Chapter 15 – Painting Butterflies

In the warm study, pages had already skillfully set up tables and arranged chairs, laying out paper, inkstands, and various pots and mortars filled with colored pigments. Two pages carried over the box of paints, which turned out to be a large solid blackwood chest, quite heavy.

Xie Fei hadn’t expected such an elaborate setup and smiled. “I’m truly indebted to you for such a generous gift.” Xu Chun could only offer a few humble words. Xie Fei smiled and took Xu Chun’s hand, leading him to the table while also addressing the guests. “Everyone, come and see these Western paints.”

The crowd gathered around as the lacquered box with gold-embossed designs was opened. Inside were countless small compartments, each with a silver label inscribed with colors such as vermilion, lead white, ochre, cinnabar, and rouge. In each compartment was a small crystal glass bottle, clear enough to reveal the finely ground pigments within, vivid and colorful. There were sixty colors in total, with each bottle containing about three taels worth of pigment, indeed quite rare.

Xu Chun explained, “The labels were made by experts who can discern color, who identified each one. However, they mentioned that since the paints haven’t been opened, the colors might not be entirely accurate when mixed and applied on paper. If Prince Xie feels the colors are off while painting, feel free to adjust them. But the merchant did tell me that these pigments have been processed through firing, so they’re unlikely to fade easily.”

Xie Fei chuckled. “Colors are truly judged on paper, it’s the truth. Even different papers yield varying results, and it’s most accurate under daylight.”

The guests couldn’t help but gasp in amazement, privately calculating that just the cost of the large chest and sixty crystal glass bottles alone would be several thousand taels, not to mention the precious pigments. The vermilion and lead white were literally ground from real gold and silver, and many were fine powders derived from precious gems. Some who didn’t recognize the Marquis of Jingguo’s heir whispered among themselves, asking about his background. Others quietly informed them about his mother’s wealthy origins.

For a moment, discussions buzzed around the room, and even Xu Gu’s peers couldn’t resist praising him. “This is a gift from your family, indeed refined.”

“The average person couldn’t afford these paints, only a household like yours could use them.”

“Surely, you have some skill in painting, right, Boyu? You must have used them before?” Boyu was Xu Gu’s courtesy name, and the speaker was Liu Pengfei, a fellow student of Xu Gu’s, who had failed the exams this year. As a member of a prominent official family, he usually looked down on Xu Gu, a first-born illegitimate son from a declining marquisate, whose luck allowed him to study. Yet, despite his teacher’s favor, Liu Pengfei intentionally jabbed at Xu Gu, knowing full well that even a genuine prince might not possess such valuable paints.

Xu Gu, however, only learned about the gifts prepared upon departure today. Seeing a set of paints initially surprised him; his mother was typically lavish, and this gift seemed slightly light. The Prince’s residence wouldn’t lack for paints, but the accompanying pair of plum vases made it passable. He didn’t have much say in the matter and remained silent.

Now, seeing such a set of paints, he felt somewhat shocked and ignored Liu Pengfei’s provocations. His gaze lingered on Xu Chun and Xie Fei, his mind preoccupied with whether the recent imperial title bestowed upon his mother had anything to do with the young prince. After all, his mother was always shrewd; how could she neglect her biological son’s future? The gift list appeared low-key, and while the paints were expensive, they were the most precious thing to a painter.

Xu Chun, who was usually carefree and innocent, was unusually tight-lipped about the person who had facilitated his mother’s title. Could it be related to this?

Xu Gu’s friend, Lu Moxuan, couldn’t stand Liu Pengfei’s haughty demeanor and retorted, “Didn’t you hear the young marquis say earlier that there was only one set?”

Liu Pengfei scoffed. “Just trying to create hype for a rare item. It’s a common merchant tactic…”

Another peer present waved a hand. “Quiet, let’s watch the young prince paint.”

Liu Pengfei was silenced, revealing his discontent but could only keep quiet and look towards Xie Fei, standing beside the large case.

Xie Fei picked up a crystal bottle, scrutinizing the brilliant blue pigment powder inside, its luster dazzling and radiant. He remarked in surprise, “This sacrificial blue is particularly unique.”

He instructed a serving girl nearby to mix the color. “Let’s see how it looks when mixed.”

