Chapter 167: Words Reveal Paintings, Calligraphy Completes
With Mr. Sun Fu by his side, Xiao Wuge could not possibly ask him for help.
But the aggrieved look in her eyes on that little face revealed the word "pitiful".
When Chen Yi saw his expression, he couldn't help but smile to himself, but he also gave him a look.
He then bowed, greeted him as Elder Sun, and sat down at the stone table.
Sun Fu naturally noticed the exchange of glances between the two.
He knew exactly what Xiao Wuge was thinking, so he had to temporarily stop his "lecture" and said with a smile:
"Qingzhou, I have come today to say goodbye."
Chen Yi wasn't surprised.
Sun Fu had told him about his idea of going to Jinling a long time ago.
I thought he would set off soon after Duke Zhang Xuan left, but unexpectedly, almost a month passed before he finally prepared to depart.
"Have you made up your mind?"
Sun Fu glanced at the bewildered Xiao Wuge, sighed, and nodded:
"I have already informed my wife and son of the situation by letter, and they will be packing their bags tomorrow."
"After you take me back, we will travel to Jinling together."
"Since you have made your decision, I will not say anything more. However, the journey to Jinling is long, so please take good care of yourself."
Chen Yi knew that Sun Fu's trip to Jinling had an element of gambling involved.
After all, the fact that Xiao Wuge could attract the strange phenomenon of golden carp splashing around was somewhat mystical.
But upon closer examination, Sun Fu's departure to Jinling was only beneficial to Xiao Wuge, with no drawbacks whatsoever.
With this elder who is on good terms with the Xiao family in Jinling, Xiao Wuge's life as a hostage in Jinling will be easier in the future.
In any case, the two of them could at least talk to each other.
Sun Fu nodded slightly and said with a smile, "These polite words are not enough."
"Don't forget the calligraphy you promised me, two pieces."
Chen Yi chuckled and instructed Xiao Die to prepare dinner before taking Sun Fu directly back to his study.
Xiao Wuge watched the two walk away and couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief, "Brother-in-law really knows how to handle things."
Seeing his melancholy appearance, Xiaodie asked in a low voice, "Young Master, are you so afraid of Old Master Sun?"
"It's not fear, but... something's strange."
Xiao Wuge didn't feel any aversion to Sun Fu's lecture just now; he simply thought Sun Fu's gaze was very strange.
Although that look in his eyes resembled the care of an elder, there was also a hint of burning passion within it, which made him feel uneasy.
"Fortunately, he's leaving tomorrow, heading to Jinling... Jinling?"
Xiao Wuge's face froze, and some unpleasant images flashed through his mind.
Why did he go to Nanjing?
Could it be that they're planning to wait for him in Jinling beforehand to take him as a hostage?
No.
Inside the study.
Sun Fu had no idea that Xiao Wuge could guess his plans. He was grinding ink for Chen Yi like a servant.
Don't say it.
This scholar, who had studied for decades and served as an official for decades, was more upright in his manner than the average person, even when grinding ink.
To avoid being impolite, Chen Yi also stood in front of the table.
While spreading out a few slightly larger sheets of Yunsong paper, he chatted idly with Sun Fu.
Most of the questions were about his plans after he went to Nanjing.
"There are also two distant relatives. We have already asked them to find us a place to stay. It's a small, secluded courtyard house right by the Qinhuai River."
“I have a few old friends in Nanjing, and we can visit each other from time to time.”
"There's no need to worry about money. There are several private schools I can attend, including Jinling Academy, which I can also go to."
“My son is strong and hardworking, and my daughter-in-law is good at needlework, so we have a stable life.”
Listening to Old Sun's rambling on, Chen Yi's initial thought that he was gambling faded somewhat.
It is a fortunate thing for an elderly person over sixty years old to find a worthwhile goal to strive for in the final stage of life.
If I hear the Way in the morning, I can die content in the evening.
That's roughly the case.
Once the ink is evenly distributed, its glossy black color reflects the dusky yellow light revealed by the clearing evening clouds outside the window.
After calming himself down slightly, Chen Yi, under Sun Fu's watchful gaze, picked up a brush and wrote a few words:
"A farewell gift to Lord Changming in Shu Prefecture."
A slight pause.
Chen Yi couldn't help but recall Sun Fu's desperate and reckless spirit, so he changed the lyrics he had originally chosen to a new one.
Then, following his heart, he applied slight pressure to the pen, and the two characters "千里" (a thousand miles) appeared on the paper.
Then a heroic spirit that seemed to uproot mountains emerged.
Next are the two characters “Huang Yun”. The former is light and delicate, placed under the character “Qian”, and then connects to the character “Yun”.
The four characters were written.
Strands of golden fluorescence appeared, as if outlining the words, giving the black ink a golden hue.
In the dim light, a scene of "thousands of miles of yellow clouds" appeared on that narrow piece of paper.
It is vividly presented, just like the weather phenomenon of yellow sand swirling in the sky and forming clouds.
This also reflected a look of shock on Sun Fuben's otherwise calm face.
