheng Shizu.

Tang Youyou did not go to look for Mr. Li, but thought of "Mo Yun Xuan" in the west of the city. The environment there is quiet and it is a place where many literati and poets like to gather.

Although Mr. Qi, the owner of Mo Yunxuan, has an eccentric personality, he also appreciates true talent.

She walked briskly to Mo Yunxuan. Boss Qi was leisurely sipping tea. Seeing Tang Youyou coming, he raised an eyebrow and said, "Madam Tang, how come you have time to visit our shop today?"

Tang Youyou stated her purpose directly and emphasized the talents of Wu Huazi and Zheng Shizu.

After hearing this, Boss Qi smiled noncommittally. "Talent? These days, there are so many people who claim to be talented. Of the so-called 'geniuses' I've met, nine out of ten are just empty talk."

Tang Youyou had expected that Boss Qi would not agree easily. She calmly took out a painting by Wu Huazi and several drafts of Zheng Shizu's poems from her bag and handed them to Boss Qi: "Boss Qi has a keen eye. Why not take a look at their works before making a final decision."

Boss Qi took the painting and the manuscript of the poem, glanced at them casually, but his expression gradually became serious.

He carefully admired each painting and savored each poem. After a while, he raised his head, a glint of admiration in his eyes. "This Wu Huazi's painting is delicate in brushwork and profound in artistic conception; this Zheng Shizu's poem is even more profound and meaningful, leaving one with endless aftertaste. He is truly a rare talent."

"Then what Boss Qi means is..." Tang Youyou asked tentatively.

"Mo Yunxuan is not a big place. It is usually only used for scholars to gather and communicate. It does not have a dedicated place for creation." Boss Qi put down the work in his hand and said slowly, with a hint of hesitation in his tone.

Wu Huazi and Zheng Shizu also arrived shortly afterwards. Seeing the environment of Mo Yunxuan, both of them were very satisfied.

Wu Huazi said excitedly: "This place is really suitable for creation! It is quiet, elegant, and refreshing." Zheng Shizu also praised: "Such a beautiful environment will surely inspire my creative inspiration." The two of them greatly appreciated Tang Youyou's ability to do things.

Hearing the two people's praise, Boss Qi shook his head, "That being said, but..." He looked at Tang Youyou, "Mo Yunxuan has strict rules. Non-members of this store are not allowed to stay here for a long time to create."

Tang Youyou's heart sank. It seemed that Boss Qi was not really moved by the work.

"Boss Qi, I'm willing to pay double the price to rent the private room in Mo Yunxuan for them to use for their creative work."

Boss Qi chuckled, "Madam Tang, you misunderstood. Mo Yunxuan isn't a place that's solely about profit. Money..." He paused, his eyes landing on Wu Huazi and Zheng Shizu, "How about you each paint a picture and compose a poem, and let me see your true abilities. If you can satisfy me..."

Before Boss Qi could finish his words, there was a sudden commotion outside the door, and a shrill voice shouted, "Who dares to block my way? Do you know who I am? I am..."

The noise was getting closer and closer, and a man in gorgeous clothes walked into Mo Yunxuan with a group of servants following him.

He looked around the room, his eyes finally landing on Claire.

A smug smile appeared on his lips.

"Hey, hey, hey. Isn't this Miss Tang? What brings you to this...unfashionable place?"

Tang Youyou recognized him immediately.

He was Master Liu, the son of a wealthy businessman whom she had met before, known for his arrogance and tendency to cause trouble.

She sighed inwardly, preparing herself for the inevitable disruption.

Before she could respond, Master Liu's gaze shifted to the calligraphy and painting in Boss Qi's hands.

"What is this? Amateur graffiti?" He snatched a painting from Boss Qi and held it up with a contemptuous sneer.

“Can this be considered art?”

Wu Huazi's face flushed with anger. "Put it down! Even if real art hit you in the face, you wouldn't understand."

Young Master Liu's sneer became even louder.

He deliberately let the painting slip from his fingers and watched it fall to the dusty ground.

"Oops," he said, feigning innocence.

The smug smile returned.

"My fault."

The atmosphere in the room grew solemn.

Zheng Shizu took a step forward, his hand resting on the decorative hilt of the sword he wore at his waist.

"Apologize," he demanded, his voice low and menacing.

Young Master Liu ignored him and turned his attention back to Tang Youyou.

"So, Madam Tang, are you here to patronize these...artists?" he chuckled, his voice full of sarcasm.

"Perhaps you would like to commission a portrait? I assure you, I know several real artists who can do much better."

Tang Youyou took a deep breath and forced herself to remain calm. "Mr. Liu," she said steadily, "I suggest you leave. You're disrupting our business."

He laughed again, a laugh that was loud and boisterous.

"Business? This isn't really a business. It's more like a gathering of beggars." He paused, his eyes narrowed.

"Unless..." He leaned closer to Claire, a predatory glint in his eyes, "You're willing to give me something more...convincing."

Boss Qi cleared his throat, his expression unreadable.

"Mr. Liu," he said calmly but firmly, "I think I've asked you to leave." He placed the remaining work on a nearby table and picked up a slender brush.

He dipped the brush in ink and stared at Master Liu.

"I don't want to have to... convince you myself."