Chapter 3: Encountering a Benefactor
What a true character, it is rare for someone to give me such a candid remark! The previously silent elder finally clapped his hands and sighed, his expression quite gratified, "If an official cannot treat the people with sincerity, then it is a waste to receive this salary from the court"
"Who says otherwise? The person in question is none other than Scholar Su himself, which is why it is said that Old Man Li has encountered great fortune! Alas, why do I, this little old man, lack such blessings?" The stall owner wore an expression of envy and discontent, taking a long while to regain his composure.
On that day, it was still Gao Taigong who brought white rice from home, so Gao Qiu would not have to suffer from hunger upon arriving in ancient times. However, looking at Ying Niang at the other end of the table chewing on a hard, dark bun, he, as her unofficial husband, could only find the food in his mouth tasteless and waxy. Before leaving, Gao Taigong brought a string of coins from home; although it was not much, it at least alleviated the urgent needs of Gao Qiu and Ying Niang. That night, Gao Qiu, citing his unhealed injuries, still slept in a separate room from Ying Niang. However, throughout the entire night, he could only manage to sleep for two or three hours, spending the rest of the time lost in thought. Before leaving, Gao Taigong brought a string of coins from home; although it was not much, it at least alleviated the urgent needs of Gao Qiu and Ying Niang. That night, Gao Qiu, citing his unhealed injuries, still slept in a separate room from Ying Niang. However, throughout the entire night, he could only manage to sleep for two or three hours, spending the rest of the time lost in thought.
Three days later, early in the morning, he told Ying Niang a lie and left the house, carrying only ten wen for tea. Just as he had imagined, Bianjing during the Northern Song Dynasty was indeed the most prosperous place in the world. Although the main thoroughfare, the Imperial Road, was off-limits to commoners, the streets on either side were still bustling with activity. Whether it was Baokangmen Street, Quyuan Street, or Daxiangkou, the crowds were thick, and the sounds of vendors calling out their wares filled the air. It was still early, so the brothels and entertainment houses had their doors tightly shut, and even most taverns had not yet opened their shutters. However, the tea houses were doing a brisk business, with elderly patrons coming and going, engaged in idle chatter.
Although he was very curious about the identity of the old man, the two were strangers, and he felt it inappropriate to inquire directly. With a quick thought, he eagerly asked the stall owner: "Shopkeeper, I see that this place is bustling with people; may I ask how much profit you make from this calligraphy and painting stall in a day?"
He was engrossed in examining various paintings and calligraphy at the stall, and for a moment, he did not notice that several people had gathered nearby. When he straightened up, he saw an elderly man with graying temples surrounded by four or five people, yet his gaze was fixed on the banner in his hand
After wandering for most of the day, and seeing that the sun was already high in the sky, he found a tea shop and drank a large amount of tea. Just as he was about to head back, he inadvertently caught sight of several small scrolls displayed at a calligraphy and painting stall, and immediately walked over with great interest.
As he strolled along the streets outside Zhuque Gate, Gao Qiu's attention was gradually drawn to the ancient marketplace, pushing aside the various thoughts that had been lingering in his mind. Although he recalled that the Cheng-Zhu school of Neo-Confucianism originated in the Song Dynasty, the current season revealed a bustling street filled with young women and wives, their laughter and joy resonating throughout. Not everyone adhered to the taboo of not showing their faces, which greatly delighted his eyes.
At this moment, he deliberately lowered his voice, for it is known that Su Shi faced countless hardships throughout his life, yet his status as a literary giant is universally acknowledged. He did not wish to provoke a commotion around him with a single remark. However, the reaction of the calligraphy and painting stall owner was clearly beyond his expectations, as the old man, in his fifties or sixties, gaped in astonishment, seemingly on the verge of exclaiming.
He was naturally of a robust build, and although he could not compare to those delicate and handsome young men, he still stood out significantly while walking down the street. Just during this leisurely stroll, he had collected three silver hairpins and five rings, along with countless handkerchiefs and hair ornaments. However, due to preoccupations on his mind, he was entirely disinterested in flirting, and thus responded only perfunctorily to the women who approached him, leaving several top courtesans disguised as respectable ladies feeling quite disappointed.
This young man, may I have a look at what you hold in your hand?
"There is no need for excessive courtesy, Gao. I am merely an ordinary guest now, not a scholar." Su Shi, with his extensive experience, supported Gao Qiu with one hand while stopping the vendor's impulse with the other, "Old man, you need not envy others. Today, in light of this comment from www.hetushu.com, I shall fulfill your wish and take one of your paintings in exchange for a piece of my handwriting. How does that sound?" He gestured for someone to bring ink and brush, and with a flourish, he wrote a poem on a four-foot-long blank vertical scroll, then smiled as he stamped it with his personal seal.
