Chapter 7: Ink Treasures

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I remain unmoved by the circumstances around me, pointing to the most outstanding piece of calligraphy on the book stall and asking, "If I am not mistaken, does it not say fifty taels of silver on it?"

I looked at the pale-faced Cai Xue, then glanced at the simple dishes on the table, realizing that I had not considered the circumstances and feelings of others before doing my own tasks

Only then did Qi Wang, still feeling unsatisfied, rise to his feet, and I hurriedly stood up to see him off

Yan Yuanzong and I shared a drink, and he said: "As far as I know, the King Ping is only sixteen years old this year, yet his calligraphy skills are so profound. I wonder who his teacher is?"

I picked up the wolf hair brush and wrote a line of large characters on rice paper, identical to the banner he hung: 'The broken spear sinks in the sand, yet the iron remains unsold; I will wash and recognize the past dynasty.' I applied the brush with a direct approach, yet with a grand demeanor, my strokes vigorous and robust, completely washing away the vulgarity and ostentation in his writing. It is important to understand that the weakness in the bones of his calligraphy lies precisely here. The complex tends toward density, movement, and richness; the simple tends toward sparsity, stillness, and subtlety. The two transform and give rise to one another, flowing and evolving, with meanings continuously unfolding. I completely washed away the vulgarity and ostentation in his writing, and it is crucial to recognize that the weakness in the bones of his calligraphy lies precisely here. The complex tends toward density, movement, and richness; the simple tends toward sparsity, stillness, and subtlety. The two transform and give rise to one another, flowing and evolving, with meanings continuously unfolding

From the exterior, the various sandalwood beams of this small building vary in thickness, yet their arrangement and assembly are quite orderly, maintaining a natural beauty. As a result, they appear uniform and harmonious, possessing a unique charm. Surrounding the small building are numerous exotic flowers and plants, emitting waves of fragrance that blend with the distinctive aroma of the sandalwood itself, creating an intoxicating atmosphere in the air

I laughed and said: "There are three realms of a writer. The first, 'the realm of no self,' is when one sees a mountain as a mountain and water as water. The second, 'the realm of self,' is when one borrows the rules of the ancients to create one's own new perspective. The third, 'the realm of true forgetting of self,' is when my brush follows my nature, and my strokes align with my momentum."

Four young ladies had already prepared food and drinks in the pavilion by the water. As the weather grew warmer, all four of them changed into light spring garments, their delicate figures radiating the vibrant colors of spring, stirring the hearts of onlookers

Cai Xue, with a look of confusion, followed me as I left 'Zhu Ying Qiu'. She had already realized that my choice to sell calligraphy at the Qi Wang Guild was to attract the attention of Qi Wang, yet she was extremely perplexed by my rejection of Qi Wang's active invitation.

Sun San smiled wryly and said, "I fear that my prescription will be snatched away by the people of Qin City!"

Yan Yuanzong's face revealed a look of satisfaction. His accomplishments in calligraphy are far inferior to mine; otherwise, he would not have collected so many works of varying quality. Ever since I showcased my beautiful ink strokes in front of him, he has been quite convinced of my judgment. My praise is equivalent to his greatest affirmation.

Yan Yuanzong unfolded the fan, and a look of excitement suddenly appeared in his eyes. This fan is my dedicated work, entirely different in style from the improvised banner I created yesterday

The King of Qi and I exchanged glances and burst into laughter

As I took the wine glass, I inadvertently brushed against her delicate fingertips, causing a stir in my heart. Yaoru seemed to sense my lapse in composure, her beautiful eyes revealing a hint of a smile, with a trace of shyness rippling in her gaze.

Yan Yuanzong immediately detected the exclamation in my voice, smiled lightly, and gestured for the book boy to place the wooden box on the stone table in the courtyard

"Good character! Good character!" Yan Yuanzong praised for two consecutive lines, playing with the fan surface for a long time, reluctant to put it down.

I was taken aback; I had not anticipated that he would ask me to stay temporarily when I arrived.

This is the most ordinary tactic of feigned indifference; given Qi Wang's obsession with calligraphy and painting, he will certainly not miss the opportunity to engage with me

Seeing that no one was around, she whispered, "Why does the young master not accept the invitation from Prince Qi?"

I still meticulously observed it several times, identifying several flaws within it, and then declared with certainty: "This item is indeed a counterfeit!"

