Chapter 137 The Grand Banquet of the Tang Dynasty (Part 1)
Zhao Mengfu led everyone to his mural.
Before even entering, Lu Xiaoqi glanced over and saw a magnificent green landscape painting suddenly unfold on the wall.
The mountains rise one after another, shrouded in mist and lush forests, interspersed with pavilions and towers and scholars walking with canes. Although it is an unfinished work, the colors already applied reveal its splendor—primarily using azurite and malachite, the colors are calm and elegant, yet through delicate rendering, they express the profound layers of the landscape and the changing light and shadow.
After Wang Wei came to the modern era, he also studied the works of these great masters of later generations and exclaimed: "Although it is not the kind of elegant and simple essays on paper that Zi'ang is good at, it retains the beauty and elegance. When it is transferred to the white wall, it is a perfect work of nature, and its charm is not increased but rather decreased."
Zhao Mengfu's artistic conception and brushwork in literati painting were successfully amplified and adapted to the grand architectural space, maintaining the original style of Zhao's landscape paintings while possessing the magnificent momentum and distant viewing effect required for murals.
"Excellent!" Yuwen Kai also praised.
Lu Xiaoqi felt the overwhelming grandeur and the tranquil beauty of the mountains and rivers, and nodded repeatedly.
Zhao Mengfu said a few modest words, but his expression clearly showed that he was actually satisfied.
"I must thank Master Cao for teaching me," he said, bowing to the painter Cao.
The painter Cao hurriedly waved his hand: "How dare I call myself 'teacher'? Master Zhao's painting skills are innate. I only gave a few pointers on the things to pay attention to when making the mural."
Zhao Mengfu exchanged a few more humble words with Master Cao, then turned his gaze to Guan Daosheng, who had been smiling silently to the side, his eyes filled with curiosity and anticipation: "Zhongji, you've been acting mysteriously these past few days, always locking yourself in your studio. Now, perhaps we can finally have a glimpse of you?"
He originally wanted to see what his wife had painted so that they could discuss it as usual, but he didn't expect that Guan Daosheng would take the secret route this time. Even if he went to the studio, she would cover up her paintings, saying that she would leave him a surprise and that he would probably be very surprised when he saw them.
Therefore, Zhao Mengfu had long been unable to suppress his curiosity.
Guan Daosheng smiled, a hint of cunning and rare confidence flashing in his eyes: "I was just about to invite you all to give your opinions."
She led everyone to her usual studio.
There stood a huge floor-to-ceiling screen, clearly the result of her busy work over the past few days. When the screen was fully revealed to everyone, the anticipation on Zhao Mengfu's face instantly turned into astonishment and disbelief.
What he saw on the screen was neither the ink bamboo and orchid painting that his wife was most skilled at and that he was most familiar with, nor the elegant landscape painting that catered to the refined tastes of literati.
The painting is cleverly divided into four sections, yet the overall composition remains coherent. It depicts the scenery of Qinghe Ancient Town in all four seasons:
In early spring, new willows brush against the stone bridge, where tourists dressed in Hanfu and modern clothing can be seen walking side by side; in midsummer, lotus ponds are full of lotus flowers, and in the distance, modern lights and ancient eaves intertwine to create a hazy glow in the night; in late autumn, golden ginkgo leaves cover the bluestone path, and children run and laugh by; in winter, fine snow hangs on the eaves, warm lights shine through the windows, and lanterns outside sway in the cold wind.
What's most surprising is her technique and use of color. She still employs skillful Chinese painting brushstrokes to outline the scenery, but she is extremely bold in her application of color, using brighter and more vibrant hues. She clearly absorbed some of the blending techniques of watercolor painting, making the color transitions softer and more natural, and the light and shadow effects more modern. The paintings are full of vivid life and warm, everyday atmosphere, cleverly blending the artistic conception of classical gardens with the pulse of modern life in the same time and space.
“This… Zhongji, you…” Zhao Mengfu was at a loss for words. He had never expected that his wife would create such an “unorthodox” yet so vibrant and captivating work.
Guan Daosheng chuckled at her husband's surprised expression, "What's wrong, Zi'ang? Do you only think that ink bamboo and sparse plum blossoms are good paintings? I was moved by the scenery of this ancient town in all four seasons and the everyday life of its inhabitants, so I casually recorded it with my brush. But... it doesn't suit your taste?"
Wang Wei, observing closely from the side, was the first to clap his hands and exclaim in praise: "Wonderful! Lady Guan's work has taken a different approach and is full of vitality! The painting has both ancient charm and new ideas. These rules are meant to be broken in order to bring forth something new."