"Words, words...words reveal the scroll, the art of calligraphy is complete..."
However, Chen Yi was completely unaware of this and continued writing with unwavering focus.
Even as the radiance bathed him in gold, he did not pause.
At this moment, Sun Fu stared wide-eyed, his eyes slightly cloudy.
He swallowed unconsciously, glanced at Chen Yi who had a calm expression, and then looked at the Yun Song paper on the table.
He murmured the lyrics of the poem that depicted the unfolding scroll.
"A thousand miles of yellow clouds... the daylight is dim."
"The north wind blows, geese fly, and snow falls in abundance."
"Do not worry about having no friends on the road ahead, for who in the world does not know you?"
Without pausing, Chen Yi wielded his brush and ink to complete the poem "Farewell to Lord Changming in Shuzhou".
He only came to his senses after writing the signature "Chen Yi, Chen Qingzhou" and affixing his seal, and putting down his wolf-hair brush.
Then I saw the magnificent painting on the paper with clouds and pine trees changing one by one.
The yellow sand swirls across the horizon for miles, and the outline of the sun emerges hazily in the distance.
Amidst the wind and snow, the north wind blows the orderly ranks of wild geese.
In the last painting, a person stands on a city wall bearing the words "Jinling" and gazes into the distance.
He wore a gray robe, his hair and beard were gray, but his smile was gentle yet warm, as if he had the whole world in his eyes.
—It was none other than Sun Fu, Sun Changming!
As he looked at the photos, Chen Yi felt both satisfied and somewhat sentimental.
He originally intended to write two poems to get by, but unexpectedly, at the last minute, moved by Sun Fu's loyalty, he changed it to this one.
He looked up at Sun Fu, who was still engrossed in the calligraphy, and was about to say something when he saw a flash of golden light before his eyes:
[The characters are naturally formed; the calligraphy, specifically the running script, has broken through to perfection, revealing the essence of the art of calligraphy.]
[Calligraphy: Mastery, progress +1000, reaching the Perfect Realm]
Chen Yi was slightly taken aback, muttering to himself, "The Way of Calligraphy is perfect...perfect, this is another enlightenment."
Perhaps hearing his voice, Sun Fu came to his senses and looked at him with excitement.
The first sentence, however, was not a praise for his further breakthrough in calligraphy, but rather a question:
"Qing, Qingzhou, are you sure this calligraphy copybook is for me?"
"It should be right, it must be for me."
"The figure in the painting is none other than myself."
Upon hearing this, Chen Yi nodded, somewhat amused and exasperated, "Of course it's for you."
He pointed to the beginning of the poem, "A farewell to Lord Changming, written very clearly."
No sooner had he finished speaking than Sun Fu had already taken the calligraphy scroll into his hand.
He laughed and said, "I knew Qingzhou wouldn't break his word," while blowing away the ink.
He looked like he had received a priceless treasure and didn't want anyone to see it.
Knowing that he was eager to try his hand at calligraphy, Chen Yi took out a brocade box from the bookshelf behind him and told him to keep the calligraphy safe.
After Sun Fu praised the box and held it to his chest, he said with a hint of teasing:
"It seems I don't need to write a second poem. You should be very satisfied with this one."
To everyone's surprise, Sun Fu actually nodded and laughed, saying, "Indeed, it's not necessary. This fine calligraphy and poem are enough for me."
Who in the world doesn't know you?
Even if Sun Fu were to die on the spot at this moment, his name would still be recorded in history along with this poem.
How could I not be completely satisfied?
"Qingzhou has mastered the essence of calligraphy. His mind precedes his brush, and his technique follows his wrist. Only when both he and his calligraphy have matured can the true face of heaven and earth be revealed."
"Given time, you will surely reach the realm of sainthood and become one of the 'Sages of Calligraphy' of our time, on par with Zhao Tian and Wang Meng."
Chen Yi knew that Zhao Tian and Wang Meng were the only two "sages of calligraphy" in the current Great Wei Dynasty.
It is said that when they finish writing a calligraphy model, not only do the characters have a golden luster, but the artistic conception can also present an illusory world, just like a painting.
"You flatter me, sir. I am still far from reaching that level."
"I have always been realistic and I am not exaggerating. When they were your age, their calligraphy skills were far inferior to yours."
Sun Furen was in high spirits when he had a happy occasion, and he seemed to have become several years younger.
Besides being delighted by the poem itself, he became even more determined to stick to his previous plans.
Without mentioning whether she would become Xiao Wuge's teacher or whether she could guide him to success.
He had to be extremely careful just to avoid tarnishing the poem.
Let's exchange a few jokes.
Chen Yi tidied up his desk, arranging the writing brush, ink, paper, and inkstone neatly, and then sat down with Sun Fu by the window for a chat.
As they chatted, the topic turned to the current situation of the Xiao family.
Sun Fu has been staying at the Xiao family's residence these past few days, which has given him a clearer understanding of some things. He has also had several conversations with the old Marquis, so he knows more about the matter.
Chen Yi obtained the intelligence through clandestine channels and was therefore aware of the Xiao family's situation.