Several beautiful serving girls stepped forward, some holding dishes, others pouring water, and still others dissolving glue. Xie Fei poured some of the sacrificial blue pigment into a dish and personally dripped the water for mixing the color. Holding a large brush, he dipped it in ink, pondered for a moment, then swiftly lowered the brush. Without hesitation, just a few strokes created several butterfly wings, followed by a few more to sketch out antennae and legs with dry brush techniques.

Instantly, compliments erupted. Some praised, “The butterfly wings’ shading is uniform, like wind brushing against clouds, graceful and delicate, full of charm.”

Others added, “This is the freehand style. Prince Xie’s painting skills are incredibly proficient, truly remarkable.”

Xie Fei, accustomed to such praise, smiled helplessly and looked at Xu Chun. “Indeed a fine color. Bright and strong in coverage, and it seems very stable. Once mixed with water, it only affects the shade, not the color itself. Impressive, Prince Xu put considerable thought into this.”

Xu Chun bowed. “As long as the young prince likes it, that’s what matters.”

Xie Fei laughed. “It seems that Prince Xu can wield a brush too. Otherwise, why would the merchant have pushed these paints specifically to you?”

Xu Chun blushed. “I’m a big layman. I’ve studied under several painting masters for years, but they always complained that my compositions were too crowded, my intentions too ordinary, too craft-like, too vulgar. I guess I don’t have much talent for this.”

Xie Fei chuckled. “No problem. Today, we’re simply testing colors. Why don’t you add a few strokes to this painting, Prince Xu, to see the color effects?”

Xu Chun realized that Prince Xie, with his noble status, was itching to paint after seeing the good quality of the paints. But to continue painting in front of guests of lower rank would degrade his own status. Since it was a test of colors, it was necessary to try out multiple colors. That’s why he was being encouraged to step forward, and he couldn’t refuse.

He took the brush, chose a few colors, and asked a serving girl nearby to mix them. Selecting a smaller brush, he dipped it in ink and began to paint, watched by everyone.

Xu Gu observed Xu Chun painting, while Lu Moxuan commented, “Ah, the young prince uses the freehand style. Your younger brother should continue with the same style. Using this outline brush, it seems he’s going for meticulous detail. That’s not quite fitting, Boyu, why don’t you go up and ease the situation?”

Xu Gu replied, “Let’s see how it goes. My younger brother has indeed studied painting.” He himself had learned painting alongside his younger brother, although not particularly skilled. He cherished the opportunity to learn from a master and had devoted a few years to studying earnestly. However, both brothers knew their painting skills were average. Their family spent a fortune hiring masters to teach them, but the teachers often criticized Xu Gu for lacking spirit and being too obsessed, and Xu Chun for having compositions that were too full, detailed, and vulgar.

Lu Moxuan shook his head. “He’s actually painting a figure? The young prince wants to test colors, so naturally, painting flowers would be the most clever choice. The colors would be vibrant, and flowers are easy to paint in the freehand style. Unfortunately, unfortunately, Brother Xu, you should still go up and persuade him.”

Murmurs spread through the crowd, sharing similar sentiments as Lu Moxuan. Liu Pengfei sneered sarcastically, “Brother Lu shouldn’t put Boyu in a difficult position. He’s a prince, after all. In normal circumstances, it’s alright, but in this setting, stepping up and overshadowing his legitimate brother in front of the young prince could easily invite trouble from his mother back home.”

Lu Moxuan fell silent, feeling apologetic towards Xu Gu, who wasn’t bothered. He merely smiled faintly. “My younger brother does specialize in figures. He paints portraits very realistically.”

What’s the point of realism…that’s what folk painters strive for. Portraits should focus on capturing the essence. Lu Moxuan said nothing more, merely watching how the young prince would proceed.

With just a few swift strokes, Xu Chun’s lines flowed smoothly, outlining a figure with billowing sleeves reclining on a rock. One knee bent, one hand supporting the head, the cap and sash falling loosely onto the rock. The man’s eyes closed as if sleeping, his features depicted with mere strokes, yet conveying a sense of solitude and coldness. Around the rock were several clusters of orchids, gracefully cascading downward.

After finishing the outline, Xu Chun switched to a smaller brush, dipped it in the sacrificial blue used earlier, and dabbed and brushed it onto the wide robe. The strokes were fluid, like clouds drifting across the sky, with the sleeves hanging loosely below the rock. The color transitioned from deep to light, the folds of the clothing rustling in the breeze, evoking a sense of snow and wind, harmoniously echoing the butterfly above.