I smiled calmly and said: "Yin Kong has no teacher; all the calligraphy he learned was through copying the masterpieces of others!" My statement is by no means an exaggeration; apart from my mother teaching me to read and write, I can almost be considered a self-taught talent in the field of calligraphy

Cai Xue and I were surrounded by everyone at the center, instantly becoming the target of public criticism

This brother possesses a dignified appearance and outstanding demeanor; I wonder what brings him here. Indeed, Prince Qi is as eager to recruit talented individuals as the rumors suggest, and he is approachable.

I exclaimed loudly: "Cai Xue! Prepare the brush, ink, paper, and inkstone for me; I will take you out for a stroll!"

Yan Yuanzong smiled and said: "The words of King Ping are too heavy. What I wish to ask of you is not too difficult! Three days from now is the thirty-fifth birthday of my mother, and I would like you to create a longevity painting to celebrate her birthday!"

Yan Yuanzong sighed and shook his head, saying: "What bad luck, I am afraid I still have to go out to attend to some matters"

Cai Xue thought that Sun Sanfen's words had truly angered her. She spoke softly, "Young Master..."

The expression on Prince Qi's face was filled with disappointment. The two attendants beside the book were immediately irritated by my indifferent attitude. The burly man with a thick beard angrily exclaimed, "You scoundrel! Do you have any idea who you are speaking to? This esteemed individual before you is His Highness, Prince Qi, the seventh prince of the current dynasty"

Cai Xue called the book boy to help carry out a literary table, and I slowly unfurled the scroll. When I clearly saw the scroll, a wave of secret joy surged within me; this scroll was actually the famous work "Wang Kong Shan" by the Eight Jun Mountain Man of the previous dynasty. I can assert with certainty that this scroll is one hundred percent a forgery, for the real "Wang Kong Shan" was burned by my mother when I was seven years old

I had just invited Prince Qi to take his seat again, and the two of us, while sipping fragrant tea, engaged in a lively discussion about literature from ancient to modern times. The unusual light in Prince Qi's eyes kept flashing, and my insights and judgments often coincided with his. We were both born into royal families, and I could almost empathize with his way of life; understanding his psychology was, for me, a matter of ease.

Yin Kong feels deeply ashamed; apart from being able to write a few characters, he possesses no other talents. The Prince of Qi must be laughing at me! I showed a look of embarrassment.

Prince Yan Yuanzong of Qi has a meeting hall on Wangque Street in the eastern city of the Qin capital. Here, there is a natural earth mound, which the locals have elegantly named 'Zhu Ying Qiu' (Bamboo Shadow Hill). It is the highest point in the city of Qin, and Yan Yuanzong's meeting hall is situated atop this mound.

Prince Qi Yan Yuanzong shot a fierce glare at the man, clearly blaming him for being meddlesome. The man, feeling anxious, lowered his head. I respectfully bowed to Prince Qi and turned to leave with Cai Xue, striding away. In this world, the more talented a scholar is, the more aloof and proud they tend to be. Since I have taken on this role, I must perform it to the utmost.

From the surrounding layout, I surmise that the small lake within this royal residence must have been constructed using the waters of the outside Yanzhi Lake. Creating such a paradise within the residence, with a lake within a lake, is indeed a stroke of genius. I silently admired this in my heart; even in the Great Kang, I have never seen such an elegant residence

In front of the small building, there are six circular wooden steps. Climbing up the steps leads directly to the corridor, which leads to the entrance of the small building

Sun Sanfen stared at me in astonishment. Those ginseng roots were all selected from the palace, of the highest quality, worth at least over a thousand gold pieces. I never expected to give them all away quietly. He was not pained by my loss of one hundred thousand taels of silver, but for a physician, the value of these medicinal materials cannot be measured in monetary terms.

I have just taken out that fan painting and presented it with both hands to His Highness Prince Qi, saying: "Your Highness, last night, Yinkong wrote a fan painting for you, and I hope you will graciously accept it"

The Prince of Qi held my hands and said: "The Emperor Yuan and the Peaceful King have been like old friends at first sight. If it were not for pressing matters today, I would surely spend the night talking with you by candlelight"

I explained with a smile: "I am not accustomed to that peculiar taste, so I gave the ginseng to the guard at the gate."

I naturally had no reason to decline and readily agreed.

Yan Yuanzong stood up excitedly. At that moment, in the distance, a servant accompanied a burly man with a thick beard walking towards this side, who was precisely the guest of Prince Qi that I had seen yesterday at Zhu Ying Qiu.

