Han Lang’s mind raced a million miles an hour, yet his expression remained perfectly still. He repeated Wang Guan’s earlier greeting, offered one to Elder Tao, and deliberately ignored the elder’s coolness as he settled down next to Wang Guan.
“Thick-skinned,” Qiao Yu muttered under her breath. Her beautiful eyes shifted slightly, and she suddenly stood up, saying, “Wang Guan, aren’t you quite the connoisseur of calligraphy and painting? Come sit here with me and have a good exchange with my teacher.”
As she spoke, Qiao Yu vacated her seat, squeezing onto the sofa next to Bei Ye.
“The youth has an interest in calligraphy and painting?” Elder Tao indeed showed a flicker of enthusiasm.
“I wouldn’t claim to have studied it deeply, only that I possess a modest understanding,” Wang Guan replied with a smile. “After all, ancient calligraphy and painting are vast and profound; even someone who studies them diligently their whole life might not dare claim complete mastery. To specialize in one area while having a general grasp of others is already quite good.”
“Exactly, that’s very true.”
Before Elder Tao could respond, Qiao Yu interjected, “For example, Teacher, please don't think I’m flattering you, but Teacher is truly formidable. His specialty lies in murals; he’d claim to be second in the country, and no one would dare challenge that.”
“Murals?” Wang Guan paused for a beat. This genre was indeed rather obscure.
“You need to be clear,” Qiao Yu stated proudly, “this refers to ancient murals, not modern wall graffiti.” She continued, “Do you know about the Tianlongshan Grottoes? The murals there—every figure, every line—were restored and repainted by my teacher…”
“I am naturally familiar with murals,” Wang Guan smiled. “Painters from the Tang Dynasty or earlier, Wu Daozi, Zhang Sengyou, Gu Kaizhi—all were renowned masters of the mural. I hadn't realized Elder Tao was also such an expert in this field.”
“I dare not compare myself to those ancient sages,” Elder Tao said, first with humility, then chuckling, “In an era where murals have declined, even being the best in the world is nothing to boast about.”
While the words sounded humble, Wang Guan sensed an odd undertone. He smiled, deciding not to pick up that thread.
It was at this moment that Han Lang seized the opportunity. “I visited the Tianlongshan Grottoes a few days ago. The figures in those murals were so vibrant, their poses graceful, and the colors remarkably rich. I was actually wondering how the paintings had survived so well for over a thousand years. It turns out it’s thanks to Elder Tao’s efforts.”
Though aware this was blatant flattery, Elder Tao still found it pleasing. He chuckled softly, “It wasn’t just me; there were other colleagues as well. It was a collective effort.”
Hearing this, Qiao Yu couldn't say more, but she certainly wouldn't miss a chance to needle Han Lang. She suddenly spotted two books in Wang Guan’s hands. Without looking closely, she smiled sweetly, “Oh, Wang Guan, you are too kind. Just visiting is enough; there was no need to bring gifts…”
Her manner and tone suggested she was the hostess here. Naturally, Qiao Yu’s comment aimed to highlight Wang Guan’s politeness and propriety, unlike somebody who arrived empty-handed.
However, Wang Guan was momentarily stunned and about to offer a brief explanation when Qiao Yu, being impulsive, reached out and snatched the two books away, immediately handing them over to Elder Tao.
Seeing this, Wang Guan could only offer a wry smile.
Simultaneously, Han Lang’s expression showed no outward change, but a hint of amusement danced in his eyes—clearly enjoying Wang Guan’s self-inflicted predicament, a touch of schadenfreude evident.
“Hmm?”
At that moment, Elder Tao also noticed the titles. He was naturally taken aback. However, he said nothing, his finger casually brushing over the covers. Then, his gaze sharpened, and looking again, his face broke into an expression of surprised delight.
Instantly, Elder Tao quickly flipped through the books, located a specific page, and studied it intently for a moment. The smile on his face deepened, and he couldn't help but look up happily. “Young man, you are truly thoughtful; this is quite a generous gift you’ve brought me.”
“It is only proper, only proper. I’m glad you like it, Elder,” Wang Guan replied, his smile carrying a hint of helplessness. These were fine items he had intended to keep for his own collection, yet they were snatched away before he could even warm them up.
“A generous gift?” Qiao Yu hadn't looked closely at the books either when she passed them to Elder Tao, so curiosity prompted her to glance over now. At first sight, Qiao Yu couldn’t help but gasp, “Ah, why are these books…”
“What’s wrong with these books?” Elder Tao laughed heartily. “These are wonderful books! Even if one had money, it’s hard to acquire many copies of this particular edition.”
“What books are they?” Bei Ye also grew curious.
“Little Ye, don't look…” Qiao Yu tried to stop her, but Bei Ye had already seen them. A blush instantly spread across her delicate face as she shot Wang Guan a reproachful glance, scolding him for bringing such a gift.
Heaven knows, Wang Guan felt equally wronged. He hadn't intended to give such a gift in the first place; how could he be blamed?
“Xiao Yu, you all have too much prejudice,” Elder Tao shook his head. “Not only are these abridged versions, but more importantly, after all these years, the study surrounding these books remains unchanged. This proves that a marvelous book is truly marvelous; it naturally has its reasons for existing. If you study them deeply, you will discover these books are far more than mere banned texts.”
Qiao Yu remained silent, but her look of disapproval was clear to everyone. Appropriately, Elder Tao pointed at Wang Guan and smiled. “Don’t disbelieve me. Ask him why he bought this set.”
