Chapter 9, Calligraphy

Scholar Xu meticulously explained the five-finger grip method for holding a brush, and demonstrated it for Bai Gui three or four times. He then allowed Bai Gui to hold the brush himself and provided guidance while he practiced writing.

After all, Mr. will also feel bored

During the Qianlong period, a minister submitted a memorial stating that the three large characters "Zhi Gong Tang" (Hall of Absolute Justice) on the plaque of the examination hall in Shuntian Prefecture were inscribed by Yan Song. In such a grand place as the examination hall, which serves to select talented individuals for the country, how could one tolerate the handwriting of Yan Song hanging above? However, Qianlong ordered all the civil and military officials to write, and even he himself attempted to write, but none could match Yan Song's calligraphy. In the end, he could only sigh and allow Yan Song's characters to continue hanging there.

The Sui Gong Sheng are those who have achieved outstanding results as Xiucai and are eligible to enter the Guozijian to pursue their studies

You come with me

Feng Menglong, the author of "Jing Shi Tong Yan," was a young scholar who, after failing the imperial examinations multiple times, eventually became a tribute student and entered the Imperial Academy to pursue his studies

Scholar Xu then turned his head and looked towards Bai Gui, who was waiting beside him

There is a notion of suitability and unsuitability in practicing calligraphy. For instance, women, who generally have less strength, should learn the delicate and small script or the elegant willow style. In contrast, individuals with strong and robust finger joints, like those with a sturdy physique, are best suited for the bold and powerful Yan style

In the past, they were the last to go out and play, but today is somewhat different. In class, Lu Zhaoqian was a bit harsh on Bai Gui. They have a good relationship with Lu Zhaoqian, but they cannot show favoritism. Therefore, this outing during their leisure time to ease the relationship between the two is also a good idea

This statement is quite useful; it describes a good student who is filial and eager to make progress

It appears lamentable

Bai Gui slightly bowed in greeting

Although Xu Xiucai is merely a scholar, he possesses profound knowledge that is not comparable to that of an ordinary university professor

Zhou Yuan, resembling a young attendant, held an open scroll with both hands, leaning forward with an attentive ear, displaying utmost respect. After Xu Xiucai resolved his doubts, he performed a deep bow and then returned to his seat to continue his studies.

The "Little Teacher System" was a method promoted by Tao Xingzhi in 1932 at the Shanhai Engineering Corps. As the name suggests, it involves older students teaching younger ones, where those who know teach those who do not. This approach was also a response to the shortage of teachers in education, and Tao Xingzhi regarded the Little Teacher System as an effective means to break through the barriers of teacher availability in popular education. Tao Xingzhi was also a disciple of Dewey.

In the past, when he was teaching other children, some newly enrolled students, who were not yet well-versed in etiquette, would often interrupt him and hastily ask questions, which greatly displeased him

Because the scholar stands at the lowest end of the official ranks

The students who have been reciting their study materials all let out a long sigh of relief, and it is quite pleasant to invite friends to play in the snow or to go out and breathe some fresh air. Inside the classroom, the brazier provides warmth, yet it also feels somewhat stuffy.

No, sir just taught me how to write, I need to learn it, for fear of forgetting

Learning at other times will result in a discount on the effectiveness

In his previous life, when he took the college entrance examination, his essay was written in a hasty manner. Therefore, he dedicated a month to practicing hard pen calligraphy. As a result, during the college entrance examination, he scored twenty points higher in Chinese than usual, which is equivalent to one and a half math problems.

Scholar Xu approached Bai Gui's desk and stool, picked up a brush, dipped it in clean water, and softly said: "In learning to write, one must first hold the brush. Today, I will teach you the five-finger brush-holding method. The so-called five-finger brush-holding method involves using each finger to press, push, hook, position, and support the brush..."

Until this moment, an early class has concluded

Like the first pot of gold, it should not be easily squandered

To achieve a good reputation, one must prioritize their writing skills

If there is a next time, it is likely that Scholar Xu will delegate the responsibility to other students, allowing them to take on the teaching role

In "The Story of Minglan," Sun Xiucai, Shulan's ex-husband, comes from a family that is destitute. After he passes the imperial examination and becomes a xiucai, the Sheng family hastens to marry off their daughter, providing a substantial dowry that includes land, shops, houses, and servants.