Yuwen Kai nodded in agreement: "The composition is novel, and the colors are bright yet elegant."
Zhao Mengfu snapped out of his daze. At first, he wasn't quite used to it, as this was completely different from Guan Daosheng's style. So his first reaction was to frown. But as he calmed down and carefully savored it, the more he looked at it, the more he liked it. The astonishment in his eyes gradually faded, turning into a sigh.
He suddenly remembered that when Guan Daosheng first married him, her paintings, though naive, possessed the bright and cheerful colors of a young girl. However, her style gradually changed later. This might be because she had grown older and changed her mindset, but it was also possible that she had been influenced by him over the years, or even catered to his tastes.
Having figured this out, Zhao Mengfu suddenly felt guilty.
He took his wife's hand and exclaimed from the bottom of his heart, "I was too narrow-minded! The novelty of this painting's conception, the exquisite use of color, and the richness of its depiction of life far surpass those works that stick to the old ways."
He should be happy that his wife has found her own path.
The couple were deeply in love, and the others had already pretended to be appraising the artwork behind the screen, shifting their gaze away. Guan Daosheng hurriedly pulled his hand away, but a smile remained on his lips.
After chatting for a while, Lu Xiaoqi felt as if she had attended a class on the appreciation of traditional Chinese art, and had benefited greatly.
She took the opportunity to ask Zhao Mengfu what his wish was. She had been thinking about asking him for a while, but the couple was busy painting, so she thought she would put it aside for now and let Zhao Mengfu spend some more time carefully reflecting on his life in this era before asking him at another time.
Now is undoubtedly the perfect time.
When Zhao Mengfu heard her ask about his wishes, the smile on his face gradually faded, and his gaze turned to the window as if it could penetrate time and space.
After a long silence, he slowly spoke, his voice carrying a hint of unnoticed heaviness: "If I were to speak of a wish... there is indeed one that has lingered in my heart for a long time."
Hearing his somber mood, Lu Xiaoqi knew something was wrong; it seemed this was another of his regrets. What was Zhao Mengfu's regret? She naturally knew: as a descendant of the Song Dynasty imperial family, he had submitted to the Yuan Dynasty, earning him a bad reputation and a mixture of praise and criticism...
He mustn't have some kind of wish as difficult as Zhao Feiyan wanting to become empress, something like correcting her posthumous title... Lu Xiaoqi was terrified.
Zhao Mengfu, of course, had no idea what Lu Xiaoqi was thinking. He paused for a moment, then said, “Everyone says that I, Zhao Mengfu, am a master of both calligraphy and painting, and that I hold the highest official rank and enjoy unparalleled honor. However, many people also criticize me for serving the Yuan Dynasty as a member of the Zhao Song imperial family, calling me a ‘military official,’ and saying that I have lost my integrity.”
Lu Xiaoqi's heart pounded, but she maintained a smile and listened attentively.
Zhao Mengfu withdrew his gaze and looked at her, his face showing no resentment, only relief: "These comments have accompanied me for half my life, but I no longer care about them."
The title of being a descendant of the Song Dynasty imperial family brought him no benefit, but only endless constraints. In his youth, he repeatedly refused invitations from the Yuan Dynasty, remaining idle at home until he was over thirty years old, when he realized that the situation was beyond saving, and only then did he agree to take up an official post.
Recalling the past, Zhao Mengfu's eyes shone with an unprecedented light: "...How can the way of calligraphy and painting be confined to one family, one dynasty, or one era? My lifelong pursuit was to integrate the spirit of the Jin and Tang dynasties, to create a new era, so that the art of brush and ink could be passed down and carried forward, rather than being lost to oblivion amidst war and strife. My entry into officialdom, while driven by concerns for the safety of my family, also stemmed from a desire to protect culture and benefit the arts. It's just a pity..."
What later generations saw was mostly his stigma of serving the Yuan dynasty.
Admittedly, he had selfish motives for his own benefit, but he also had a deep desire to continue the literary tradition; it's just that most people don't understand or believe the latter.
In the latter half of his life, this stigma haunted him like a thorn in his side, making him outwardly successful but inwardly brooding and restless. But now, in this era, witnessing the recurrence of history and the continuation of culture, he has long since come to terms with it.
Lu Xiaoqi was somewhat confused.
Although she had met so many ancient people, she was still young and did not fully understand this kind of emotion. She only felt that Zhao Mengfu was open-minded and could see things more clearly than others.
But now that such a deep regret has been let go, what exactly is Zhao Dajia's wish?
