Chapter 0009: United Saints

These two pieces of calligraphy are vigorous and refreshing, exuding a sense of unrestrained freedom. Although Zhuang Rui does not understand calligraphy, he recognizes the author's profound skill. The paper of these two pieces has already begun to yellow slightly, and the edges of the wooden scrolls have also faded somewhat. Being part of his grandfather's collection, they are at least works from before the founding of the nation

Seeing that Uncle De misunderstood his meaning, Zhuang Rui quickly said: "Uncle De, that's not what I meant. I was mainly interested in the things left by the elders, particularly in this person from the Dushan area. I also wanted to know what other works he has. When I return to Zhonghai, could you please help me visit those who have his works?"

Since this couplet can no longer absorb any spiritual energy, Zhuang Rui intends to see if he can draw inspiration from the other works of Fangdi Mountain

Uncle De, here’s the situation: my family's old house is going to be demolished, and while I was clearing out my grandfather's belongings, I found two pieces of calligraphy. They read: "How can one know that the phoenix is not as good as I? And who asks the heavens while feasting on clams?" The signature is the two characters 'Da Fang'. As you know, I am only partially knowledgeable about these matters, and I am completely clueless! I must ask for your guidance...

Fang Dishan was adept at crafting couplets, particularly skilled in composing embedded name couplets and humorous couplets. He inherited the tradition from the Ming Dynasty's Xie Jin and the Qing Dynasty's Ji Yun, showcasing remarkable wit and ingenuity. The embedded name couplets he created were all spontaneous, without any drafts, appearing as if they were naturally formed. The wording was exceptionally refined, often seamlessly integrating allusions without leaving any traces of artificiality. He was regarded as a unique talent of his time and was referred to as the 'Saint of Couplets' during the Republic of China era.

Zhuang Rui, somewhat impatient and even a bit rude, pushed aside the letters and notes in the box. The bottom of the box revealed two scrolls, each approximately fifty centimeters long. Without examining them closely, Zhuang Rui eagerly took out the scrolls, though he was still relatively careful. At that moment, these two scrolls were undoubtedly the most important items in his mind

Uncle De pondered for a moment and then said: "There are quite a few works by Fang Dishan that have survived through the ages, and some collectors in Zhonghai do possess them. You must be inquiring about the price! Since there are many surviving pieces, his works are not very expensive. The two pieces you have are a couplet, and their price should be between 8,000 and 15,000. Since they were left by your elders, you should keep them! If you find yourself in need of money, just let Uncle De know, and I can help you out."

Zhuang Rui couldn't help but feel a bit embarrassed upon hearing this. He realized that after returning home, he hadn't even thought to make a phone call to report his safety; he only thought of others when there was something urgent. He quickly said: "Uncle De, I am doing well, and my health is fine. After the New Year, I will strive to return to work as soon as possible. I am making this call to put your mind at ease."

"De, is there a work by Fang Dishan at our pawnshop?"

Regarding the person named Dafu, Zhuang Rui had never heard of him. However, it was not very difficult to find out about Dafu's background. If he did not understand, he could always ask Uncle De

Uncle De's place is a bit noisy; he is also a prominent figure in the antique world of Zhonghai, with a large number of disciples and followers. Every year during the New Year, his home is exceptionally lively.

Zhuang Rui felt a slight disappointment, but he could accept this outcome. After all, the amount of spiritual energy had indeed increased previously. What he needed now was to find the correct way to enhance the spiritual energy in his eyes. At the beginning, he did not have high hopes of being able to repeatedly absorb spiritual energy from these two scrolls.

After Uncle De listened to what Zhuang Rui said, he burst into laughter and said, "You little rascal, lacking in knowledge, previously you were reluctant to learn anything from me, but now you realize that having multiple areas of knowledge is not a bad thing, right!"

Fang Dishan was exceptionally intelligent in his youth, excelling in calligraphy and well-versed in various studies such as epigraphy, painting, and ancient texts. His calligraphy was sharp and vigorous, embodying the spirit of the mountains and forests. He feigned madness and was free-spirited, known for his lightheartedness and humor, often neglecting his appearance. At the age of 13, he passed the scholar examination. Later, he taught at the Beiyang Military Academy and became close friends and in-laws with Yuan Shikai's second son, Yuan Kewen. He also formed a deep friendship with the then-unknown painter Zhang Daqian.

