novelraw Chapter 1786 - 406: Priceless and Unattainable [Cover-Up] (First Part)_2
Chapter 1786 - 406: Priceless and Unattainable [Cover-Up] (First Part)_2
"Quickly bring it over for me to see." The elderly lady said with a smile.
Zhuang Jingmo walked over, glanced at Chao Yunya, gave a secret thumbs up, and placed the rice paper in front of the elderly lady.
"Look at how well my younger sister wrote this poem. I, who pride myself on having read all the classics, feel ashamed of my inferiority." Zhuang Jingmo laughed.
The elderly lady grew more satisfied the more she looked at it: "Good, good, quickly put away the writing. I want to keep it... In the future, it might be priceless..."
Everyone’s gaze towards Ji Yunya had changed. Nothing is as shocking as seeing it with their own eyes. No wonder this girl is favored by Lady Yan; she’s proficient in the four arts of qin, chess, calligraphy, and painting. Not just proficient, she’s at a master level, almost as if she was born for a prestigious family like the Zhuang’s.
"Grandmother, just now younger sister mentioned she wants to auction off this piece, and donate the proceeds to a nursing home, accumulating good fortune for you."
The elderly lady looked at the calligraphy with a face full of reluctance.
"I offer one million to buy this piece, as a means of accumulating fortune for you, madam."
A middle-aged man who looked like a wealthy businessman stood up.
Offering a million with just a word, he truly is a tycoon.
Ji Yunya is most renowned as Dr. Nyx, and until now has never been celebrated in the calligraphy world. If one piece could sell for a million, imagine how many calligraphers will be beating their chests in regret. But in collecting calligraphy, what you’re truly collecting is fame. No matter how well you write, if no one knows of it, it’s merely a scrap of paper.
The businessman, in truth, did not know how to appreciate calligraphy and paintings, and felt all these people were exaggerating. Likely, they were just giving this young lady a bit of face for the sake of the Zhuang elders. After all, which calligraphy master isn’t over fifty, with years of experience? How old is this young lady, really?
But if this could get him noticed by Mr. Yan through the second elders, then spending a million would be worth it.
The elderly lady smiled warmly; being praised for Yunya was a compliment to her, making her happy.
"I offer one point five million." A gentlemanly and refined man stood up and smiled warmly at Ji Yunya. "Miss Ji’s calligraphy is indeed rare, lacking only in fame compared to masters. Give her time, and Miss Ji will surely leave her mark in the calligraphy world, at which point we wouldn’t be able to buy it for even ten thousand gold pieces...."
This man’s name was Li Chuan, a professor and somewhat of a calligraphy enthusiast. He was Elder Zhuang’s most prized disciple.
Xu Yun laughed, "Look, you’re all competing for it. I’m a woman, ladies first; senior brother, could you let me have it this time?"
Li Chuan smiled, "I can yield on everything else, but this time, junior sister will be disappointed. If it falls into the hands of those who don’t understand its value, it would be a waste of this heavenly treasure. Only in my hands can it reach its fullest worth."
Li Chuan was perfect in every way, except for being somewhat lofty, which was a jab at those present for not understanding the value of appreciation.
Xu Yun shook her head with a smile, "Senior brother Li, after all these years, your personality hasn’t changed. A gentleman does not take what others love, so be it, then."
The businessman was determined to secure this piece. He had nothing but money, and gift-giving had no proper methods since the elders wouldn’t accept it. This was a rare opportunity, and regardless of his appreciation, it mattered not. Whoever has the ability will take it.
Once it reached five million, Li Chuan frowned, snorted coldly, "Summer insects cannot speak of ice."
Reeking of money, this person was truly detestable.
The businessman raised his eyebrows with pride, as if he was the victor, unaware that in the eyes of these cultural figures, he had now incurred widespread anger.
Yunya raised an eyebrow slightly, holding the calligraphy, and said with a smile, "Sir, I’m very sorry, but this piece cannot be sold to you."
"Why?" the businessman asked in confusion.
Feeling a kind of anger at being played.
"The culture of Country Hua has a long history; calligraphy is vast and profound. Especially during the two Song dynasties, it reached an unprecedented brilliant era. In the Song dynasty, there were four major calligraphers, namely, Su, Huang, Mi, and Cai. Su Dongpo, Huang Tingjian, Mi Fu, undoubtedly, as for this Cai, later comments are divided. May I ask, sir, which of these is worthy?"
With Yunya’s calm questioning, the businessman’s brows furrowed more tightly. No idea who these calligraphers were. He had heard of Su Dongpo, though; who hasn’t eaten Dongpo pork?
"What does Miss Ji mean?"
"Cai originally referred to Cai Jing, whose calligraphy was profound, ranking alongside Su, Huang, and Mi. However, he engaged in nefarious activities, and to eliminate political opponents, he did not hesitate to frame loyal subjects. After his death, people removed him from the ranks of the four great calligraphers, but the saying ’Su Huang Mi Cai’ stuck, so Cai Xiang replaced him. Cai Xiang was good at studying and worked diligently, his calligraphy extremely distinctive. Not only was his calligraphy profound, but he also possessed exceptional moral character. In the court, he dared to speak plainly, and even powerful officials respected him. While working as an official locally, he always considered the people and was well-received by them. For the common folk, moral character is more important than artistic skills. If one only knows how to write well but not how to be a good person, they will ultimately be despised."