Chapter 90

The next afternoon, after attending the reunion at the tavern, Ye Yu did not linger and headed straight for the mountain cottage. During this period, while learning painting from Wang Ximeng, Ye Yu gradually developed a strong interest.

In fact, for Ye Yu, he had never thought of becoming a master painter. In the Song Dynasty, where literary style was prevalent, even if his painting skills were exquisite, how many could he surpass?

But now things were different. With Wang Ximeng as his teacher, everything would be a different story.

Who was Wang Ximeng? He was a world-renowned genius of his time, so much so that even Emperor Huizong personally supervised his training. In later generations, everyone knew Zhang Zeduan for his "Qingming Shanghe Tu," not only because of his superb painting skills but also because the painting had historical research value.

If we were to discuss painting techniques and brushwork, the eighteen-year-old Wang Ximeng was already on par with Zhang Zeduan. Otherwise, the "Qianli Jiangshan Tu" would not have become a masterpiece.

An eighteen-year-old young man could rival the top painters of the Song Dynasty. How many people in the world today could match such talent and skill? If he had not disappeared after completing the "Qianli Jiangshan Tu," Wang Ximeng would have been the most likely to reach the level of the painting sage Wu Daozi.

The autumn wind blew the leaves, which drifted leisurely in the courtyard. Wang Ximeng sat in a reclining chair, holding a teapot in his withered right hand, watching Ye Yu paint with intense focus. His eyes, slightly squinted and cloudy, occasionally sipped from the teapot.

The leaves fell on his body, but Ye Yu did not notice at all, as he was completely immersed in the painting. Mountains rose with the brushstrokes, and forests and flowers formed with the dots of the brush...

"Yu'er..."

The lively iron brush suddenly stopped, and Ye Yu looked up with a slight smile and asked, "Master, what is it?"

"Is the brush suitable for you?" Wang Ximeng did not look at Ye Yu's painting but pointed to the heavy iron brush in Ye Yu's hand.

"It..." Ye Yu glanced at the iron brush in his hand, a bitter smile appearing on his lips. He then respectfully replied, "To be honest, Master, using this iron brush for the first time was quite a torture! My right hand ached every night. But after nearly two months of practice, I have gotten used to the weight!"

Wang Ximeng nodded, his smile indicating his satisfaction with Ye Yu's progress. He then turned and entered the cottage without another word. Ye Yu did not know what his master was going to do, but he felt that his master would not ask without a reason.

Sure enough, Ye Yu's guess was correct. A moment later, Wang Ximeng, walking with a limp, came out of the cottage, holding an iron disc in his hands. When he reached the stone table, Ye Yu pointed to the iron disc with a puzzled look and asked, "Master, what is this?"

"Pick up the brush!" Wang Ximeng did not directly answer Ye Yu but ordered him to hold the brush without any reason.

Ye Yu did not understand the meaning but still followed Wang Ximeng's command, holding the thick iron brush in his hand.

Ding!

As soon as Ye Yu picked up the brush, Wang Ximeng lifted the iron disc and, with a trembling hand, slid it across the iron brush, firmly securing it to the handle. The iron disc clamped tightly onto the handle, just above Ye Yu's right thumb.

At this moment, Ye Yu noticed that the center of the round iron disc had a small hole, the size of which matched the brush handle perfectly. With the iron disc added, Ye Yu felt the iron brush suddenly become much heavier, almost slipping from his grasp.

"Continue practicing the painting techniques I taught you..."

After saying this, Wang Ximeng ignored Ye Yu and returned to the reclining chair, his increasingly thin and yellow face still wearing a rare smile.

Ye Yu looked at the heavy brush, shook his head helplessly, and picked it up with great effort, once again immersing himself in the painting. But this time, it was not as easy as before. Soon, sweat began to bead on his palms, and large drops of sweat appeared on his forehead.

Such intense practice continued for more than a month. Each morning, Ye Yu came to the cottage full of energy, but each time he returned, he was exhausted, with a sore back and cramping hands.

Ye Yu did not mind these things, but what worried him most was that Wang Ximeng's health seemed to be deteriorating.

Ye Yu tried to comfort his master to rest more, but Wang Ximeng did not listen. Whenever he saw Ye Yu's brushwork incorrect, he would carefully instruct him from the side.

During this month, Ye Yu received congratulatory letters from Pan Zhi and Shen Jinchuan. The letters were filled with joy and blessings, and both were eagerly awaiting the good news of Ye Yu's success in the spring examination.

The two knew about Ye Yu's success in the autumn examination because of the tacit agreement they had made at the Ten-Li Pavilion. Although they were far apart, they constantly reminded Ye Yu to inform them of the results of the autumn examination. Ye Yu, of course, did not break his promise and wrote to them as soon as he topped the list.

The imperial historian Yang Hui from Lin'an also sent a letter, praising Ye Yu's success in the examination. In the letter, he used the tone of a master to urge Ye Yu not to be arrogant and to study diligently to prepare for the spring examination.

In the brightly lit study, Ye Yu looked at the mountain of books and felt dizzy. He thought to himself that his master was indeed generous, not only encouraging him to study but also sending a cartload of examination preparation books...

During this period, although Ye Yu enjoyed the pleasures of life, he knew to be moderate, especially with the big exam approaching. He also took precautions to ensure the continuation of the Ye family, as Sun Bo had hoped.

He did not want to become a father so early, and for Ye Yu, who knew about modern reproductive knowledge, this was not the best time to have children.

