Daqin Zhentiansi

Chapter 200 Have you reached the level of martial arts master?

Ji Yuntang knew this picture long ago. He walked forward and looked at the brushwork on the scroll, his expression changing.

If he hadn't seen it with his own eyes, he wouldn't have believed that there really was such a painting of spring mountains.

Zuoqiu Ren looked solemn as he stared at the scroll.

He had seen this painting last time in the framing shop.

This scene was exactly what Gong Yu had imagined in his mind. Seeing that several people were attracted by the Spring Mountain Painting, the smile on his face became even wider.

"Don't call me stingy, Gong. I'm willing to give this painting to you for your viewing."

"Old Ji, just based on this painting, you should at least give me a few of your own handwritten ones."

"Brother Zuoqiu, I don't need to explain this calligraphy, do I? Isn't Wang Mengxi's brushwork clearly evident on the paper?"

Gong Yuzheng naturally knew that this painting was painted by Zhang Yuan, and he deliberately said it at the side, that it was to test Ji Yuntang and Zuo Qiuren.

Ji Yuntang is known as an expert in both calligraphy and painting, and is a master of Confucianism and Taoism.

Zuo Qiuren opened a private school in Chengde and became a Confucian and Taoist master at an early age.

Although Gong Yuzheng, the county government's sacrificial scholar, holds a high position, he has never been able to become a Confucian or Taoist master, and has always been unable to raise his head in front of Ji Yuntang and Zuo Qiuren.

"The brushwork is indeed Wang Mengxi's style, but the Spring Mountain Painting is not in the Guo family..." Jiang Changning whispered, frowning as he looked at the signature.

But that one was empty.

"No signature..."

As an expert connoisseur of calligraphy, painting, and bronze and stone artifacts, Jiang Changning is well aware that unsigned works are worth more than half as much as works with signatures.

Pity.

"If Wang Mengxi's payment could be retained, even if it was just a short payment, this Spring Mountain Painting would be worth two thousand gold. What a pity..." Jiang Changning shook his head slightly.

A painting worth two thousand gold!

In the hall, Master Gu, Sun Ze and others were all amazed.

Sun Ze, the editor, had an annual salary plus other miscellaneous expenses of only three to five hundred taels of silver, which was equivalent to thirty to fifty taels of gold.

Just this one painting was worth decades of his salary.

Zhou Zhengtong on the side frowned slightly.

Based on his understanding of Gong Yuzheng, this painting might not be that simple.

Gong Yuzheng's smile remained unchanged as he looked at Ji Yuntang and Zuo Qiuren.

Zuo Qiuren frowned and whispered, "Brother Yun, this is the painting I was talking about last time."

"This painting clearly has the rhythm of the great Dao, but the brushwork is still a little bit behind Wang Mengxi."

"The person who drew this picture is worried about the Great Dao invading his mind..."

Zuo Qiuren had mentioned this matter before in Ji Yuntang's courtyard.

Without the power of the Great Dao, once the Great Dao enters the body, one may suffer the depletion of spirit and soul, and death due to exhaustion of Qi and blood.

"Haha, the person who painted this scroll must be extremely talented. It would be a wonderful thing if I could practice under him and inherit his legacy." Ji Yuntang said with a smile, "Brother Zuoqiu, do you have such an idea?"

Zuoqiu Ren frowned as he looked at the painting and nodded subconsciously.

Zuo Qiuren, who ran the academy, was naturally interested in such talented people.

"Director Zuoqiu, Director Ji, do you think this painting is not an authentic work by Wang Mengxi?" Jiang Changning looked up with surprise on his face.

This Spring Mountain Painting is not an authentic work by Wang Mengxi, how could he not realize it?

Is this an eye-opener?
"Haha, I never said this was an authentic work." Gong Yuzheng said lightly, with his hands behind his back and stroking his beard with one hand.

"It's really not Wang Mengxi's authentic work, then, then..." Jiang Changning didn't know what to say for a moment.

"It's not an original, but it's better than the original and very interesting." Qin Muyang strode forward, staring intently at the scroll in front of him, and nodded. "It does have some Taoist charm. Reading it often will be helpful for practicing the Great Dao."

Rubbing his hands together, Qin Muyang grinned and said, "Brother Gong, please sell this painting to me. The price is negotiable. I'll buy it as an authentic work."

Qin Muyang not only has a good relationship with Gong Yuzheng, but is also one of the few military generals who likes to write poetry.

His cultivation level was that of a half-step Grandmaster, and when he looked at the scroll at this moment, he could discern the rhythm of the Great Dao at a glance.

When Jiang Changning heard Qin Muyang say that he wanted to buy it as an authentic work, he was stunned again and lowered his head to look at the scroll.

Obviously, there was something in the painting that he had not discovered.

Sima Zhou Zhengtong stood aside, looking around, and already had the answer in his mind.

