Talented and learned person

Oh, this old man walks quite gracefully. Lin Wanrong, watching his figure, thought to himself, then focused his gaze on the misty and rainy painting. The ink on it was still wet, displaying the four characters "Shanyin Xu Wei."

He knew Shanyin, which later became Shaoxing. But who is this Xu Wei? Not only skilled in painting but also a master in composing couplets. Lin Wanrong felt a bit regretful; he could have acquired two copies of "West Lake Misty Rain" but the old man's talent showed, even in the couplets, causing him to lose one painting.

While Lin Wanrong didn't feel much about the characters "Shanyin Xu Wei," the attendants next to him exclaimed, "Shanyin Xu Wei? He is Master Wen Chang, Senior Academician Xu."

Miss rushed over, looked at the delicately written characters, and joyfully exclaimed, "Is it really Senior Academician Xu?"

Lin Wanrong was confused and asked, "Miss, who is this Senior Academician Xu, Master Wen Chang? Who is he exactly?"

Miss glanced at him and said, "You were just competing in poetry, thinking you had real talent. But you don't even recognize Senior Academician Xu. Shanyin Xu Wei, styled Wen Chang—"

"Xu Wen Chang?" Lin Wanrong excitedly jumped up. This name was so familiar; he had seen it in animated shows during his childhood, like "Clever Xu Wen Chang" and "Wen Chang vs. Yan Song." Wasn't it about this great talent?

After a moment of excitement, Lin Wanrong calmed down. This was an entirely different world, a history changed since the Chu and Han dynasties. No Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, or Qing; no corrupt ministers like Yan Song. The Xu Wen Chang from his past life, talented but always suppressed, never held significant positions. The Xu Wen Chang in front of him was the Senior Academician of the Wen Hua Hall in the Grand Hua Dynasty, holding a top-ranking official position.

So, they were entirely different individuals. The only similarity might be their shared name, Xu Wei. Both possessed unparalleled talents. Although the river of history had taken a different course, occasionally, it would create two similarly brilliant waves. Xu Wei was one of them.

"Do you know Senior Academician Xu?" Miss hesitated and asked Lin Wanrong.

"Miss, you're mocking me again. How would I know such an important figure?" Lin Wanrong smiled, distinguishing between the Xu Wen Chang of this world and the one in his memory. Nevertheless, he still held a strong admiration for him just because of those three characters, Xu Wen Chang.

Miss thought for a moment and then said, "Senior Academician Xu is the most talented scholar in the world. Before the emperor ascended the throne, he was the chief strategist in the mansion. Now, he is the chief academician of the Wen Hua Hall, also holding the position of Minister of Households. His calligraphy and painting are usually anonymous, judged by his style. However, this 'West Lake Misty Rain' is the first time he left his mark—a unique masterpiece. It's incredibly rare, and you unexpectedly encountered this esteemed person."

"This 'West Lake Misty Rain' is the only painting signed by Xu Wei? Wow. Isn't that worth a fortune?" Lin Wanrong laughed in his heart. Then, he thought about Xu Wei being in charge of the Ministry of Households; no wonder he had such insights into commerce.

After a moment of contemplation, he asked, "Miss, since Senior Academician Xu is in charge of the Ministry of Households, he should be in the capital. How did he end up here by West Lake, painting 'West Lake Misty Rain'?"

Miss, being perceptive, said, "Lin San, are you implying that Senior Academician Xu came to participate in the annual meeting of the Jiangsu and Zhejiang Chamber of Commerce?"

Lin Wanrong nodded, "Miss, as you said, Jiangsu and Zhejiang are the leaders among national merchants. Important figures attend the annual meetings in the capital, and it wouldn't be an exception this year. Given Senior Academician Xu's sudden appearance here by West Lake, besides this, I can hardly imagine what else could bring him here."

Miss exclaimed happily, "If that's true, Lin San, with Senior Academician Xu's appreciation for you, our Xiao family will surely face fewer challenges."

Lin Wanrong cautioned, "Miss, don't be too happy. These are just our speculations. We still don't know why Senior Academician Xu came to Hangzhou."

Miss remained firm, "This time should be accurate. He must be here for the matters concerning the two chambers of commerce. Building a good relationship with him would be a significant advantage for our Xiao family."

"Building a relationship?" Lin Wanrong chuckled, "My dear Miss, I only exchanged a few words with him, created a couplet, and teased him about selling his painting. If he didn't get angry or blow his beard, I'd be grateful. Building a relationship is an exaggeration."