Zhao Mengfu's expression brightened, and his tone became more resolute: "If I were to speak of my wish... it would be to use this new life to shed all political fame and controversy, and to pass on to future generations, without reservation, my understanding of the true path of calligraphy and painting and my insights into the integration of the past and present, as a pure scholar. So that the traditional Chinese art of calligraphy and painting can still shine brightly in the world a hundred or a thousand years from now."
Guan Daosheng gently grasped his hand, silently expressing his support.
Upon hearing this, Lu Xiaoqi felt a deep sense of respect.
Upon hearing this, Wang Wei also looked ashamed, sighed deeply, and bowed deeply to Zhao Mengfu, saying, "Brother Zi'ang, your magnanimity and noble character are beyond my reach. In the past, when I lived in Wangchuan, I only sought to cultivate myself and find solace in nature. Although I enjoyed the pleasures, I never thought deeply about or put into practice the great responsibility of cultural inheritance and artistic promotion like you, Brother Zi'ang, let alone your perseverance in carrying on a bad reputation. Today, after hearing your words, I finally understand what it means to be a gentleman who is harmonious yet different, and what it means for a scholar to be resolute and persevering. Compared to you, my past actions have been narrow-minded."
His words were filled with sincere admiration and self-reflection.
Zhao Mengfu quickly returned the greeting: "Master Mojie, you flatter me. Everyone has their own aspirations and circumstances. You, Master, are an expert in both poetry and painting, and you have established the Southern School of landscape painting, leaving a legacy for future generations. This is already a great achievement. How could I, Mengfu, dare to be so arrogant?"
Lu Xiaoqi ignored their polite exchanges; she had already heard the system notification.
"Ding! You have a new side quest to complete."
Side Quest: The Wish of Zhao Mengfu, an SSR-level Card Character – To Inherit the Art of Traditional Calligraphy and Painting.
"After the wish is fulfilled, the character's life form will solidify and gain a special ability."
Players will also receive corresponding rewards.
Lu Xiaoqi glanced quickly at the special abilities and rewards. Zhao Mengfu's special ability was "Mastery of Ancient Calligraphy and Painting," and her reward was a special architectural blueprint—a virtual calligraphy and painting gallery. She wasn't as eager for these system rewards anymore, but Zhao Mengfu's explanation still excited her.
Zhao Mengfu: "The deity told me that this ability of 'comprehensive knowledge of ancient calligraphy and painting' needs to be used in conjunction with a virtual calligraphy and painting gallery. As long as I successfully copy the calligraphy and paintings of historical masters, the original appearance of these works will appear in the virtual calligraphy and painting gallery for people to view."
Lu Xiaoqi thought to herself that this was similar to Li Guinian's situation, as his special ability also needed to be used in conjunction with the Hua'e Xianghui Tower.
Then she immediately realized that this was equivalent to giving herself a museum of calligraphy and painting!
Could this allow us to recreate many lost ancient paintings and calligraphy works?
Guan Daosheng frowned: "But since it has already been lost, where will you, my husband, go to make a copy?"
“I do remember quite a few famous paintings and calligraphies I’ve seen…” Zhao Mengfu was about to speak, but suddenly stopped in his tracks. After a moment, a look of delight appeared on his face. “The gods have projected countless images into my mind. All I have to do is copy them. However, if the copy is not accurate, it will not be approved.”
Lu Xiaoqi raised an eyebrow and secretly asked the system, "It can be done like this?"
She knew that all NPCs had a system portal, but she had never encountered one with such detailed interactions as Zhao Mengfu before, which was quite interesting.
The system remained calm: "Player, we are a very intelligent system with many ways to interact."
Lu Xiaoqi: "Alright, alright, I know you're very smart, stop emphasizing it."
She thought to herself that this was essentially using Zhao Mengfu as a medium to upload some lost ancient paintings and calligraphy to a virtual art gallery. She asked the system, "Since they have lost paintings and calligraphy, why don't they just let the art gallery have these paintings and calligraphy directly? Wouldn't that be more convenient?"
System: "Because this would consume a huge amount of energy. Moreover, we are a game system, so of course we need to provide players with a variety of challenges."
It added, "So, we are very intelligent."
Lu Xiaoqi: "......"
Guan Daosheng and Zhao Mengfu also discovered the truth, but Zhao Mengfu did not show any displeasure.
Guan Daosheng smiled and said, "This is indeed in line with my husband's wishes."
Zhao Mengfu was also very satisfied.
What he wanted to do was to pass on the traditions of calligraphy and painting.
