The Prime Minister's Darling novel Chapter 155

Chapter 155: 110 Crushing (First Update)_3

Gu Jinyu narrated gently, “Miss Zhuang’s brushstroke is vigorous. The usual female ‘Zanhua’ style is too petite and does not suit Miss Zhuang’s strength. If Miss Zhuang were to switch to a different font, she would definitely be able to embody a powerful sense.”

No one hates flattery, and Miss Zhuang is no exception.

Her rejection of Gu Jinyu diminished instantly, “Well, at least you have some discernment. I have always felt there’s something off with that font! No matter how hard I practice, it just doesn’t feel right!”

“How about Miss Zhuang tries this?” Gu Jinyu took out a handwriting copybook and placed it on the stone table.

“Whose handwriting is this?” Miss Zhuang asked.

“It is the calligraphy of the young master of Zhaodu.” Gu Jinyu remarked.

Miss Zhuang was instantly infuriated, “You want me to practice men’s handwriting?”

Gu Jinyu and softly shook his head, “There’s no gender in handwriting; it’s just that women usually lack strength, so the ‘Zanhua’ style is easier for them. However, if we’re talking about beauty, the young master of Zhaodu has the most beautiful calligraphy.”

This was indeed the truth. Gu Jinyu had practiced it privately; despite not mastering its essence, the results were better-looking than that of the ‘Zanhua’ style.

The copybook she held had been painstakingly begged for from Lady Shufei, who, in turn, had managed to convince the emperor for it. One could only imagine how treasured it was.

She had made a tremendous resolution to bring this copybook out.

Gu Jinyu gently urged, “Miss Zhuang, why not give it a try? Starting from imitation.”

Miss Zhuang felt that the characters were indeed beautiful, far surpassing the copybooks collected by the Zhuang family. Persuaded by Gu Jinyu’s gentle and soft-spoken words, an opportunity presented itself.

She ordered for a brush, ink, paper, and inkstone. After copying a few characters and comparing them with the previous ones, there was a significant improvement indeed.

Gu Jinyu praised, “Miss Zhuang is so smart indeed. Even after much practice, I couldn’t achieve the strength of your brushwork. As long as Miss Zhuang is diligent and persists, you’ll surpass me in a short while.”

Miss Zhuang was feeling quite pleased with herself, “Of course!”

—

Ever since Xiao Liulang and Fen Lin went to the provincial city for their exams, Gu Xiaoshun would accompany Gu Yan and Xiao Jingkong for meals. Among the three, Gu Yan was the oldest but had the least life experience. He was a true baby Gu.

Baby Gu was picky about his food, too.

“I don’t want to eat noodles today!” Gu Baobao pouted.

“But we’re supposed to eat noodles today.” Xiao Jingkong spread his hands.

Xiao Jingkong is a planner, arranging meals meticulously. Xiao Liulang would eat anything, so he complied. Gu Xiaoshun didn’t mind it either.

Initially, Gu Yan thought it was his brother-in-law’s idea and cooperated out of respect. Once he realized the plan was set by Xiao Jingkong, he started opposing.

“I don’t care! I just won’t eat noodles!” Gu Yan was daydreaming.

Gu Xiaoshun looked at Xiao Jingkong, who frowned hard, and then at Gu Yan, who was refuting; he was at a loss.

He missed his brother-in-law. How did he manage to control these two?

Before Gu Yan arrived, Xiao Liulang and Xiao Jingkong used to fight with each other. After Gu Yan came, he shifted the internal friction. In truth, if it weren’t for the huge threat of Xiao Jingkong, Gu Yan and Xiao Liulang would have ended up fighting with each other.

To put it simply, the two younger brothers fought it out, and Xiao Liulang, the fisherman, gained an advantage in the process.

Amid the chaos and not knowing what to do, Gu Xiaoshun suddenly noticed a familiar figure. His eyes brightened, “Sister!”

Gu Jiao, carrying a basket on her back, arrived at the academy’s entrance. She looked at the trio and asked, “How come you haven’t eaten yet?”

“It’s all Gu Yan’s fault. He isn’t eating according to the plan!” Xiao Jingkong stated, his little face stern.