Yan Yuanzong let out a hearty laugh, his gaze directed towards the surface of the lake. A melodious sound of a guqin drifted from afar. As I listened closely, the music seemed to be the soft murmurs of a young girl longing for her beloved, and also resembled the sorrowful weeping of a secluded wife missing her husband who was far away. Each note seemed to penetrate the hearts of others, evoking an involuntary sense of melancholy.

I tremble as I say: "A fallen person like me is unworthy of Your Highness's title"

Cai Xue hurriedly said, "My body has already recovered, Mr. Sun need not worry about me!" In her moment of urgency, she forgot to conceal her identity as a daughter. In fact, there was no need to hide it in front of Sun Sanfen, as he had already learned her secret while treating Cai Xue's injuries.

I laughed and said, "If Mr. Sun wishes for me to assist in transcribing the prescription, I can do so without charge"

I smiled faintly and said, "A piece of my calligraphy is worth at least one thousand taels of silver. Do you really want to let go of this great opportunity to make money?"

He laughed from a distance and said, "The King Ping truly keeps to his schedule. Yuan Zong was just about to wait for you at the front gate, and coincidentally, you have arrived!"

Not long after returning to the Proton Mansion, I heard the guards at the door calling out: "Your Highness, Prince Qi!" I exchanged a smile with Cai Xue beside me, set down the scroll in my hand, and slowly walked towards the door.

Yan Yuanzong gave a glance, and Yao Ru picked up the wine jug to fill my cup, presenting it with both hands and saying: "This servant respectfully offers a cup to His Highness Prince Ping!"

Yan Yuanzong approached me with a smile, followed by two burly attendants. One of them, a black-faced man with a bushy beard, handed me a silver note worth three thousand taels from Sanhe Bookstore, reaching out to take the words from the document.

The scholar's loud shout attracted all the vendors around to our side

The Qi Wang nodded repeatedly, and my gaze turned to this counterfeit work: "At first glance, it seems to possess the form of the characters by Baijun Shanren. If it were imitating other ink works, it could indeed be mistaken for the real thing. However, this person actually chose Baijun Shanren's most celebrated piece, 'Wang Kong Shan.' It is important to note that this calligraphy was created by Baijun Shanren before his enlightenment and ascension. The essence of the characters embodies the spirit and elegance of heaven and earth, and how could such divine charm be replicated!"

The middle-aged scholar said with a trembling voice: "Do the words you just spoke still hold true?" Naturally, he was referring to the matter of me exchanging characters for one hundred taels of patterned silver.

A faint smile appeared at the corners of my lips, but when I turned around, I had already put on a look of surprise and confusion

Yao Ru's beautiful eyes revealed a hint of admiration as she gracefully approached me, softly saying: "This servant Yao Ru pays her respects to His Highness, the Prince Ping!" Her voice was like a yellow oriole emerging from the valley, with a slightly elongated ending that possessed an enchanting charm. The close proximity allowed me to distinctly catch the faint fragrance of her delicate body, causing my heart to involuntarily quicken.

Yan Yuanzong praised, "King Ping is indeed a remarkable talent!"

Yan Yuanzong had a great fondness for elegant pursuits, being well-versed in the arts of qin, chess, calligraphy, and painting. However, when it came to depth of understanding, he had yet to reach a profound level. In his leisure time, he would gather with the guests at 'Zhu Ying Qiu' to compose poetry and create paintings. His obsession with collecting the calligraphy and paintings of famous figures was nearly fanatical. Under his influence, the vicinity of 'Zhu Ying Qiu' unexpectedly became a treasure trove for literati and artists. Many people set up stalls here to sell their calligraphy and paintings, hoping to catch the discerning eye of Prince Qi. If fortunate enough to become one of his guests, they could achieve great success in an instant.

Yan Yuanzong invited Yao Ru to take a seat beside me, and his words finally got to the point: "I have a request for you, Yuanzong!" I hurriedly replied, "Your Highness, the Prince of Qi, please feel free to command. As long as Yinkong can accomplish it, I will certainly go through fire and water, unafraid of death!" Perhaps my words were too exaggerated, as both Yan Yuanzong and Yao Ru smiled.

Qi Wang Dao: "In that case, you shall come to Qi Wang's residence tomorrow at noon. I still have much to learn from Ping Wang regarding calligraphy."

