Chapter 10, The Artwork of Entry

Perhaps it is a painting inadvertently leaked by a certain prominent figure in Ancheng, or it might have been stolen by unworthy descendants and sold cheaply by those who do not understand its value. Is such a thing uncommon? At this moment, Cui Huanzhi shook his head repeatedly, unsure whether he felt pity for the painter or regretted not purchasing this rare artwork himself

Cui Huanzhi nodded repeatedly: "Indeed, it is well written"

Moreover, this is the Moon Crown Tower; who doesn't know that any artwork displayed on the walls of the Moon Crown Tower is available for purchase

Lord Wei has been praised by Miao

Wei Zhenqiang excels in martial arts, yet his literary talent is not lacking. At this moment, upon hearing this, he too wore a look of astonishment: "Is this truly an examination paper of the Five Arts? It is indeed written so well that even you, Cui Huanzhi, cannot help but praise it endlessly?"

Despite an age difference of nearly twenty years, the two share an exceptionally close relationship. At this moment, they engage in lively conversation and enjoy drinks together, feeling quite pleased.

Even as Cui Huanzhi stepped out of the Moon Crown Tower, he shook his head repeatedly: "The appraisers at the Moon Crown Tower truly have no discernment; they actually sold the imported masterpieces at such a low price. A painting like this, under normal circumstances, would be unthinkable to sell for less than three to five hundred taels. If their employer were to find out, they would likely lose their jobs."

It is already a concession.

No, the name of great talent is already difficult to describe, it can only be termed as astonishing talent

How could Wei Zhen not see that Cui Huanzhi actually also admired this painting? After all, it was Cui Huanzhi who discovered it first, yet he was unable to argue further due to a few of his own words, leaving him momentarily embarrassed.

However, while it is regrettable, when it comes to a beloved artwork, it is something that must be contested

What made him smile even more broadly was that he purchased this painting for merely 30 taels of silver, which felt just like finding a treasure for free

Having spoken, I drink the wine in the cup to the last drop

Cui Huanzhi then stopped, shaking his head with a smile, and said no more

At this moment, Wei Zhen took the lead and said: "Huan Zhi, I truly like this painting. Please let it be mine, after all, I am older than you. Moreover, I covered the cost of today's drinks, so you wouldn't want to take away what someone else loves, would you?"

Cui Huanzhi did not speak; instead, he walked forward and then stopped in front of a painting, gazing intently at it

Wei Zhen became somewhat anxious, but being shrewd and calculating, he smiled and said: "You, oh you, I am merely eager for talent. However, since you have taken a liking to this person first, I cannot take away someone else's affection. Very well, I shall not ask further, I shall not ask further."

In the room above, Wei Zhen and Cui Huanzhi sat facing each other, with Cui Huanzhi slightly leaning forward, indicating his respect

Due to its exceptional nature, Cui Huanzhi remembers very clearly, and at this moment, he also shares it with Wei Zhendao.

Upon hearing this, Cui Huan couldn't help but feel both amused and exasperated: "Since Brother Wei has said so, if I were to say anything further, it would truly be to usurp someone else's affection"

At that moment, he followed Cui Huanzhi's gaze, first taken aback, then glanced again, and immediately approached to take a closer look

Wei Zhen was perplexed, but he knew that Cui Huanzhi was also deeply immersed in the art of calligraphy and painting. Wei Zhen himself was likewise a master in this field, and there were quite a few renowned works collected in the residence.

However, there is only one painting, and it is a dilemma as to whether Wei Zhen or Cui Huan can acquire it

What is meant by immersion is to appreciate the painting as if one is present within it, which can influence the mind and spirit

The Evening Lotus Pond painting demonstrates a mastery of technique that has been honed for over twenty years, and its artistic conception is profound. At first glance, one is surprisingly transported to the edge of the lotus pond at sunset, feeling the gentle breeze and inhaling the fragrance of the lotus. In terms of painting, it has reached the state of 'entering the realm.' Wei Zhen is also a master in this field, and at this moment, he immediately articulates the extraordinary nature of this artwork.

This is more like it, haha! Wei Zhen laughed heartily and then said: "Cui, my old brother, you have been silent for many years and have endured a lot of hardships. This time, you will finally reap the rewards after all the suffering."

