46 Mysterious Calligraphy and Painting

◎Smoke willows, painted bridges, wind curtains, green curtains, and a hundred thousand houses scattered around.◎

Song Jinyi cleared his throat, stood behind Master Xun and shouted, "Master Xun!"

Her voice was indeed quite loud, like a piece of ice thrown into the boiling water, turning it into a lukewarm state.

The people standing in front subconsciously turned their heads to look at her when they heard her voice.

She said with a smile, "Master Xun has come to appreciate calligraphy and paintings. I happen to have one in my hand, which is hard to come by. Unfortunately, I don't understand it, so it has been gathering dust at home. Today, I would like to invite Master Xun to appreciate it with me, so as not to dishonor this calligraphy and painting."

As soon as these words were spoken, the faces of the people around him changed, and everyone had different thoughts.

Madam Li would of course like someone to help her keep Master Xun, but she didn't know what Song Jinyi's abilities were, and was afraid that she would end up making things worse.

Master Xun was curious about what kind of calligraphy and painting Song Jinyi would take out.

The maid who broke in took a look at Song Jinyi. Seeing her half-worn clothes, she guessed that she was a maid in the Li Mansion. What good could she have? She was just trying to attract attention.

She looked at him with disdain, crossed her arms, and said disdainfully, "Don't tell me you bought it from some street vendor."

After hearing this, Song Jinyi raised the corners of her mouth and replied, "I didn't find it, I begged for it."

Song Jinyi turned sideways and looked at Xu Ruolan in the corner of the garden.

When she came just now, she asked Xu Ruolan to wait for her at the gate of the courtyard. She had originally wanted to find an appropriate time to show off so that Mrs. Li would take a look at her and then talk about other things.

She never expected that the maid next door would accidentally give her this perfect opportunity to show off.

Song Jinyi slowly unfolded the scroll, on which were written four large characters "Fu Zhi Xin Ling" in seal script.

Xun Fuzi took a closer look and said, "The characters are long and slender, the writing is vigorous and powerful. Although the strokes of this seal script are complex, they are evenly thick and thin, and the body is straight and round. It is like the intertwined roots of an ancient tree, full of ancient charm, but..."

Master Xun paused and did not continue with the rest of his words. He wrote with a little restraint. Although steady, it lacked agility.

Although the person who wrote this calligraphy is not as good as contemporary calligraphers, he has also made some achievements, and this calligraphy and painting can be called a masterpiece.

Master Xun stroked his beard and added, "When I first saw this calligraphy, I suddenly thought it was Feng Xu's."

Song Jinyi took in everyone's expressions and said with a smile, "You are indeed an expert. The owner of this calligraphy is indeed related to Feng Xu. Mr. Feng Xu can be considered the master of this calligraphy and painting."

When Master Xun heard Song Jinyi say this, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes, and then he narrowed his eyes and stared at Song Jinyi with a scrutinizing look.

Feng Xu was a famous calligrapher in Daxia. His calligraphy and paintings were priceless and hard to come by. After his death, his calligraphy became a treasure that cannot be replicated and he was known as the calligrapher of Daxia.

How could an ordinary person find a good calligrapher to teach him calligraphy, especially since the handwriting was written by a woman?

There are only two people whose names can be mentioned. One is Princess Suhe, who died young.

The other one was Prime Minister Fan's granddaughter. Master Xun lowered his head and carefully examined the scroll, and found the unique seal, which proved his guess.

Prime Minister Fan’s granddaughter is now the Empress Dowager of Daxia!

Xun Fuzi's tone was unconsciously excited. "Is the owner of this calligraphy and painting surnamed Fan?"

"My surname is indeed Fan. If I tell you, I'm sure everyone here will know it..."

Before he could finish his words, the maid from the palace snorted in disdain, and her tone was quite arrogant.

Song Jinyi was not affected by her and continued, "It was written by the Empress Dowager herself."

These words were like a stone smashing a bronze mirror, with cracks spreading in all directions along the depression of the stone, making a rustling sound.

Madam Li leaned closer and asked uncertainly, "Is this really written by the Queen Mother herself?"

Master Xun nodded and said seriously, "This calligraphy is inherited from Feng Xu, and no one can imitate it. This phoenix seal is the best proof." After saying this, he was also amazed in his heart. He did not expect that this unremarkable little girl had a relationship with the empress dowager.

Master Xun asked, "How did you obtain this calligraphy?"

Song Jinyi talked about going to Shengjing to hold a birthday banquet for the Queen Mother.

The biggest dream of a scholar is to go to Kyoto to study for fame and fortune. Unfortunately, Master Xun was nearly forty years old and regretfully made the wrong choice. He later returned to his hometown and became a teacher at Nanling Academy.

As for Shengjing, he would go there in a panic every time for the imperial examination and return in a daze, never stopping to appreciate the scenery of Shengjing.

His feelings towards Shengjing are complicated, a mixture of longing and regret.

At this time, I listened to Song Jinyi's narration of the prosperity of Shengjing. I slowly walked into the capital, and saw the setting sun on the willows, the bright lanterns, the moonlight on the flowers, and the thick mist. Before I knew it, it was dusk. [1]

The painted bridge is covered with willows and mist, the green curtains are draped in the wind, and there are tens of thousands of houses scattered around.

Clouds and trees surround the embankment, raging waves roll up frost and snow, and the natural barrier is boundless.

The market is filled with pearls and jade, and every household is filled with silk and satin, competing in luxury.

The overlapping lakes and hills are clear and beautiful, with three autumn osmanthus trees and ten miles of lotus flowers.

The Qiang flute plays in the clear sky, the lotus song floats in the night, and the fisherman and the lotus girl play happily.

