Painter

Chapter 185 34: Seeking ink
Not long after the morning bell of Daxiangguo Temple rang, Pan Gu's boy was delivering a fast meal to Zhonglan Courtyard. Seeing Xie Ningzhi's arrival, he secretly said a loud battle and welcomed Xie Ningzhi inside.Xie Ningzhi offered Zhili and was admitted to the hospital to meet Pan Gu.

Pan Gu knew the purpose of Xie Ningzhi's visit. He agreed to Xie Ningzhi's ink request on the spot at the gathering a few days ago. The swordsmanship of this Chu Lou scholar has three points of the charm of Wang Danyang, and his achievements will be even higher in the future. Giving light to him is like giving a sword to a hero, and the two complement each other.

It's a pity that Li Dan came here before this.So the two chatted for a while, talking about the Xinyuan Gathering last time, and the recent Yujing literary world.Xie Ningzhi mentioned Huliang Mountain twice, leading the conversation to the purple pine in Huliang, but Pan Gu didn't take up the conversation, instead he took the lead: "This spring, I traveled to Yangshuo County in Dingzhou. Monkey, this black monkey is really a strange beast. It is no bigger than a fist and its hair is like gold. It usually uses Wang Cishi's pen holder as a nest and curls up in it. The black monkey came out of the pen holder to grind the ink."

Pan Gu was talking about strange things, although Xie Ningzhi was thinking about the purple jade light, but she couldn't force her to ask, she just nodded and smiled and said, "It's really strange."

"What's even more strange is yet to come." Pan Gu chuckled, "This black monkey likes wax ants, and it only defecates once every seven days. The feces it excretes smell like ink. I lived in Wang Cishi's house for a while. In the first month, the wax ants were fed with flowers, and the wax ants were fed to the black monkeys, and the dung of the black monkeys was obtained. After 49 days in the cellar, the dirt was drained, and then a good quality ink was made. When used for writing, the pen produces a fragrance. Mo took a name, called Wei Ruisheng."

As he spoke, Pan Gu called the boy to fetch a white jade box.

"This luxuriant plant is mixed with the scent of hundreds of flowers, and the various aromas are well blended. If it is stored in a wooden box, it will be contaminated with its smell. If it is stored in a copper box, the gold and wood will repel each other, and the five elements will be damaged. Only stone and jade Only by using the box can it not damage its fragrance. Writing books and paintings with this ink, not only will the ink not lose its color with time, but it will last forever and the fragrance will become stronger. If it can be stored for decades, you only need to hang a calligraphy and painting in the room , there will be a room of Lanzhi."

Xie Ningzhi played with Wei Ruisheng, and praised: "I have heard for a long time that Pan Weng's ink making skills are the best in the world. I saw it today, and it really lives up to its reputation."

Pan Gu chuckled, "If Xie Lang can make a good work with this wealth, he will be worthy of my hard work."

Xie Ningzhi pinched Wei Ruisheng with two fingers, and pondered for a moment.Undoubtedly, this Vigorous Life is a rare good ink, a rare product that is hard to find, but it is not a fetish, and it is inferior to the purple jade light made from the purple pine in the pot.

But Pan Gu's willingness to give Wei Ruisheng as a gift was already a gift of affection, Xie Ningzhi couldn't force it anymore, after thanking her, she took the white jade box and left Zhonglan Courtyard.

Most of the people who came with him outside the courtyard have dispersed, but there are still many pilgrims who linger, especially some female pilgrims who are fond of wit and elegance, and they say they come to worship Buddha, but they heard that the scholar Chulou is in Daxiangguo Temple, so they came to see him specially .When Xie Ningzhi was admitted to the hospital, rumors had spread in the temple that this gentleman who cherished ink might write his first calligraphy on the spot after meeting Immortal Mo.

But everyone saw that Xie Ningzhi was sent out of Zhonglan Courtyard by Immortal Mo, handed a white jade box to the servant, and left Daxiangguo Temple directly.Someone greeted him on the way, and he occasionally responded, although with a smile on his face, it was not joyful.

In the Buddhist hall, a girl in brocade inserted a stick of good faith incense into the incense ash, and silently recited in her heart, wishing the Buddha and Bodhisattva to make everything go well for Xie Lang and be admitted to the Qianyuan Academy.

The girl's surname is Wei, and her name is Chengjun. She is the daughter of the Minister of Rites.

Dayong Kingdom has always had the custom of catching a son-in-law under the list. When the imperial examinations are released, the rich and noble families wait under the list and hire the most talented man as their son-in-law.In fact, it is better to talk about grabbing than hiring. Whenever the rankings are released, this nobleman holds the arm of the new imperial examination student, and the other holds the leg.Therefore, some people with discerning eyes had already found out the good son-in-law long before the imperial examination.

Now it coincides with the opening of the Qianyuan Academy, and the weight of the Qianyuan Academy is even more important than the imperial examination list. Those young handsome men who have become famous recently are all hot and good sons-in-law.Wei Chengjun is fond of poetry, qin and music. He had heard of the talent of Xie Ningzhi who was far away in Junzhu County in his early years. Not only could he memorize every poem by him, he even composed several tunes by himself.Now that she is at the age of marriage, and Xie Ningzhi is preparing for the Qianyuan Academy in Yujing City, this daughter of the Minister of Rites has not hesitated to let go of her reserve, and is determined to catch this gentleman and linger on Liumo The wandering heart in Huaqu.

