Chapter 132 Their affection was palpable, so intensely romantic. ...
Lu Xiaoqi looked at the line of poetry on the card: "Colors illuminate the walls for a thousand years, the brushstrokes resonate with the hearts of gods and Buddhas."
This clearly describes the world-renowned art treasure trove, the dazzling pearl on the Silk Road—Dunhuang Mogao Caves!
Her heart pounded with excitement at the thought.
Dunhuang, a treasure trove of traditional Chinese culture. The Mogao Caves span ten centuries, from the Northern Dynasties to the Yuan Dynasty, and are the culmination of the painstaking efforts of countless anonymous painters and craftsmen. The tens of thousands of murals within depict a vast array of Buddhist stories, deities, flying apsaras, dancers, donor portraits, and intricate decorative patterns, representing the pinnacle of ancient Chinese painting art.
Regrettably, the artists who created this magnificent work of art and culture have left few names in history. They left behind a magnificent legacy for posterity, yet they themselves remain nameless, lost in the long river of history.
And now, she has summoned several of them!
And at such a crucial juncture...
She tentatively asked the system, "You, did you help me cheat?"
The system scoffed, "I'm an intelligent system!"
It specifically emphasized the word "intelligent".
Lu Xiaoqi smiled brightly, her attitude instantly changing to a fawning, sycophantic tone: "Yes, yes, you are the most intelligent and understanding system in the world!"
She decided she would never speak ill of the system again!
Forget it, "later" is too long, let's do it within a week.
Lu Xiaoqi's eyes lit up as she looked at the card. What painting could be more exquisite, more elegant, and more full of charm than the Dunhuang art that has withstood the test of a thousand years? Although it might seem like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut, let's solve the labor shortage first.
We can only ask these craftsmen to make do.
Su Jun was somewhat surprised to learn that she was a painter from Dunhuang, but also delighted for Lu Xiaoqi. He asked for the coordinates and then asked, "Shall I head over now?"
"Go ahead, I'll stay here and draw the second one. See you at the usual place."
Lu Xiaoqi stayed behind to draw the second card.
The card floated in the air, its color changing amidst the light, eventually settling on the gold of the SR version.
"SR? That's great, that's great." After Lu Xiaoqi clicked, the card showed up as SSR!
"Huh?" She was a little confused; the scene seemed familiar... "I remember now!" Lu Xiaoqi exclaimed with delight, recalling the moment she summoned Li Guinian. He was clearly an SSR, but the card's color was the gold of an SR. It was because of him and her two brothers, the SR brothers Li Pengnian and Li Henian.
She immediately perked up. Could it be the same this time?
Just as I was thinking this, the poem and image on the card appeared.
The image is a charming silhouette: a refined scholar is writing at his desk, while a gentle woman stands beside him with a smile, also holding a brush.
[So tenderly in love, so deeply affectionate. Fine writing implements, a life of simple joys.]
Lu Xiaoqi's heart raced again. She knew the sentence above; it was written by a talented woman in ancient times, and it was this poem that made her husband, who wanted to take a concubine, give up the idea. What was her name again?
“Guan Daosheng!” she blurted out, overjoyed. “Then her husband is… Zhao Mengfu!”
Just as Lu Xiaoqi was holding her breath in delight at this unexpected joy, the system notification sounded again, confirming her guess:
"Congratulations, player! You have drawn a special SSR card combination – Zhao Mengfu and Guan Daosheng, the Twin Masters of Calligraphy and Painting!"
That's a double bomb!
Zhao Mengfu, a giant of Yuan Dynasty calligraphy and painting, one of the four great masters of regular script, pioneered a new style of painting in the Yuan Dynasty, and his calligraphy, known as the "Zhao style," is flowing and rounded, with a far-reaching influence. His wife, Guan Daosheng, is best known in later generations for the poem "Wo Nong Ci" that Lu Xiaoqi spontaneously recited, as if she were merely a talented woman indulging in domestic romances. However, Lu Xiaoqi knew that Guan Daosheng was also an outstanding female calligrapher and painter, equally skilled in both.
Lu Xiaoqi almost cheered.
She asked the system, then suddenly felt annoyed by its incompetence: "Look at you, look at you, aren't you good at planning? Then why didn't you act sooner?"
The system was frustrated: "This really has nothing to do with me..."
At most, it manipulates R-rank cards, and providing players with much-needed NPC staff is within its responsibilities; it doesn't constitute cheating, but rather falls into a gray area. However, SSR-rank cards are different; it has no authority to interfere with them.
