Chapter 10: Nine Renowned Masters of Kung Pao

Soon, Liu Jun arrived at the front of the registration desk.

The old man scrutinized Liu Jun and suddenly said, "Today, I must thank you, my dear nephew. How about this: I happen to have a piece of calligraphy and painting, which was a gift from an old friend. I just so happen to have it with me today, so why not accept it as a congratulatory gift for you"

Where does the nephew plan to go

The ancestral home of the Liu family is precisely located here

The descendants of the prominent families of the ten generations, with nine titles of nobility securing their reputation

The old man left with his attendants, and Liu Jun, after some thought, purchased over a hundred spades for the dozens of fleeing citizens from Xiangyang, before bidding farewell and setting off on his journey

At an unknown time, a group of young people arrived outside the side door, each dressed extravagantly, adorned with golden belts, and waving folding fans. They stood at an angle, pointing and gesturing at the crowd lined up to present gifts. They seemed to be guests who had entered through the main gate, exuding a sense of superiority, and at that moment, they gathered together to mock and ridicule those who could only enter through the side door to deliver their gifts

"In celebration of the elder Mr. He’s birthday, a calligraphy and painting is specially presented." Liu Jun had never opened that calligraphy and painting, and at that moment did not know the specific details of it, so he could only respond in this manner

Look at that country bumpkin, looking like a piece of black charcoal, and I bet the mud on his feet hasn't been cleaned off yet, yet he still comes to join the celebration. And he has the audacity to present those gifts, two wild boars and six pairs of golden pheasants! Hmph!

This person claims to be a martial artist, but it might also be false

Although this action clearly offends the martial artist, he is merely a minor figure compared to the group of young nobles across from him, making him insignificant in comparison

"Wealth is merely an external possession; what is there to be reluctant about? Moreover, if it were not for my nephew's clever strategy to repel the thieves today, not only would this item certainly have fallen into their hands, but we might not even know what would have happened. " The old man said this and instructed his attendant to bring a long box, which he opened to reveal a scroll inside.

Thus, it can be said that this is indeed a counterfeit painting. To present a fake painting as a gift for the birthday celebration of Old Master Liu is truly shameless

After some thought, Liu Jun still rejected mhetushu.com. He still wanted to go to the Liu family immediately, as the future is important.

Liu Jun shrugged his shoulders and gave a wry smile, saying, "Let's look for one or two gifts when the time comes"

Is it really not a painting by Dong Qichang

During the Ming Dynasty, a total of over 20,000 scholars were selected through the imperial examination system. Among them, more than 1,500 were from Huguang, and nearly 400 came from the nine counties of Huangzhou Prefecture. Specifically, Macheng County alone produced 136 Jinshi, not including those who achieved the title of Wujinshi. This number is the highest in Huguang, earning it the title of "Hometown of Jinshi"

Suokou River is located twenty-five miles west of the county, named for the intertwining of mountains and waters resembling a lock. Surrounded by verdant mountains, the central area is open with fields, and two clear streams flow towards the southeast. The southeastern Turtle Mountain and Pavilion Mountain connect with the water, safeguarding a region of elegance. If one were to say that the mountains and waters conceal dragons and gather energy, then here, the convergence of mountains and rivers resembles a golden lock, firmly securing treasures within the basin.

"Xiangguang layman? Dong Qichang's painting? How is this possible? I know all of Dong Xuanzai's calligraphy and painting works, yet I have never heard of this one. Hmm, this painting is called 'Snow Clearing over the Mountains,' which I have never heard of. Kid, if you don't have money to give valuable gifts, that's one thing, but to actually give a fake painting, and foolishly present a work impersonating Dong Qichang, do you really think we are blind? Do you think the Liu family can be easily deceived?"

This fortunate individual is Zhu Houzong, who later became Emperor Jiajing, reigning for forty-five years. This emperor was originally a prince from Huguang, and after unexpectedly ascending to the throne, he naturally promoted many people from Huguang. It was precisely from the time of Jiajing that a large number of officials from Huguang rose to prominence, and it was during this period that the Liu family truly flourished, establishing their status as a prominent and influential clan.

