Liaozhai Great Sage

Chapter 188 Zhang Sengyou's Painting
After seeing Li Xiuyuan's signal, the guards immediately walked in carrying a female corpse in a red wedding gown with a red cloth covering her head.

"This, this is?" Master Qiao was stunned for a moment.

Li Xiuyuan stood up and removed the red cloth from the female corpse's head.

However, she saw that this was a woman with a pale face and a sign of appearance.

"It's the old man's daughter." Master Qiao was shocked when he saw this, and immediately stood up: "What's going on, isn't the old man's daughter staying in the boudoir for the past few days? How could she appear here?"

"What did you do to the old man's daughter?"

Li Xiuyuan said: "Wansheng is a scholar, and this time he kindly returned Master Qiao's daughter. Could it be that Master Qiao suspects that Wansheng kidnapped Master Qiao's daughter?"

Master Qiao apologized: "It was the old man who was in a state of confusion and said the wrong thing, which made Mr. Li laugh. The old man did not doubt Mr. Li's intentions, but why did the old man's daughter be brought back by Mr. Li's guards? You need to know these things The old man's daughter has been staying at the mansion all the time, and has never stepped out of the boudoir."

Li Xiuyuan said: "Wansheng is not clear about this matter. When Wansheng passed through Hua County yesterday, he encountered a team sending off relatives in the middle of the night. The team sending off relatives was not living people, but paper figurines, paper sedan chairs, and one of them." Escorted by the old ghost, Wansheng believed that it was a ghost that harmed people, so he rescued the noble girl from the paper sedan chair, and heard what the old ghost said, this is the married daughter of Qiao's family in Hua County, so he kindly took the girl return."

"Mr. Li is also a person who has read a lot of poetry and books. The sage has words, but the son does not speak strangely. Mr. Li kindly escorted the old man's daughter home. The old man is grateful. Since Mr. Li is unwilling to tell the story, why bother to pretend to be a ghost? .” Master Joe said.

Li Xiuyuan smiled and said: "The sage speaks, but the son does not talk about strange powers and gods, which means that ghosts and gods should be kept at a respectful distance, and one should stick to one's own morality in one's heart. One cannot worship ghosts and gods, and being ruled by ghosts and gods is not a matter of unbelief in ghosts and gods. I should also understand this truth, I came here to visit tonight just to send Miss Qiao back, I have no other request, since the matter has been done, I will leave that night."

After speaking, he saluted and wanted to say goodbye and leave.

Master Qiao's face was a little embarrassed. Although he hated ghosts and gods, he also knew that ghosts and gods really existed.

"Mr. Li, please stay." He hastily greeted him with a sincere attitude, trying to keep Li Xiuyuan.

"I don't know what else Master Qiao has to do?" Li Xiuyuan said.

Master Qiao said: "Shicai, I'm really sorry, there have been a lot of miscellaneous things in the house recently, and Shicai's hospitality is not good. Please forgive me, Mr. Li."

"Bansheng didn't mean to blame Master Qiao, but Master Qiao needs to keep in mind that Miss Qiao's soul has left her body, leaving only her body. If she doesn't recover her soul within seven days, Miss Qiao's life may be in danger. And looking at Miss Qiao's state, I'm afraid she has been in a coma for three or four days, so please ask Mr. Qiao to invite a few masters to summon Miss Qiao's soul, don't delay the time." Li Xiuyuan reminded again kindly.

Master Qiao was surprised: "Mr. Li, are you serious?"

Li Xiuyuan said: "How can Wansheng open his mouth about matters that are life-threatening?"

"Yes, but this Hua County is such a big place, where can I find an expert."

Master Qiao looked at his daughter, and saw that his daughter was unconscious, her complexion was gone, and her body became stiff. She might not live for two or three days.

"Praying to gods and worshiping Buddhas may be useful. If you are sincere, you may be protected by gods and Buddhas." Li Xiuyuan said.

There are ghosts making troubles in this world, but it is also protected by gods and Buddhas.

When it comes to praying to gods and worshiping Buddha, Master Qiao frowned, as if he was a little angry, then he restrained his anger, and hurriedly said: "Praying to gods and worshiping Buddha is too illusory, Mr. Li is also a scholar, and he is also proficient in ghosts and gods. I also ask Mr. Li to lend a helping hand to save this old man’s daughter, if Mr. Li is willing to help, this old man will agree no matter what the conditions are.”

After finishing speaking, he bowed deeply to Li Xiuyuan again, with a sincere and serious attitude, and hoped that he would help.

"I only have the ability to subdue ghosts, but I don't have the ability to summon souls." Li Xiuyuan felt a little embarrassed.

Master Qiao thought for a while, and hurriedly said: "If Mr. Li is willing to help, I am willing to present you with a family heirloom painting."

After speaking, he gave another glance and asked his servants to go to the study to pick up the paintings.