However, there were many things he couldn't say, lest Sun Fu think he had some designs on the Xiao family.
It will only cause trouble.
Looking at the calm, composed, and impeccable Chen Yi, Sun Fu knew that he possessed more than just this much knowledge, so he couldn't help but ask more directly:
What are your plans for the future?
"Which aspect are you referring to, sir?"
"Based on your own plans, it's unlikely that you'll stay at Guiyun Academy as a teacher indefinitely, right?"
Upon hearing this, Chen Yi met his gaze directly and smiled without any hesitation, saying:
Why not?
"Because of your talent and ability, it is unlikely that you will be confined to that academy forever, and even the Xiao family would find it difficult."
Seeing how bluntly he spoke, Chen Yi guessed what he was thinking and, after thinking for a moment, asked:
"Are you worried that I will harm the Xiao family, or that I will abandon the Xiao family?"
Sun Fu didn't hide anything and nodded, saying, "I have them all."
"The Xiao family is currently facing internal and external troubles. If you can lend a hand, some of these problems will be easily solved."
“If you stand idly by, it will take some effort, but I believe that Lord Xiao and Jinghong can handle it.”
"But if you go against the Xiao family, then..."
Before he could finish speaking, Chen Yi slightly raised his hand to interrupt him, his expression inevitably showing some seriousness as he said:
“I am already tied to the Xiao family. Saying ‘we will live and die together’ might be a stretch, but ‘the wife leads and the husband follows’ is more appropriate.”
Sun Fu was slightly taken aback, then pointed at him, both amused and exasperated: "The wife leads the way, the husband follows suit?"
"If you were to say that word in front of outsiders, you'd probably be attacked by the scholars."
Chen Yi, however, said matter-of-factly, "What's wrong with me, a son-in-law who lives with his wife and is supported by her?"
"You, you..."
Although Sun Fu felt that the word was somewhat unorthodox, he understood his meaning.
—In the end, they are of one mind with the Xiao family.
That's enough.
The group then finished their dinner.
After finding out what time Sun Fu would be leaving the next day, Chen Yi saw him off from Chunhe Garden, watching him disappear into the night lights with swift strides.
It's hard not to feel a bit sentimental.
With such an elder to teach him by example, Xiao Wuge should have a better time in Jinling.
Thinking about it, Chen Yi then asked Xiao Wuge about the situation at Qingjing Residence.
"Liu Yu of the Liu family?"
"The old man refused."
"When my older sister came back, she had a big smile on her face, so she must have been relieved."
After Xiao Wuge finished explaining everything, his face couldn't help but tighten a little:
“Brother-in-law, those Liu family members are really wicked. They actually bullied my sister. I will never forgive them again.”
Chen Yi nodded noncommittally; in such matters, "doing is more important than saying."
However, even as he felt slightly relieved, he couldn't help but pinch Xiao Wuge's little face:
"Your brother-in-law only has so many 'secrets,' and you've revealed them all."
Xiao Wuge dared not move, but grinned and said, "What I said is true."
"You know acupuncture, and it was you who cured my older sister."
Chen Yisong opened his hand and said irritably, "Looks like I'll have to suggest to my older sister tomorrow morning that she give you a few more lessons."
"Brother-in-law, no!"
don't want?
You have to have it even if you don't want it.
This brother-in-law is practically a "spy" planted by the Xiao family next to him.
Chen Yi chuckled maliciously a few times, scaring Xiao Wuge into promising not to do it again before letting him wash up and go to bed.
Not long after.
Chen Yi also washed up and changed into some light clothes, then sat quietly in the room looking out the window.
At this moment, the sky had completely darkened.
Before anyone knew it, dark clouds appeared in the night sky again, as if gathering for a downpour.
As a result, the croaking of frogs was constant in Chunhe Garden.
Loud, chaotic, and jarring.
As Chen Yi listened and watched, his gaze involuntarily fell on Jiaxing Garden on the other side, his thoughts racing.
One by one, figures and names appeared in his mind.
The Liu family of Jingzhou.
Hidden guards.
Black Fang, Bright Moon Tower.
The Shu Prefecture Provincial Administration Commissioner, Liu Hong, Yang Ye, Xiao Dongchen, and Chen Yunfan.
The Xiao family, Xiao Jinghong, Xiao Wan'er, the old master...
It's like a giant net enveloping these people, or a chessboard making them pawns on it.
About half an hour later, Chen Yi finally withdrew his gaze and let out a soft breath.
"In the end, I'm still just a pawn..."
He murmured a word.
Chen Yi then got up, put on the black clothes that had been prepared beforehand, and tied the five-fold spear to his left hand.
Then came the Divine Intoxication and the Gentle Breeze Intoxication, as well as that box of silver needles.
Tonight he's going with Liu Lang to meet Hei Ya and the others. Since he won't be showing off his martial arts skills, he'll probably need to demonstrate his medical skills more.
As for his identity...
Apart from the Liu family from Jingzhou, there was no other choice!
(End of this chapter)
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