I know that he has unwittingly fallen into the trap I designed, and with a slight smile, he said: "I have a modest understanding of the art of calligraphy, and I would appreciate your guidance, esteemed guests"

I proclaimed aloud: "The Eight-Uniform Mountain Man is indifferent to fame and fortune, living in seclusion away from the world. His calligraphy naturally reveals a sense of ease, and within its composition, he deeply grasps the subtleties of nature, resembling the wondrous and perilous landscapes, free and unrestrained. In this era, no one can rival him; he has already reached a natural realm where ink flows effortlessly, as if he could casually insert willows with a brush, and treasures can be picked up at will!"

Yan Yuanzong smiled and said: "Her name is Yao Ru, she is a maid in my household. If the Prince Ping likes her, I shall give her to you!"

The scholar, seeing that my words were clear and my mind evidently normal, raised his eyebrows and angrily said: "Do not cause trouble here; be careful that I take you to see the authorities!" It is important to understand that open and covert rivalries among literati are quite common, especially outside the Qi Wang Guild Hall, where there are at least a hundred families engaged in the business of calligraphy and painting, and intrigues among them occur almost daily

The scholar turned back to take a look, and an expression of pride involuntarily appeared on his face, as it seemed that the calligraphy was indeed written by his own hand: "This piece of calligraphy is indeed worth fifty taels!"

I nodded and said, "Rest assured, Your Highness, Yinkong will definitely do his utmost to accomplish this task for you"

I handed the silver note to Cai Xue, who said: "A fallen person, best not to mention it!" After Cai Xue put away the writing materials, I was about to leave

Yan Yuanzong's obsession with collecting books and artworks is almost fanatical. The pieces displayed on the walls are merely a fraction of his extensive collection. This small building consists of five floors, each housing his collected works. If I were to examine and appraise them one by one, it would likely take several months, which is simply unfeasible. Fortunately, he did not express any intention for me to continue the appreciation. He carefully put away the fan surface and accompanied me to the pavilion in front of the building.

I stood up

Two well-meaning individuals had already brought in the painting table, and I instructed Cai Xue to arrange the brush, ink, paper, and inkstone one by one on the table. The crowd dispersed around me, forming a circle, eagerly awaiting my performance

Cai Xue gently bit her lower lip and said sadly, "The ginseng that you brought from Da Kang has already been used up..."

As the conversation continued into the twilight, Prince Qi Wang Yan Yuanzong remained in high spirits. His attendant quietly reminded him, "Your Highness! You still have to enter the palace for the banquet tonight"

The Qi Wang blocked my path and said: "The establishment of Yan is right here. If you do not mind, sir, could you please stay for a moment?" I deliberately feigned disinterest and replied: "Thank you for your kind invitation, but I have urgent matters at home. It is certainly not possible today. If there is an opportunity, I will visit another day!"

Yan Yuanzong chuckled lightly, not insisting further. As he spoke, that Lan Zhou had already arrived before the waterside pavilion. Two beautiful maidens stepped forward to secure Lan Zhou to the shore, and Yao Ru, resembling a celestial being, gracefully stepped onto the land. My gaze fell once again upon her extraordinarily beautiful and captivating face. This woman was indeed a peerless beauty, not at all inferior even when compared to Cai Xue. How could Yan Yuanzong bear to offer such a stunning beauty to me? His earlier words were clearly a test of my intentions. If I were to foolishly agree without knowing my place, I would likely become the subject of ridicule for others.

In the flowerbed in front of the small building, several women dressed in white long skirts are trimming the flower branches, each one as beautiful as jade, appearing even more delicate and charming amidst the blooming flowers. Two individuals walk through the flower bushes and arrive at the small building where Qi Wang usually reads and studies. The small building is entirely constructed from interlocking wooden materials. Upon closer inspection, I discern that the building materials are a rare type of sandalwood originating from the Han Dynasty. Half of the small building is based on the ground, while the other half is suspended over the lake water. In front of the building, on the viewing platform, a thick rope is used to secure a single magnolia boat.

I let out a hearty laugh, my gaze filled with disdain, and remarked loudly: "The center of this calligraphy is smooth and rounded, graceful and varied; it should be considered a fine work."

The Qi Wang cautiously handed the scroll to me, saying: "This calligraphy was painstakingly obtained from the Han Dynasty by Yuan Zong a few days ago. Could the Ping Wang assist me in verifying its authenticity?"

