Although Li Er was born a military general, he was extremely fond of poetry and songs.
Especially in calligraphy, he has profound attainments.
In his spare time, he often wrote with his brush, incorporating his lofty ambitions into the lines of his writing.
In the early years of Zhenguan, Li Er tried to win over scholars and officials from all over the world.
I am interested in collecting calligraphy copybooks.
The most famous of these is Wang Xizhi's calligraphy.
The "Lanting Preface" was what Li Er wanted most, so he ordered people to search for it everywhere.
Later, it was learned that Biancai, a monk at Yongxin Temple, was a second-generation disciple of Zhiyong, the seventh-generation direct grandson of Wang Xizhi.
This person has the original copy of "Lanting Preface" in his collection.
However, it is never shown to others.
After Li Er learned about this, he tried many times to ask for a high price.
All of them were politely declined by Bian Cai.
then.
A story about how to "cleverly seize" the "Lanting Preface" begins.
Li Er called in his advisors to discuss countermeasures.
After some discussion, Fang Xuanling recommended the Censor Xiao Yi to handle the matter.
Xiao Yi disguised himself as a scholar and brought Wang Xizhi's works to Yongxin Temple. He pretended to be a tourist to admire the murals and attract the attention of Bian Cai.
The two gradually began to become familiar with each other.
They share similar interests and appreciate each other.
Let’s discuss calligraphy, painting, poetry and songs together.
Until one day, Xiao Yi took out his treasured collection of Wang Xizhi's calligraphy for Bian Cai to appreciate together.
And expressed his sincere love for the word Wang.
Bian Cai was moved by Xiao Yi's sincerity, but pointed out that the character "Wang" that Xiao Yi treasured was not actually the best one.
The truly wonderful calligraphy of Wang is "Lanting Preface".
When Xiao Yi heard this, he secretly rejoiced in his heart, but pretended to be surprised and curious on the surface, and asked:
“So there are Wang characters in the world that are even more precious than these calligraphy works?
I am very curious about this. Could you please tell me what is so unique about the Lanting Preface?
Bian Cai smiled slightly, his eyes revealing his admiration for the Lanting Preface, and he said slowly:
"The Lanting Preface was written in one breath by Wang Xizhi after he had drunk alcohol. The characters are majestic and free, like a dragon leaping through the gate of heaven or a tiger lying on the phoenix palace. It is known as the 'best running script in the world.'"
Every stroke of its brush is full of verve.”
Xiao Yi feigned exclamation and said:
“I never thought there would be such a magical work in the world!
If I had the chance to see its true appearance, I would have no regrets in my life."
Seeing this, Bian Cai sighed and said:
“To be honest, although I have an authentic copy of the Lanting Preface in my collection, how can I easily show such a treasure to others?
Besides, I'm also worried that once the news gets out, it will cause countless troubles."
Xiao Yi took the opportunity to say:
"Master, you are absolutely right. Treasures like these should indeed be carefully preserved.
However, since I have the good fortune to meet the master, why not lend me this treasure for a few days to admire?
I promise I will never leak it to anyone, let alone take it away privately."
Bian Cai hesitated for a moment, and finally nodded and said:
"Since you love Wang's calligraphy so much and we have a good relationship, I will make an exception and lend you the Lanting Preface.
But remember, you must keep it carefully and not make any mistakes."
Xiao Yi was overjoyed in his heart, but he remained calm on the surface.
that's all.
A contest to seize the "Lanting Preface" quietly unfolds in the tranquility of Yongxin Temple.
After obtaining the "Lanting Preface", Xiao Yi sent someone to bring it back to Chang'an on horseback.
Xiao Yi himself felt guilty for having obtained the "Lanting Preface" by fraud.
Finally, he stayed in Yongxin Temple and became a monk.
And he became Bian Cai's apprentice.
After Li Er obtained the authentic copy of "Lanting Preface".
Have someone copy it immediately.
Among them are the early Tang Dynasty calligraphers Chu Suiliang, Ouyang Xun, Yu Shinan and others.
Li Er even gave copies to meritorious ministers.
Widely spread Wang Xizhi's calligraphy art.
For a time, copying Wang's calligraphy became a trend in Chang'an.
It also created a literary craze.
The calligraphy copies of "Lanting Xu" seen by later generations are actually copies.
The original has long since disappeared.
Among these copies, Feng Chengsu's Shenlong version is the closest to the original "Lanting Preface".
Now.
The painting in front of Zhuang Zhou is the authentic "Lanting Preface"!
Live to see it.
It’s worth it!
"Zhuang Zhou, why don't you speak?
What are you thinking about?
"Ah? I..."
Zhuang Zhou came back to his senses and quickly bowed and said:
"I was thinking, I'm so lucky to have the opportunity to see the best running script in the world with my own eyes. It's worth my trip to the Tang Dynasty."
As he spoke, he took a deep breath and looked at the calligraphy carefully again.
His expression was full of reverence.
It seems as if you can feel the elegance and charm of Wang Xizhi back then.
Seeing Zhuang Zhou was so pleased, Li Er said:
"Since you like it, how about I give you a copy?"
Zhuang Zhou was shocked when he heard this.
Isn't this a copy?
But!
Don't think that just anyone can get this copy.
Only those who have made outstanding contributions to the Tang Dynasty are eligible.
Besides!
For Zhuang Zhou, even if he took the copy back.
That is enough to cause a sensation in the cultural relics world!
But Zhuang Zhou still had to be polite.
He quickly waved his hands and said:
"Your Majesty, this is unacceptable!
Such calligraphy is priceless, how could I dare to accept it?"
Li Er smiled and said:
"You are talented and loyal to the Tang Dynasty, and you have relieved me of many worries.
This kind of calligraphy and painting is meant for those who understand the art. I give it to you as a reward, so just accept it!"
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