My Stunning Beauty Special Agent Wife-Chapter 736 - 735: Elder Ye’s Calligraphy (2/3)

The next day.

Early in the morning.

Yang Chen arrived at the gym early, worked out for a while using the equipment, but it wasn't very effective.

After breakfast, Yang Chen went to Master Ye's study.

"You're here." Master Ye was practicing calligraphy.

As the saying goes, when the sun rises in the east, purple aura comes from the east.

At dawn, when the day begins.

This is the best time to practice calligraphy, with the best state of mind, deeper insights, and the best results.

Yang Chen nodded slightly, didn't disturb Master Ye, but stood aside and watched him practice calligraphy.

At this time, Master Ye was copying Wang Xizhi's Lanting Preface.

Wang Xizhi's calligraphy is considered the epitome of calligraphy, acknowledged by everyone as the sage of calligraphy. Everyone wants to master a hand of Wang Xizhi's cursive script, taking it as an honor.

But Yang Chen didn't quite agree with this.

Watching Master Ye's technique, force points, and feeling while copying, Yang Chen slightly shook his head.

Master Ye stopped and looked at Yang Chen, asking, "What do you think?"

"It's alright," Yang Chen smiled.

"Alright?" Master Ye raised an eyebrow, staring at Yang Chen, somewhat displeased.

At this age, Master Ye was almost entirely devoted to calligraphy and extremely proud of it. Whoever saw his calligraphy didn't flock to praise it, willing to pay any price to obtain one of his ink treasures?

With Master Ye's pride, he kept all his prized works, never sending them out.

Now Yang Chen actually said it was only alright.

This wasn't exactly high praise.

Seeing Master Ye's expression, Yang Chen knew he wasn't pleased and couldn't help but smile wryly, "Sir, I think on this matter, I can't just flatter you insincerely. Others might fawn over you because of your status and for certain purposes, but I don't think that does any good. Sometimes, harsh words can point out one's faults and lead to improvement."

"Don't worry! I don't need your flattery, just speak your mind!" Master Ye raised his eyebrow.

Yang Chen smiled and pointed out, "This sixth 'zhi' character, it feels off."

It's known that in Wang Xizhi's Lanting Preface, there are 21 'zhi' characters, each written differently, each extremely stunning! It also showcases Wang Xizhi's profound calligraphy skills.

Therefore, when copying the Lanting Preface, the most challenging part is the 'zhi' characters.

Master Ye stared at his copied 'zhi' next to the one in the book, frowning, "Is there a difference?"

"There is," Yang Chen pointed to a corner, "Here, his stroke is a flick, while yours is a careful turn. Your approach is incorrect, and the feeling is off; you can't capture Wang Xizhi's sense of freedom."

Master Ye furrowed his brows, carefully examining his writing compared to Wang Xizhi's, contemplating Yang Chen's words.

Yang Chen continued, "Let me put it this way, maybe it's a bit crude, but you'll understand better. Don't get mad."

"I won't be mad, go ahead," Master Ye said impatiently.

Anyone passionate about calligraphy strives for perfection, so he wanted to hear what Yang Chen was trying to convey.

Yang Chen said, "It's like you're a farmer, wielding a hoe to farm. But if you have to play the drums, still standing, holding the stick like a hoe, what do you think it will be like?"

"Hey!" Master Ye got a little antsy, "Your metaphor..."

Yang Chen laughed, pointing at Master Ye, "Hey! You said it yourself!"

Master Ye helplessly said, "Alright, I was a farmer originally, so your metaphor isn't wrong. You're saying that my calligraphy style and direction differ from Wang Xizhi's, right?"

"It's that you and Wang Xizhi have different personalities. You were a general, commanding thousands, with a heroic spirit in your heart. It's normal for you to like bold cursive script. But, what I'm saying is, Wang Xizhi lived during the Eastern Jin Dynasty, and after that, many calligraphic works emerged. But how many were merely imitating Wang Xizhi?" Yang Chen said.

Master Ye was thoughtful.

"All the existing outstanding calligraphy works, highly regarded, have unique features, like Yan Zhenqing and Zhao Mengfu. They all created their styles. Because everyone has their style, blindly imitating others will just be a superficial imitation, blending everything without any substance, burying one's style."

After listening to Yang Chen, Master Ye felt enlightened, almost slapping his thigh in amazement, "Good! So well said! It's absolutely right!"

Master Ye excitedly grabbed Yang Chen, "Then tell me, what is my style like? Which direction should I head in?"

Yang Chen shook his head, looking at the works hanging around the room, "Your style should be something you explore yourself, not what others tell you. However, I can give you a direction."

Yang Chen thought Master Ye had been obsessed with Wang Xizhi's calligraphy for too long, with cursive script hanging everywhere. Finding his direction would be difficult, especially since he was old. Finding a clear path would be tough.

"Tell me quickly," Master Ye was as eager as a child.

Yang Chen thought for a moment, "Have you ever seen Emperor Taizong Li Shimin's works?"

"Li Shimin?" Master Ye thought for a moment, his eyes brightened, "I have his Hot Spring Inscription! Hold on!"

At once, Master Ye hurried to find an engraved book.

Soon, Master Ye brought it over and handed it to Yang Chen.

Yang Chen opened it, glanced, nodding, "Yes, this is it. Li Shimin also greatly admired Wang Xizhi's works, so his works were heavily influenced, similar to your current situation. However, Li Shimin was an emperor, and his calligraphy has distinct characteristics, blending many great calligraphers' essences. You can learn from it." 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝘦𝓌𝑒𝑏𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝘭.𝒸𝘰𝑚

"Good! Good! Good!" Master Ye immediately hugged the copybook and studied it carefully.

Seeing Master Ye like this, Yang Chen couldn't help but smile wryly, "Sir, I came to talk to you about something else."

"Huh?" Master Ye was stunned, looking up at Yang Chen, "Oh, oh! Right! Hmm! Are you going to see the old leader?"

Master Ye finally remembered.

Yang Chen nodded.

Master Ye put down the copybook, thought for a moment, frowning, "Why do you think he called you?"

Yang Chen shook his head, "I think it has something to do with the Shangqing Sect."

"Yesterday..." Master Ye hesitated and said, "Yesterday, people from the Shangqing Sect went to the artificial sea."

Yang Chen nodded and showed no surprise.

"The patrol teams at Nietai Mountain, and the teams that appeared, along with the black-clothed individuals you mentioned..." Master Ye looked at Yang Chen.