Which of these venerable gentlemen present wasn't a highly accomplished figure in the art of calligraphy? To receive their collective recognition is an immense honor for any calligrapher. This cannot be adequately summarized by a few so-called calligraphy ranks. △
However, Duanmu Ci remained unmoved, without even a ripple in his heart.
joke!
As a seasoned and immortal being who has seen it all, why would I be complacent about such high praise? Perhaps these old fellows before me hold some status in today's calligraphy world, and not a low one at that—
But looking at the history of calligraphy, can they compare to Wang Xizhi?
Can he compare to Wang Xianzhi?
Can he compare to Yan Zhenqing?
Can he compare to Liu Gongquan?
Can he compare to Su Dongpo?
They are not even as good as Emperor Huizong of Song!
How could Duanmu Ci be complacent about such high praise? However, he couldn't appear too calm. How could he not be excited and flattered when a renowned figure in the calligraphy world praised a "youngster" like himself?
Faced with the flood of praise, Duanmu Ci humbly replied, "My skills are insignificant, not worth mentioning!" It's perfectly acceptable to show some modesty! Of course, no one would be so foolish as to believe he was telling the truth.
At least Tang Rui wouldn't think that way.
He sadly realized that he seemed to have been mercilessly crushed by Duanmu Ci once again...
Tang Rui still clearly remembers the first time he met this man, at General Shen's Crane Garden, where he once overwhelmed Tang Ke with overwhelming force! In everyone's eyes, he was a rising star! Coupled with his status as the eldest grandson of the Tang family, he was unparalleled in popularity.
Until this man tapped the fan ribs, turned around, and smiled gently, saying he would keep him company, Tang Gongzi was then bombarded with blows one after another. What 25 million, what black card—one thing after another, they almost stunned him, leaving him utterly humiliated in front of Tang Ke and the Haishan elites.
The second time was at his grandfather's banquet, held at the opulent Hilton Hotel. He and his father had paid 5 million yuan for an appearance fee to hire a down-on-his-luck Greek nobleman, fully expecting to elevate their prestige to the highest level. However, this nobleman turned out to be all show and no substance! He was like a mouse before a cat when he saw Duanmu Ci. Not to mention, later even the Hilton Hotel's heir showed up, and under the name of Tang Ke no less! It was utterly disheartening!
But that wasn't even the most heartbreaking part! In the third instance, this time, he was defeated almost in his proudest area, which was undoubtedly devastating for Tang Rui. For so many years, Tang Rui had been proud of his calligraphy skills. Among all the second-generation calligraphers of various styles, who else possessed such artistic talent as him? Only Tang Rui!
However, this did not help.
I was the one who got the worst beating in this area... The first two times I could blame it on my family background, but this time I was defeated purely in my personal field, so there's really nothing to say about it.
Especially since this person "grew up" abroad...
Tang Rui's face turned ashen. He felt that this person was his nemesis for life, and the kind that he could never defeat. It was truly a case of "Why did Heaven create both Zhou Yu and Zhuge Liang?"
Duanmu Ci was unaware of his thoughts; otherwise, he would have thought, "You think you're worthy?"
...
...
Xun Yong asked, "May I ask who your teacher is, young brother? I wonder which renowned master could have nurtured such a talented individual!" In his view, no one's talent arises out of thin air; everyone has a teacher. Xun Yong was eager to know which master calligrapher could have taught such a disciple.
Duanmu Ci didn't know how to answer... and it seemed he couldn't answer...
Who was my teacher?
I studied under Confucius, and no one in the world has a more illustrious lineage of teachers and mentors than I do...
But is that a valid answer?
cannot.
If you were to ask me in a different way, such as who my calligraphy teacher was, the answer would still be very illustrious, because the names Wang Xizhi and Wang Xianzhi are very prominent in the history of calligraphy.
But is that a valid answer?
cannot.
So after thinking for a moment, Duanmu Ci said, "I learned from my father."
Xun Yong, puzzled, asked, "Your father is...?"
Wei Yue helped explain, "Brother Duanmu has lived overseas for many years and only recently returned to the country. You may not even know his father, Elder Xun."
“Oh~~” Xun Yong suddenly realized.
An elderly gentleman asked, "Young man, your calligraphy skills are extraordinary; we old folks can't compare! Would you be interested in joining the calligraphy association? That way, we can exchange ideas and offer guidance to each other."
"I wouldn't presume to offer guidance, it's merely a mutual encouragement," Duanmu Ci said modestly. "As for joining the Calligraphy Association, there's no need to rush. Let's discuss it another time." He had to politely decline such an offer; he had no interest in such organizations!
Xun Yong smiled and said, "Everyone has their own ambitions, and we won't force you. We just hope you'll come and visit us when you have time."
Duanmu Ci smiled and agreed.
Xun Yong clapped his hands. "Alright, everyone, don't forget why we're here today. Now let's get down to business!"
The old folks jeered, "Hurry up and bring out the treasure! We can't wait any longer!"
Even Duanmu Ci was looking forward to it. After all, Wang Xianzhi might just be a simple name to the people here, but to him, those three words also represented a memory.
Xun Yong went upstairs, and when he came down, he had a wooden box in his hand. He carefully placed the box on the huanghuali desk, which had been peeled, and then opened it.
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