"This isn't right, my friend, aren't you trying to ruin my good handwriting?"
Cheng Zhengyang waved his hand repeatedly, hesitant to accept the ink brush from Nangong Tianhe, as the "Heavenly Dao" characters written by Nangong Tianhe were so full of charm that even Ye Hao secretly admired them.
Cheng Zhengyang was aware that his calligraphy skills were not on par with Nangong Tianhe's. His skills sufficed for minor endeavors, but were inadequate against an eminent calligrapher like Nangong Tianhe.
"Zhengyang, writing and conducting oneself are similar. If you fear this or that, you will never pen excellent calligraphy nor beco a competent leader. Liberate your hands and don't worry excessively," Nangong Tianhe advised in an instructive tone.
"But… my skills truly fall short of yours, my friend!" Cheng Zhengyang sighed again, "However, since you've encouraged , I'll go ahead and spoil one of your works!"
"Haha, be daring, face it, accept it, write!" Nangong Tianhe stepped back a few paces, allowing Cheng Zhengyang to step forward.
Cheng Zhengyang rolled up his sleeves, approached the writing desk, took a deep breath, and picked up the brush from the inkstone.
Upon grasping the brush, Cheng Zhengyang sensed the aura of calligraphy. As the ancients said, calligraphy is nourishnt for the spirit; without this feeling, it remains rely a tool for instructing thought, far from reaching the level of spiritual sustenance.
Cheng Zhengyang dipped the brush in ink, then reduced the ink on the inkstone before lifting the brush slowly.
He seed to enter a mysterious state, gazing intently at the characters "Heavenly Dao," and then began to write "Diligence."
But as soon as he laid down his first stroke, the initial stroke of the character for 'diligence' was a complete failure. Yet, no one spoke up, acknowledging that mistakes happen and it wasn't a major issue. The key was continuing to write and producing a complete piece.
The character's strokes proceeded orderly, each stroke of the 'diligence' character executed carefully.
Once the character was finished, everyone could see that "Heavenly Dao" and "Diligence" were indeed crafted by two different individuals. It wasn't about which character was more beautiful or powerful, but rather that their calligraphy styles diverged; Nangong Tianhe's style was robust and vigorous. Despite being in his nineties, he still took bold risks, displaying the flair of his younger days.
Nangong Tianhe nodded subtly, neither criticizing nor praising.
Getting a nod from Nangong Tianhe was a validation of Cheng Zhengyang's 'diligence' character.
Of course, those who could discuss calligraphy with Nangong Tianhe must possess a certain level of skill; otherwise, Nangong Tianhe wouldn't engage in such discussions.
Cheng Zhengyang's wife felt gratified seeing her husband bravely writing his first character. It's been thirty years since her husband first studied calligraphy with Nangong Tianhe, although it was always Nangong Tianhe speaking and Cheng Zhengyang listening. Over those thirty years, it was always Nangong Tianhe demonstrating, and Cheng Zhengyang observing.
Yet today, for the first ti, Nangong Tianhe invited Cheng Zhengyang to write, indicating Nangong Tianhe's satisfaction with Cheng Zhengyang's progress.
Seeing her husband daring to write was certainly gratifying.
Nangong Tianhe's wife also watched with a smile. Though she was elderly too, she had observed Cheng Zhengyang's progress from the beginning. Seeing his advancent in calligraphy now gratified her as well.
Looking at the characters for "Heavenly Dao Reward Diligence," Cheng Zhengyang reflected inwardly. Indeed, as long as one strives, the Heavenly Dao rewards hard work. He'd strived for thirty years, amassing an abundance of knowledge.
Although this knowledge may seem impractical, it elevates the soul, clarifying one's perspective on what is worth pursuing and what should no longer be insisted upon.
Adjusting his mindset, Cheng Zhengyang prepared to continue writing the character for "diligence." However, to capture its essence, it must be symtrical and balanced, lest it turns out disproportionate.
It's akin to navigating the political or business arenas. Without diligence, business cannot succeed; lacking dexterity may also hamper success in other endeavors.
Thus, diligence also symbolizes one's comprehensiveness: balanced, upright, and embracing. Yet, diligence should never be forgotten.
Even seasoned calligraphers struggle to capture the true essence of "diligence." Therefore, Cheng Zhengyang hesitated.
His hesitation wasn't about how to write it but whether the character would resonate with "Heavenly Dao Reward Diligence," achieving a harmonious brilliance.
Nangong Tianhe noticed Cheng Zhengyang's hesitation but neither hurried nor lost patience. Though the character was challenging, to soone with Nangong Tianhe's insights, its depths were already thoroughly understood.
So dismiss calligraphy too easily; however, its implications are vast. Though writing a word, a phrase, or a stanza seems simple, capturing its true spirit is as arduous as climbing the heavens.
That's why truly great calligraphy is worth its weight in gold.
Those purchasing such calligraphy aren't foolish but recognize the profound essence and spirit imbued within, making their purchase worthwhile.
After hesitating for about three minutes, Cheng Zhengyang set down his brush, gazed at the characters "Heavenly Dao Reward," and sighed deeply, realizing he had yet to fully master it.
Writing a common "diligence" is easy, but achieving harmony with the trio is as difficult as ascending the heavens.
Cheng Zhengyang put down his brush, and Nangong Tianhe smiled. Stepping forward, he laughed, "Zhengyang, your ability to both attempt and withdraw demonstrates your understanding. Failing today ans keep trying, continue diligently, and success will eventually co — that is the essence of diligence."
His words seed to illuminate a path of hard work for Cheng Zhengyang. Grateful, he replied, "Thank you for the guidance, Brother. I will practice diligently to master it upon returning."
"Haha!" Nangong Tianhe chuckled and turned to the crowd of younger people behind him, asking with a smile, "Who among my kin will complete the 'diligence' character?"
No one spoke. Though the elder posed the question, they knew their skills couldn't match the 'Heavenly Dao' and 'Reward' characters penned by the elder and Cheng Zhengyang.
Nangong Tianxiang laughed and then pushed Ye Hao forward, saying, "Grandfather, I'm back, and my friend wants to try his hand at writing this 'diligence' character."
Ye Hao, having been pushed out by Nangong Tianxiang, looked briefly startled before turning back to glare at her resignedly.
Nangong Tianxiang's intent was clear — to announce her return in a special way. However, what did this have to do with him? (To be continued. If you enjoyed this work, feel free to vote on Qidian with monthly or recomndation tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian for reading.)
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