He felt that since Li Xiuyuan was a scholar, and he was protected by guards, he must be from a good family. If he wanted to ask someone to help, he would naturally have to spend some money. The price, this ordinary vulgar thing, he might not like it, so he had to grit his teeth and give it to him. The treasured paintings handed down from the family.

"Master Qiao's words are serious. The late birth was not delayed because of greed for money, but because he was afraid of delaying the time and killing Miss Qiao, so he didn't dare to deal with it." Li Xiuyuan said.

Master Qiao said: "I understand what Mr. Li means, but I have been looking for a master of Taoism for a while. Since Mr. Li has the ability to understand ghosts and gods, I still ask Mr. Li to help. The little girl's fortune is superficial, she deserves this catastrophe, and I definitely don't blame Mr. Li."

After speaking, he bowed deeply again.

Li Xiuyuan also felt that it made sense when he heard what he said. If he didn't help, Mr. Qiao would not be able to invite a master of Taoism for a while. Then it would be too late, and Miss Qiao would still have to die.

And seeing Master Qiao being so sincere, it was really hard to refuse.

"Since Master Qiao said so, let the younger generation give it a try." Li Xiuyuan had no choice but to bow his hands in return, agreeing to the matter.

"Thank you, Young Master Li."

Master Qiao suddenly breathed a sigh of relief, with a smile on his face.

At this time, the servants of Qiao's mansion brought a wooden box.

"Master, the painting is here."

Master Qiao said at this time: "Help the lady back to the room to rest, and prepare the guest room for the guests to rest."

"Master Qiao, you are being polite. How can you disturb your residence at night?" Li Xiuyuan said.

"You and I are both scholars, so why be so polite, besides, Mr. Li helped the old man find his daughter back today, and the old man has not repaid this kindness. If he doesn't show his kindness to the landlord, if it spreads, it will make people in the county laugh at me." Old man? Mr. Li, don’t delay, come on, since the painting has been delivered, Mr. Li might as well appreciate this painting, I believe Mr. Li will like it.”

After Master Qiao finished speaking, he smiled, but he opened the wooden box and hung up the painting.

This painting is quaint, the paper is yellowed, and it is some years old. The painting on it is a snow-white horse, slender, like a horse, like a dragon, strong and powerful, and extraordinary.

"Dragon Horse Picture."

Li Xiuyuan looked at the big characters on the painting, and then casually looked at the so-called dragon horse, but his face changed suddenly. He saw this dragon horse running in the painting, neighing, as if it was about to jump out of the painting and rush into the painting. The general in the lobby is not only lifelike, it is almost alive.

Just as he was looking at the dragon horse in the painting in amazement, and this snow-white dragon horse seemed to have seen Li Xiuyuan, with its head slightly turned to one side, and a pair of eyes looking at him curiously.

Those eyes were so agile that no one would suspect that the horse was just a painting, but a real horse.

One person and one horse, looking at each other through the painting at this moment, they all became quiet.

"This painting is...unusual."

After a while, Li Xiuyuan looked away, took a slight breath, and said in surprise.

Master Qiao stroked his beard and smiled: "Naturally, it's unusual, Mr. Li, does Mr. Li know who painted this painting?"

Li Xiuyuan searched the painting again, and finally found a name in the corner: Zhang Sengyou.

"What, it's Zhang Sengyou's painting." Li Xiuyuan said in surprise.

"Of course, and it's Zhang Sengyou's authentic work." Master Qiao said.

Li Xiuyuan said: "Zhang Sengyou's authentic work is enough to be called a treasure handed down from generation to generation. Master Qiao is truly blessed to have this painting."

Famous paintings like this are hard to come by, and this painting is too precious, so it is easy to attract people's covetousness. It is difficult to get it, and it is even more difficult to keep this painting. For example, the calligraphy sage Wang Xizhi, who dares to keep it at home?Just leaking the slightest bit of information is enough to bring disaster, even if the emperor knows about it, he will forcefully demand it from you.

This is the crime of being pregnant.

Of course, Zhang Sengyou's paintings may not be as good as Wang Xizhi's authentic works, but for scholars who love painting, they are treasures that are invaluable.

Even people like Li Xiuyuan, who don't like painting, feel emotional.

Master Qiao saw Li Xiuyuan like this, he couldn't help laughing and said: "Mr. Li only needs to save the little girl, and this painting will be given to Mr. Li."

Li Xiuyuan was about to agree, but after calming down for a while, he understood the meaning of Master Qiao's words.

Such handed down treasures were given to him just to save his own daughter. Obviously, the drunkard did not want to drink. This is using the dragon and horse picture as a dowry to recruit a son-in-law.

If the person is saved, Master Qiao will be fine with everything. Not only can he save his daughter, but he can also find a good marriage for her.

The Qiao family has no children, so sooner or later this painting will be taken advantage of by outsiders, so why not give it to Li Xiuyuan, whom I am quite fond of.

If you can't save your life, naturally don't talk too much about everything.