The lights were still bright, and Ye Yu, with his aching right hand, flipped through the books on the desk. Finally, he was tired and wheeled himself to the window, gently opening it. A cold wind blew in, refreshing his face.

Ye Yu looked at the few cold stars in the night sky and whispered, "I wonder how Brother Li is doing..."

...

Before they knew it, winter arrived, and the snow this year came earlier than usual. Snowflakes covered the mountains, and the cottage was warmed by a charcoal fire. In front of Ye Yu was a large, smooth stone slab without a single crack.

"Yu'er, after three months of practice, it's time to test your skills. Begin!" Wang Ximeng, with a pale yellow face, sat on the side, coughing weakly from time to time.

Ye Yu softly responded, "Yes," and glanced at Wang Ximeng, his expression filled with concern. He then picked up a thick iron rod, bent down, and began to draw on the stone slab.

Each time Ye Yu drew, the stone slab showed deep or shallow grooves, and sparks flashed under the brush, reflecting the burning charcoal...

Gradually, Ye Yu became engrossed, closing his eyes and drawing according to his heart. In a short while, a landscape painting began to take shape. If colored, it would be even more vivid.

"Master, please take a look..."

As soon as Ye Yu finished speaking, Wang Ximeng waved his hand weakly and said, "No need. You have learned seventy percent of my skills, which is beyond my expectations! But remember, just like practicing martial arts, if you don't practice diligently, you will achieve nothing. The same applies to calligraphy and painting. Diligent practice is the key!"

"Student will remember!"

Ye Yu thought of the stone wall in the courtyard, which was covered with grooves, and felt a deep respect. His master was over seventy years old but still practiced diligently. How could he be lazy?

Wang Ximeng nodded and sighed, "When a person's painting skills reach a certain level, it becomes very difficult to make any further progress. However, they still practice diligently without giving up. It's not that they are too rigid, but that those who have reached the pinnacle are practicing not the brush or the intention, but the heart..."

"The heart?..."

"You will understand this in the future. Yu'er, your time to go to the capital for the examination is approaching. I have a few words to tell you!" Wang Ximeng coughed uncontrollably, his yellow face tinged with a hint of red.

Ye Yu, concerned, said, "Master, you should rest more. We can talk about it when you feel better!"

"No need! I... fear it will be too late... Listen to me. No matter what your future holds, do not mention our master-disciple relationship to anyone. Even if someone asks, you must keep it a secret! Can you do that?"

"Why?"

"I am doing this for your own good. You will understand in the future!"

Seeing his master's frail and weathered appearance, Ye Yu took a deep breath and said solemnly, "Student will remember!"

"Yu'er, if... if you can become a high-ranking official in the future, and if you have the opportunity..." Wang Ximeng hesitated for a moment, then sighed, "Forget it, I suppose there won't be an opportunity..."

At this point, Wang Ximeng's eyes were filled with tears, and the usual cold and stern face was now wet with tears. After a long pause, he choked out, "Yu'er, this is a gift from me to you, a token of our master-disciple relationship..."

Ye Yu took the jade pendant from Wang Ximeng, feeling its warmth. He could see that his master was giving his final instructions, as his coughing had worsened, and his old illness had been triggered, leaving him in a critical condition.

He had invited many famous doctors from the city, but none could help. This was not a matter of medical treatment; at his age, it was like a lamp running out of oil. The months of hard work had exhausted Wang Ximeng.

"Master, when I pass the examination, I will come to Lin'an to seek medical help for you!" Ye Yu tightly held Wang Ximeng's withered hands, tears welling up in his eyes.

Wang Ximeng, however, smiled with tears in his eyes, "To live to this age is a blessing from heaven! Besides... to have a talented student like you in my later years is a great comfort! Go! The vast sky is where you should be..."

At this moment, Ye Yu was almost in tears. In the short time they had known each other, he had felt the love of an elder. Whether in the past or the present, he was a lonely person who lacked the care of elders.

Wang Ximeng, though strict, cared for him like a grandfather. Now, with the elder on his deathbed, a wave of sadness and pain washed over him, making his heart ache.

This winter was destined to be imperfect!

On a snowy night, an old man left the world, passing away quietly, peacefully, and silently...

Wang Ximeng's death cast a shadow over Ye Yu's heart as he prepared to go to the capital for the examination. The mystery of why Wang Ximeng had lived in seclusion for over fifty years remained a true enigma after his passing!

Perhaps when Wang Ximeng was on his deathbed, he hesitated about whether to reveal the secret to Ye Yu. But in the end, he chose to remain silent, and Ye Yu did not ask, respecting his master's privacy.

Before his death, Wang Ximeng said he did not want his body to be eaten by insects and ants and asked Ye Yu to cremate him after his death.

Ye Yu, of course, honored his master's last wish. He placed Wang Ximeng's ashes in a golden urn and enshrined it in the family temple, where incense was burned and offerings were made continuously.

Although Chuzhou was not far from Hangzhou, he needed to leave for the capital three to four months in advance. The candidates who passed the state examination had to gather in the capital during winter to complete all the procedures for the spring examination at the Ministry of Rites.

Thus, Wang Ximeng's "Qianli Jiangshan Tu" was slowly rolled up, and Ye Yu's "Wanli Heshan Tu" was just beginning...

As the clear stream nurtures the dragon, Chuzhou is poised to rise. And stepping out, it will be a life of brilliance and a legacy of elegance!