Wei Chengjun wiped off the incense on his fingertips with a plain handkerchief, while listening to the Zhike monk, he suddenly heard that Xie Ningzhi had left the Zhonglan courtyard, and hurriedly left the Buddhist hall.In front of the temple gate next to Chengtai Terrace of Daxiangguo Temple, seeing Immortal Mo's boy sending Xie Ningzhi and his servants out of the temple, Wei Chengjun stood at the threshold of the Buddha Hall of the Three Generations and asked the maidservant to give Xie Ningzhi a red handkerchief.

There was a poem embroidered on the handkerchief, which was the poem she recited in Bishui Xuan the day before Bu Yun Xie Ning.The so-called step rhyme is to use the original rhyme and original characters of the original poem to compose another poem, and the restrictions are very strict.Although Wei Chengjun is a woman, she also has a talent for poetry. Watching Xie Ningzhi being called to stop by the maid from afar, Xia Fei's cheeks could not help but her heart beat wildly, waiting nervously for Xie Ningzhi's response.

And Xie Ningzhi stopped in front of the door, took the handkerchief, opened it for a glance, then put it away.After asking the maidservant a few words, he looked towards the Buddha Hall of the Third Age, cupped his hands from afar, smiled slightly, then turned and left without the slightest nostalgia.

Wei Chengjun couldn't help but feel a little disappointed, but felt that this was the freedom that Xie Ningzhi should have.

……

Xie Ningzhi walked down the stone steps on the side of Chengtai Terrace, and said to the boy: "Let's send it here. After you get back, please trouble me and thank Mr. Pan for the gift of ink."

The boy promised to let Xie Ningzhi go slowly, and was about to go back, Xie Ningzhi glanced casually at the snow on the terrace, "I heard that Immortal Mo made six taels of purple jade light, and gave three taels to Xu Zhonghao. It looks like Immortal Mo is going to treasure it up."

Ever since Xie Ningzhi entered Daxiangguo Temple, the boy knew his purpose.In fact, at the Xinyuan Gathering, the boy was amazed by the swordsmanship on the water of this outstanding Chulou scholar. A few days later, he was still reminiscing about the chic gesture of slashing the sword to cut off the water.Seeing Xie Ningzhi returning disappointed, she couldn't help but sighed: "If my husband had come a few days earlier, he wouldn't have..."

"Oh?" Xie Ningzhi raised her eyebrows, "Who came here before me?"

……

In the Buddha Hall of the Third Age, when the maid who brought the red handkerchief returned, Wei Chengjun blushed and asked softly, "Has Xie Lang read the poem? What did he say?"

Xie Ningzhi just glanced over the poems on the napkin, asked a few words, and left in a hurry without making any comments. Seeing the expression of her little lady, the servant girl couldn't bear to tell the truth, and said euphemistically: "Naturally, it's a compliment." The little lady wrote well, but Xie Lang seems to have encountered some difficulties in seeking ink today, so he is in a bad mood."

Wei Chengjun frowned, "Xie Lang's begging for ink is not going well?"

The maid replied: "It seems to be..."

"Xie Lang cherishes ink like gold. Although his talent is famous, he has not produced calligraphy treasures so far." Zhike monk walked over and said, "Originally, the first work of a gentleman who cherishes ink and the precious ink of the ink fairy are enough to make a good story. This gentleman I can also use this to make a blockbuster, but it is a pity that others took the lead."

"Others?" Wei Chengjun whispered, and then asked: "Who is it?"

The Zhike monk shook his head, but did not answer directly, and solemnly said: "Your monk should not reveal the secret at will, but Miss Wei is a kind person, so let me tell you, this Xie Lang is a kind person of the ninth generation, born with great blessings, One day, if you can see your nature clearly, you will be a person who can achieve great success. But such a person..."

Speaking of this, the Zhike monk sighed, and it was not until Wei Chengjun asked again and again that he said leisurely: "Little lady also knows the truth that a man is innocent and he is guilty. People with great fortune are born to suffer many setbacks and calamities. Prevent him from attaining enlightenment. Why Xie Lang was trapped in Liumo's flowers, and was tired of lust, this is one of his doomsday. This time, Immortal Mo got the purple pine from Huliang and made it into Shenmo. It was originally Xie Lang's blessing However, it is also his doom if this fate falls into the hands of others. Drinking and pecking will have its own fate, in the final analysis, the merits are not enough."

Wei Chengjun was nervous and asked, "Is there any way?"

The Zhike monk said: "The lack of merit and virtue can naturally be made up for, but this Xie Lang is facing calamity in this life. He often goes to the brothel and Chu hall, but he doesn't read scriptures and chant Buddha very much, and he doesn't do good deeds to accumulate virtue. I'm afraid it will be difficult to make up for it. "

Wei Chengjun clenched his handkerchief tightly, "Can outsiders help him accumulate merit?"

