The crowd chuckled at Murong Shuang’s words. They had initially thought she was defending Lu Ming, perhaps hinting at some connection between them. If that were the case, their earlier mockery of Lu Ming would have been in vain.
Now, hearing Murong Shuang's statement, they breathed a sigh of relief, realizing she also disliked Lu Ming.
Gao Yuheng was particularly relieved.
He had been terrified earlier, fearing Murong Shuang might reprimand him. Seeing her berating Lu Ming now, Gao Yuheng was overjoyed.
However, something even more unexpected was about to happen.
Lu Ming glanced at Murong Shuang and, without any hesitation in front of everyone, said sharply, "What I want to say and do is my own business. As long as it doesn't break the law or violate morality, what is there to criticize? On the contrary, it's you, acting all profound, aloof, and bossy, that makes one sick."
Unbelievable!
These words immediately changed everyone's attitude towards Lu Ming.
At first, they thought he was insane. Now, they understood he was an outright lunatic!
How dared he?
A lowly grave keeper with no background dared to openly contradict Murong Shuang, a Three-Star General, in public. Was he not afraid of being dragged out and shot? His words were utter blasphemy.
Jiang Mengxin and Xu Qin were also startled.
Although the Jiang family and Murong Shuang were mortal enemies, and the Jiang family should have sided with Lu Ming, the Jiang family had greatly declined since the passing of their patriarch, Jiang Dingbian, and could not afford to confront the Murong family.
Lu Ming, before provoking others, couldn't he use his brain? Who wouldn't he dare to offend? He showed no discernment.
Xu Qin, usually so assertive, was now as quiet as a cicada in winter, not daring to utter a word.
Even Jiang Mengxin's face turned pale. She had prepared herself for Lu Ming to be dragged away. Even if not shot, he would surely be severely flogged.
Yet, reality taught them another lesson.
Faced with Lu Ming's defiance, Murong Shuang merely gave a disdainful smile and simply said, "Rotten mud can't be plastered onto a wall."
And then… nothing more!
He wasn't dragged away, nor shot, nor even flogged. Murong Shuang had simply uttered a complaint, nothing more!
Heavens, what a scene!
This was a situation no one else would dare to imagine: openly contradicting Murong Shuang without any consequence!
Soon, the crowd recovered their senses and gave Murong Shuang a thumbs-up.
"I get it, this is what they call 'a great person overlooks minor faults' or 'a prime minister's belly can hold ships'."
"As expected of a Three-Star General of Huaxia, the pride of Jinling, to possess such magnanimity! Truly a role model for our generation, someone we should learn from."
"Let us learn from General Murong!"
These people constantly, every minute and second, found ways to praise Murong Shuang, no matter what she said or did, always finding a unique angle for flattery.
They were truly remarkable.
In reality, Murong Shuang simply didn't want to waste more words on Lu Ming.
After all, Murong Shuang had broken off their engagement first, wronging Lu Ming. Therefore, Murong Shuang consistently believed Lu Ming was throwing a tantrum over their past.
Murong Shuang viewed Lu Ming like a parent looking at a child having a temper tantrum.
She was that proud.
This was also a major reason Lu Ming detested her.
Lu Ming lived with the Jiang family because of his late master Jiang Dingbian's dying wish, not because of Murong Shuang. When would this self-important person change her mind?
As everyone was lavishing praise, the museum director walked out. Holding a microphone, he addressed the crowd, "Hello everyone, I am the director of this museum. Today, we have gathered here, and I, along with Master Zhu, have prepared a small surprise for everyone."
Surprise?
The word immediately piqued everyone's interest.
Everyone present was wealthy and influential. Small favors wouldn't be considered a surprise; it had to be something significant.
As expected.
The director continued into the microphone, "It's like this: just yesterday, Master Zhu completed a new painting. Master Zhu intends to gift this painting to one of the fated individuals present."
What?
Is that for real?
A painting by Zhu You now sells for tens of millions. More importantly, excellent works cannot be measured by money alone.
Their collection value is extremely high!
To receive a painting by Zhu You is the dream of how many people?
