Chapter 113 - The Exquisite Zhong Rufeng (1/2)
Chapter 113: The Exquisite Zhong Rufeng
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
With her face showing admiration for him, Wen Xinya continued gaining his favor. “Please provide guidance to me in the future, Grandfather Zhong.”
Zhong Yitian finally understood what a bright child she was, and said with a hearty laugh, “I was wondering why Old Mo sent you to greet me. He must be eyeing this calligraphy art of mine.”
Wen Xinya blushed. She had only admirations for his work above the entrance door, and was seeking an opportunity for Grandfather Zhong to give her some guidance!
The smile on Zhong Yitian’s face widened. Unlike that Xia Ruya who was full of act, this child was suited to be the successor of the Mo Family.
Just then, the descendant of the Zhong Family brought over the special jade brush pen. It was placed in a box made of red sandalwood with beautiful carvings. One look and anybody could tell how invaluable this jade brush pen made with goat’s hair was.
Zhong Yitian took the carved red sandalwood box and handed it over to Wen Xinya.
Wen Xinya reached out for it, and to her surprise, Zhong Yitian pulled it back and said, “Little girl, this special jade brush pen is not something I can give away easily. You have to show me what you are capable of.”
Wen Xinya knew immediately that Zhong Yitian wanted to test her calligraphy skills. Although she had only started learning the art of calligraphy recently, she did not lose confidence. She smiled. “Only if Grandfather Zhong does not mind that I am only an amateur.”
Zhong Yitian led Wen Xinya to the west corner of the banquet hall, where lay the four treasures of the study — writing brush, ink stick, inkstone, and paper.
Wen Xinya walked towards it and spread out the rice paper properly. Then, she used the carved jade paperweight to flatten the rice paper. From the container, she quickly picked out a suitable brush pen for her work, dipped it in ink, and began writing.
Her every action was breathtaking, with the grace of a master. Watching her, Zhong Yitian nodded with satisfaction.
In just a few moments, they drew the attention of the guests in the banquet hall, and they all gathered around them.
Wen Xinya wrote in swift, precise strokes, with not a trace of smudge. Her words were distinctively straight and bold, undeniably beautiful. Most of the people attending Zhong Yitian’s banquet were scholars and relatives. Watching Wen Xinya, they all approved of her in their hearts.
In less than 30 minutes, a scroll consisting of a hundred forms of the word “longevity” was completed. On cloud nine, Old Mr. Zhong took the scroll and nodded continuously, saying, “The words are pretty good, and the forms are distinct. However, the writings are still not matured. You require more practice. The calligraphy style of Liu Gongquan of the Tang Dynasty cannot be learned overnight, it requires training and life experience. But, seeing that you’ve only been learning for a little over two months, your grandpa was right to call you a talented and bright child.”
Wen Xinya humbly replied, “Thank you for your guidance, Grandfather Zhong. I will definitely practice hard.”
Satisfied, Zhong Yitian nodded and finally handed the special jade brush pen over to her. “This special jade pen is now yours.”
Wen Xinya accepted it with a small smile. Her eyes were bright and clear, without any smugness from receiving such good favor. Instead, she was calm and composed, putting her in a better light in the eyes of the guests.
“Open it and see if you like it.” Zhong Yitian said after seeing her self-restraint.
Everybody present was eager to see the present gifted to the young mistress of the Wen Family by Old Mr. Zhong.
Wen Xinya carefully opened the red sandalwood box and saw that inside was a brush holder made of white jade with beautiful carvings, lying on top of a red velvet cus.h.i.+on. On top of it sat a blue brush pen made of goat’s hair, with the shaft of the pen glowing gently. It was definitely made of premium quality sapphire.