Chapter 6, Painting

In the realm of dreams, one learns academically; upon awakening, one is astonished by talent. The painting technique of Chu Xian has naturally been preserved, and I believe that any random piece he creates could surpass the masterpieces of renowned artists in Ling County and even Ancheng.

After the provincial examination, the Bai family suddenly moved away from Ling County. It was also from that time that in his dreams, Chu Xian never saw Bai Zijing again. In the official circles, there was no mention of Bai Zijing's name, as if she had evaporated from the world.

Moreover, Bai Zijing is quite mysterious. In Ling County, apart from Chu Xian, no one has ever visited the Bai family. Even Chu Xian has only been there a dozen times, discussing the books of the sages and the many revered ancestors of the Tian Tang who achieved immortality. More often than not, it is Chu Xian reading and Bai Zijing reading, the two of them sitting opposite each other under the pavilion by the Bai family's pond, only parting ways at sunset.

With a smile from Chu Xian, Su Ji liked to say only half a sentence, yet the meaning was very clear, which was to say that when the time came, Feng Kuai would inevitably seize the opportunity to mock himself

I see, what a pity it is. Brother Chu, your literary talent surpasses mine several times, yet you missed the opportunity due to illness and could not take the exam. Su Ji shook his head repeatedly, seemingly feeling regret for Chu Xian.

Chu Xian then smiled and said, "At least I passed the last subject of strategy."

The so-called unity of melody and rhythm is precisely this

Chu Xian had already studied the art of painting. By the time he entered the dream for twenty-one years, his painting skills had reached their peak. Even within the Holy Dynasty, those who could surpass Chu Xian in painting were few and far between.

Returning to the room where he studied, Chu Xian spread out the paper and ground the ink, then took out the brush

It is said that a gentleman loves wealth but acquires it through proper means. If one makes money through the methods of cultured gentlemen, it cannot be considered a mere commercial endeavor. Even if it is later revealed, it will be celebrated as a refined pursuit.

Su Ji was taken aback; he understood Chu Xian's meaning, but having only taken one subject, what difference did it make from not taking any at all? Did he think he could rely on this one subject to become a top student?

Ancient sayings state that a gentleman does not engage in commerce, as merchants pursue profit. Emperor Taizong also remarked that officials should not engage in commerce, again due to the profit-seeking nature of merchants. In the context of the Tang Dynasty, it is clear that engaging in commerce is to be avoided.

If I do not go, then Feng Kuai will surely spread the news of his absence everywhere. However, someone like Feng Kuai has a narrow perspective, and the achievements he dreams of are hardly worth mentioning. Chu Xian is indeed too lazy to bother with him. As for others, Chu Xian usually has little interaction with them, so it is no loss not to see them. Yet, Chu Xian still intends to go, because there is someone he wishes to meet

Compared to Su Ji, Chu Xian and Bai Zi Jin share a deeper sense of tacit understanding, akin to the harmonious interplay of a guqin and a xiao, where only Bai Zi Jin's xiao can complement the melodies of Chu Xian's guqin

But how does this matter

The next morning, some of Chu Xian's former classmates came to invite him to attend this year's local examination gathering. This is a customary practice in various regions; after the local examination, some students of the same year will inevitably go their separate ways. Some will certainly fail and can only try again next year, while others, knowing they cannot pass even with further study, choose to give up and seek alternative paths. There are also those who are exceptionally knowledgeable, who succeed in the local examination and become top candidates, successfully entering officialdom.

Among the students of the same cohort in Ling County, Chu Xian had a few close friends, and the one who came to visit him this time was one of those friends, named Su Ji

It is easy to imagine how high the painting skills of Chu Xian are

Although he and Chu Xian are friends, and he is aware that his knowledge is inferior to Chu Xian's, he inherently possesses a sense of aloofness and competitiveness, secretly regarding Chu Xian as a "rival." At times, the unspoken competition between friends can be even more intense.

Missing the provincial examination is a significant matter. Not only does it mean that one will miss the opportunity to be listed among the successful candidates, but it may also leave a negative impression on the examiners at the examination hall. Even if one were to take the exam again next year, it is likely that this incident would be remembered. A poor impression will inevitably affect the grading of the papers, and it may even lead the examiners to disregard the papers entirely, tossing them aside without a glance.

Bai Zijing

Parting once, there will be no day of reunion

He is merely a student from a humble background, naturally lacking the connections of Feng Kuai, and is not well-informed. If it were not for Feng Kuai mentioning to everyone in the past couple of days, he would still be unaware that Chu Xian had actually missed the exams for four subjects

In addition to the art of painting, the art of calligraphy by Chu Xian is also exceptional, qualifying as a dual mastery of both calligraphy and painting. Clearly, after thirty years in his dreams, Chu Xian has also acquired extensive knowledge and is well-versed in many subjects.