The main entrance of the Liu Family Courtyard is accessible only to officials of certain ranks and to the offspring of prominent families such as the Mei, Li, and Zhou clans. Those who come to offer congratulations and gifts generally do not have that privilege and must enter through the side door. There, a long queue has already formed, and even to present gifts, one must wait in line

Name? Liu. The manager in charge of registering guests' gifts at the family home had a haughty demeanor, which secretly pleased Liu Jun. However, he still made an effort to restrain himself and said, "I am Liu Jun, a martial artist from Xiban Town, Macheng."

Liu Jun did not clearly hear the conversation between the scholar and the old man. Unaware of the painting's value, he felt embarrassed to unroll the scroll in front of them. After several rounds of polite refusal, the old man, with genuine sincerity, convinced him to accept it. Liu Jun initially thought it was merely an ordinary artwork, considering it a suitable substitute for the lost gift to celebrate the birthday, so he accepted it.

Drive him away

Yes, open it up so we can take a look

The steward's expression was also quite unpleasant. Liu Jun not only showed no regard for him, but also presented such a gift. Now, upon hearing the young gentlemen nearby shout, he immediately turned to the person next to him and said, "Did you not hear what the esteemed guests said? Open it and take a look"

As one approaches, they can see a couplet hanging at the entrance of the ancestral hall

The seventieth birthday celebration of Liu Gongbao, the Governor of the Imperial Garb, was naturally a significant event. Not only did Lu Jinxu, the county magistrate of Macheng, arrive with a group of officials including the county deputy, the chief clerk, and various clerks and a large number of yamen runners to assist in the arrangements, but families of all sizes from Macheng also came to offer their congratulations. Even the Huangzhou Prefecture and the Hubei Provincial Government sent representatives to personally deliver gifts and celebrate the occasion.

What gift was sent

The Liu family of Suokou River is not only one of the four prominent families of Macheng, but is also considered a distinguished lineage throughout eastern Hubei, the entire Huguang region, and even across the late Ming dynasty.

Well, I intend to return to the county town. Would you like to accompany me, nephew?

The area where the Liu family is located has even developed into a prosperous town, much more flourishing than Xiwai. Upon entering, one can see from a distance the Liu ancestral hall towering high, with the imperial plaque inscribed by the Ming Emperor Yingzong, Zhu Qizhen, prominently displayed, reading "Jinghu Dingzu".

Liu Jun estimated that this was likely just a small group of petty bandits, who probably intended to launch a surprise raid on the * map * book, taking advantage of the unpreparedness of Macheng County to make a quick profit

Hahaha

Since the year when a emperor emerged from Huguang, the people of Huguang have risen to prominence, gaining influence in the court

The Liu family's elder from Suokou River is celebrating a grand birthday, and someone is about to go to offer their congratulations

In the Ariake region, the Liu family of Suokou River produced a total of forty-nine scholars and twenty civil and military jinshi.

The mountains and forests stretch endlessly, and it was Liu Jun's first time seeing this painting, yet he was immediately captivated by it. Even though he was not a renowned connoisseur, he could tell that this piece was exceptional and full of artistic depth. He did not expect that the old man would actually gift him such a fine artwork

At the time, Emperor Zhengde had no sons. On his deathbed, he chose the grandson of King Xian of Ming, appointing the second son of the Prince of Xingxian, who was based in Zhongxiang, Hubei, to succeed him and enter the capital to inherit the imperial throne

In the area of Suokou River, there is hardly anyone who does not know the Liu family. In fact, in the vicinity of Suokou River, the vast expanse of fertile land, crisscrossed by paths, almost entirely belongs to the Liu family

Liu Jun arrived at the entrance of the Liu Family Ancestral Hall, gazing at the tall and majestic gate, and the large characters inscribed by the emperor himself naturally evoked a sense of pride and longing within him. However, as he approached the entrance of the Liu Family residence, he was immediately overwhelmed by the noisy atmosphere reminiscent of a vegetable market, along with the pungent smell of sweat that dissipated his earlier feelings.

This is just like attending a wedding in the countryside; such gifts can be presented with dignity. Do they really think the Liu family would value these trivial items?

The first successful candidate in the Ming Dynasty from Macheng was indeed from the Liu family of Suokou River

Today, the Liu family has truly become a prestigious family of nobility. Just thinking about it makes Liu Jun excited; he is a part of this grand family. Once he returns to the clan, securing a position as a hundred-household official should be feasible. With embroidered spring knives and a retinue of imperial guards, how impressive that would be

With that, he took his leave, saying, "If fate allows, we shall meet again!" The old man gracefully clasped his hands in farewell to Liu Jun

It is merely a secondary imitation, what is there that compares to a good painting or book? It is worthless.

