C43 – Adoration
Tang Yue instructed his men to cut several thin bamboo sticks, each of which was approximately the right length. After trimming the dog’s fur, he transformed a majestic, large wolfdog into a bald dog.
Tang Yue gently touched the dog with a sense of pity and reassured it, “Don’t be sad. You should understand that you are contributing to the progress of our era. Your story will be documented in future history books. When the ink is ready, we shall be known as Dog Hair!”
“Woof…”
In truth, there were various animal furs suitable for making brushes. Stiff hairs could be obtained from weasels, stone badgers, horse tails, pig bristles, and mountain rabbits. Soft hairs could be sourced from sheep. However, it was his mistake to immediately notice this large wolfdog.
He could only let the dog accept its unfortunate fate!
“Even though you may appear a bit unsightly, our lineage is noble. It won’t hinder your chances of finding a mate. Don’t worry!” Tang Yue gently patted the dog’s head, to which it simply withdrew.
The butler could hardly bear to witness the scene. This dog had accompanied Wang Zizhao to the battlefield before. He pondered whether Wang Zizhao would regret allowing Tang Xiaolang to do as he pleased upon seeing his beloved pet transformed into a bald dog.
The arrangement of the brush’s bristles was not a simple task. It required washing, dividing, stacking, combing, and tying. Fortunately, these skilled craftsmen did not need to exert much effort to produce a brush.
Tang Yue proudly presented the brush to Wang Zizhao and sought recognition, saying, “Look, this is how it’s done. Give it a try and feel it. Once you touch the ink, you can begin writing. It’s much more convenient than carving a knife.”
Wang Zizhao played with the brush curiously. Although the color of the bristles seemed familiar, he didn’t immediately associate it with his beloved pet.
Tang Yue handed him a bowl of water and instructed him to try writing with it.
Those who had just started using the brush struggled to control the strength of their strokes. Regardless of Wang Zizhao’s high IQ, he couldn’t escape this challenge. His handwriting appeared crooked and unattractive.
He furrowed his elegant eyebrows and commented with a hint of disdain, “It doesn’t seem to be very effective.”
Tang Yue leaned over and examined it. He burst into uncontrollable laughter, even though he didn’t recognize the characters. However, he possessed the basic ability to assess handwriting. It was genuinely… ugly, beyond comparison!
Suppressing his laughter, Tang Yue took Wang Zizhao’s hand and demonstrated how to write. He advised him, “Don’t rush and don’t exert excessive force when writing with the brush. Otherwise, the handwriting will inevitably look unpleasing… Instead, apply moderate pressure, using the tip of the brush.”
Tang Yue wasn’t an expert in calligraphy, but he could still write decently using a hard brush. It just wasn’t visually appealing.
While Tang Yue guided him, he held Wang Zizhao’s hand and wrote the character “mountain.” Upon finishing, they both realized they were in an ambiguous position. The spot where their hands touched felt warmer and numb, sending an electric current coursing through their bodies.
Tang Yue hastily released Wang Zizhao’s hand and awkwardly remarked, “We need to work on improving our writing. It’s normal to struggle initially.”
Wang Zizhao stared at the back of his hand for a moment, then turned to face Tang Yue. Tang Yue felt a sense of guilt when met with his gaze. Wang Zizhao asked in a slightly harsh tone, “Why are you looking at me? Are you expecting a reward?”
Wang Zizhao averted his gaze and wrote a few words in the water. “When will I be able to make the ink you mentioned? Won’t using ink make the writing more elegant?”
“I will need a few days. Once I’m finished, you can give it a try yourself.” In comparison to paper printing, crafting brushes and ink was considered relatively simple.
“Hmm, once the task is completed, This King will reward you generously.”
“Reward what?” Tang Yue inquired.
Wang Zizhao pursed his lips. “What do you desire?”
Tang Yue surveyed his surroundings and pointed towards a bronze pot in the corner. “That one. It appears to be quite new.”
Wang Zizhao followed the direction of Tang Yue’s finger and gazed at it, his expression becoming peculiar. “Are you certain?”
Tang Yue nodded. “Yes, I am. Is there any problem?” He had just noticed that object. It resembled a pair of ears, covered in a layer of golden powder, rendering it strikingly eye-catching.
Wang Zizhao cast an enigmatic look towards Tang Yue’s lower body. He let out a sigh of emotion and remarked, “I never expected Tang Xiaolang to hold me in such high regard.”
What did he mean by that? Tang Yue was taken aback.
“So, you truly desire to keep the chamber pot I use? Since you like it so much, I shall bestow it upon you.”
“……”
The chamber pot? A night pot… Tang Yue was at a loss for words. “Are you saying that’s a night pot?”
What on earth, who would design a chamber pot to be so glossy? Who would make it resemble a work of art? Whose chamber pot would be adorned with gemstones?
Was he well-fed enough?
