Ding Wei said slowly, "Let's call this poem 'The Painting'."
"Far off, the mountains have color.
Close by, the water makes no sound.
Spring departs, but the flowers remain.
People arrive, yet the birds are not startled."
As Ding Wei recited the poem, the Second Imperial Concubine stood frozen, as if lost in a trance. Watching her stunned expression, he guessed that his poem must have shaken her. Judging by her current reaction and the style of the painting, it was clear that she was the one who had painted it. Nevertheless, he feigned ignorance and asked, "My lady, Master Li’s work is masterful and lifelike; wouldn't you say it pairs perfectly with my poem?"
Chapter 171