“Passing on the art of calligraphy and painting…” Lu Xiaoqi pondered for a moment, then her eyes lit up. “Perhaps, after the two teachers finish their paintings here, we could consider offering a course in the ancient town?”
It can be opened in Zone 5, or it can be opened in a school that will open in the fall.
Wow, just imagine having Zhao Mengfu, Guan Daosheng, and perhaps even Wang Wei presiding over the calligraphy and painting academy, specifically to teach their insights on calligraphy and painting—the thought alone is incredibly exciting. Lu Xiaoqi even instantly came up with a name for the course.
The more she thought about it, the more brilliant the idea seemed: "The attendees could be students interested in calligraphy and painting, or professionals who want to further their studies. The lectures would focus on calligraphy and painting appreciation and creative insights. With your expertise, we are sure to attract many people who truly love art to come and listen."
Zhao Mengfu and Guan Daosheng exchanged a glance, both seeing interest in each other's eyes.
That's a good idea.
Yuwen Kai, who had been mostly silent, then spoke up and offered another suggestion: "If the goal is to pass on the tradition, teaching at a university is also a good option."
He was invited to become a guest lecturer in the Department of Architecture at Qinghe University. Although he is currently busy with the second phase of the project, he still takes an afternoon each week to go to Qinghe University to give lectures on the history of traditional Chinese architecture to the students, and he is quite popular.
Wang Wei agreed and earnestly invited Zhao Mengfu and his wife to visit Qinghe University: "Zi'ang, you should see the university today. Its grandeur far surpasses that of the Imperial Academy and the National Academy of the past. Nowadays, students, regardless of their background, can freely pursue their studies and delve into all kinds of knowledge. The abundance of its books is beyond imagination; even a mountain of books cannot describe a fraction of its value..."
He spoke eloquently, and Zhao Mengfu was deeply moved. Having dedicated his life to the pursuit of knowledge and art, he naturally yearned for such a sacred place. Guan Daosheng also showed great interest.
Yuwen Kai pondered, "Qinghe University doesn't have an art college, but I remember there is a specialized art college in the provincial capital, and it's quite famous. I'll ask you about it when we get there."
He further explained that the art academy is a place where everyone, whether teachers or students, is dedicated to the research and creation of calligraphy and painting, which made the two of them yearn for it.
Lu Xiaoqi thought this was a good idea: "Then, if we want to improve your reputations..."
They can't use their original names to give lectures. They're just nobodys now, and it won't be easy for them to get into art school. They need to make a name for themselves first.
"Don't worry, leave this to us!" Lu Xiaoqi patted her chest confidently. She was now quite experienced in making these NPCs famous.
Zhao Mengfu and Guan Daosheng exchanged a glance, also agreeing that the plan was feasible, and thanked them in advance.
Guan Daosheng asked him, "How about this, you and I first set up a lecture hall in the ancient town, and then young friend Lu can slowly plan the rest?"
Zhao Mengfu had no objection; he had always liked to mentor younger generations.
Seeing that they had a well-thought-out plan, Lu Xiaoqi said happily, "Then it's settled. I'll go and make the arrangements right away!"
With his wish fulfilled, he and Guan Daosheng settled down to create in the hotel. After finishing, he wanted to take Guan Daosheng back to his hometown to see what it looked like now, and then gradually put their plans into action upon their return.
Once the painting was completed, all other preparations for the hotel gradually came to an end, and before we knew it, it was early March.
In another half month, we will arrive at the magnificent spring scenery of peach blossoms and willows in Jiangnan.
March 8th is not only Women's Day, but also the first day of the opening of the "Hua'e Xianghui Tower, Grand Tang Night Banquet" in Qinghe Ancient Town.
......
On the morning of March 8th, Qin Yue got up very early.
She arrived in Qinghe City last night and stayed at Zhao's Hotel next to Qinghe Ancient Town. She also went to Song's Fish Restaurant with Lu Xiaoqi for a meal. After hearing Lu Xiaoqi's high praise for "Li Shanzu" during the meal, she was even more looking forward to the banquet the next night.
However, Lu Xiaoqi refused to reveal any specific details about the banquet, only saying that she would be given a surprise.
Although Qin Yue had visited Qinghe Ancient Town before, more than once, she still got up early to try and secure a spot at the recently popular VR experience center.
