Richest Man: Divine-Grade Reconstruct System Chapter 957 917: I Have Granted It

The moment the portraits were revealed, a collective gleam appeared in everyone's eyes. These were undeniably far more exquisite than any previous paintings.

It wasn't that the artists' skills had suddenly improved; their technique remained precisely the same.

The difference lay in the material used this time. Instead of traditional silk or bamboo slips, these portraits were rendered on modern paper, which led to a significantly more impressive visual effect.

Once completed, the first painting was presented to Lin Yi. A brief glance was all it took for him to nod in satisfaction, though he couldn't help but think that while the art was good, it still felt somewhat abstract.

He mused that while the portraits captured the contours of facial features, achieving an absolutely perfect likeness remained elusive.

However, he acknowledged that this artistic style wasn't inherently bad, merely different, with its own unique strengths.

Furthermore, given the technological limitations of the era, producing such detailed paintings was already a remarkable feat.

"Very well. You've painted excellently. Take this and let the others see," Lin Yi instructed, lightly gesturing with the paper he held towards the artist.

The painter acknowledged the command with a respectful nod and quickly retrieved the portrait.

Upon viewing the painting, all assembled were struck with astonishment, their eyes widening in surprise.

The Right Chancellor, in particular, upon seeing his own likeness staring back from the paper, erupted into a smile as radiant as the sun, his aged, wrinkled face transforming with pure delight.

He had genuinely never encountered a painting so lifelike, and the fact that the subject was himself made the experience all the more thrilling.

Moreover, with so many officials present, the opportunity to showcase such a remarkable artwork filled him with immense excitement.

For a fleeting moment, the old man was overcome with a feeling of elation.

He wasn't alone in his elation; the other seven individuals beside him also wore expressions of profound pride and eager anticipation.

They all looked forward to the completion of their own portraits so they could marvel at them in due course.

After all, art of this exceptional quality and unique style was truly a rarity.

Each of them felt an urge to hasten back to their respective artists, eager to see if their own portraits matched the splendor of the Right Chancellor's.

Fortunately, the skill levels of the painters were quite comparable, meaning the completion times were staggered but not drastically different.

Thus, shortly after the initial portrait was finished, the remaining ones were also brought to completion.

All were subsequently presented to Lin Yi for his final inspection.

As Lin Yi held the highest authority within the palace, it was understood that no one would be permitted to view their likeness until he had given his approval.

The established protocol within the Royal Palace dictated that all matters ultimately pertained to Lin Yi.

Following his customary review, Lin Yi gestured for the paintings to be distributed amongst the officials, offering praise to the painters for their commendable efforts.

This commendation filled each painter with a surge of excitement, their faces beaming.

For them, receiving the Emperor's acknowledgment was a reward more treasured than any other tangible benefit.

Their ultimate ambition was, after all, to create art for the Emperor and the esteemed members of his court.

Not only was Lin Yi pleased, but the officials below were even more captivated by the portraits, especially upon recognizing their own familiar features.

Their smiles broadened as widely as the Chancellor's, their mouths stretching into joyful grins.

Amidst the rising murmur of voices, Lin Yi cleared his throat, signaling a halt to their chatter and drawing his gaze towards the eight individuals positioned in the front row.

At the sound of Lin Yi's cough, the clamor subsided instantly, and all attention shifted upwards, focusing on him.

The eight leading figures stepped forward, bracing themselves to bow and offer their gratitude, but Lin Yi unexpectedly raised his hand, halting their intended gesture.

A warm, approachable smile graced his lips as he inquired:

"Are you all content with your likenesses?"

Following his question, it was unthinkable that anyone would dare express anything less than complete satisfaction. Without the need for discussion or signaling, they unanimously knelt, offering their sincere thanks for the Emperor's benevolent gesture.

Lin Yi, however, waved away their effusive words of appreciation and continued:

"There is truly no need for such overwhelming gratitude. After all, this is merely a reflection of your due recognition. As I have stated previously, your lifelong dedication to Dayou is invaluable. Therefore, bestowing these portraits is but a small token of appreciation for your immense contributions."

He paused for a moment, his eyes sweeping across the assembly.

As his gaze passed over them, the other officials stirred with a sense of indignation, unable to suppress their murmurs.

It appeared this new Emperor was no different, a master of flattery, openly extolling these eight before everyone. Such overt praise was a practice the previous Emperor had never indulged in, always speaking with directness and authority.

While their own capabilities might have been constrained, their pride prevented them from displaying any perceived inferiority compared to others.

The eight in the front row, meanwhile, savored a sense of smug satisfaction, each mentally contemplating their future prospects.

Surely, this public acknowledgment heralded more favorable opportunities to come.

It signified that their stations in life were poised for further improvement.

Perhaps their influence would even see a twofold increase.

After all, a less assertive Emperor was undeniably easier to manipulate and potentially usurp power from.

However, Lin Yi's subsequent words shattered their nascent smiles and left them utterly stunned, each looking around in bewildered disbelief.

He declared:

"Earlier, numerous ministers voiced that if I were to grant you portraits for your meritorious service, you would opt for retirement. This demonstrates a commendable level of self-awareness, prioritizing the greater good of Dayou and willingly accepting your fate..."

[To be continued...]