Thousands of horsemen surrounded the high-ranking officials, who listened to the flute and drum while drunk, and chanted while appreciating the mist and clouds. [2]

Master Xun felt as if he were there himself, closed his eyes and immersed himself in it.

Seeing that Master Xun was interested, Song Jinyi imitated the storytelling techniques of the Washe, telling her story a while back and leaving a hook to arouse Master Xun's curiosity and listen to her continue.

In the interval of speaking, he winked at Madam Zhou. Madam Zhou was quick-witted and, while no one was paying attention, called over a few sturdy old women. They pounced on the maid like a tiger pouncing on its prey, covered her mouth tightly, and dragged her out of the garden.

After driving the person out of the gate, Madam Zhou said coldly with her hands behind her back, "You are a maid from a wealthy family after all, don't act like a shrew. You also see that Master Xun is busy today, so why force him?

If your host wants to invite you, then please choose another day." After saying this, he turned and left, not wanting to waste any more words.

******

In the evening, the painting appreciation banquet at Li's house ended.

Madam Li ordered the maids around her to give rewards to everyone in the courtyard. She leaned back on the mahogany couch with curling grass patterns. When she thought about the humiliation suffered by her neighbors today, she couldn't stop smiling.

"Today, not only did I receive a letter of recommendation, but I also managed to refute my neighbor's face. This is truly a matter of great joy and happiness." Madam Li patted the coffee table beside her and said, "Get me two pots of hot wine. I won't sleep until I'm drunk!"

The maid who went to warm the wine met Madam Zhou who was coming over, bowed and left. When Madam Li saw Madam Zhou, she thought of the cook who made the Baihuasu today and asked, "Did you find that cook today?"

"He was recommended by the shopkeeper Cheng of Liuxiangju."

Madam Li leaned back slightly on the pillow, supporting her cheek with her index finger, and said thoughtfully, "It's Liuxiangju, and it's the Queen Mother, so they must be from quite a prominent background.

You're going to all this trouble, so it's probably not for that little reward... I think you have something else to ask for. Bring her to me."

After an incense stick of time, Song Jinyi sat on the round stool to the left of Madam Li, told her about her problem, and asked her to help speak a few words to the officials in the municipal office.

After hearing this, Madam Li's smile gradually faded. She pointed out bluntly, "There are quality problems in your store. If I were to interfere with the yamen runners' duties, wouldn't that be abuse of power for personal gain and pervert the law?"

Secondly, if someone gets sick from eating it, that's even more disregarding of human life! How can I, a mere woman, bear the consequences of such a serious consequence?"

Song Jinyi raised her right hand and swore, "I, Song Jinyi, dare to swear before heaven and earth that the ingredients I used are all fresh. This incident is not my fault. I believe I have a clear conscience and was framed.

"My friend has repeatedly asked the officials at the Municipal Office to investigate the matter, but they have refused, believing it to be a frame-up by their colleagues. We can only ask Madam to help us investigate the matter. We are not seeking to abuse our power for personal gain."

The room was completely silent. Just when Song Jinyi thought there was no hope, Madam Li said, "You took the trouble to prepare the banquet today, and helped me keep Master Xun.

I've seen everything you say and do, and you're not the type to resort to trickery. It's only right that I help you this time."

*****

Three days later, Song Jinyi stood at the door of Song Ji Sweet Water, watching the white seal being removed. After the city officials left, she hugged Xu Ruolan and pointed at the shop, "Sister Ruolan, look, the seal is gone!

It was because you brought the box in time that day that you won Madam Li's favor and allowed our store to reopen today."

Xu Ruolan forced a smile at the corners of her mouth, but there was no obvious smile in her eyes.

Although Li He was mentally retarded, she was sincere in what she said. She stuck out her tongue and said, "Madam Song's acting is terrible. How could Madam Xu not see that you were trying to comfort her?"

Song Jinyi patted her head, narrowed her eyes, and secretly threatened Li He, not allowing her to say anything more.

The shop has reopened, so even if something big happens, it has to be put aside. The most important thing right now is to clean up the shop, purchase ingredients, and ensure that business can start the next day.

The shop, deserted for nearly a month, was covered in dust. When the door opened, a brownish-yellow light slanted in, dividing the room into two areas of light and dark. Dust particles could be seen floating in the light, following the door.

Song Jinyi was quick to use her wide sleeves to block the dust. Xu Ruolan was walking behind and was only slightly affected. She coughed twice and then felt better.

Only Li He was choking on the dust and kept sneezing. Song Jinyi first went back to her room, tore off an old piece of clothing, divided it into three square scarves, and tied one on each of them.

After they finished cleaning the shop, it was already noon when the three of them realized that it was past mealtime. They had only had some porridge in the morning, and they were all starving by now.

But because the work was too tiring, no one wanted to move, so they all leaned against the locust tree in the yard to rest.

After recovering, Xu Ruolan got up and prepared dinner.

Li He pinched Song Jinyi's sleeve and whispered coquettishly, "Sister Jinyi, I want to eat the tofu I had that day."

Li He was young and innocent, but was suppressed by Chun Sanniang and became dull. Perhaps because he had been with Song Jinyi and the others for a long time, he became much more lively.

Song Jinyi was pleased with this. Thinking that it was rare for her to make a request, and that the Li Mansion was also grateful for Li He's help that day, she went to the kitchen to make Guanyin tofu.

Replicating the steps of that day, as time solidified, the sky darkened inch by inch, and the emerald green tofu turned into a deep dark green against the dim background.

I don’t know how he is doing in Shengjing?

【Author’s words】

[1] Dongjing Menghualu

[2] "Looking at the Sea Tide: The Scenic Spots of the Southeast"