Chapter 374: Emperor Li Shimin’s One is Fake! The True Artifact Is in Luo Feng’s Hands! (3)
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
“The possibility is there, but I cannot be certain.”
The collection of calligraphy connoisseurs deliberated, their collective voices echoing doubt. After substantial thought, they began gravitating towards the conclusion that the artwork might be a rehearsal piece crafted by a progeny of Wang Xizhi.
This idea had also crossed Luo Feng’s mind. However, after perusing the entire piece, he briskly dismissed the thought.
Within the Orchid Pavilion Preface lay a multitude of seals, a significant number of which were the handiwork of notable figures from the Eastern Jin period, including Wang Xizhi’s personal seal.
If this document was genuinely penned at the Orchid Pavilion gathering by
Wang Xizhi, the seals’ existence raised eyebrows. The logistical hurdles in that era were significant, making the assembly of such illustrious personalities in a single location a challenging feat.
Could Wang Xizhi have returned home, rewritten the piece, circulated copies, and then had the seals attached? It seemed overly calculated, too staged.
“Hmm!”
At this instant, Luo Feng zeroed in on a specific seal. Edging closer for a clearer view, he exclaimed, “This… this is the seal of Master Zhiyong!”
Upon recognizing it, laughter bubbled from him, “Ah, now it all makes sense…
now it all makes sense.”
Seeing Luo Feng’s boisterous laughter, Gu Santong, utterly befuddled, asked, “Master Zhiyong?”
Of course, Gu Santong was familiar with this individual.
Master Zhiyong, formally known as Wang Faji, hailed from Kuaiji. His life spanned from the end of the Southern Chen dynasty to the commencement of the Sui dynasty. Despite experiencing the turmoil of war during his formative years, which led him to join the monastic order alongside his family, he ultimately ended up residing at the Yongxin Temple (originally Yunmen Temple) Library. Here, he embraced solitude and committed to a diligent study of calligraphy for three decades.
Being a descendant of Wang Xizhi, Zhiyong had inherited the unparalleled talents of his ancestors. His comprehension and relentless practice eventually placed him amongst the calligraphy masters. Many Sui and Tang dynasty calligraphers studied his works. Esteemed scholars like Zhi Guo, Biancai, and Yu Shinan were among his disciples who reverently referred to Zhiyong as a “Calligraphy Prodigy. ”
“Yes, the very same monk, a seventh-generation descendant of Wang Xizhi!” Luo Feng confirmed, his smile widening, “This Preface to the Orchid Pavilion is genuine!”
This revelation stunned the gathered crowd into silence.
“The Preface to the Orchid Pavilion is akin to a cherished heirloom of the Wang family!”
“By Master Zhiyong’s time, it had been passed down seven generations!”
“There have been numerous remarkable calligraphers in the Wang family, and among them, only the two Wangs and Master Zhiyong have gained notable recognition!”
“The original Preface to the Orchid Pavilion was in Master Zhiyong’s safekeeping. It was only transferred to his disciple Biancai upon his demise!”
“However, ‘those with jade invite calamity.’ The Tang dynasty was teeming with calligraphy enthusiasts, particularly for the ink treasures of Wang Xizhi!”
“Emperor Taizong of Tang summoned Biancai to the capital thrice, seeking the location of the Preface to the Orchid Pavilion!”
“Yet, Biancai feigned ignorance, adamantly claiming no knowledge of the Preface’s whereabouts!”
“Emperor Taizong concocted a somewhat dubious scheme to obtain the
Preface!”
“The renowned painter Yan Liben documented this event, thus birthing the ‘Xiaoyi Earning Orchid Pavilion Picture’!”
“However, it appears now that Biancai did not fall for Emperor Taizong’s trickery. He instead came up with a plan to pass off a copy, ensuring the original’s preservation!”
Despite hearing this, Zhang Shaowei remained perplexed, objecting, “But that doesn’t align with what we know of the calligraphy piece, the Preface to the Orchid Pavilion is supposed to be written on paper, this piece is on silk, it simply doesn’t correlate!”
Luo Feng flashed a smile and lifted the piece, “If it were not on silk, how could it have fooled Emperor Taizong? Teacher Zhang, are you not familiar with the phrase ‘the true masquerades as false, the false parades as true’? Emperor Taizong presumed the silk copy was a counterfeit, yet, in truth, the genuine piece is hidden within this silk artifact.”
“So, you’re suggesting the authentic Preface to the Orchid Pavilion… Is concealed within this….’
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