"Who is the artist of this painting?" Zuo Qiuren looked at Gong Yuzheng with a frown.

"Why, is it true as Old Ji said, that you want to accept disciples?" Gong Yuzheng raised his eyebrows.

When Zuoqiu Ren heard about accepting disciples, he looked hesitant.

"I've been..."

Seeing his hesitation, Gong Yuzheng laughed again.

It was rare for him to stump Zuoqiu Ren.

"I know you're tempted." Gong Yuzheng's expression became slightly more serious, and he whispered, "After I leave, there will be no one in charge of the Zhengyang County School."

"I recommend you to be a priest."

"Promise me, and I'll tell you who painted this picture."

If it were someone else, they wouldn't even be able to get this opportunity.

But Zuoqiu Ren looked reluctant.

Sun Ze, Master Gu and others were all shocked when they heard what these big men in the county said.

What they saw at today's banquet was simply beyond their reach.

"Brother Zuoqiu, Brother Gong and I are both gone. The county will definitely recruit you. Whether it's the county school or the martial arts school, you have to choose one."

Ji Yuntang's voice rang out from the side.

Whether it is a county school or a martial arts school, they all need people who can keep things in check.

Zuoqiu Ren's Confucian and Taoist cultivation is top-notch in Zhengyang County. He also has an official status and can return to officialdom at any time.

"Let me think about this matter again..." Zuoqiu Ren frowned and spoke in a low voice.

"What are you thinking about?" Ji Yuntang laughed loudly and raised his hand to gesture towards Zhang Yuan: "Zhang Yuan, come here."

Zhang Yuan?

Everyone watched Zhang Yuan walk up to Ji Yuntang.

Zuoqiu Ren turned his head with a puzzled look on his face.

"Zhang Yuan, I'm about to leave Zhengyang County, and there's nothing I can teach you." Looking at Zhang Yuan, Ji Yuntang spoke loudly.

"Mr. Zuoqiu is the master of Confucianism and Taoism. He uses Confucianism to enter Taoism. Whether it is his practice or his character and virtue, he is impeccable."

"Would you like him to be your Confucian teacher?"

Worship Zuo Qiuren as your Confucianism teacher!

Jiang Yulang and Master Gu's faces were filled with envy.

Given Zuo Qiuren's Confucian and Taoist cultivation, as well as his connections, the benefits of becoming his disciple would be unimaginable.

Sun Ze looked at Zhang Yuan standing in the hall with a wry smile on his face.

People really cannot be compared.

Qin Muyang looked at Zhang Yuan with surprise.

He knew Zhang Yuan's identity.

If Zhang Yuan was also a disciple of Zuoqiu Ren, wouldn't he be able to master both civil and military skills in Zhengyang County?

Gong Yuzheng glanced at Ji Yuntang in front of him.

From what Ji Yuntang said, it was clear that Zhang Yuan had studied under him.

I thought I could give this old guy a good shock today, but it turns out he is hiding it on purpose.

Fortunately, no matter what, their goal today is the same.

They are all helping Zhang Yuan to establish connections and expand his network.

"Zhang Yuan..." Zuoqiu Ren's gaze fell on Zhang Yuan, then he slowly turned his head and looked at the painting of spring mountains.

"Did you draw this picture?"

This is the question that Jiang Changning and others in the lobby want to ask.

"Yes." Zhang Yuan nodded.

Yes!
This painting was actually painted by Zhang Yuan!
Qin Pingliang looked up, his face bewildered.

It’s bad enough that Zhang Yuan has ruthless killing methods, but how could he also paint such a picture?

Jiang Yulang clenched his fists and suppressed the joy in his heart.

It seems that it is a very right thing for the Jiang family to cooperate with Zhang Yuan!
Turning around, his father Jiang Changning's eyes were also sparkling with excitement.

On the other side, Zhao Yu showed a smile.

Zhang Yuan is a guy who always gives people surprises.

This scene is really interesting to watch.

Master Gu opened his mouth, but didn't know what to say.

In front of Zhang Yuan, he had no idea how many times he had been frustrated and had become numb.

I thought Zhang Yuan had no background.

Now he understood that people like Zhang Yuan did not need any background.

If you have the ability, the background will come to you.

Zuo Qiuren narrowed his eyes and stared at Zhang Yuan.

After a moment, he said in a deep voice, "Come with me."

After saying that, he strode out of the hall.

Zhang Yuan nodded, followed closely behind, and walked out.

In the hall, everyone looked at each other with curiosity on their faces.

Zuoqiu Ren called Zhang Yuan out, what did he want to say?
What kind of question is this that needs to be asked behind everyone's back?

At this moment, standing outside the door on the eaves, Zuo Qiuren looked at Zhang Yuan, took a deep breath, and then said: "Tell me, have you reached the realm of martial arts grandmaster?"

　The scheduled update time is set wrong, my fault
　　
　
(End of this chapter)