"... I wonder if these are complete poems or just fragmented lines?"
By the banks of the Qinhuai River, Master Qin asked Ning Yi, while Master Kang sighed beside him:
"Three mountains half-falling beyond the blue sky, two waters dividing the white egret islet... Even if they are just fragments, they show a remarkable level of sophistication."
Ning Yi looked at the verses and smiled, "Ha, fragments." He shrugged, "I don't understand poetry…"
"This kid isn't being honest; if he were, we'd have some good poems today."
Though they spoke lightly, it's common for poets to create fragments. They shifted their discussion to calligraphy, a more specialized field. While poems can be attributed to others, the characters themselves can't be claimed as written by someone else. The various scripts used here formed a distinct style that both men recognized immediately.
For connoisseurs like them, every stroke of Chinese characters has its own essence and structure. Though the charcoal writing might not yet reach mastery, it already displayed considerable skill. As Nie Yunzhu had observed, no one practiced such techniques at home anymore; anyone able to write with charcoal like this had significant talent, especially considering the unfamiliar scripts that held immeasurable value for them.
The seemingly square italic script might only be innovative and not particularly useful, akin to the playful whims of a clever child. However, the Song and slender-gold scripts, particularly "Three mountains half-falling beyond the blue sky, two waters dividing the white egret islet," were genuinely pleasing and insightful to both men.
These scripts emerged during the Song Dynasty, a time with many literati and a flourishing Confucianism that sought innovation and change. Thus, these scripts were not only innovative but also aligned with contemporary aesthetics.
A genius is one step ahead of their time, but someone two steps ahead often becomes a madman. These two scripts stood firmly on the foundation of their era, seemingly achieving a perfect breakthrough through quantitative changes. While Ning Yi might not have actively thought too much while writing, he had unconsciously processed complex considerations, arriving at the simplest outcome. Cultural expressions need not be hidden; even his "unreliable" italic script aptly demonstrated his fondness for playful experimentation, merging the impact of the Song and slender-gold scripts while making it feel natural and less sharp.
As the two discussed calligraphy, Ning Yi mostly remained silent, occasionally sharing key points he knew. These two were true masters with foundational skills far more solid than his own, so he chose to listen rather than speak. Having felt bored recently, he had been working on his calligraphy skills, and even hearing a few insights proved beneficial.
Ordinary scholars likely wouldn't have the chance to receive guidance from these two. Generally, if they taught, it would be targeted explanations for their students. Too much information could confuse less experienced learners. Ning Yi's exceptional ability to summarize, discern, and organize meant he could appreciate their depth without blindly following them, so listening was beneficial in any case.
For about half an hour, the discussion on calligraphy continued as they occasionally picked up the charcoal and scribbled on the whiteboard, their hands becoming quite black. They then went to the riverbank to wash up. At this point, Master Qin and Master Kang shifted their focus away from the comparison of charcoal and brush techniques. Given Ning Yi's demonstrated skill, there was no need for them to offer further guidance in the small academy. However, promoting these methods more widely would certainly pose challenges.
Ning Yi clapped his hands and shook off the water droplets, casually saying, "Actually, writing with charcoal has its drawbacks. In a few days, I plan to work with some gypsum to see if I can make some chalk. I could paint the board black, and the writing would be white, clearer than this charcoal."
"Gypsum?" Master Kang questioned, "And what exactly is chalk?"
"Gypsum is heated and mixed with water, then allowed to set into strips. It can be used for writing, and it doesn't smudge as easily as charcoal, plus it won't make your hands so dirty."
During the Wu Dynasty, gypsum and lime were already known. After pondering, Master Kang nodded, "That makes sense. Once heated, gypsum can indeed be used for writing... Ha, no need to find anyone else for this. If you want it, I can have someone make a batch for you. Do you have specific size and shape requirements, or anything else to consider?"
Ning Yi was aware of Master Kang's significant resources and didn't hesitate to agree, sketching out the size and shape of the chalk. The process for making chalk was simple, and even hardened lumps from lime kilns could serve in a pinch. He added, "It'd be good to have the craftsmen experiment a bit, maybe mix in some clay or other impurities to find the best writing consistency."
"Leave that to me. A'Gui," Master Kang called to one of his aides who had been nearby. "You've heard Young Master Ning's proposal. Once we're back, make sure to follow up on this." The aide bowed and replied, "Yes, sir."