One hundred thousand taels of silver was in my possession for merely two days. After deducting three thousand taels used for repairing the house, one hundred taels spent on drinks for the gate guards, the remaining money was entirely donated to the gambling house. For someone like me, a poor gambler, losing money is far easier than winning it.

Yan Yuanzong said to Yao Ru: "Yao Ru! This is His Highness, the Prince of Dakang Ping. The banner that has left you in awe is his calligraphy!"

The gaze of Prince Qi has shifted from admiration to awe; how could he know that if I had not seen the genuine article of "Wang Kong Shan," I would not be able to explain it so thoroughly

My gaze swept over the towering chests of the four young girls, and Yan Yuanzong, noticing my lapse in composure, couldn't help but smile slightly; he had probably already heard various rumors about me

Sun Sanfen unexpectedly uttered a remark that made me feel guilty: "If the young master does not like to eat, then so be it, but Cai Xue has a weak constitution and still needs nourishment..." Sigh! He let out a long sigh.

When I went to the Qi Wangfu, I did not bring Caixue with me. The Qi Wangfu is frequented by countless guests, among whom there are undoubtedly many talented and extraordinary individuals. Although Caixue's disguise is clever, there remains a risk of being recognized. I changed into a green long robe and took a fan as I headed towards the Qi Wangfu. The Qi Wangfu is located by the Yanzhi Lake in the southern part of the city, and its architectural style is entirely different from that of the Taizi Mansion I had visited before. The entire palace is built by the lake, nestled within the shimmering waters, making one feel as if they have wandered into the Jiangnan region. The main structure does not resemble the rough brick and tile construction found in the Qin capital; instead, most of it employs wooden structures, adorned with intricate carvings and painted beams, with flying eaves and overlapping tiles, embodying the softness and elegance of Jiangnan. I then thought of his mother, Xiang Jing, who was originally a princess of the Han dynasty. The location and construction of this palace were likely influenced by her.

Unexpectedly, Yan Yuanzong said: "I have prepared a resting place for the King Ping, so the King Ping may stay here for a couple of days!"

Following Yan Yuanzong's gaze, I looked over and saw a flower-adorned wooden boat silently drifting towards us. At the bow stood a young girl in white, her long hair cascading down her shoulders, delicately playing the zither, as if she were a poem or a dream. As the boat gradually approached, I noticed that the girl appeared to be around seventeen or eighteen years old, with brows like a new moon and a pair of beautiful eyes reflecting a sorrowful and graceful expression. Her skin was fairer than frost and whiter than snow, making the enchanting scenery around her seem utterly colorless.

Yan Yuanzong's pursuit of perfection in life is evident not only in the exquisite dining utensils he uses but also in his insistence on achieving perfect presentation for each dish. As I gaze upon these various dishes, each resembling a work of art, I find it almost unbearable to pick up my chopsticks.

I would naturally not miss the opportunity to test his patience, feigning a look of being captivated and lost in admiration for more than half an hour, until my neck became sore and numb from watching, at which point I sincerely exclaimed: "What a beautiful character!"

Seeing Sun Sanfen's complex expression of anger and sorrow for his own misfortune, I secretly laughed to myself. I could never figure out what exactly motivated Sun Sanfen to abandon everything and accompany me to Qin. I firmly believe he must have had sufficient reasons. From what I have learned about Sun Sanfen over these past few days, if he were unwilling, no one could extract a word from his lips.

The book servant of Prince Qi took out a scroll wrapped in silk from the wooden box, and after removing the three layers of silk on the outside, the ancient scroll inside was revealed

I hurriedly declined, saying: "A gentleman does not take away what others cherish; I, Yun Kong, would not dare to do so"

The surrounding crowd mostly consisted of discerning individuals. Upon witnessing my swift and fluid brushwork, gasps of admiration arose from the crowd. A middle-aged scholar fixed his gaze on the banner I had written for a long time. It is said that one need not fear ignorance of quality, but rather the comparison of quality; he immediately realized that the gap between us was far more than just a matter of thousands.

I paused in front of the calligraphy stall near the Qi Wang Pavilion. The calligraphy displayed on the stall was executed with a rounded, centered brush technique, exhibiting an elegant and graceful demeanor. The atmosphere of scholarly pursuit permeated the words and lines, making it one of the finest works among all the stalls. Judging by the customers at the stall, his business was also the best. I said to the middle-aged scholar running the stall, "Give me one hundred taels of silver, and I will write a piece for you!"