This time upon awakening from the dream, Chu Xian not only wished to save his mother but also wanted to bid farewell to Bai Zijing

Upon this thought, Chu Xian began to wield his brush with great vigor, his strokes flowing with inspiration, his mind already envisioning the outcome. Before long, he had completed a painting of a sunset over a lotus pond.

The Bai family is not from Ling County, but rather relocated here three years ago. Chu Xian is unaware of other details, only that the Bai family is quite wealthy. On ordinary days, Bai Zijing dresses very elegantly, and although their residence is not as large as the Feng family's, it excels in its exquisite and refined design.

They are merely people who seek profit above all else

In front of Chu Xian, Su Ji remained as he had been before, concealing his true thoughts deep within. If it were the previous bookish Chu Xian, he would naturally be unaware that his friend actually regarded him as the greatest rival and threat. In fact, if given the opportunity, the other party might very well stab him in the back. However, after thirty years of extraordinary talent in dreams, Chu Xian had long since learned of his friend's character in those dreams.

Su Ji's secret passage

Chu Xian felt that Bai Zijing understood him, and conversely, he believed that Bai Zijing had the same feeling. This should be what the sages in the book referred to as a confidant

In the dream, this friend entered the officialdom much later than I did. Initially, he sought Chu Xian's assistance for a recommendation, but after gaining power, he began to distance himself from Chu Xian

Therefore, Chu Xian merely stated that he was absent from the examination due to illness

The artwork has been completed; next, it is about how to sell it.

The painting depicts the scene of the lotus pond located to the south of Ling County, which can be described as full of charm; upon viewing it, one feels as if they are present in the scene

This pertains to the moral character of the students and the degree of importance they place on the provincial examination, which is naturally of utmost significance

At this moment, Su Ji seemed to have thought of something, and with a slap to his forehead, he lamented: "At this student conference, Feng Kuai will definitely attend. It is said that his chances of being listed this time are very high, and once he is listed, he can directly enter the officialdom. He will undoubtedly show off among his classmates, and at that time, he will surely be arrogant. However, if he is present, I fear that..."

Perhaps it is merely a deliberate nonchalance

"Brother Chu, I heard from that Feng Kuai that you missed the examination for four subjects in this provincial test. Is that true?" On the way, Su Ji asked.

Therefore, for this classmate and friend, Chu Xian has already established a sense of propriety

Su Ji is also from Ling County, born into a humble family, and has a relatively good relationship with Chu Xian

In his view, although he felt a sense of regret for Chu Xian's failure to gain recognition this time, there was also a trace of inexplicable excitement within him

It is precisely for this reason that such students will gather together one last time before going their separate ways

This time, Chu Xian was willing to attend the gathering of scholars in order to meet this confidant

Feng Kuai's actions have lost the demeanor of a gentleman, and moreover, he speaks ill of others behind their backs without knowing the hidden circumstances, which is truly ... ... " Su Ji hesitated to continue.

In Ling County, his relationship with Chu Xian is quite good. They often study and discuss together, so he is naturally well aware of Chu Xian's knowledge. It can be said that in the entire Ling County, there is no one who can match Chu Xian. Although Su Ji is proud, he also possesses self-awareness.

Moreover, in the experiences of dreams, Chu Xian knew that after this provincial examination, Bai Zijing ranked first in Ling County and Ancheng ranked second.

Among the classmates, Bai Zijing is more "lonely" than Chu Xian, or more accurately, one could say "proud." Among the entire cohort of Ling County students, Chu Xian has two friends, one is Su Ji and the other is Bai Zijing. In contrast, Bai Zijing has only one friend, and that is Chu Xian.

After all, the number of spots on the ranking is limited. Originally, Chu Xian had a great chance of making it onto the list, but now that there is one less competitor, Su Ji's chances of making it onto the list have improved by one position.

For example, selling paintings

Chu Xian's demands are not high; she does not ask for a fortune in gold or silver, but only hopes to earn enough money to cover the expenses for her mother's health treatment.

Regarding this matter, Chu Xian also found it difficult to tell outsiders that it was due to the collapse of the designated room. After all, convenience for others is convenience for oneself. If it were to be widely publicized, the officials of the Gongyuan would inevitably hold a prejudice against him, which would ultimately be counterproductive.

Yet how can such thoughts be conveyed to others

This is recorded in the examination hall