Gao Qiu was momentarily taken aback upon seeing the visitor's extraordinary demeanor, accompanied by servants. He quickly presented his hands and said: "Sir, please feel free to appraise this. It belongs to the shop, and I am merely enjoying it for a while."
As Gao Qiu secretly clicked his tongue, he inadvertently caught a glimpse of a faint smile on the old man's face, which stirred something within him. Even though he was somewhat ignorant in modern times, he had certainly heard of Su Dongpo, a top figure from the Song Dynasty. Could it be that his unintentional journey today would lead him to a benefactor? With the intention of testing the waters, he immediately inquired, "Old man, is what you say true? You must know that the genuine works of Scholar Su are quite valuable; is it possible that someone would trade something precious for something cheap?"
It seems that this Scholar Su is indeed a person of genuine character. The mere two hundred wen can certainly be settled later. There are truly not many high officials who treat the people with such sincerity! Gao Qiu racked his brains to come up with a sentence, but he no longer dared to say anything more to the stall owner. In his time, while Su Shi's literary talent was highly praised, his reputation as an official was also quite favorable. However, he did not remember much, and at this moment, he dared not comment further. After all, if the person before him is indeed Su Shi, this is a significant matter concerning the first impression he would leave on others.
He had long assessed his various qualifications as a newcomer to this world, and the results were undoubtedly disheartening. He did not know how to make paper, lacked understanding of printing techniques, was unfamiliar with glass production, had no knowledge of cement and concrete, was ignorant of gunpowder and cannons, and could not recite famous poems in full... In short, he was almost entirely lacking in the essential skills required for this journey, with the only things he could offer being a smattering of historical knowledge and a talent for calligraphy. Everything hinged on whether he could pass muster with Su Shi; otherwise, all his words would be meaningless... In short, he was almost entirely lacking in the essential skills required for this journey, with the only things he could offer being a smattering of historical knowledge and a talent for calligraphy. Everything hinged on whether he could pass muster with Su Shi; otherwise, all his words would be meaningless.
Wherever Gao Qiu goes, he is filled with excitement upon encountering the stall owner. Upon stepping outside, he unexpectedly meets the great literary figure Su Shi. The probability of this happening is akin to a pie falling from the sky; if he does not seize this opportunity, he would be the biggest fool in the world. He has not learned much since childhood, but when it comes to calligraphy, he still possesses some skill, having memorized quite a few critiques. At this moment, he seizes the chance to praise, saying: "No wonder people say that the scholar's ink treasures capture the essence of the word 'natural'; it truly is a seamless creation!" He has not learned much since childhood, but when it comes to calligraphy, he still possesses some skill, having memorized quite a few critiques. At this moment, he seizes the chance to praise, saying: "No wonder people say that the scholar's ink treasures capture the essence of the word 'natural'; it truly is a seamless creation!"
Given the dire financial situation, as a man, he naturally had to find ways to make up for it. The assistance from Gao Taigong could not last long, and relying on his elder brother was nothing but a pipe dream. Ultimately, it was merely the case that this fellow had left behind a huge mess. After much contemplation, and combining what he knew from books with his limited historical knowledge, he resolved to quickly connect with Zhao Ji, following the historical rise of Gao Qiu. Whether he could become the renowned Gao Taiwei would depend solely on luck.
Gao Qiu first showed a hint of surprise, then bowed deeply and said: "I am Gao Qiu, a latecomer, and I pay my respects to Scholar Su!"
To say that Su Shi was prouder of his own calligraphy than of his skills in poetry and prose, upon hearing this, my initial three points of goodwill towards Gao Qiu instantly transformed into seven. He paid no mind to the fact that this was their first meeting, and pointing to a nearby tavern, he warmly invited, "Today, meeting young brother Gao is indeed fate; why not let me treat you, and we can enjoy a hearty drink at the Yu Xian Zheng Dian? What do you say?"
Sigh, this little stall of mine is merely filled with the scribbles of scholars and painters, hardly worthy of a grand hall. Business is quite slow; it would be much better if we had authentic works from famous individuals to showcase. The stall owner, in his fifties or sixties, couldn't help but sigh upon hearing this, pointing to another calligraphy and painting stall not far away. That old man Li over there is truly fortunate; last time, he had a landscape painting worth merely two hundred wen, and the buyer forgot to bring money. Remarkably, he was willing to exchange it for a handwritten piece by Su Dongpo. How enviable that is for others!
Gao Qiu was immediately overjoyed; unlike others who feigned reluctance with excuses, he readily agreed without hesitation. Little did he know that this straightforwardness, in the eyes of others, added to his impression score by a full ten percent.