Yan Yuanzong said, "As for the Proton Mansion, I will send someone to handle it, so the King Ping need not worry." He turned to Yao Ru and said, "You take the King Ping to the Mysterious Tower to rest."

Sun Sanfen expressed with surprise, "There should be many, how could it be..."

It is already early spring, and the flowers, grass, and trees in the courtyard are beginning to show hints of green. The afternoon sun is warm and drowsy, causing one to feel sleepy. Yan Yuanzong and I then took our seats beside the stone table in the courtyard

I wiped my hands with the clean handkerchief I brought along, a habit I have cultivated since childhood. My calligraphy has not been guided by any renowned masters, yet within the grand palace of Dakang, one can casually find priceless calligraphic treasures. I began to copy Yan Zhenqing's "Draft of the Sacrifice to My Nephew" at the age of five, and after my mother's passing, I devoted myself to imitating Wang Xizhi's "Preface to the Orchid Pavilion Gathering." By the age of twelve, my work was nearly indistinguishable from the original.

Upon hearing my words, the scholar's expression softened slightly; however, I then shifted my tone and remarked, "Unfortunately, the writer is overly preoccupied with change, and the text is filled with superficial embellishments and vulgarity!"

Given my current status, it is naturally unlikely for me to enter the meeting hall of the Yan Yuan Sect. Cai Xue and I took a stroll around the street beneath the bamboo shadows, and what we observed in terms of calligraphy and painting were mostly poorly made inferior products

I looked around the room, where the walls were adorned with the calligraphic works of renowned masters from various dynasties. Among them were certainly some mediocre pieces, but there were also many invaluable masterpieces. I noticed a piece of cursive script by Zhang Xu and, unable to restrain myself, I stepped forward to appreciate it closely

Bring fragrant tea for the two of us, gathered from the snow.

I laughed and said, "Yin Kong is eager to meet Prince Qi, which is why he arrived early"

I gazed intently at that young girl, almost forgetting where I was, until Yan Yuanzong called out to me loudly, pulling me from my reverie. I awkwardly smiled and said, "This melody should only exist in the heavens; it is rare to hear it even a few times in the mortal realm! I have lost my composure!"

After arriving in the Qin capital, I spent money lavishly and lived a life of indulgence, successfully dispelling the suspicions of Crown Prince Yan Yuanji. The eight guards at the entrance no longer followed me as closely as they did at first, allowing the three of us to come and go freely from the hostage residence. Naturally, Yan Yuanji would not let me starve on their Qin territory, and every day, the staff at Linxian Tower continued to deliver meals to me. However, both the quantity and quality of the food had noticeably declined, and could only be described as coarse.

The scholar's face turned bright red: "What do you know? Do not make reckless comments here."

My ability to lose money makes everyone at the casino feel inferior; before long, this matter will spread throughout the streets and alleys of the Qin capital

The three thousand taels of silver notes did not remain in my pocket for long; at noon, I had a hearty meal with Cai Xue at 'Xing Jing De', and we also purchased some mountain ginseng and other tonics. The remaining silver was entirely donated to the gambling house

I smiled calmly and said, "Do you think it is still possible, sir?" The scholar's face turned red as he lowered his head, but soon he raised it again, biting his lower lip, as if he had made up his mind: "I will give you two hundred taels of silver"

The servants under Yan Yuanzong were all exceptionally beautiful. Later, I learned that most of these servants were the remaining talented women selected from the imperial court. The current Empress, Xiang Jing, out of love for her son, bestowed them upon Prince Qi as servants. In truth, she feared that Emperor Xuanlong might be attracted to other women, which could jeopardize her own position in the palace. Thus, the servants under Yan Yuanzong were even more outstanding than the beauties within the palace. One can only imagine how Xiang Jing could possibly keep such beautiful and talented women in the palace, only to increase her own risks.

The scholar still felt unconvinced: "I fear that some people may say things that they cannot necessarily put into practice"

The corridor is designed with great ingenuity; it resembles a loft corridor while subtly embodying the unique principle of the Xuan Palace diagram, characterized by "three bends and two curves, one turn and four corners." The interior decoration and exterior appearance are remarkably consistent, with walls and floors made of wood, and the curtains woven from hand-spun fabric. The tables and chairs in the hall are fashioned from tree stumps of various sizes, and even the tea set placed on the table is made of wood, further enhancing the simplicity and unpretentiousness of the entire interior

Cai Xue had never experienced such a situation before, and her heart couldn't help but feel alarmed as she said, "Young Master, we should leave quickly!"