After coloring the robe, Xu Chun changed to a larger brush, dipped it in rouge, and boldly painted expansive clouds, applying them with abandon. Then, using a larger brush, he dabbed in vermilion gold, giving the clouds gilded edges as if bathed in golden radiance. This further accentuated the vivid, almost ethereal blue butterfly.

As a result, the figure below exuded exceptional elegance, emitting an icy chill, akin to a deity untouched by worldly dust. The butterfly, rendered warm and bright by the surrounding clouds, captured attention at first glance, the rouge mist blending with the vibrant sacrificial blue, creating an illusionary play of light and shadow.

Everyone fell silent for a moment. Even those who had previously whispered now realized that this young Prince Xu likely possessed some genuine skill.

Xie Fei smiled. “You’re using the Zhuang Zhou dreaming of butterflies metaphor? Quite daring in your use of color.”

Xu Chun replied, “Yes.”

A guest interjected with a smile. “Is this a portrayal of the young prince? The expression and features are so similar, albeit with a slight sickly appearance, adding to the transcendent aura.” Everyone looked at Xie Fei, agreeing in unison.

Xie Fei examined it closely. For some reason, he didn’t think it looked much like him, but he found it strangely familiar. Deciding that if everyone else saw the resemblance, then it must be true, he smiled and took Xu Chun’s hand. “I didn’t expect Brother Xu to be skilled in painting too. Do you have a courtesy name? If I ever organize painting gatherings in the future, I should invite you to join us.”

Xu Chun was bashful. “My courtesy name is Siyuan.”

Xie Fei laughed again. “Seeing the autumn winds and thinking of the water shield fern and pike-perch, ‘Siyuan’ is an excellent name. From now on, I’ll address you by your courtesy name. My courtesy name is Feiyu, Brother Siyuan can call me by my courtesy name to avoid being too formal.”

Everyone looked at Xu Chun with envious admiration. He could only force a few humble words, but Xie Fei seemed delighted, holding his hand and leading him to the table together. During the meal, Xie Fei spoke with Xu Chun, asking about his daily life. In the eyes of the guests, this was a clear sign of high regard. Even Xu Gu, who came along, received numerous visiting cards.

The hosts and guests enjoyed themselves thoroughly until the feast ended at dusk. Xie Fei saw off the guests, planning to take advantage of his wine-induced mood to paint a few more pictures, when a servant reported that Eunuch Su Hua had arrived.

Startled, he quickly straightened his clothes to greet him. Su Hua smiled. “Young Prince, there’s no need for such formalities. His Majesty heard that you enjoyed the snow today and painted a picture of the butterfly dream. He heard it was very evocative. Now, as His Majesty is bored during his declining years, he sent me to fetch the painting back to pass the time.”

Xie Fei hurriedly ordered someone to bring the painting, saying with a smile, “Such a trivial matter, why did Senior Eunuch Su come in person? Did I do something wrong that caused a disturbance at court?” A hint of worry crossed his face, repeatedly considering if there was anything taboo in the painting.

Su Hua personally opened the painting and glanced at the face of the reclining scholar with closed eyes. Internally, he sighed, thinking that this prince indeed had some genuine skill. No wonder the Emperor risked leaving him to recover at the prince’s residence. Upon hearing that the prince and young Prince Xie had painted a picture together, the Emperor immediately sent word for him to retrieve it. Tsk.

Looking at the depiction of the dragon’s visage, wasn’t it exactly the Emperor’s expression? And this posture, these eyebrows, tsk, just a few strokes! How lifelike!

Su Hua inwardly marveled, satisfied as he gently rolled up the painting and held it himself. “Young Prince, there’s no need to worry. This painting is truly wonderful. His Majesty will certainly be pleased and there will surely be a reward.”

Xie Fei hastily said, “Thank you for explaining on behalf of His Majesty, but this painting wasn’t painted by me alone. The figure on this painting was drawn by Prince Xu of the Marquis of Jingguo. I dare not claim credit falsely.”

Su Hua smiled slightly, knowing that the Emperor would likely not return the painting. Given the Emperor’s unwillingness to owe anyone, he would generously reward young Prince Xie. After exchanging a few more words with Xie Fei, Su Hua returned to the palace, leaving the matter unmentioned.