“Sir, think about it—given your character, if you obtained this painting, wouldn’t you invite people to come see it?”

　　Henry Clark nodded. “I have a wide circle of friends, so naturally quite a few will come together to appreciate it.”

　　“That’s just it. With so many people seeing it, everyone will know the princess gifted you a famous painting. But one day, someone will spot a flaw, won’t they?”

　　Henry Clark thought for a moment and said, “That’s right.”

　　Adam Sullivan continued, “This matter is well known, but once it’s discovered to be a fake, what will others say?”

　　Henry Clark’s face turned green. “There will definitely be many who laugh at me, saying I have no eye for art, that I can’t even tell a fake from the real thing.”

　　Adam Sullivan smiled slightly. “I’m afraid that’s not all. Gossip is a fearsome thing—some might even say you’re a toad lusting after swan meat.”

　　“Who dares say that?” Henry Clark gritted his teeth. “Quick, put this painting away, and don’t let anyone mention this again.”

　　Just moments ago, he was full of excitement, but now Henry Clark looked like a defeated rooster. Inwardly, he felt secretly relieved—thank goodness, the fake was discovered in time. Otherwise, if he had really invited people to see it, the whole city of Bianjing would be laughing at him in a few days.

　　“The princess gave me a fake painting—was she really trying to humiliate me? Ugh... No, I can’t swallow this! What’s your name?” This time, Henry Clark sized up Adam Sullivan seriously. He found the servant somewhat familiar, but in his eyes, most servants looked the same.

　　“My name is Adam Sullivan.”

　　Henry Clark clenched his fist. “Adam Sullivan? Come with me, let’s go find the princess. I want to question her—what is she really up to?”

　　Adam Sullivan hurriedly stopped him. “Sir, you can’t go.”

　　“Why not?” Henry Clark was used to being domineering and couldn’t stand this humiliation. His anger was about to erupt.

　　Adam Sullivan said, “Even if you go, it won’t help. But I have an idea.”

　　“Think about it, sir. The princess thinks you’re a... fool, so she deliberately gave you a fake painting to humiliate you. Why don’t we forge a ‘Seven Sages’ painting and give it back to her? First, it’ll show her that we’ve seen through her trick. Second, she’ll get a taste of our skills.”

　　“Forge a Seven Sages painting?” Henry Clark exclaimed in surprise. “I may have some talent, but I can only copy ducks and chicks and such. I’m no good at the Seven Sages.”

　　“Damn fool.” Adam Sullivan resisted the urge to kick him.

　　“I actually have some experience with forging ancient paintings,” Adam Sullivan said, his eyes turning sly as he volunteered himself.

　　“Oh? You can?” Henry Clark looked at Adam Sullivan suspiciously.

　　Adam Sullivan said, “I’m not bragging, but my copying skills are at least better than this painting.”

　　“That’s great, truly heaven is helping me! Adam Sullivan, right? From now on, you don’t need to do chores. Start copying the Seven Sages painting for me right away. Once it’s done, I’ll reward you handsomely, haha...” Henry Clark’s anger turned to joy. He pulled out a paper fan from his waist and began to wave it with great flair.

　　“Dare to look down on me, huh? Just wait, I’ll show you all what I can do.” Henry Clark thought of gifting a Seven Sages painting back to Princess Qinghe and burst out laughing again.

　　Adam Sullivan pursed his lips. “Painting isn’t that easy. For example, the Seven Sages painting was done by Sun Wei of the Tang dynasty, using Shu paper from that era and Huizhou ink. Both are quite expensive...”

　　Henry Clark interrupted, waving his fan. “No problem, no problem, I’ll go buy them.”

　　Adam Sullivan added, “And to make a convincing fake, it’ll take time and several people. Why not have Miss Grace and Sam Walker assist me?”

　　Henry Clark said, “No problem, no problem, I’ll talk to my mother about Grace.”

　　Adam Sullivan revealed his true intentions with a slight smile. “I heard you need a study attendant, sir? What do you think of me?”

　　Henry Clark said angrily, “You’re a servant. I’m giving you a chance, so why so much nonsense?”

　　Adam Sullivan laughed. “Sir, choosing a good study attendant isn’t so simple. For example, a study attendant can paint for you, copy calligraphy, and so on. Surely you don’t just want a little follower?”

　　Henry Clark paused his fan, tilted his head and thought for a moment. “Fine. As long as you finish the copy, I’ll talk to my mother and let you be my study attendant.”

　　“A gentleman’s word is his bond.” Adam Sullivan extended his palm.

　　“What are you doing?” Henry Clark was puzzled.

　　“A palm pledge.”

　　“Haha, interesting! No problem, no problem, let’s do a palm pledge.” Henry Clark laughed and extended his hand.

Chapter Four: Sun Wei, Good or Bad

　　“Alas, my fate is thin. In youth, I suffered misfortune. Pitiful and alone, I knew nothing, still in swaddling clothes. My mother and brother raised me, kind but not strict... Three times in life I excelled, yet what have I achieved? My ambitions unfulfilled, I reflect on my hardships. My heart feels guilty within. I hope to encourage the future, neither fragrant nor foul. Gathering bracken on the mountain slopes, hair unbound in the cliffs. Forever singing and chanting, nurturing my nature and prolonging my life.”

　　In Henry Clark’s study, Adam Sullivan recited ancient poetry line by line. Before him was a piece of Shu paper. Adam Sullivan dipped his brush in ink, but did not rush to write.

　　Sam Walker brought him pastries, while Ethan watched Adam Sullivan recite poetry with closed eyes, grinding ink on the side.