It sincerely said, "Player, you are indeed very lucky today."
Lu Xiaoqi immediately decided to buy two lottery tickets the next morning.
She glanced at their current coordinates and frowned slightly. They were actually near the long bridge in Zone 5, close to Zone 6—that was quite far. However, summoned characters usually arrived in ten to fifteen minutes, so the time was manageable; they should be able to walk there in time.
Meanwhile, Zhao Mengfu and Guan Daosheng had already arrived at Qinghe Ancient Town.
"Is this the future world the gods spoke of?"
Guan Daosheng looked around curiously at everything in front of him, while nervously clutching Zhao Mengfu's sleeve.
Zhao Meng patted her hand, but his heart was also filled with trepidation. He murmured, "The night is so bright, it's like a heavenly palace..."
However, this tension and fear were quickly replaced by a deeper, more profound emotion. He slowly turned his head, his gaze falling intently on his wife, Guan Daosheng, beside him. Having just arrived in this place, overwhelmed by its bizarre and surreal atmosphere, he hadn't been able to process what was happening. Now, their eyes met, a thousand words choked in his throat, ultimately culminating in a trembling, incredulous whisper:
"Zhong Ji?"
Guan Daosheng also looked at him at the same time, her eyes instantly filling with tears. She tightly grasped her husband's hand, the warm touch so real, that she couldn't stop sobbing: "Zi'ang...we, we're not already..."
They had experienced the end of their lives and the dissipation of their consciousness, thinking they were forever separated by the underworld, never to meet again. Unexpectedly, when they opened their eyes again, they could see each other's faces once more.
The couple held hands, gazing at each other with tears in their eyes, pouring out their hearts to one another. They felt that even if this place were the netherworld or the underworld, they would have no fear.
For the couple who had just arrived, the ancient town of Qinghe at night was like stepping into a dazzling dream.
Soft lighting replaced the familiar candlelight, outlining the elegant eaves and upturned corners of the nearby buildings in a dreamlike manner. The two were eager to explore this new and wonderful world, but they remembered the system's reminder that someone would come to pick them up later. So they simply strolled along the riverbank decorated with LED strips, marveling at how the river resembled a galaxy in the sky.
At that moment, the two were drawn to a photography team by the long bridge.
As evening falls and tourists depart, leaving only the empty ancient town, the photography studios outside become bustling with activity. Since Qinghe Ancient Town implemented regulations on commercial photography, many photography teams outside the town that prioritized price over quality have gone out of business, while the remaining ones are thriving. Many people make a special trip just to take photos. The night view of Qinghe Ancient Town is beautiful, and the "Hanfu Night Tour" theme is a favorite among many young women.
The photography team had just arrived at the long bridge. The photographer was adjusting the lights, and they would start shooting once the first group of guests had finished their styling.
"Are you almost here?" the photographer asked.
The assistant nodded quickly: "Almost there, almost there. The first couple today is a married couple, so their makeup and styling will take a little longer. Don't worry, there are still ten minutes until the appointed time."
Zhao Mengfu and Guan Daosheng stood not far away, watching the photographer adjust the lighting and take test shots with great interest, and whispering among themselves about what it was.
To them, a man in black was pointing a dark, square box at someone in front of him. Then, in an instant, the front of the black box suddenly emitted a blinding, lightning-like light, causing both men to instinctively close their eyes.
"Hiss—" Zhao Meng subconsciously raised his hand to shield his eyes, quite surprised, even somewhat frightened. "What is that? It can capture a fleeting moment of light? Could it be... some kind of magical artifact that can capture light and leave a lasting impression?"
He immediately thought of many legends from Taoism and Buddhism.
Guan Daosheng disagreed: "This is the future world the immortals spoke of, how could there be such an evil thing?"
Hearing his wife's words, Zhao Mengfu finally calmed down: "What you say is very true, madam..."
If this is the future, then it is also in the human world. Moreover, the future the gods spoke of is peaceful and harmonious, an extremely beautiful world.
Guan Daosheng observed more closely and noticed that someone nearby was holding up a huge white board that could softly reflect light, as if they were collaborating to complete some kind of task.
"It seems to be... a painter?" she guessed hesitantly. "Could it be using light as ink to create 'shadow paintings' of people? Come on, let's take a closer look."
