CHAPTER 1115: CHAPTER 226: PLAYING THE FOOL TO OUTSMART OTHERS, ANNOUNCING THE ENGAGEMENT

Zhuang Xiyue’s father is a passionate collector, especially of antique paintings and calligraphy, and thus Zhuang Xiyue can be considered a semi-expert in this field. She instantly noticed something was amiss with this inkstone and didn’t believe Yun Ya would give such an insignificant birthday gift.

The Old Master looked at it for a while, then suddenly knocked the inkstone on the table. Seeing this action, many people laughed, thinking the Old Master was unhappy with this present, and their gaze towards Ji Yunya was one of unrestrained disdain.

Looking at what others had gifted before, and then at Ji Yunya’s gift, this is the Old Master’s ninetieth birthday after all. If she wants to marry into the Yan Family, it seems this beautiful dream might get dashed.

Dongfang Yi curled her lips and lowered her eyes to sip tea. Jiang Hanbi smiled and leaned in towards her: "Let’s see how she makes a fool of herself."

Yan Xing pulled Meng Junci along, laughingly said: "Some people, harboring fantastical dreams, don’t even know their own status."

Yun Ya glanced at Yan Song, who then walked over, amidst countless gazes, seriously holding Yun Ya’s hand, interlocking their fingers, and whispered: "Don’t be afraid."

Yun Ya smiled lightly, unafraid.

Gradually, many people couldn’t laugh anymore. The inkstone got chipped at a corner, and the Old Master picked it off with his hand, breaking off a piece of cement, revealing a dusty corner.

Yan Guosong, being the closest, took a look, seeing the exposed upper right corner with the relief script character "Liugeng." Yan Guosong couldn’t help but shout: "Is this the Liugeng Inkstone?"

Ancients have said, "May the square inch of land be left to descendants to till," ink is likened to fertile land, the brush plows, Liugeng Inkstone is considered a treasure of the study.

It turned out the inkstone was covered with a layer of hollow cement, completely obscuring its value. From the outside, it looked like a cheap cement inkstone; stripping off the cement revealed its true appearance. The inkstone measured 17 cm long, 12 cm wide, 2.5 cm high, with a rounded corner square pool at the upper left, inscribed at the back in regular script: "On the eighth day of the intercalary fourth month of Yongzheng’s Second Year, granted audience at Yangxin Hall, bestowed unto Minister Yu Dian’s inkstone, respectfully commemorating imperial grace, everlasting protection for descendants."

Yan Guosong unwittingly read the inscription aloud, and the hall fell silent for a moment.

"Turns out it’s the Yongzheng Duan Stone Liugeng Inkstone, a Republic of China old pit inkstone once fetched over two million at auction, this Qing Dynasty notable one is surely even more valuable!"

"Yes indeed, Miss Ji really has a grand gesture, presenting a masterpiece. Old Master Yan loves collecting inkstones most, and Miss Ji surely knows how to cater to preferences."

The wind shifted instantly; what was disdainful before is now praiseworthy.

Dongfang Yi took a deep breath and coldly chuckled.

"To act dumb and deceive is a trick that Ji Yunya plays skillfully," Jiang Hanbi sneered.

Yan Xing stomped her foot in anger, "Despicable."

Yan Hua glared at her, "So many are watching, are you not embarrassed enough?"

Yan Xing pursed her lips, turning her head away.

The Old Master stroked the inscription, smiling as he took Yun Ya’s hand, "Girl, you are thoughtful."

"As long as Great-grandfather likes it," Yun Ya said with a gentle smile.

Zhuang Xiyue walked over smiling, swept a glance across the room, "Taking advantage of this joyous occasion today, I want to announce something."

Yun Ya instinctively glanced at Yan Song, only to see his gentle gaze looking back, causing her heart to stir, her heartbeat suddenly quickened.

Everyone looked at Zhuang Xiyue, dressed in a wash-listen-hear posture.

Dongfang Yi’s eyes narrowed slightly, inwardly thinking something is off.

Lu Yuke coldly laughed. As soon as Zhuang Xiyue entered, she had already guessed.

Meng Shujing sighed, missed by a step, just a step.

Yin Suhua frowned, glanced at Pei Ying who seemed unperturbed, "What is the matter, having to say it in front of so many?"

Pei Ying lightly smiled, not responding.

Always an air of aloofness, Yin Suhua pouted, glancing at Yi Suchen beside her, averting her gaze to calm her mind.

Zhuang Xiyue walked over and took Yun Ya’s hand, smiling as she looked at the room, "I hereby announce that Yun Ya and Ah Song will hold their engagement party in a month, invitations will follow, and everyone is welcome to join us for the celebration."

Yun Ya’s heart skipped several beats.

Like a stone stirring a thousand waves, Zhuang Xiyue unexpectedly announced Ji Yunya and Yan Song’s engagement in public. What status the Yan Family holds, what status Ji Yunya holds, Zhuang Xiyue unexpectedly agreed, and judging by her manner, she was satisfied as well. Looking at the Old Master smiling brightly, clearly he agreed, and besides, if the Old Master didn’t agree, would Zhuang Xiyue dare to announce it publicly?

Yan Song, whom so many watched, unexpectedly was secured by Ji Yunya, truly... truly... making one feel as if they had swallowed a fly, uncomfortable.