Brian Carter indeed pressed his lips together, saying nothing, as if concealing his abilities.

　　Olivia Morgan gave a light cough, stepped forward, looked at the painting a few more times, and said slowly, “Master, forgive my lack of discernment, but for the moment I cannot tell which famous artist painted this... However, in my opinion, this painting was created by a descendant of the Huang School from the Five Dynasties period.”

　　As Olivia Morgan spoke, he watched Edward Cooper's expression. Seeing that he said nothing but only nodded, Olivia Morgan immediately felt more confident. But before he could continue, someone beside him suddenly said, “I’ve heard that the Huang School is also called the Huang Sheng Painting School. This school rose to prominence in the Five Dynasties period in Western Shu with Huang Sheng, and was further developed in the early Song dynasty by Huang Juzheng. Back then, Huang Sheng synthesized the techniques of his predecessors, blending their light outlines and rich colors, creating a unique style that was highly esteemed for a time. Huang Sheng often painted for the imperial court, so his works were always grand and magnificent, also known as the ‘Huang Family’s Splendor’...”

　　The voice was crisp and cold, and everyone looked over, unable to hide their surprise.

　　The one who spoke was actually Emily Harris.

　　No one had expected that, besides her exceptional swordsmanship, Emily Harris would also have insight into painting and calligraphy. While everyone was inwardly amazed, they couldn’t help but look at the painting, noting its grand and splendid style, and nodded to themselves.

　　Princess Taylor beamed with delight and said loudly, “So Sister Harris is truly talented in both the literary and martial arts—where else could one find such a person?” With that, she looked provocatively at David Sullivan and Brian Carter.

　　David Sullivan's face was as dark as water, Brian Carter frowned in silence, and when Samuel Parker saw this, he was overjoyed, thinking to himself, Brian Carter, oh Brian Carter, you’ve always been so arrogant, but now you’ve finally met your match. Although Samuel Parker was a Jinyiwei and supported David Sullivan, seeing Brian Carter suffer a setback made him even happier than gaining glory himself.

　　Olivia Morgan smiled slightly at these words and agreed, “Chief Harris is absolutely right. Huang Sheng and his descendants excelled at painting exotic flowers and rocks, rare birds and auspicious animals, with meticulous outlines that left no trace of the brush. Thus, later generations said, ‘Among the Huangs, painting flowers, the wonder lies in the coloring.’ The coloring in this painting is superb and truly embodies the techniques of the Huang School.”

　　Olivia Morgan and Emily Harris complemented each other, analyzing the painting’s brushwork to deduce its origins—a truly novel approach.

　　David Sullivan, however, coldly interjected, “The master only asked you to say what the painting depicts and who painted it. Why are you rambling on about other things?” He was skilled at finding fault with others and immediately realized that Olivia Morgan and Emily Harris were probably just as clueless about Edward Cooper's question.

　　Olivia Morgan was a bit embarrassed. He really couldn’t tell who painted the work or what it depicted. He just hoped that if Brian Carter didn’t know either, as long as Brian Carter couldn’t say more, they would win. He hadn’t expected David Sullivan to see through their intentions so quickly.

　　But those who achieve great things do not fuss over trifles. Olivia Morgan pretended not to notice David Sullivan's sarcasm and said as usual, “Master... In my opinion, although this painting uses Huang School techniques, there is a certain coldness in it that doesn’t fit the Huang style. It should have been painted by a disciple of the Huang family in the early Song dynasty... As for who exactly...”

　　He couldn’t help glancing at Emily Harris, who understood his meaning and slowly shook her head.

　　Brian Carter had been frowning in silence, but suddenly his eyes flashed and he interrupted, “This painting is definitely not from the early Song dynasty!”

　　At these words, everyone was shocked. Why was Brian Carter so certain?

　　Princess Taylor had long been displeased with Brian Carter, and now sneered, “A phoenix from a chicken coop—Lord Sullivan, it seems your subordinate is even smarter than you.”

　　David Sullivan saw that the tomboyish Princess Taylor could also stir up trouble and was amused. He replied blandly, “I am but a man of martial background; it’s not surprising that others know more about painting than I do. But if Commander Carter's knowledge surpasses even that of the Grand Academician, I truly cannot understand it...”

　　He deflected the sarcasm with a single sentence, not only brushing off Princess Taylor's mockery but also shifting the focus to Charles Thompson.

　　Of course, David Sullivan didn’t believe Brian Carter was more learned than Olivia Morgan or Charles Thompson, but since no one was sure of the answer, why not stir the pot?

　　After all, those with nothing to lose have nothing to fear. Thinking this, David Sullivan actually felt that Brian Carter's words suited his purpose, hoping he would say something even more unexpected, disrupt the situation, and force the master to pose another question.

　　Charles Thompson, hearing David Sullivan's sarcasm, remained calm and asked in return, “Commander Carter, why are you so certain this painting is not from the early Song dynasty?”

　　Everyone looked at Brian Carter, even Emily Harris couldn’t help but cast her gaze on him for the first time.

　　Brian Carter simply looked at the painting and said, “I don’t know much about the Huang School, but I do know that the Huang School mainly painted for the imperial court, seeking splendor and glory. It’s unlikely they would paint something with such a solemn and murderous atmosphere.”

　　Princess Taylor immediately said, “Unlikely doesn’t mean impossible!”

　　Brian Carter nodded and smiled, “That’s true. But I happen to know the name of the flower depicted in this painting... That’s why I believe it wasn’t painted by someone from the Song dynasty!”

　　Everyone was greatly surprised. They hadn’t expected Brian Carter to know what the painting depicted. Olivia Morgan asked in astonishment, “Commander Carter, you know the name of this flower?”

　　Brian Carter said slowly, “This flower... is called the flamingo flower!”

　　Edward Cooper had always looked indifferent, but upon hearing this, he actually opened his eyes wide, looked at Brian Carter, and murmured, “Flamingo flower... good...”