As the two were whispering to each other, the photography assistant had just finished checking the shooting schedule. She glanced up and happened to see the elegant and well-dressed Zhao Mengfu and his wife walking slowly towards them.
Her eyes lit up, and she hurried forward, her tone a mix of familiarity and slight doubt: "Teacher Wang, Teacher Li? You arrived so quickly? And you changed your outfits? This outfit is really high quality, but the style seems a little different from what we originally planned?"
She mistook these two for the first group of guests she had booked for the day. Coincidentally, they were also a middle-aged couple.
Upon hearing this, Zhao Mengfu paused slightly.
He was puzzled and didn't answer immediately, only looking calmly at the girl. His long tenure in a high position naturally exuded a composed demeanor cultivated over many years, and although there was no hint of harshness, it made the previously casual assistant subconsciously suppress his smile, straighten up, and think to himself: This "teacher" has such a strong presence...
However, the makeup artist today was amazing; the makeup and styling for these two were absolutely flawless.
Guan Daosheng noticed this subtle change, smiled gently, took half a step forward, and explained tactfully, "Young lady, you must have mistaken us for someone else. We are not the two teachers you are waiting for."
Her gentle voice instantly dispelled the invisible pressure.
The assistant then realized what was happening and quickly apologized, "Oh! I'm so sorry! I thought you two were our guests because of your clothes. I'm so sorry to have bothered you!"
Although she breathed a sigh of relief, she couldn't help but sneak a peek out of curiosity. After all, it was rare to see a middle-aged couple dressed in Hanfu visiting an ancient town! Moreover, she felt that the two of them had an indescribable ancient charm, which was extraordinary and otherworldly.
At this moment, the photographer, who had finished adjusting the lighting, was also attracted by the commotion and turned to look. He was a discerning person, and upon seeing the demeanor and bearing of Zhao Mengfu and his wife, especially the tranquility and elegance that naturally emanated from their immersion in art, he was immediately captivated.
"Gentlemen, excuse me for bothering you. I'm photographer Ken. You two are so beautiful, you look like you stepped out of an ancient painting. Would you do me the honor of taking a few photos of you for free? It will only take a few minutes, but I'm sure you'll get fantastic results!"
It would definitely be eye-catching as a sample photo in the studio!
photography?
Upon hearing this straightforward and enthusiastic invitation, Zhao Mengfu's eyes flashed with interest in this novel "painting method."
He and Guan Daosheng exchanged a glance, immediately understanding each other's thoughts. After a moment's hesitation, he spoke in a gentle yet authoritative tone: "Thank you for your kind offer. However, it is inconvenient for us to be included in the painting. Your method of taking photos is quite unique and interesting."
Although they were interested in the photography technique, they didn't understand the underlying principles and felt it was best to be cautious. Therefore, he neither agreed nor immediately refused, intending to see what the photographer had to say.
Guan Daosheng nodded with a smile, quite interested in the black box that emitted a bright light.
The photographer, hearing the two speak in such a refined manner, almost mistook them for two history cosplayers. Seeing this, he felt he had a chance and immediately showed them several photos he had saved on his camera.
Zhao Mengfu and Guan Daosheng went over to take a look and almost couldn't contain their astonishment.
What kind of technology and principle is this?! How can it possibly capture a real person within such a tiny image?! Zhao Mengfu's previous doubts immediately surged back, doubling in intensity. Could this really be some kind of soul-capturing artifact?!
The photographer, oblivious to the couple's expressions, was still trying to persuade them to reconsider when Lu Xiaoqi arrived, breathless. Seeing the scene, her extensive experience immediately told her that a misunderstanding might have occurred or was about to happen. Her heart skipped a beat, and she quickly stepped forward.
"Teacher Zhao! Teacher Guan!" She squeezed through the crowd, smiled apologetically at the photographers' team, and then whispered to the two of them, "We've finally found you two!"
When Zhao Mengfu and Guan Daosheng saw Lu Xiaoqi arrive and heard her call out their surname, they knew that this was the person the system had mentioned. They calmly nodded to the photographer, "It seems inconvenient today. We can discuss your invitation another time."
Just then, the photographer's first group of clients arrived, and photographer Ken could only regretfully say that he would definitely come next time.
Lu Xiaoqi breathed a sigh of relief and squeezed the two of them out, thinking to herself: This reception work really can't be relaxed at all!
She introduced herself to the two men, and they got to know each other.