There really is.

Seeing the old man angry, Cui Huanzhi hurriedly said with a smile: "It is my fault, Brother Wei, I will punish myself with a cup."

As the moon crown ascends the tower, gazing at the moon while looking at the river, the river flows gently, and the moonlight shines brightly

Wei Zhen is not only a scholar, but also a warrior, so when it comes to competition and seizing opportunities, he will not hold back

While speaking, Cui Huanzhi thought of that particularly special strategy examination paper

What is it called? Wei Zhen asked anxiously

When this was mentioned, Cui Huanzhi's words noticeably increased.

Cui Huanzhi on the opposite side shook his head and said, "Brother, please don't say that. After all, we haven't even started yet."

However, the one he reviewed is undoubtedly a work of great talent

By the way, this year is your last time as a judge for the examination. I wonder if any talents have emerged

The painting is divided into three realms: "Entering the Realm", "Spiritual Movement", and "Illusory Spirit"

Cui Huanzhi could only smile and accompanied him for another drink

Wei Zhen also noticed and turned his head to look, only to see the calligraphy and paintings hanging on the wall. He then remarked: "The calligraphy and paintings of the Moon Crown Tower are only of fine quality on the upper floor; there is not a single good piece on this level, so it is better not to look at them."

Wei Zhen was astonished. He had known Cui Huanzhi for ten years and naturally understood that Cui Huanzhi had extremely high standards, with very few articles being able to catch his eye. This time, it was the first occasion he had praised someone so highly.

Not bad

After conversing for a long time, several jars of fine wine were quickly consumed. When the two looked at the time, they decided to descend the stairs together to prepare to return. However, as they passed the first floor, Cui Huanzhi seemed to have seen something, suddenly stopping and looking towards a corner.

If one were in the Heavenly Tang Holy Capital, where masters abound, it would not be difficult to find paintings of the "Entry Level" caliber. However, here in Yuzhou Ancheng, a painting that reaches the "Entry Level" standard is still quite rare

This emphasizes three realms, each one higher than the last, and without a certain level of insight and knowledge, it is fundamentally impossible to discern them

The term "one subject and five skills" actually refers to the incorporation of articles from four other subjects into a single subject examination. Unless one is exceptionally talented, writing in this manner will only lead to ridicule and utter nonsense

After all, the results of this year's provincial examination have not yet been announced, so it is better to speak less about it to avoid any rumors and unnecessary trouble

Whether it is Cui Huanzhi or Wei Zhen, both are individuals who love painting. It is one thing not to encounter it, but since they have come across this painting, how could they possibly let it go

After a long time, the two finally withdrew their gazes, exchanged a glance, and simultaneously exclaimed: "The paintings that have entered the country!"

Let us put an end to this topic

Although Wei Zhen has a literary demeanor, he is, after all, a man of martial prowess. At this moment, with a stern expression, he said: "We have known each other for ten years. This time, I invite you to drink and enjoy the moon. Why must you be so formal with me? If you continue like this, I might not invite you for drinks next time."

After all, he is merely a sixth-rank official, while the elder Wei Zhen across from him holds real power as a fifth-rank official

Although Wei Zhen is a master of calligraphy and painting, to put it bluntly, his works have not yet reached the level of "entering the realm"

On the side, Wei Zhen was in high spirits and said with a smile, "If it weren't for such blind individuals, how could I have obtained this painting for free? I should thank that appraiser. It's a pity that when I tried to inquire about the seller's situation just now, I couldn't get any results."

Who are the candidates for the five disciplines this year?

Brother Cui possesses remarkable literary talent

Brothers, you need not be so polite. This matter can be concealed from others, but not from me. In at most two months, you will be transferred. After all, it was the higher-ups who spoke, and those fellows in the Ministry of Personnel will certainly arrange a good position for you. Although your rank may not change for the time being, the position will be far superior to your current role in the examination hall. Wei Zhen wore an expression that conveyed his understanding: "Therefore, I know that in a few days, you will be very busy, so today, let me congratulate you in advance."

He has served as an examination judge for many years, reviewing the answer sheets of countless candidates in the provincial examinations, but this is the first time he has seen a paper that presents the "Five Arts of a Subject" so perfectly