Chapter 20: Loyal Subject

"Is that a complete poem, or just a few lines you happened to come up with?" Old Mr. Qin asked Ning Yi by the Qinhuai River. Beside him, Kang Xian sighed.

"Three mountains half fall beyond the blue sky, two rivers divide Egret Islet... Even if it's just a few lines, it already shows the demeanor of a true master."

Ning Yi looked at the lines, then smiled. "Ah, just a few lines," he said, spreading his hands. "I don't understand poetry..."

"This young man isn't being honest, otherwise we might have gotten a few good poems today..."

Though they said this, it was common for authors to only come up with fragments when composing poetry or lyrics. The two didn't press further and instead shifted their discussion to calligraphy. This was a highly specialized field. While poems and lyrics could be attributed to others, the handwriting itself could not have been previously written by someone else. Moreover, several distinct calligraphic styles on the board formed a coherent system, and as masters of the art, they could instantly recognize its intricacies.

For calligraphy masters like them, each stroke of a Chinese character possessed its own soul and structure. The writing made with charcoal sticks might not yet have reached the level of a grand master, but it already displayed considerable skill. As Nie Yunzhu had observed, no one would believe that someone in this era would specifically practice such a writing technique at home. Therefore, anyone capable of writing like this with charcoal sticks must possess even greater calligraphic skill. Furthermore, the previously unseen typefaces held immeasurable value for them.

The final slanted black typeface, which resembled blocks, might have been innovative but held little practical reference value, appearing more like an advanced child's game. However, the Song and Slender Gold styles used for the lines "Three mountains half fall beyond the blue sky, two rivers divide Egret Islet" were truly pleasing to both of them and demonstrated profound skill.

These two typefaces had only emerged during the Song Dynasty. As the Wu Dynasty's trajectory was similar to that of the Song, with numerous scholars and highly developed Confucianism, various innovations appeared in the quest for novelty and change. These two typefaces were undoubtedly the most innovative and aesthetically pleasing outcomes for their contemporaries.

Being one step ahead of the times is genius; being two steps ahead often makes one seem mad. These two typefaces were precisely built upon the foundation of their era, yet appeared to have achieved a qualitative leap from quantitative change, representing a perfectly breakthrough result. Ning Yi might not have actively thought much when writing them, perhaps merely aiming to illustrate a point and impress. However, given his way of thinking, even without conscious deliberation, various complex considerations would have been processed subconsciously, filtering out the simplest result. When it came to cultural matters, there was no need to deliberately hide his abilities. His final "unreliable" slanted black typeface also served perfectly to show that he simply enjoyed tinkering with interesting things in his daily life, maintaining the impact of the Song and Slender Gold styles while making the astonishment and impact appear natural, not merely a sharp, forced novelty.

As the two continued to discuss calligraphy, Ning Yi mostly remained silent, only occasionally mentioning a few key points he knew. These two were true masters, with much stronger foundational skills than his own, so it was best for him to speak less, listen more, and conceal his own abilities. Being bored these days, he had also been improving his calligraphy, and even hearing a line or two from them proved highly beneficial.

Ordinary scholars or talented individuals would likely not receive such direct instruction from the two. Of course, if the two were teaching, they would generally provide targeted explanations for their disciples. For regular students, listening too much might even be unhelpful. However, Ning Yi possessed exceptional abilities in synthesis, discernment, and organization. He simply admired their profound knowledge in this area, without worshipping or blindly following, so listening was fine for him.

The discussion on calligraphy lasted for about half an hour. The group occasionally used charcoal sticks to write and draw on the white board, their hands already blackened. Afterwards, they went to the river to wash up. Old Mr. Qin and Old Mr. Kang didn't mention the techniques of charcoal pens versus brushes at this point. Given the level Ning Yi had demonstrated, merely making innovations within a small academy no longer required their guidance. Of course, if he wanted to promote it more widely, there would definitely be issues. Ning Yi clapped his hands, then shook off the water droplets, and casually remarked:

"Actually, charcoal is quite poor for writing. In a few days, I plan to get some gypsum and see if I can make some chalk sticks. Then I'll paint the wooden boards black, and the writing will be white, which will be much clearer than these charcoal marks and easier to wipe off."

"Gypsum?" Old Mr. Kang asked, puzzled. "And what is chalk?"

"After roasting gypsum with fire, you mix it with water and then let it solidify into sticks in a mold. It can be used for writing and won't smudge as easily as charcoal. Your hands also won't get so dirty."

In the Wu Dynasty, gypsum and lime already existed. Old Mr. Kang considered this, then nodded. "Indeed, that's right. Roasted gypsum can certainly be used for writing... Ha, there's no need to find anyone else for this. If you want it, I can instruct someone to make a batch for you. I just need to know the specific size and shape requirements, and anything else that needs attention."

Ning Yi knew that Kang Xian's family was influential and wealthy. Since he offered, Ning Yi naturally didn't refuse and immediately demonstrated the appearance of chalk. The process for making chalk was inherently simple; even without deliberate effort, some hardened chunks formed in lime kilns could barely be used for writing. There wasn't much to explain: "You can ask the craftsmen to experiment a few times, perhaps adding some clay or other impurities, to find the most suitable ratio for writing. That would be best."

"I understand this matter, of course. Ah Gui." Whenever Old Mr. Kang went out, his four attendants—two men and two women—were always nearby. He called one over. "You heard what Master Ning said. When you go back, pass on these instructions." The man bowed and replied, "Yes."

"Heh heh, we've been discussing calligraphy all this time, and the tea has gone cold..."