The Zhike monk was slightly startled, then smiled again, shook his head and said: "Miss Wei has a sincere heart for Xie Lang, the monk can see it in his eyes, this word of love, although it is empty, is also the most touching."

Wei Chengjun was a little ashamed, nodded his head and said: "I want to accumulate some merits for Xie Lang, how to do it, please teach me the master."

"It doesn't take much effort." The knowing guest monk said, "The little monk copied a book of scriptures by hand a few days ago, and it has been opened. The little lady made a vow, took it back and read it every day. The little monk asked Xie Lang for another one." Lamp, this lamp is the incarnation of Buddha and Bodhisattva, it is enshrined in this Buddha hall, it does not go out day and night, the incense and wishes of the little lady, the Buddha and Bodhisattva can receive it, so that the accumulation of merits will be of great benefit to Xie Lang .”

Wei Chengjun was very moved, and asked again: "I don't know how long it will take to see the effect?"

The Zhike monk chuckled, "Young lady, if you ask this question, you are getting acquainted. Worshiping Buddhas and Bodhisattvas is not a business. Accumulating merits and virtues will naturally bring good rewards. The good rewards are like spring rains that moisten things silently, but they are not like riches and silk. Take them out and see them." See. If my lady thinks so, there is no need to offer this incense. Speaking of which, there are several places in the Daxiangguo Temple that are enshrined, and they are all offered by the prince's family. They all only worship the Buddha with a devout heart, and they don’t have a utilitarian mind.”

"Master, don't blame me, I'm anxious." Wei Chengjun apologized softly, "I should not think too much about accumulating merits for Xie Lang. How about this, I give three catties of lamp oil and two coins of lamp grass to Buddha and Bodhisattva every day. It's just that I can't do it day and night. Come over to the temple, deposit the sesame oil money with the mage, please take care of it for me."

The Zhike monk raised his palms and recited the Buddha's name, "If Xie Lang achieves success in the future, the little lady will save him."

The maid next to him was very moved when he heard it, and Wei Chengjun was also a little moved. When the wandering scholar took the second flower bush, if he knew that there was a woman who accompanied the ancient Buddha with a green lamp to make a wish for him, as long as he was not hard-hearted, he should take it easy.

She calmed down, "What did the mage mean when he said someone snatched it first?"

"In the Xinyuan Collection, Xie Lang wrote a book written on water, and Immortal Mo praised it as having the charm of Wang Danyang. At that time, Xie Lang asked Immortal Mo for ink, and Immortal Mo readily agreed. In the light of six taels of purple jade, the remaining three Two, it's in Xie Lang's pocket." The Zhike monk paused, "But after the Xinyuan Gathering, before Xie Lang visited Pan Gong, someone came and took away the three taels. Purple jade light."

"Who?"

"Li Dan from Qingling Mausoleum in Lizhou."

The Zhike monk read out a name, lingering in the sandalwood smoke.

……

"Li Dan from Qingling Mausoleum in Lizhou."

Cigarettes curled up from the green sparrow stove, and the voice of the bright girl was lingering like smoke.It was getting dark outside the window, and the candles in the warm pavilion were dimly lit.

"I heard that Xie Ningzhi went to visit Immortal Mo, but this person took the purple jade light first." She stroked the three thousand black hair of the handsome young man, tapped her finger on the young man's head, "I think, if you shaved Can this head be knocked louder than a wooden fish?"

The young man was bare-chested, lowered his eyebrows and clasped his hands together, his back felt warm, "Nanwu Qixuan Layman, sin, sin."

The young princess chuckled, "I've only heard of people who recite the Buddha's name, but this is the first time I've seen someone who recites my own name."

The young man chuckled, "Seeking Buddha is worse than seeking yourself."

The girl was teased and laughed for a while, put her white chin on the young man's strong shoulders, leaned into his ear and said, "I know so many people, but you are the most interesting. By the way, what did you say about what I just said?" See? Then Li Dan is really a weird person, in Xin Garden, I didn't realize that Immortal Mo valued him more."

The young man still clasped his hands together, but turned his head sideways. There was only a paper-thin distance between their noses, and they sprayed each other's warm breath on their faces, "Xie Ningzhi is not a character to admit defeat."

The girl said: "What about Li Dan?"

"Is this person..." The young man pondered for a while, "He is a person who sticks to his heart."

The girl's face darkened, "He acted so inappropriately, how can he stick to his heart? You praise him so much because you think he did a good job that day?"

The young man smiled and said, "It's my fault. I don't judge good or bad in my heart. It is my heart that Li Dan walked away, and it is also my heart that Tang Qingchen is good at dancing with his sleeves."

The young girl's expression softened a little, she stared into the young man's eyes, and said with a smile: "Then what is your heart, you monster monk?"

"Take your own heart from your own heart, it's not an illusion." The young man smiled slightly, "My little monk is a person who has no heart and no form, so when he sees delicacies, he has a greedy heart, when he sees riches and honors, he has a greedy heart, and when he sees you, the princess, he has a heart of greed." There is only one love of beauty left."

(End of this chapter)