Upon realizing this, Zhuang Rui immediately picked up the phone and called Uncle De. Once the call was connected, Uncle De's robust voice came through: "Is this Xiao Zhuang? Have you returned home? I was just about to give you a call these past few days. How is your health? Are you doing well?"

Uncle De was somewhat surprised; the things he understood did not interest this young man at all. They had been together for a year, yet he had never seen him use the words "ask for guidance".

Where exactly did the problem arise

"Uncle De, I actually have something to consult you about..." These two pieces of calligraphy are of great significance to Zhuang Rui, and he can no longer afford to be polite.

It's fine, no need to rush back to work, take some time to rest at home. I've already made arrangements with the pawnshop, so there's no need to worry. Please send my regards to your mother for the New Year! I will hang up now, as a group of apprentices has come to pay their New Year respects to me

Back in his room, Zhuang Rui did not open the scroll. Instead, he sat on the bed, placing the scroll on his thigh, and focused intently on it. A blue light flashed, and spiritual energy emanated from his eyes, reflecting onto the scroll. However, the result left Zhuang Rui disappointed, as the amount of spiritual energy returning to his eyes did not increase again. The recent experiment was similar to his previous experiences with ordinary books; he could merely see through the scroll to the objects beneath it, like a *picture* book. Yet the outcome was still disappointing, as the amount of spiritual energy returning to his eyes did not increase again. The recent experiment was similar to his previous experiences with ordinary books; he could merely see through the scroll to the objects beneath it, like a *picture* book.

There is no problem with this; when the time comes, you can bring that couplet, and I will take you to meet some collectors for discussion

After listening to Uncle De's introduction, Zhuang Rui realized that Fang Dishan is also considered a prominent figure in the field of modern calligraphy. However, he is now looking for another piece of Fang Dishan's work to see if he can draw inspiration from it

Dafang, also known as Fang Dishan, was born in 1873. His original name was Fang Erqian, and his courtesy name was Dishan. He was from Jiangdu, Jiangsu Province (now Yangzhou City) and was born into a scholarly family (his father, Fang Peisen, was a successful candidate in the imperial examination during the late Qing Dynasty and served as a local educational official for many years). He was skilled in calligraphy and couplets, and was a renowned scholar, calligrapher, and couplet expert during the late Qing and early Republican periods.

Since the moment the spiritual energy manifested in his eyes, Zhuang Rui has been constantly seeking ways to increase its quantity. After two depletions, the spiritual energy has become exceedingly thin, and there are no means to replenish it. Although he can now control whether the energy is released, in recent days, Zhuang Rui's gaze has been unfocused during interactions with others, fearing that he might inadvertently release the energy. If he were to completely exhaust the spiritual energy in his eyes, he would be left in a state of despair.

Our pawnshop does not have it, however...

Zhuang Rui naturally kept apologizing, assuring that he would learn more from Uncle De in the future, which finally clarified the identity and background of the generous person.

Neglecting to wipe the dust off the scroll, Zhuang Rui carefully placed it on his bed, then walked to the bathroom. After splashing his face with cold tap water, his mood finally began to ease.

Oh? Then wait a moment, I will step out to take the call

Upon opening the scroll, Zhuang Rui discovered that it contained two pieces of calligraphy. One piece bore the inscription: "How can one know that the phoenix is not as good as I?" The other piece read: "Let us eat clams and ask the heavens." The inscription above is the two characters: "Da Fang," and beneath the inscription, there is a square red seal with four characters: "Da Fang Shi Wen."

Zhuang Rui reported the dimensions of the two pieces of calligraphy to Uncle De, feeling quite anxious, fearing that Uncle De might also be unaware of the origins of this calligraphy

Uncle De was very pleased to hear Zhuang Rui's words. In the antique world, character is of utmost importance. Zhuang Rui is honest and straightforward, and Uncle De has a very good impression of him. He had always wanted to bring Zhuang Rui into the industry but had not succeeded. Now that Zhuang Rui has come to him on his own, Uncle De could not have asked for more

It had been a long time since he felt this way. Holding two scrolls in his hands, although Zhuang Rui did not know whether they were paintings or banners, he could feel his heart pounding, as if it were about to leap out of his throat.

Zhuang Rui got up to find a clean towel, wiped the dust off the two scrolls, then opened the scrolls and laid them flat on his bed