Previously, with charcoal sticks in their hands, it was naturally inconvenient to drink the brewed tea. By now, it was a little late, and their minds were no longer much on chess. The group sat at the tea stall for a while, and Kang Xian's maidservant brought fresh tea. The white wooden board remained beside them, and the conversation naturally revolved around calligraphy. Soon, Old Mr. Qin began to comment on the styles of some contemporary calligraphy masters. Being a skilled calligrapher himself, he critiqued effortlessly, taking the opportunity to tease Kang Xian's writing. Kang Xian laughed and retorted, "For clerical script or wild cursive, I might not be as good as you, but when it comes to regular script, you are far inferior to me."

Old Mr. Qin chuckled, "That's specialization for you. Your Excellency spends all day instructing people in the way of a gentleman. If your regular script were poor, you might lose credibility. But to practice regular script to such a level solely for the convenience of instructing others, Your Excellency might truly be the first in history..."

After a brief period of such banter, Old Mr. Qin pondered, then changed the subject. "...However, seeing Li Heng's handwriting reminds me of someone. This person is also from my Qin clan, quite talented. In his early years in Tokyo, he submitted a portfolio of his works to me. His talent and eloquence were outstanding, and he wrote with an excellent hand. His style and composition were quite similar to the style of Li Heng's line, 'Three mountains half fall beyond the blue sky,' capturing the vigor of Yan and the grace of Liu... It's just that his handwriting hadn't yet broken free from convention back then. I wonder how it is now."

Ning Yi's eye twitched slightly. On the other side, Kang Xian chuckled, "Are you perhaps referring to Qin Hui, Qin Huizhi, the current Vice Censor-in-Chief?"

Old Mr. Qin nodded. "Indeed, that's the one. A few years ago, when the Khitans moved south, they captured his family. However, he is a man of courage and cunning. Even trapped in a dangerous place, he managed to feign compliance with the Khitans. The year before last, when the Khitans attacked Shanyang, he seized the opportunity to return south with his family. Oh... so he's already the Vice Censor-in-Chief now?"

"This news came through the official gazette last month. Because of his return from the North, he is now quite favored, especially for not abandoning his wife in times of peril. It's said that in Liao, the Khitans originally intended to detain his wife, but the couple painstakingly staged a dramatic act, which allowed them to return south together. When they were discovered by the Khitans during their escape, several loyal servants fought desperately to cover their retreat, allowing them to escape. This shows his skill in managing subordinates... Alas, with the unfavorable situation at the front lines, his story becomes even more valuable. However, not all on the court are praising him unconditionally. There's considerable suspicion regarding his return from the North, with some believing the matter is questionable, fearing there's more to it..."

Old Mr. Qin thought for a moment and shook his head. "It's hard to say about this matter, but baseless speculation is not what a gentleman does. From what I observed back then, his character was upright, his demeanor impartial and grand, and his concern for the nation and its people was genuine, not feigned. As for his future, we shall simply observe his actions. Ha... Speaking of which, Huizhi's ancestral home is also in Jiangning. If he comes here in the future, Li Heng could meet him; perhaps you two will find common ground..."

Ning Yi blinked, then touched his nose with a somewhat complex expression. After a moment, he finally chuckled, giving a perfunctory nod.

Old Mr. Qin and Old Mr. Kang saw nothing amiss. Kang Xian picked up his teacup, took a sip, and looked at Ning Yi. "But Li Heng, with such talent, do you truly have no ambition for official recognition?"

Strictly speaking, Ning Yi's interactions with the two hadn't been long, merely a casual acquaintance of playing chess and chatting, as Kang Xian described. However, scholars of this type generally harbored thoughts of concern for the nation and its people: "to establish the mind for Heaven and Earth, to secure life for the people, to carry on the lost teachings of the past sages, and to create peace for all generations," or to master literary and martial arts to serve the imperial court—these were all undeniable and unquestionable pursuits. Although Old Mr. Qin now seemed to leisurely play chess daily, and Kang Xian appeared to be a wealthy idler, there were undoubtedly complex reasons behind their conduct.

From their interactions over these days, to the "Prelude to Water Tune" at Mid-Autumn, and now to the writing implements and chalk, for them, Ning Yi's talent was beyond dispute. The subsequent question became clear. Just as Old Mr. Qin would occasionally lament that it was a pity for him to be a live-in son-in-law, that was more a sigh than a question. But this particular question, at this moment, carried a different meaning.

Throughout that afternoon's conversation, it was clear between the lines that Ning Yi intended to deny his reputation as a talented scholar, and it didn't seem to be a joke or a casual pretense. Who in this world truly has no ambition for official recognition? There must be some hidden reason. And the identities of these two men were not simple. For Kang Xian to ask this question with such an attitude, it truly showed his appreciation for Ning Yi's talent. This was already... an indication that they intended to offer assistance.

The autumn wind whistled softly from the riverside, rustling the willow branches. Old Mr. Qin raised his teacup, slowly blowing on the tea leaves inside, and looked up, evidently curious about Ning Yi's answer. Sensing the implication of the question, Ning Yi gently shook his head.

"I know perhaps no one will believe me when I say this, but... there are indeed some things I simply don't want to do. Whether it's being a talented scholar, reputation, or official career, I don't wish to pursue them. This... is true."

"Hmm?"

China TieTong, China TieTong, truly disconnected. Ever since my home connected to the China TieTong network, the latency has been so high that I can't play online games. Opening web pages also presents all sorts of problems. Logging into QQ requires countless verifications. It's a holiday today, isn't it?! My landline and internet are completely down, and they still haven't come to fix it. I had no choice but to come to an internet cafe to post this... China TieTong users, you can't afford to be hurt like this, sobbing. I wonder how much the community managers received from China TieTong company...

Customary request for votes.