Chapter 1879: Chapter 1479: The Unwelcome Guest (Part 3)

However, the best materials do not necessarily make the best results.

In Huaxia’s charm, what is emphasized is the artistic conception. Sometimes things that are rough or appear crude at first glance, ironically align with the “meaning” and can achieve an unexpectedly profound effect.

The Mo Family’s traditional courtyard is just like this. At first glance, it seems plain, but upon closer inspection, its charm is enduring and very pleasing.

Initially, Bai Xiaosheng had studied architecture with Master Song Kai, and they both researched courtyards. Though the knowledge was initially gleaned by Red Lotus, it left a deep impression, aligning momentarily, causing him to nod frequently.

Seeing this, Mo Ziyue slowed his pace, allowing Bai Xiaosheng to admire to his heart’s content.

Eventually, they entered a courtyard.

An older, plump woman with a gentle face smiled warmly as she greeted them, “Young Master Ziyue is back. Your room has already been prepared for you!”

She then looked at the three guests accompanying Bai Xiaosheng and asked with a smile, “Are these people your guests?”

“Yes, they are my friends!” Mo Ziyue introduced Bai Xiaosheng and the others with a smile, “This is Nanny Zhang, who raised me since I was young and is still my wet nurse!”

Bai Xiaosheng and his companions quickly greeted Nanny Zhang, who responded with a beaming smile, “No need to be so formal, please, come in!”

As she spoke, Nanny Zhang eagerly stepped forward to help Lin Weiwei with her luggage, making Lin Weiwei feel a bit embarrassed.

Once the rooms were arranged and the luggage set, Mo Ziyue asked Nanny Zhang, “Have my father and uncles returned? How about my grandfather?”

Nanny Zhang replied, “Your father and uncles are out on business and will return in the evening. The old master is at the study.”

Upon hearing this, Mo Ziyue nodded and turned to Bai Xiaosheng and the others, saying, “You can rest for a while. I’ll go greet my grandfather.”

Even though Old Mr. Mo often seemed displeased with him, Mo Ziyue still respected his elder.

“If it’s convenient, we’ll join you,” Bai Xiaosheng suggested.

Visiting the Mo Family, they were considered the juniors, and it was appropriate to greet the elder first, rather than meeting at dinner, which wouldn’t be ideal.

Mo Ziyue pondered for a moment, then looked at Lin Weiwei and Lei Ying, who both agreed, and he smiled, “That works. You can come with me.”

Having made this decision, Bai Xiaosheng and his companions followed Mo Ziyue.

They walked along a stone-paved path, passed through a bamboo grove and a small stone bridge, finally arriving at a small courtyard.

The courtyard had a plaque inscribed with four characters—”Tranquil Heart House,” looking quite elegant.

Lin Weiwei couldn’t help but ask Bai Xiaosheng, “Hey, Xiaosheng, how do you find the calligraphy?”

In Lin Weiwei’s view, Bai Xiaosheng’s calligraphy was highly praised by Xiahou Qi, Master Song Kai, and Lu Yun, his proficiency was indeed top-notch.

Bai Xiaosheng looked up, nodded, and casually said, “Quite good, but the final stroke is somewhat lacking.”

The speaker was unintentional, but the listener kept it in mind.

Beside him, Mo Ziyue was surprised and said to Bai Xiaosheng, “You understand calligraphy?”

“Just a bit,” Bai Xiaosheng replied modestly with a smile.

“That’s not just a bit!” Mo Ziyue said immediately, “The plaque was written by a friend of my grandfather, who is an expert in calligraphy. My grandfather always thought it was flawless until a few years ago, a great calligrapher came seeking medical treatment and pointed out the flaw, saying the same thing as you—’the final stroke is lacking, with slightly less strength.’

Bai Xiaosheng merely smiled, making no comment.

Lin Weiwei felt a bit proud and remarked, “My Xiaosheng is not only knowledgeable; his calligraphy is excellent! Many masters have sought his works!”

Mo Ziyue was wide-eyed with surprise.

That someone as young as Bai Xiaosheng was already the Executive President of the Greater China Region at Zhenbei Group and highly skilled in traditional Chinese medicine.

And yet, his proficiency in calligraphy was also so high?!

This guy is a monster!

Mo Ziyue had always been confident; at his age, he was already a backbone in his field, promoted early to associate chief physician, earning praise from everyone.

But compared to Bai Xiaosheng, he felt a bit inadequate.

It truly is “comparison breeds envy.”

As they spoke, the group entered the courtyard, and they all fell silent naturally.

When Mo Ziyue brought Bai Xiaosheng and his friends into the main hall and then into the inner room, they found no one there.

“Could it be that my grandfather left?” Mo Ziyue wondered.

“Perhaps he just stepped out for a moment,” speculated Bai Xiaosheng, gesturing towards the calligraphy and painting exuding the fragrance of ink on the Eight Immortals Table in the hall.

The painting depicted a landscape with a cascading waterfall, inscribed with “Empty falls a thousand feet straight, thundering swiftly into the river. Forever like a flying white ribbon, cutting through the green mountains.”

From Tang Dynasty poet Xu Ning’s “Lushan Waterfall.”

Bai Xiaosheng studied the calligraphy and painting, complimenting, “The old master’s painting is truly impressive.”

“How about the calligraphy?” Mo Ziyue couldn’t resist asking.

The calligraphy…

Bai Xiaosheng pondered.

“Since no one’s here, say what you think,” encouraged Mo Ziyue.

Since he said it, Bai Xiaosheng didn’t hold back, “The form is right, but the meaning is missing.”

Mo Ziyue was taken aback, pondering before understanding.

It’s like it looks the part, but lacks the sentiment…

Just as Mo Ziyue was about to speak, an irritated voice was heard from outside, “Oh?! Who dares to criticize my calligraphy as lacking in artistic expression?”

Bai Xiaosheng and the others turned to see an elderly man in a dark kungfu suit entering, lean and agile, but with an expression of displeasure.

Mo Ziyue’s face turned pale.

Now it’s lively!

Bringing guests to visit, intending to greet them, yet ending up displeasing the elder!