There were no further incidents along the way; by the afternoon, Liu Jun had already arrived at the Liu family in Suokou River

Only Hubei has talent, and the eastern part of Hubei is the best

The box opened, revealing a painting before the crowd

The scholar beside the old man furrowed his brow and said softly, "My lord, that painting was hard to come by and is worth a fortune. Is it really appropriate to give it away so easily?"

I am concerned that if the bandits discover that we are singing the Empty City Stratagem, they may return. It is better for us to leave this place sooner rather than later. Liu Jun lost a gift worth one hundred taels of silver, but since he preserved his life, he was not too disheartened. He said to the old man.

I have never heard of Dong Qichang painting a landscape titled "Snow Clearing over the Mountains." If it were truly painted by Dong Qichang, it would have certainly been recognized long ago

Those who enter through the side door to present gifts include both the wealthy and those who offer extravagant presents. However, there are also some gifts that are rather ordinary, such as the individual mentioned earlier, who brought two wild boars and six pairs of pheasants. This gift is actually quite commendable. That person is the head of a farm under the Liu family, essentially serving as a tenant farmer managing that estate for the Liu family. To be able to present such a gift is indeed not insignificant.

When they see that Macheng is surprisingly well-prepared and has even sent someone to provide severance pay, they will certainly believe that their movements have already been discovered and that Macheng is ready. Of course, the most critical factor is still that the bandits are not strong; otherwise, regardless of the circumstances, they would simply charge in directly.

Liu Jun originally intended to enter through the main gate, but unfortunately, without an invitation, he could not get close to the entrance. Not to mention introducing himself as a Liu family member here to recognize his relatives, he ultimately had to first enter through the side door to register his gifts in order to secure a place at this birthday banquet

A group of people was there, laughing heartily and discussing without restraint the guests who had given gifts that were not sufficiently valuable. Their words were utterly unreserved, showing no intention to lower their voices, and they even seemed to deliberately let others hear them

Once again, someone exclaimed, "Ah, Liu Guan Shi, open that painting for us to take a look. Let me and the books have a chance to appreciate what masterpiece it is from a renowned artist."

It is even said that the emperor specifically dispatched eunuchs to convey the imperial decree celebrating the birthday, a glory unparalleled.

I see, so that means the gifts that your nephew just presented to the bandits were originally intended as your birthday tribute. In that case, does that not mean you are left without a birthday gift?

Unexpectedly, the person in charge glanced at Liu Jun and saw that he was only wearing ordinary student attire, without any luxurious garments. Consequently, his tone became three parts slower, and with a snort, he said, "Liu Jun, a martial artist from Xiban Town, Macheng, presents a piece of calligraphy and painting." Someone nearby was registering it.

Although the identity of those entering through the side door to present gifts may not be very high, Liu Jun observed the queue and found that most of the people waiting were dressed in brocade and satin, adorned in luxurious silks, and wearing golden belts, each one either wealthy or noble. The gifts they presented were, of course, all exceptionally valuable.

The plaque personally inscribed by the Emperor, along with this couplet, unmistakably highlights the glory of the Liu family of Suokou River in every aspect

As the painting was unveiled, it elicited many exclamations of surprise; no one had anticipated that it would be such an exquisite work. The few young gentlemen who had previously mocked it suddenly felt embarrassed. One of them, unwilling to concede, began to scrutinize the painting for flaws, and to his surprise, he actually found one.

From behind came bursts of mocking laughter, "What kind of calligraphy and painting is this? Not even a single name on it. Could it be that he just scribbled something randomly and brought it as a gift? I think this person is simply here to mooch off the food and drink."

Even if we do not attack your county town, we must seize a few estates and town markets in the countryside, as it is said that a thief does not leave empty-handed

This painting is quite good, someone said nearby

Among them, the notable figures include Liu Xun, renowned as the foremost in governance; Liu Cuan, a distinguished minister from Jiangyou; Liu Tianhe, the Minister of War recognized for his exceptional evaluations by the court; Liu Shouyou, the commander of the Jinyiwei; Liu Qiao, the Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince; and Liu Chengxi, the collector of the unparalleled literary work "Jin Ping Mei"; as well as the renowned literary figure Liu Dong.

Go away