Seeing that Guan Daosheng still couldn't help but turn back to look at the filming by the long bridge, I had a sudden thought and asked with a smile, "Teacher Zhao, Teacher Guan, why don't we watch them filming from here? I noticed that you two also had many questions earlier."
Upon hearing this, Guan Daosheng's eyes immediately lit up with delight, and he nodded slightly: "I couldn't ask for more. I'd be grateful if you could enlighten me and Zi'ang."
Although Zhao Mengfu did not speak, his gaze once again turned to the busy filming scene, revealing a strong interest.
The three of them stopped to watch from a short distance away. They saw the photographer directing the lighting, the model changing poses, and the camera shutter clicking crisply.
Lu Xiaoqi organized her thoughts and, using a language they could understand, scraped together every last bit of physics knowledge she had to explain the principles of photography to the two of them. After she finished, she felt completely drained, and even her eyes became clear.
"Do you understand?" She looked at the two of them cautiously.
Fortunately, regardless of whether I understood them or not, the emotional value they provided was substantial, and I listened very attentively.
Guan Daosheng's face showed longing: "So that's how it is... Isn't this like possessing the supernatural skill described in Han Feizi, 'carving paper for three years, and the leaves are in disarray'?"
Zhao Mengfu was equally astonished, but also felt a strange sense of awe: "No, it took the Song people three years to carve a lifelike paper mulberry leaf, but now it can be done in an instant."
Is the future world really this wild and untamed?
Lu Xiaoqi then showed the two photos on her phone, and they were completely captivated by them.
Zhao Mengfu was somewhat disheartened: "In that case, does it mean that there will be no place for painters to survive in the future?"
“That’s not the case.” Lu Xiaoqi laughed. “Photography only records a moment, but painting is an art form. Moreover, excellent photographers also need to learn painting techniques, and they need to carefully compose and light their shots in order to produce good works.”
Guan Daosheng nodded, thinking of the positive side: "In the past, drawing portraits required sitting upright for a long time, which was very troublesome for the painter. With this, it would be much more convenient. Moreover, the realism is so detailed that it is beyond human capability."
Zhao Mengfu also exclaimed: "Although it differs from the traditional pursuit of artistic conception in brush and ink, it does have its own unique merit. The world is vast and full of wonders, and today I have opened up a new world."
The two quickly embraced photography as a new art form.
Lu Xiaoqi breathed a sigh of relief. These two seemed easy to get along with and quick to embrace new things and technologies. That was good.
"If the two teachers are interested, they can try taking a set of photos here after they settle down in the ancient town..."
She led the two of them on a walk, talking as they went, and introduced them to Qinghe Ancient Town and some modern facilities, such as streetlights. When they arrived at their usual spot, the small courtyard in Zone 4, which they jokingly called the "Newcomer's Inn," Su Jun and five Dunhuang painters were already waiting.
Unlike Zhao Mengfu and Guan Daosheng, who were dressed in fine clothes and exuded an extraordinary air, the five Dunhuang painters wore coarse cloth clothes in colors that were old and faded from years of wind and sun exposure and mineral pigment stains. Traces of paint that had not been completely washed off could even be seen on their cuffs and fingertips.
Their faces bore the marks of years of labor and simplicity characteristic of those who toiled in the caves, yet their eyes shone with extraordinary brightness and focus. They stood there quietly, silent, their posture humble.
Lu Xiaoqi paused, having seen many craftsmen from ancient times.
These five Dunhuang painters reminded her of the people of Xiangjia Village. They possessed skills, but were not respected by society at the time, nor were they treated well. They were so insignificant in history.
This stirred a feeling of pity in Lu Xiaoqi's heart.
Her attitude towards these five people was consistent with her attitude towards Zhao Mengfu and Guan Daosheng.
When she introduced them as Dunhuang painters from the Five Dynasties period, Zhao Mengfu and Guan Daosheng's expressions instantly became extremely solemn, and their previously relaxed and indifferent gazes immediately turned into heartfelt respect and excitement.
Zhao Mengfu, who had been somewhat self-assured, suddenly stepped forward and bowed respectfully with his hands clasped.
"A senior from Dunhuang? My apologies for not recognizing you!"
Guan Daosheng followed closely behind, curtsied, and said with genuine admiration in his eyes, "Greetings to all the seniors."
Seeing the two men's elegant attire and distinguished bearing, the painters knew they were important figures. Having just been introduced as renowned painters and calligraphers of later generations, they felt somewhat inferior. However, they were taken aback by the men's unexpected politeness and even reverence, leaving them momentarily at a loss for words.