Not wishing to endure Qiao Yu’s scornful gaze, Wang Guan quickly explained, “I bought these books mainly for the illustrations within. They were drawn by a master hand and hold significant collector’s value.”
“Illustrations?”
This answer genuinely surprised the three—Bei Ye, Qiao Yu, and Han Lang.
“Heh heh, the young man truly understands,” Elder Tao said happily. “Don’t belittle these illustrations, either. You must know that these drawings are the work of renowned artists, and their market price is not low.”
“Not low? How high?” Qiao Yu asked curiously.
“That’s a bit hard to say,” Elder Tao chuckled. “If it were me, I’d be willing to pay forty to fifty thousand for this set.”
“Forty to fifty thousand!” Qiao Yu’s eyes widened. “That much money for two damaged old books?” Not just Qiao Yu; Han Lang was also quite astonished, as he knew exactly how much Wang Guan had paid for them.
“I told you, you don’t understand,” Elder Tao shook his head. “Only old books command that price; new books are worth only a few dozen or a hundred yuan at most.”
“Furthermore, even newly proofed and printed books, even the rust-stain versions with illustrations on every page, don’t hold much value. After all, those pictures are mechanically reproduced, unlike the older woodblock printing. Especially since the master engravers of the older generation have retired from the scene, there are few masters emerging in this field now, making the engraved works of the last century even more precious.”
Elder Tao beamed. “For me, managing to acquire this set for forty or fifty thousand is a real bargain. That is why I must thank the young man for such a generous gift; it makes me feel a bit too indebted…”
“It’s nothing, he’s rich, a total tycoon; he won’t miss thirty or fifty thousand,” Qiao Yu said cheerfully. “Right, Little Ye?”
Bei Ye smiled lightly, sidestepping the issue, though she glanced at Wang Guan with some curiosity. “You didn't have these two books when you arrived, did you? You bought them just now, correct?”
“Yes, aren’t there those old book stalls in the nearby square?” Wang Guan nodded. “I picked them up there. Didn't cost much.”
“Oh?”
Elder Tao sounded slightly surprised. “I occasionally wander through the old book stalls over there myself. How come I never came across such treasures?”
“They must have just gotten a new shipment in,” Wang Guan explained with a smile. “It seems my luck was better; I ran into them right after the vendor stocked them.”
“How much did you pay?” Qiao Yu pressed curiously.
“Not much,” Wang Guan chuckled lightly, not answering directly.
“Not much means how much?” Qiao Yu had that trait of pursuing every last detail.
“Eighty-five yuan!”
At this point, Han Lang spoke up from the side. “Eighty-five yuan for both books.” It wasn’t that he wanted to highlight Wang Guan, but if he didn't speak now, he feared everyone would forget him entirely.
“What, that cheap?” Qiao Yu exclaimed in shock, turning back. “Teacher, did you perhaps misread it? You valued a book worth only a few dozen yuan in the tens of thousands. If you had encountered it, wouldn't you have suffered a massive loss?”
“You, you shouldn't speak carelessly if you don't understand. This is called finding a bargain,” Elder Tao said, his eyes full of approval. “There are many fine items at old book stalls. I've bought several things back myself. It primarily depends on an individual's eye; only those with the skill can spot good things. The young man has sharp sight, coupled with good luck, so stumbling upon such a great bargain is perfectly natural.”
“Like the Cursive Script Thousand Character Classic that Teacher bought a few years ago?” Qiao Yu said with a knowing smile, well aware of Elder Tao’s greatest pride.
“Haha, almost,” Elder Tao was indeed delighted, unable to conceal the joy in his eyes.
“Teacher, you still have that scroll, right?” At this moment, Qiao Yu finally revealed her true intention, smiling sweetly. “Take it out so they can see it, have an appraisal.”
Obviously, ‘they’ included not just Wang Guan, but Han Lang as well. As for Qiao Yu’s hidden agenda, Han Lang could only offer a wry smile and a deep sense of resignation.
As his student, Elder Tao naturally favored the straightforward Qiao Yu. Since she made the request, he was naturally happy to oblige and immediately rose with pleasure, heading into the room to retrieve his treasured Cursive Script Thousand Character Classic scroll.
Afterward, Elder Tao carefully unrolled the scroll and gently spread it flat on the clean tabletop before beckoning, “Come, take a look, everyone.”
“Teacher, I’ve seen it before, and Little Ye doesn't understand calligraphy. Just let those two look,” Qiao Yu waved her slender hand decisively, pulling Bei Ye along with her to watch the spectacle with a smile.
Unlike Han Lang’s hesitation, Wang Guan was thrilled by the challenge and eagerly moved to the table to observe.
The Thousand Character Classic was a text compiled under imperial decree during the reign of Emperor Wu of Liang in the Southern Dynasties. Zhou Xingsi selected one thousand characters from the calligraphy of Wang Xizhi and composed the text overnight. The thousand characters contained no repetitions, making it a classic work. Thus, for the thousand-plus years since its formation, the Thousand Character Classic has served not only as the primer for children but also as the magnificent manuscript for historical calligraphy masters practicing their brushwork.
However, when speaking of Cursive Script Thousand Character Classic, the most famous examples are the True and Cursive Script Thousand Character Classic by Monk Zhi Yong, a monk from the Chen-Sui era and the seventh-generation descendant of Wang Xizhi, and the Cursive Script Thousand Character Classic by Emperor Huizong of Song, Zhao Ji…RS