Chapter 36

If Luli knew what Fang Gai was thinking, he would certainly find it both laughable and pitiful.

From Fang Gang to the present, the calligraphy and paintings he created had only two that reached the pinnacle of quality.

One was the handwritten note left on his deathbed. It was not a will, but a five-character poem written after realizing the truth of his past and present life, with the hope of three more transformations to success, mixed with anticipation and fear.

"Seventy is rare in ancient times, all things become void. Today I depart with ease, in the future, I may be reborn."

As for the other, it was the calligraphy scroll given to Liu Desheng.

Even a sage of calligraphy like Wang Xizhi could not truly achieve the state of writing as if inspired by the divine, maintaining peak performance at all times. Of course, once one reached the realm of a calligraphy sage, even a casual piece of writing would far surpass the artistic achievements of most calligraphers.

Since Luli did not admit to copying Fang Gang, his words seemed to hint at something else. If Liu Desheng was merely puzzled, Fang Gai was thoroughly frustrated.

It concerned the ancestor of the Fang family, and not knowing the truth was truly unbearable. But since Luli did not speak, he could not ask even if he wanted to.

In the living room, Luli sipped his tea, a faint smile on his lips, looking very relaxed.

Fang Gai frowned, wanting to ask but not knowing where to start, especially in front of his old friend.

"Old Fang, the world is vast, and the number of talents that have emerged is countless. It's nothing that Luli's and Fang Gang's handwriting are similar," Liu Desheng said with a smile, trying to comfort him. However, from his face, it was clear that he did not really believe this explanation.

After all, handwriting is like a person. Throughout history, even with countless humans, it would be hard to find two exactly the same.

Handwriting is the same. Due to differences in environment, personality, and habits, it is impossible for anyone's handwriting to be exactly the same, and even similar ones are rare.

Liu Desheng's consolation clearly did not convince Fang Gai. He knew that some issues were better discussed privately with Luli, even if Liu Desheng was his old friend, he could not speak openly. Suppressing his doubts, he smiled and said, "Luli, I came this time to inform you of something."

"Please go on."

"It's like this. Since the New Year, most of the northern regions of our country have not had a drop of rain, suffering from severe drought. The wheat harvest is almost certain to decrease. If it doesn't rain soon, even the planting of corn will be difficult. The state is now actively calling for drought resistance and disaster relief, and the Calligraphy Association has decided to hold an exhibition of young and middle-aged calligraphers and painters. The works will be auctioned, and all proceeds will be used to support drought relief in the northern provinces."

Luli listened and nodded without hesitation, "Since it's for drought relief, I will do my part without hesitation."

"Ha ha, good." Liu Desheng clapped his hands and laughed, "Xiao Li, when do you plan to start creating?"

"Right now."

With Luli's calligraphy skills, a casual piece of writing should be sufficient. Exceptional performance is not impossible, but it requires the right mood and environment, which is rare.

"Come, come, to my study. Although I know it's your own writing, I still have some doubts without seeing it with my own eyes," Liu Desheng said with enthusiasm.

Fang Gai's eyes lit up, and he asked casually, "Luli, do you know Chinese painting?"

"A little."

"Oh?"

Despite his earlier suspicions, Fang Gai was still slightly surprised, "It's still early today. Creating a Chinese painting and pairing it with your calligraphy might be more valuable."

Luli thought about it and nodded in agreement.

Having experienced the world, he had little interest in fame in this life.

Back then, he was a second-rank national general in the military and a grand secretary in the cabinet, and a leading figure in the calligraphy world. What position could be more prestigious? However, since it was for drought relief, he could not refuse.

Liu Desheng's study was simply decorated, with a wall of bookshelves, a large solid wood desk, and two rattan armchairs.

In addition, the first thing that caught the eye was the calligraphy and paintings hanging on the wall, including reproductions of famous works and Liu Desheng's own masterpieces.

Luli's calligraphy and painting skills were so profound that he could see at a glance that Liu Desheng was still at the beginner stage. Writing a couplet or creating a couplet was acceptable, but if he tried to show off, no one would buy it.

Fortunately, Liu Desheng had a good sense of self-awareness. Knowing he lacked the ability, he only did it for his own enjoyment and never thought of participating in any calligraphy or painting exhibitions. Otherwise, with his relationship with Fang Gai, he could have at least become a member of the Calligraphy Association.

"Xiao Li, forgive me."

Liu Desheng felt embarrassed when he saw Luli standing in front of his work.

"No, this calligraphy has its merits."

"Oh?" Liu Desheng was delighted and quickly asked, "Where, where?"

Luli's face turned black, and he struggled to say a word. There was nothing particularly good about it; it was just standard and lacked any distinctive features.

Fang Gai saw Luli's embarrassment and a strange smile appeared in his eyes.

"You little brat, you're just trying to make me happy! Am I the kind of person who needs flattery!"

Liu Desheng was at a loss, unable to laugh or cry. He could see that Luli was in a bind, having said something he couldn't take back.

The three walked to the desk, found the brush, ink, paper, and inkstone. Liu Desheng and Fang Gai stood on either side, their eyes fixed on Luli.

Luli held the brush in his right hand, dipped it in the ink, and with a light touch, a black lotus soon appeared on the rice paper.

Fang Gang was skilled in painting plants, especially plum, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum, which had a unique style.

In addition, he loved lotuses, and a large proportion of his surviving works were lotus paintings. Therefore, Luli found it easy and confident to paint lotuses, almost without thinking, painting with ease and spontaneity.

Whether it was a dot, a smear, a flick, or a stroke, every move was a master's touch.

Noticing that Luli was completely immersed in his creation, Liu Desheng and Fang Gai exchanged glances. Liu Desheng was admiring, while Fang Gai was shocked.

From the gradually forming painting, Luli's technique was still similar to Fang Gang's. His calligraphy could pass for the real thing, and his painting style was almost identical. How could such a coincidence exist in the world?

As a descendant of Fang Gang, Fang Gai was a leading expert in studying Fang Gang. If studying Fang Gang could earn a degree, he would have at least reached the postdoctoral level.

Liu Desheng might be amazed by Luli's dual excellence in calligraphy and painting, but Fang Gai saw more. He looked at Luli, and a thought involuntarily rose in his mind: Could he be the reincarnation of the ancestor?

The moment this thought appeared, he shook his head. Such a thing was a fairy tale, impossible. But once the thought appeared, it was like wild grass in the wilderness, impossible to stop.

An hour later, Luli put down his brush.

He looked down at the black lotus, feeling very satisfied.

Without waiting for Fang Gai's instructions, he changed to a different brush and wrote, "I alone love the lotus for its ability to rise from the mud without being stained, to be washed in clear water without becoming妖艳，中通外直，不蔓不枝，……"

After writing the last character, Luli momentarily lost himself, and with a light touch of the brush, he added another line to the inscription: "Guangxu twenty..."

Staring at these four characters, a bright light flashed in his mind, and he was completely stunned.

***

Please collect, recommend, and support.

Page flip AD starts

Page flip AD ends