Along the River During the Qingming Festival 1

  "Miss, you've forgotten that Qi Xiao Ran is the most skilled musician in our country of Mu Chen, and at just 22 years old, he was able to compose a piece of music that is unmatched in the world. Bai Meng Ni is the daughter of the current prime minister, and she excels in all four arts - zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting - and is recognized throughout Mu Chen as a talented woman." Shen Xiang's tone was full of admiration and envy.

  "Can you create a melody that is unparalleled in the world?" Lan Ya repeated, unparalleled in the world? I dare ask, who in this world can match up to being unparalleled.

  The world's tunes are ever-changing and diverse, each with its own charm. The phrase "unparalleled in the world" is often used to praise something, but most of the time it's just an exaggeration.

  "Miss, it's your turn." Chen Xiang pushed Lan Ya forward.

  The old man asked for Lany's name, specialty, and wrote it down on the scroll, which was considered as signing up. Because of Qi Xiangran and Bai Mengni's participation, the number of people who signed up decreased a lot.

  From the hundred people who just landed to twenty or so, Lan Ya's legs and feet were not good, and she had to be carried onto the stage. That black dress and black veil hat, as soon as she went on stage, caught everyone's attention.

  About twenty people took their seats, the first round was painting, the second round was chess, and the third round was playing the zither.

  As soon as she went on stage, Lan Ya noticed the two positions at the very top. The man wearing a white outfit had long hair tied back, and his handsome face was striking. The woman sitting next to him was also in white, her white dress making her look even more elegant.

  Lan Ya guessed that these two were the talented men and women in everyone's mouths, however, when they sat together, wearing the same white clothes, the man was handsome and the woman was beautiful, truly a perfect match.

  The imperial examination was presided over by officials of the imperial court, from the seventh rank to the third rank.

  "The contest begins." The host shouted loudly, the copper gong sounded, and everyone bowed their heads to paint.

  Lan Ya stared at the rice paper, picked up her brush and started painting on it. In her impression, "Qingming Shanghe Tu" was the most familiar one. "Qingming Shanghe Tu" depicts the prosperous scene of Bianjing during the Qingming Festival.

  It is a witness to the prosperity of Bianjing in those years, and it is also a reflection of the urban economic situation in Northern Song Dynasty. It vividly depicts the daily social life and customs of Bianjing, the capital city of Northern Song Dynasty.

  It is said that Mochen country is prosperous and flourishing, if she can paint this picture, she should be able to pass the test.

  Lan Ya focused on painting. The layout of "Along the River During Qingming Festival" was very large, and she didn't need to finish it all. As long as this piece of xuan paper was filled and the borders were well done, it would be fine.

  "The Mad King has arrived." The host shouted loudly.

  The officials above hastily stood up to pay their respects, and the twenty or so participants stopped writing to pay their respects. Only Lan Ya and Qi Xiao Ran were unaware of this, lowering their heads to carefully paint. [Promoting Jin She San Bu Qu; Snake King's Concubine Selection, Snake Doctor Wang Fei, Wang's Top Agent Fei]

  Lan Ya devoted all her energy to painting, thinking clearly in her mind about the layout of the Qingming Shanghe Tu, and how to divide this piece of Xuan paper.

  The arrival of the mad king made the whole scene solemn, and everyone in the martial arts arena bowed respectfully. Only two people remained silent and continued painting.

  Lanyi's all-black attire and veil already drew attention, now even more so.

  His fierce and piercing gaze was fixed on the person in black who was painting, he could see that the person was still quietly painting, and then lifted his foot and walked towards Lanyu's direction.

  Everyone's heart is tightened, daring to ignore the mad king, looking for death in vain.

  She spun around anxiously and called out softly, but there was no response, her heart grew increasingly anxious.

  Baili Liancheng's gentle face turned cold, his eyes fixed on Zhuoye Kuangming's movements.

  Yu Ye stood in front of Lanya's desk, lowering his head to look at her painting. The painting was only half-finished, and several bridges, bustling crowds, livestock, and houses could be seen. At this moment, she was painting the crowd part, and the people of all shapes and sizes on that painting were vividly depicted.