Someone asked, "Will it be through a live bidding process?"
The director shook his head, "It's not bidding, but a quiz."
A quiz?
Amidst the crowd's confusion, the director explained, "Master Zhu and I have prepared ten questions. Whoever answers the most questions correctly will receive Master Zhu's painting."
Wow!
This immediately excited everyone.
If it were an auction, only super-rich individuals would win. Ordinary people could only watch. And if Murong Shuang bid, how many would dare to compete with her?
But if it's a quiz, it's much easier.
This way, everyone has a chance to obtain Master Zhu's latest masterpiece. And Murong Shuang might not know the answers. If she doesn't, it wouldn't be unfair for someone else to win.
Everyone’s fingers were itching, ready to answer the questions.
Before that.
The director glanced to the side, and immediately, a hostess pushed out a small cart. On the cart hung a painting – Zhu You's latest masterpiece.
The painting depicted a man, his profile turned, standing before an army, gazing into the distance.
"Dragon Warlord!" Murong Shuang immediately recognized it.
Because she was all too familiar with this scene.
This was the majestic figure of the Dragon Warlord standing between heaven and earth, exuding an arrogant presence, as he defeated the combined forces of the ten empires!
At that time, Murong Shuang stood far away, silently watching the Warlord’s back.
It was at that very moment that her love for the Warlord became irrepressible.
The reappearance of that scene now brought tears to Murong Shuang's eyes. The fact that a woman like her could be so moved showed the profound significance of this painting.
The director said, "This painting perfectly complements the one you just saw. The previous painting was the beginning of the war, where the Warlord led his troops to resist the combined imperial armies. This painting depicts Huaxia's great victory, with the Warlord standing proudly between heaven and earth in triumph. It's a perfect narrative from start to finish. Now, I will begin asking questions. The person who answers the most questions correctly will receive this peerless treasure for free!"
Hoo—
After this introduction, the crowd's excitement soared even higher.
Jiang Mengxin's emotions were also ignited.
She greatly admired Zhu You's paintings. If she could obtain this one, it would become a lifelong treasure.
Gao Yuheng was equally excited.
He swore he would snatch this painting. With it, he could definitely impress Jiang Mengxin and win her over! Once he had Jiang Mengxin, wouldn't this painting become their shared marital property? So, even if it were given to Jiang Mengxin for free, it wouldn't be a loss; he'd get it back later.
Of course.
The most excited and serious one was Murong Shuang.
Her love for the Dragon Warlord was deep, and the moment her romantic feelings were first awakened was during that scene! This painting represented the beginning of Murong Shuang's love.
No matter what, she had to win it.
Ten questions, she had to answer them all correctly!
Others, to varying degrees, also had their own hidden agendas and individual thoughts, but their goal was the same: to obtain the painting!
"Cough, cough."
The director deliberately coughed, drawing everyone's attention back to him.
Then, he raised the microphone and said, "Now, I will state the first question. It is: Who was the first high-ranking enemy general defeated by the Dragon Warlord?"
This question… was very simple!
Gao Yuheng, having seen the reports from that year, was the first to raise his hand and quickly said, "It was Horsa of the Sun Never Sets Empire!"
Upon hearing this, everyone slumped their shoulders, believing he had answered correctly.
Horsa had ambushed the Warlord's troops back then, but the Warlord had set a trap in advance, annihilating them in one fell swoop. Horsa himself was shot in the head by the Warlord and died on the spot.
The news at the time was sensational, marking the first major victory for Huaxia.
However…
The director's response was, "Incorrect."
Incorrect?
"How is that possible? It was Horsa," Gao Yuheng was bewildered.
Murong Shuang on the side sneered. She already knew the correct answer, but just as she was about to speak, Lu Ming raised his hand and answered first, "It was Muller of the War Chariot Kingdom."
Muller?
The crowd exchanged bewildered glances. They had never heard of this name before. Was there such a person among the high-ranking generals of the combined imperial armies at the time?
However, Murong Shuang's expression darkened considerably, as she realized Lu Ming had beaten her to the correct answer!
As expected.
The director smiled and said, "Congratulations, that is correct."