"I apologize, sir, but I am unable to use a pen. I am afraid I will not be able to complete the tasks assigned to me by you on time. I kindly ask you to teach me."

Moreover, this is also a time to leave a good impression on Scholar Xu

Upon hearing this, Scholar Xu's expression softened

If he were to say, "Please, sir, teach me how to use a pen," it would be acceptable, but it would be a lower approach. Although Tao Xingzhi has not yet implemented the system of junior teachers, it is quite common in the school for slightly older students, who have received earlier education, to teach those who come later.

Things that are beneficial without incurring costs can also provide students with motivation

The licentiate can report to the Ministry of Personnel for official vacancies, while the jinshi is directly appointed to an official position. Both the licentiate and the jinshi can be criticized, yet there is always a lingering sense of insecurity in their hearts

Similarly, instruction from a more experienced mentor can also reinforce knowledge

There was a hint of satisfaction at the corners of his eyes

The national dynasty has always placed great importance on the written word

This world should indeed be this way

The label is "penny-pincher"

This is beneficial for the popularization of education and the convenience of teachers, but it may not be as friendly for the children receiving the education

The disciple humbly receives the teachings

Scholar Xu glanced at Bai Gui's hand and exclaimed in admiration

The Lu brothers also closed the book and laughed

A lifetime of being unable to achieve a promotion

Brother Gui, let's go out and have some fun together

What questions do you have

A well-mannered child has just enrolled in school, and he feels comfortable in his heart

It can be said that becoming a scholar means having already surpassed ninety percent of the population in the country

In reality, since the establishment of the examination system, a total of 260 years have passed, and the total number of students is estimated to be between 2 million and 3 million, while the number of scholars is only 460,000

Moreover, the Lu brothers are his main family, and he is also quite reserved when playing with them; what is the point of playing around with half-grown youths

The time immediately after class for reviewing knowledge is the most effective. According to Ebbinghaus's forgetting curve, the rate of forgetting knowledge is the fastest within one hour.

There are also discussions on palm void, palm vertical, wrist flat, and straight tube, among others

Bai Gui smiled distantly.

Well... you have learned quite well, your muscles and bones are strong, making you very suitable for practicing the Yan style. I have several copies of stele inscriptions by Yan Lugong (Yan Zhenqing) in my possession. Once you have mastered these characters, I can take the initiative to present them to you.

In both this life and previous lives, there are scores based on written work, thus the writing reflects the person; it must not be taken lightly

The replicas of stone tablets are not expensive; in the Stele Forest of Xi'an, there are stone tablets from renowned calligraphers of various dynasties, showcasing the most comprehensive collection.

Subsequently, several key points of calligraphy were explained

A small mistake can lead to a multiplied effort in order to rectify it later

But ... ...

When modern people mention scholars, they often do so with a look of disdain, considering them to be antiquated old Confucians, rigid and stubborn thinkers, who can only mechanically recite the Four Books and Five Classics

The fingers should grip the pen firmly, with the four outer fingers coming together, the joints facing outward, compact and not loose. The middle joint of the inner thumb should protrude outward, and the web of the thumb should be rounded like a stirrup. In this way, all five fingers exert force together, holding the pen firmly and powerfully, which also aids in the movement of the pen, maintaining an appropriate balance of tension and relaxation

Mr. Xie taught! Bai Gui bowed and escorted Scholar Xu as he rose to leave

His practice of calligraphy with a brush is still limited, and he is contemplating the earnest teachings of Scholar Xu in his mind. This experiential knowledge is indeed extremely valuable and should not be taken lightly. This time, he can use the excuse of completing a writing task to request Scholar Xu to personally teach him how to write, but what about next time

For instance, one can simply take a step forward to copy the Stele of the Pagoda of Duobao by Yan Zhenqing

Pu Songling, the author of "Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio," was also a scholar of the Qing Dynasty. He repeatedly failed in the imperial examinations and only became a provincial graduate at the age of seventy-one