“We are not seniors…” The leader, Master T, surnamed Cao, hurriedly waved his hand and stammered, “We are just small painters in the painting academy, and we are not worthy of such a great gift from you noble people.”
The four apprentices nodded in agreement.
Zhao Mengfu said solemnly, “To be honest, when I was studying figure and Buddhist/Taoist painting in my early years, I painstakingly copied the Dunhuang manuscripts left by my predecessors! Although I only grasped their general form and could not fully comprehend even a fraction of their spirit, the fluid and dynamic lines, the magnificent and serene colors, the flowing lines of Cao Yi’s style and the graceful brushstrokes of Wu Daozi’s style have truly benefited me greatly. It is a long-awaited honor to meet you all today!”
Guan Daosheng also spoke sincerely: "I have also accompanied Zi'ang to observe and practice calligraphy and painting. Although my husband and I are dedicated to calligraphy and painting, we are truly juniors in front of the masters."
Their respect was no mere formality. For Zhao Mengfu, the Dunhuang manuscripts were one of the true sources of inspiration that nourished his artistic career. He knew that his achievements in integrating the past and present and establishing his own school of thought were also thanks to the gifts from these anonymous masters across time and space.
Upon hearing that Zhao Mengfu had actually studied their painting style, Cao the painter's cloudy eyes shone with disbelief, and his voice trembled with excitement: "Young master... Young master actually recognizes our paintings? And... and even copied them?"
They lived in remote caves for years, never imagining that their paintings would reach the Central Plains, let alone be so highly praised by such a prominent figure in the world of calligraphy and painting in later generations. Hearing this felt like a dream.
“Of course.” Zhao Mengfu nodded solemnly: “Dunhuang has produced many original works and copies, which have been incorporated into the art tradition of the Central Plains and have nourished later generations for thousands of years. We, their descendants, have all benefited from them!”
After the Five Dynasties period, many Dunhuang painters migrated from the north to the more stable Sichuan and Jiangnan regions, and the center of painting began to shift south from the Central Plains. Therefore, Zhao Mengfu's words were not just polite formalities.
The five artists exchanged glances, flattered and overwhelmed.
Zhao Mengfu and Guan Daosheng were both sociable people, and after a few words, they steered the conversation to painting, a topic familiar to everyone. The five painters immediately felt much more at ease, quickly shedding their initial reserve and joining the discussion.
When Su Jun returned after arranging accommodations, he saw Lu Xiaoqi resting her chin on her hand, listening to the group discuss the details of the flying apsara's sash, the proportions when mixing cinnabar, and so on. She was getting sleepy from listening.
He raised his eyebrows; it seemed this new batch of people would integrate quickly.
......
Wang Wei was overjoyed to hear that a new painter had arrived, and that he was a painter from Dunhuang.
Dunhuang was first built during the reign of Fu Jian of the Former Qin Dynasty and had already gained a great reputation during the Tang Dynasty. He was also very interested in Zhao Mengfu and Guan Daosheng, two figures from later generations, especially Zhao Mengfu, whose experiences were quite similar to his own, and he felt a deep connection with him.
Right then and there, he wanted to find a few people to talk to.
Lu Xiaoqi saw through his intention and was both amused and exasperated: "You should at least let them rest and get used to things here first. Besides, the Spring Festival holiday isn't over yet."
The second phase of the project will not start until the fifth day of the Lunar New Year.
Wang Wei chuckled and said, "I didn't mean to talk about engineering... Oh well, they're new here and probably don't know the situation yet. Let's visit them in a few days."
He waited until the second phase of the project started before visiting the painter Cao and his apprentice, as well as the Zhao couple. The latter had fully accepted their extraordinary experience in the past few days and had adapted to the world. When they saw Wang Wei, they were overjoyed.
That's Wang Wei!
Even Master Cao and his companions, living in the remote area of Shazhou, had heard of this "Poet Buddha" and could recite his poems. Meeting him was like meeting an idol.
Zhao Mengfu and Guan Daosheng felt even more dizzy.
Therefore, when Wang Wei asked for their help, almost everyone readily agreed.
After getting drunk, Zhao Mengfu even agreed to paint a large mural for the hotel!
When he and Guan Daosheng arrived at the hotel, which was undergoing final renovations, they saw such a large wall and immediately fell silent: "..."
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