After her transformation and rebirth, she manipulates the innocent and ruthless to overthrow the wor

Pei Yun slightly turned to the side, gesturing to Wen Ming beside him:

"Your Majesty, please take a look."

Wen Ming understood, and respectfully stepped forward, slowly unfurling the scroll in his hands.

As the scroll unfolds, a picture depicting a prosperous and peaceful era, where people live and work in peace and contentment, gradually appears before the emperor's eyes.

The painting depicts a bustling marketplace, fertile farmland, children playing, and elderly people smiling—a scene of peace and harmony.

Among them, the figures' clothing lines are smooth, their hair and beards are detailed, the eaves of the pavilions are meticulously depicted, and the grains of rice in the fields are clearly distinguishable.

The children's playful antics are lively, the old man's smiling face is kind, and the expressions of passersby in the marketplace are all vividly portrayed.

It is evident that the artist's skill and artistry have reached a state of perfection. Every stroke and every object reveals the artist's mastery and ingenuity.

Pei Yun explained softly:

"Your Majesty, rites are not mere empty words. The rites I speak of are the foundation for maintaining people's hearts and stabilizing the nation. Without rites, where is the order? Without order, where is the prosperity? This painting depicts how, under the rule of rites, the people can live in peace and prosperity, and the nation can flourish."

The emperor gazed at the painting for a long time without speaking, a hint of approval gradually appearing in his eyes.

"Hmm, this painting has an ethereal atmosphere and delicate brushstrokes, showing great artistry. However..."

The emperor paused slightly, his brow furrowed, and he raised his hand to point to the ink-washed night sky on the scroll.

Why is the scene in this painting set at night?

Pei Yun paused, glancing at Shen You, who was standing to the side with her head down.

"Your Majesty, to be honest, this painting was created by my teacher with all his heart and soul. I fear that I may have misinterpreted its deeper meaning. I humbly request Your Majesty's permission to let my teacher personally enlighten Your Majesty."

Upon hearing this, a hint of surprise flashed in Shen You's eyes. She subconsciously wanted to turn her head away, but upon seeing her father beside her, she did not move.

She bit her lower lip, suppressing the surging emotions within her, and clenched the hem of her clothes with both hands, swallowing back the impulse.

Upon hearing this, the emperor's gaze sharpened slightly, and he looked at Pei Yun with a hint of surprise:

"Pei Lang's teacher is here too? Where is he? Please introduce him quickly."

Pei Yun stepped to the side and raised his hand to signal to Wen Ming beside him.

Wen Ming stepped forward slowly, still holding the scroll in his hand, bowed respectfully, and spoke in a tone that was both humble and dignified:

"This humble subject pays homage to Your Majesty."

Shen You's heart skipped a beat.

The emperor looked slightly surprised, his gaze lingering on Wen Ming for a moment.

Seeing that he was dressed simply, just like an ordinary servant, he couldn't help but feel a little suspicious. He didn't speak immediately, but carefully examined the person in front of him.

Wen Ming remained calm and continued:

"Your Majesty is wise. I deliberately chose the nighttime setting to showcase the prosperity of our dynasty."

As he spoke, he pointed to details in the painting:

"Your Majesty, please look. Although it is nighttime in the painting, the market is brightly lit, and people are coming and going in droves. Children are playing with lanterns, and the elderly are sitting and chatting. Doors are not locked at night, and no one picks up lost items on the road. This is a true reflection of a peaceful and prosperous era."

"If it weren't for Your Majesty's effective governance, how could the people be so at ease in the darkness of night?"

The emperor pondered for a moment, then slowly nodded:

"Your words have enlightened me greatly. The night scene truly reflects the grandeur of this prosperous era."

He looked at Pei Yun and said approvingly, "Young Master Pei, your teacher is quite the hidden talent."

"Thank you for your kind words, Your Majesty. I am humbled, but in truth..."

Wen Ming bowed respectfully, his posture humble yet his expression a mixture of tension and determination, and began to speak:

"To be honest, Your Majesty, I also have my own selfish motives."