Watching me savor the coarse meal, Sun Sanfen couldn't help but sigh, putting down the bowl and chopsticks in his hand: "Cai Xue, go to the west chamber and fetch some ginseng to brew a bowl of ginseng soup for the young master"

I hurriedly rose to take my leave

The scholar was taken aback by my sudden remark, and then burst into laughter, rising to mockingly say, "Are you out of your mind?"

The people around applauded in unison; among them were those who genuinely wished to see me write, as well as those who were intent on causing a ruckus. The scholar's business was the best along the entire calligraphy and painting street, which incited jealousy among his peers. Some actively sought to dampen his spirit, while his competitors naturally desired nothing more.

Yuan Zong said: "Your Highness, the Ping Wang, is still quite young yet has already attained a profound understanding of the true essence of calligraphy. Yuan Zong is truly in great admiration!"

Upon entering the grand gate of the Wangfu, I realized the vastness of the Qiwangfu. Amidst the lush greenery, a crescent-shaped small lake unfolded before my eyes. In the center of the lake lay an oasis spanning several dozen acres, adorned with more than ten elegant and exquisite small buildings. A snow-white jade bridge connected the island to the shore. Walking onto the bridge felt like stepping into a beautiful landscape painting, with the wind gently caressing the azure waters, and the trees competing in their splendor. The pavilions and towers on the island harmonized with the lake's reflections and the surrounding mountains, while the small bridge and flowing water were nestled among the verdant branches and delicate leaves, creating a scene of shimmering waves and vibrant colors. After traversing a winding path lined with tall bamboo and passing two small pavilions for shelter from the rain, we finally arrived at the open space in front of the small buildings.

I feigned excitement, saying, "Yin Kong and Prince Qi share the same thoughts."

Since it is my first visit, I must bring him some gifts. I had Caixue buy a white fan, on which I inscribed a seven-character poem titled "Chance Encounter" in the slender gold script. Caixue stood by to hold the lamp for me, while Sun Sanfen also came over to watch the excitement. After I finished writing, he borrowed the fan and looked at it repeatedly, unable to restrain his admiration: "Your calligraphy is indeed a masterpiece; no wonder Prince Qi was willing to spend three thousand taels of silver to seek one of your works."

I humbly replied, "This is merely a trivial skill; Your Excellency Qi Wang has overpraised me!"

Having been accustomed to a life of luxury and opulence in the palace, I find this new experience remarkably novel.

This is my first encounter with Yan Yuanzong. The exquisitely crafted blue embroidered dragon brocade robe reveals his extraordinary power and status, while the meticulously tailored cut accentuates his majestic figure. He possesses a nearly exquisite face, which harmonizes remarkably well with his dignified and opulent demeanor.

"Oh!" The Prince of Qi did not show much surprise; instead, a look of appreciation appeared in his eyes. I was taken aback, wondering if he had intentionally brought a counterfeit to test my scholarly abilities

As I spoke, the literati around me, well-versed in calligraphy, nodded in agreement, expressing their deep approval of my insights. According to my perspective, this scholar is naturally incapable of reaching any of the three realms.

Prince Qi is adept at discerning the thoughts of others. Upon seeing me engrossed in my writing, he did not disturb me, but signaled for a servant to prepare tea for me, while he quietly waited nearby

Yan Yuanzong entered the courtyard with a book boy carrying a finely crafted wooden box, and from a distance, he smiled at me, saying, "Who could possess such talent? It turns out to be His Highness, the Prince Ping!"

I smiled calmly and said, "If I were to take the initiative to approach him, in his eyes, my status would be no different from that of an ordinary guest. The more unattainable something is, the more precious it becomes. If I am not mistaken, his curiosity has already been piqued, and he will soon come to visit!"

Upon arriving at the door, I handed the prepared invitation to the doorkeeper. Before long, I saw Prince Qi, dressed in a white scholar's robe, coming out to greet me from within the residence

Before I could respond to him, I heard a clear voice from the crowd say, "Such an exquisite calligraphy is worth more than a thousand gold pieces and cannot be sought after! I will take it for three thousand taels of silver!" In the capital of Qin, there are not many people with such boldness, especially in front of the pavilion of Duke Qiu of Zhu Ying.

Yan Yuanzong laughed and said, "Although it is a good character, how can it compare to the masterpieces of King Ping, which are separated by more than a thousand miles!"