"Haha, we've been discussing calligraphy so long that the tea has gone cold…"
The three of them, having handled charcoal, hadn't wanted to drink the tea, and now that it was later in the day, they felt less inclined to play chess. They sat for a moment at the tea stall, and Master Kang's maid brewed a fresh pot. The whiteboard remained nearby, so the topic naturally returned to calligraphy. Soon, Master Qin began to critique the styles of contemporary calligraphers, showcasing his own expertise while jokingly poking fun at Master Kang's handwriting. Master Kang responded with laughter and mock annoyance, "In clerical script and wild cursive, I might not match you, but when it comes to regular script, you're far behind me!"
Master Qin chuckled, "That's the beauty of specialization! If Mr. Ming's regular script falters, it undermines his credibility while teaching the gentlemanly way. But if your regular script is only for teaching convenience, you'd be the first in history to practice it to such a degree…"
After some playful banter, Master Qin shifted the conversation, "...However, seeing Li Heng's writing reminds me of someone. He's a member of the Qin family and quite talented. In his early years in Tokyo, he submitted a scroll to me. His talent and eloquence were outstanding, and he wrote beautifully, with a style akin to Li Heng's line 'Three mountains half-falling beyond the blue sky,' capturing the essence of Yan and Liu. Yet back then, his writing hadn't quite broken the mold; I wonder how he's doing now."
Ning Yi's eye twitched slightly at this, while on the other side, Kang Xian chuckled, "You must be referring to the current Vice Minister of the Imperial Court, Qin Hui, also known as Qin Huizhi?"
Master Qin nodded. "Indeed, it was this person. A few years ago, when the Liao people invaded the south, they captured his family. However, he is both brave and clever; even deep in the land of tigers and wolves, he managed to negotiate with the Liao. Two years ago, when the Liao attacked Shanyang, he took the opportunity to return south with his family. Oh… so now he's the Deputy Censor-in-Chief?"
"A month ago, it was reported in the court news. Due to his return south, he is now being valued highly, especially since he didn't forget his wife even in perilous times. It is said that while in the Liao kingdom, the Liao intended to detain his wife. They put on quite a performance to allow them to return together. On their way south, they were discovered by the Liao, and it was only through the sacrifice of a few loyal servants that they managed to escape. This shows his capability in handling matters… Alas, given the unfavorable situation on the front lines, such deeds become even more precious. However, in the court now, not all are praising him; there are many suspicions regarding his return, with people thinking there might be ulterior motives…"
Master Qin pondered for a moment, shaking his head. "It's hard to say. However, making baseless assumptions is not the act of a gentleman. From what I saw back then, this person has integrity and is straightforward, caring about the nation and the people—certainly not an act. As for how things will unfold, we'll just have to observe his actions. Haha… Speaking of which, his family is in Jiangning. If he comes here in the future, Li Heng might meet him; they may find common ground…"
Ning Yi blinked, then touched his nose in a somewhat complex manner. After a moment, he finally smiled, giving a perfunctory nod.
Master Qin and Master Kang saw nothing amiss. Kang Xian picked up his teacup and took a sip, looking at Ning Yi. "However, with Li Heng's talents, could it be that he has no aspirations for fame?"
Considering the time, Ning Yi hadn't known them for long. As Kang Xian said, their relationship was merely a casual one, involving chess and conversation. Yet, scholars generally have concerns for their country and people, striving to establish their hearts for heaven and earth, to ensure the lives of the populace, to inherit the teachings of sages, and to pave the way for peace for all generations. This is an indisputable fact.
Now, looking at Master Qin, who leisurely played chess every day, and Kang Xian, who lived a life of wealth and leisure, there must be complex reasons behind their demeanor.
Through these days of contact, from the Mid-Autumn Festival's " Shui Diao Ge Tou" to discussions about writing and chalk, it was clear to them that Ning Yi had talent, and the questions that followed had become evident. Just as Master Qin occasionally lamented that Ning Yi was merely a son-in-law, more out of pity than doubt, this particular inquiry carried a different significance.
This afternoon's conversation made Ning Yi's intent to deny his reputation as a talented scholar quite apparent. It seemed he wasn't joking or being dismissive. Who in the world truly has no aspirations for fame? There must be some hidden circumstances. Both men had significant identities, and since Kang Xian had asked this question with such an attitude, it indicated a genuine regard for talent. It was as if he was prepared to offer assistance.
The autumn wind rustled past the riverside, stirring the willow branches. Master Qin raised his teacup, slowly swirling the tea leaves inside, his gaze lifting with curiosity towards Ning Yi's response. Sensing the underlying meaning, Ning Yi shook his head lightly.
"I know that saying this may lead no one to believe me, but… there are indeed things I don't wish to pursue. Whether it's being a talented scholar, reputation, or fame, I have no desire to touch those. This… is true."
"Hmm?"