CHAPTER 114: CHAPTER 114: MASTERY OF CALLIGRAPHY

The characters at the front are gallant and spirited, likely written during his prime. The latter scripts appear more placid, yet still made with divine strokes.

These few pieces alone left Beisitian with deep admiration, but what she respected more was his serenity. Displaying these works was not at all an act of showing off, but rather an effort to confront the past!

Because of a change in her mood, her attitude also shifted. Initially indifferent, Beisitian now felt much more respectful.

Wu Yuekai naturally noticed this change in attitude and chuckled inwardly, growing fonder of Beisitian.

The reason this young lady became respectful wasn’t due to his status or position, but because of his calligraphy!

This young lady is truly different from others, extremely intriguing!

Upon hearing Wu Yuekai ask her to write, Beisitian did not decline. After agreeing, Wu Yuekai led them to the study.

The air in the study was filled with a faint scent of ink and books, which was reassuring and pleasant.

Entering Wu Yuekai’s study, Feng Yunzhang was the most excited, as this was a coveted opportunity among many.

Out of respect for Wu Yuekai, Beisitian decided not to hold back and prepared to write her most adept Flower-Pinning Small楷!

She also hoped to receive guidance from Wu Yuekai.

The ink was ready, clearly Wu Yuekai had been writing before they arrived. Beisitian laid a new sheet of rice paper, set the paperweight, and began writing.

Beisitian wrote with a focused expression, naturally exuding a tranquil aura that was pleasing even in simple attire.

The writer was earnest, and the observers were as well; some were watching the person, others watching the writing.

Zhou Jiren found Beisitian’s writing form very pleasant, her delicacy in the brows was unmistakable, combined with her overall demeanor, his gaze could hardly shift.

Meanwhile, Feng Yunzhang’s attention was entirely on Beisitian’s writing. He was astounded to notice that the style and form of this writing differed significantly from the ’homework’ she had written for him.

A person can change their dressing style or outward appearance, but it’s difficult to change their style of writing and painting, especially once it is formed.

But to say Beisitian was deceitful was impossible, for he watched her write that cursive script with his own eyes.

Therefore, there’s only one possibility: Beisitian can write in two distinct styles!

In the mountain echoes are not seen, only sounds of people’s voices. Sunlight retreats into the forest, reflects again on the green moss.

Beisitian wrote a poem, placed the brush on the rack after finishing, and looked up at Wu Yuekai.

At this moment, Wu Yuekai’s eyes reflected amazement as he viewed the writing!

"What exquisite Flower-Pinning style!" Wu Yuekai clapped his hands in praise!

This Flower-Pinning Small楷 fully showcased Beisitian’s mastery in calligraphy; her style was lofty, graceful, fluid, elegant, entirely devoid of any lack of strength typical in women’s writing, instead exuding a gentle and lively charm, a delight to the eyes!

Wu Yuekai gave high praise to Beisitian’s realm in calligraphy, and to receive such commendation from an esteemed elder, Beisitian naturally felt joyous.

"How old is the young lady?" Wu Yuekai asked.

"I just passed twenty this year," Beisitian replied truthfully.

Wu Yuekai’s eyes showed surprise; she appeared young, yet to know she wasn’t even twenty was unexpected. Why did such a young girl have such profound skill in calligraphy?

"Young one, you’re quite something!" Wu Yuekai remarked with amazement.

Beisitian smiled calmly; she now had no fear of anyone’s suspicion. Even if Wu Yuekai had other thoughts, then let him investigate. No matter what, she was Beisitian and only Beisitian!

Luckily, Wu Yuekai was remarking on her calligraphy being extraordinary.

Zhou Jiren looked at Beisitian with eyes full of contemplation.

Feng Yunzhang remarked with a wry smile to Beisitian, "Miss Bei, people here are keen to show their expertise, and you still keep hidden. If you took this piece out to sell, it surely wouldn’t fetch the price I gave you!"

Beisitian responded with a smile, saying nothing.

Wu Yuekai said, "This young lady’s calligraphy has reached mastery, but if there’s a flaw, it lies in the lack of artistic conception!"

Beisitian listened intently. In her past life, her master also said she lacked artistic conception, but isn’t artistic conception something that grows deeper with experience?

However, when she reached old age, her writing still lacked poetic flavor. She had visited many renowned individuals for advice, and while many praised her, few could point out her deficiencies, let alone tell her how to deepen her artistic conception.

"Sir, do you know how to enhance artistic conception?" Beisitian asked somewhat eagerly.

Wu Yuekai carefully observed Beisitian, saying, "Artistic conception is the enlightenment of thought; the more experience you have, the more enlightenment you gain, and the deeper the poetic flavor becomes naturally."

"I’ve gone through a lot," Beisitian said.

In the eyes of others, she was just a girl not yet twenty, but only she knew she had lived an entire lifetime longer than others; surely her experiences were enough?

Wu Yuekai laughed heartily, "Only by experiencing a hundredfold of worldly flavors can one gain enlightenment, and none of those flavors can be missing!"

Beisitian stared blankly at Wu Yuekai, pondering what it meant to experience ’a hundredfold of flavors.’

She felt she had gone through sourness, sweetness, bitterness, and spiciness—all except the path of emotions, especially after experiencing a broken engagement; she was disheartened by worldly men and despaired at familial bonds.

But how could emotions influence artistic conception?

"The more you think, the more you’re prone to getting stuck. It’s better to let things take their natural course." Seeing her deep in thought, Wu Yuekai didn’t want such a good talent to ruin herself by being overly stubborn.

Beisitian nodded, "Thank you, sir, for the advice!"

"It’s hardly advice, just a reminder," Wu Yuekai said.

Subsequently, Feng Yunzhang and Zhou Jiren also wrote, and Wu Yuekai provided corresponding evaluations.

Feng Yunzhang had achieved some success in calligraphy, while Zhou Jiren was only given a verdict of ’adequate.’

Previously, Feng Yunzhang would have been ecstatic to receive a rating of success in calligraphy, but now, compared with Beisitian, he was left with only a wry smile.

Despite this, Beisitian found it puzzling.

Zhou Jiren’s writing, as seen by others, could certainly be considered ’adequate’, but for someone of Wu Yuekai’s stature, an ’adequate’ was somewhat disappointing.

"Today, this old man is very happy to have met a young master in calligraphy. You three shall stay here tonight, and we can continue our exchange in the evening." Wu Yuekai said with a smile.

Feng Yunzhang was overjoyed, his earlier gloom swept away. Remaining at Mr. Wu’s was unprecedented before, all thanks to Beisitian!

Seeing Feng Yunzhang so elated, Beisitian understood the rarity of such an opportunity, but she couldn’t help but feel a strange sensation.