After calming down a bit, Li Xiuyuan said: "Master Qiao's words are serious. Wansheng doesn't dare to ask for such treasures. If Master Qiao has the heart, after Wansheng rescues Miss Qiao, he only needs to borrow this painting for one night. return."

He also expressed in his words that he had no nostalgia.

"Mr. Li, you're being polite. It's getting late now. Please, Mr. Li, go to bed early. The old man's house still has some trivial matters to deal with, so it's inconvenient to continue entertaining Mr. Li." Master Qiao's enthusiasm faded a lot immediately.

Obviously, being rejected by Li Xiuyuan in such a bad mood.

After all, scholars are all good-faced. Master Qiao took the initiative to raise this matter, but was rejected by a junior like Li Xiuyuan. Naturally, he would lose face.

"That night, I will disturb Master Qiao all night." Li Xiuyuan said.

After some courtesies, he left the lobby with the servants of Qiao's mansion, and temporarily stayed in the Qiao's mansion for a few days to solve the problem of Miss Qiao's lost soul.

"Eldest young master, why were you so surprised when you saw the painting just now? It's the first time I've seen the young master like this. In the past, there were ten thousand taels of gold beside the young master, and the young master didn't even blink his eyes. "The guard followed behind with luggage and asked curiously.

Li Xiuyuan shook his head and said, "What do you know? Gold and silver are vulgar things, and there are countless in the world, but there is only one dragon and horse picture of Seng Yao for 5000 years, and its value is incalculable."

"Young Master, who is that Zhang Seng Yao? His paintings are so expensive." The guard asked again.

Li Xiuyuan said: "Naturally, he is the master of Wu Daozi, a painter of the Tang Dynasty. Do you know who Wu Daozi is? He is a saint of painting and the No. 1 painter through the ages. Zhang Sengyao, but I don’t know if it’s true or not, but there is a story that can illustrate how powerful Zhang Sengyao’s paintings are, I don’t know if you have heard of it.”

"The younger ones are all vulgar people. How do you know about these scholars? If the eldest and young master are not bored, then tell the younger two."

Li Xiuyuan smiled and said: "That's fine, I have nothing to do when I'm free, just let me tell you. It is said that one day, Zhang Sengyou was painting a mural for a temple, and he painted four dragons. These four dragons were so lifelike that all the onlookers He was full of praise, but the four dragons had drawn everything except the eyes. Someone asked Zhang Sengyou why he didn't draw the eyes, but Zhang Sengyou said that the dragon flew away when the eyes were painted on. If you don’t believe me, you think it’s absurd, and you all ask him to draw eyes, but guess what? Zhang Sengyou painted the eyes, and the dragon with the eyes broke free from the wall and flew away, leaving only three eyeless dragons on the wall. superior."

"Master, is this true or false, so amazing?"

The guard's eyes widened and he felt very miraculous. He didn't expect that Zhang Sengyou was so powerful.

"I used to think that this was just a fabrication by the ancients, and it could not be true, but after seeing the picture of Seng Yao's dragon and horse today, I firmly believe it."

Recalling the situation just now, Li Xiuyuan couldn't help but let out a little breath: "The dragon horse in the painting really came back to life, but almost rushed out of the painting and ran out. I even heard the dragon horse neighing."

He is the fate of a saint, and he can see through any magic and Taoism at a glance, so it is certain that the dragon horse must have come alive in the painting.

The master of this painting saint Wu Daozi is indeed very capable, no wonder he can teach a painting saint.

"Young master, since this painting is so precious, why don't you agree to Mr. Qiao's business and earn him a painting." The guard's eyes lit up, and it seemed that he wanted the painting even more than Li Xiuyuan.

Li Xiuyuan said; "Master Qiao's words have a digression. Although it appears to be a gift from a family heirloom, he actually wants to recruit me as a son-in-law and let Qiao's daughter marry me."

"What, that old man is so greedy, he wants to marry a dying man to the eldest young master." The guard was furious for a moment, and even Master Qiao's title changed.

Li Xiuyuan shook his head and said with a smile: "Naturally, we only got married after saving Ms. Qiao. If you can't save her, then of course everything will be empty talk."

"This is also the young master's disadvantage. The young master will be the champion in the future. How can a person who becomes a high official take such a woman who died once? Moreover, the Qiao family is also ordinary. How can he be worthy of the young master? It’s not bad to be a concubine, but it’s not acceptable to be a wife, last time the master secretly got angry several times because of Miss Qingmei.” The guard said.

After finishing speaking, he seemed to feel that he had slipped his mouth, so he hurriedly closed his mouth again.

Ome?

Li Xiuyuan immediately thought of the infatuated woman who redeemed himself and went to him.

Just because I rescued her casually once when I was a child, I never forget it all my life. In order to seek a marriage, I missed the marriage card three times and died under the tree demon.

"Hey."

Sighing lightly, Li Xiuyuan didn't want to discuss these things about Mr. Qiao anymore.

(End of this chapter)