Stepping out of the hotel, she realized that in just over six months, the scene outside the ancient town had changed dramatically. She remembered the increasing number of shops lining the streets, with new stores vying for attention with signs proclaiming "Qinghe Cultural and Creative Products," "Ancient Town Specialties," "Hanfu Experience Hall," and "Makeup Studio." Coffee shops and milk tea shops were also plentiful. Although it was still early, the cobblestone path leading to the main entrance of the ancient town was already bustling with people, many of whom were young men and women dressed in Hanfu and meticulously groomed.
Qinghe Ancient Town is truly a magical place. It holds a place on the lists of "must-visit attractions for couples" and "must-visit attractions for families," catering to the preferences and aesthetics of different groups.
While queuing to enter, Qin Yue overheard two girls in front of her excitedly discussing the details of tonight's banquet. She couldn't help but lean closer and interject with a smile, "Excuse me, I just heard you talking about the banquet at Hua'e Xianghui Tower tonight?"
The two girls turned around, and seeing that they were kindred spirits, they immediately responded enthusiastically, "Yes, yes! Did you manage to get tickets too?"
"Great! It seems we're all lucky ones!"
One of the girls, with her hair styled in two buns and wearing a light pink Qi-Xiong Ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress), looked Qin Yue up and down and asked curiously, "Yeah, but why aren't you wearing Hanfu or makeup? It's starting tonight, aren't you going to get dressed up now?"
Qin Yue explained with a smile, "I brought my Hanfu, it's at the hotel. It's too inconvenient to wear it now while queuing for VR, so I plan to change when I get back this afternoon. As for the makeup," she said with a hint of pride, "I've already made an appointment with Zhu Cui, the most famous makeup artist in the ancient town, and I'll go directly to her at four o'clock this afternoon for a full makeover."
Upon hearing this, the two girls asked in confusion, "Are there any makeup studios in the ancient town?"
Is it outside the ancient town?
Clearly, they were unaware of this news. Qin Yue immediately opened the Qinghe Ancient Town app and found a "Traditional Makeup and Styling Workshop" option in the workshop list of Zone 5: "This is newly launched, and the manager is Teacher Zhu Cui. You know that popular TV series, 'The Mountains and Rivers'? Teacher Zhu Cui did the styling."
The girls' eyes lit up, and they almost screamed:
"Mountains and Rivers?! I know, I know, that design is so beautiful, was it actually made by a teacher from Qinghe Ancient Town?"
"Oh my god, we really didn't know."
Qin Yue smiled. Actually, she didn't know at first; it was Lu Xiaoqi who reminded her and took the initiative to schedule a time with her. Later, Qin Yue learned that this teacher, Zhu Cui, was actually quite important.
She really benefited from her friend's connections.
"Oh no! We were so focused on doing our makeup and hair for photos this morning that we didn't realize that after a whole day of fun, our makeup would definitely be ruined and our hair would be a mess... Going to the banquet with a face full of makeup would be such a waste of the atmosphere and the ticket price!"
The girl who had asked the question earlier looked regretful: "What a blunder! What a huge blunder!"
Seeing their frustrated expressions, Qin Yue checked the app and realized that Zhu Cui was clearly unavailable. Lu Xiaoqi had told her that Zhu Cui and several other makeup artists were busy with the styling of many dancers in the ancient town that day, so they weren't very free.
She comforted the two of them, saying, "Don't worry, don't worry. You can check if you can still book a stylist outside the ancient town. It's still early, so you might be able to book one for the afternoon."
Reminded by her, the two girls immediately frantically pulled out their phones: "Yes, yes, yes! Quick, search!"
"Thank you for reminding us, sister. Otherwise, we would have gone to the banquet with our makeup all messed up."
After this little incident, the three of them quickly grew closer. While queuing, they eagerly discussed what style of Hanfu to wear that evening and what hair accessories would best suit the grand Tang Dynasty atmosphere of Hua'e Xianghui Tower. It wasn't until they entered the ancient town that they went to Qinghe Tower to take photos and Qin Yue to play at the VR arcade, and then they split up to explore.
Qin Yue bought a Fastpass card and played VR several times. It wasn't until 3 p.m. that she reluctantly returned to the hotel to change into the Hanfu and jewelry she had brought. Then she rushed to Zone 5, Zhu Cui's Makeup Workshop.
He also started a live stream:
"HELLO everyone, I'm Qin Shiyue, and we're meeting again in Qinghe Ancient Town. Tonight's highlight is taking you on a virtual experience of the highly anticipated 'Hua'e Xianghui Tower Grand Tang Dynasty Night Banquet'! However, before we travel back to the Tang Dynasty, we have to accomplish something important—now follow my camera to the newly opened mysterious makeup and styling workshop in Zone 5 and witness the entire transformation process!"
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