Chapter 32 – Speaking of Paintings

Xu Chun tossed and turned throughout the night, barely getting any sleep. As soon as the sky began to lighten, he jumped out of bed and rummaged through his wardrobe for a goose-yellow pearl satin round-neck robe. He combed his hair and tried three different hairpins, ultimately finding gold and silver too vulgar and settling on white jade hairpins and a white jade pendant. He chose a Buddha hand incense sachet to wear, skipped breakfast, and instead grabbed a sesame cake on the go. Without bothering with a carriage, he rode his horse straight to Leisurely Cloud Workshop.

The weather was indeed exceptionally pleasant. Although it was still early spring, the lakeside willows were like wisps of smoke, and peach and plum blossoms resembled mist. The curtain had been raised on the season of spring outings.

Upon arriving at Leisurely Cloud Workshop, Xu Chun went upstairs and anxiously watched the entrance. Sure enough, when the agreed-upon time arrived, he saw Fang Zixing riding up with a carriage trailing behind him, stopping right at the workshop’s door.

Xu Chun ran down the stairs joyfully and greeted Fang Zixing with a smile, “Brother Fang, hello.”

Fang Zixing dismounted and replied with a grin, “Greetings, Prince Xu. Thank you for the zongzi.”

As Xu Chun approached, he noticed Wu Xingxue descending from the carriage. Xie Yi stepped out, observing that Xu Chun had clearly taken care to dress well, his features shining brightly. Smiling, he said, “Let’s go inside and talk.”

The bookshop wasn’t officially open yet, but they had chosen this specific time to take Xie Yi on a tour first. Xu Chun led him around the ground floor of the book building, explaining, “The entire bookshop is divided into two sections. The first section is a two-story building, where the ground floor sells new books, and the second floor sells old ones. There are benches for customers to read and browse.”

Xie Yi casually looked around, noticing the abundance of books neatly arranged on shelves. All of them were brand new. Underneath the bookshelves stood glossy black rosewood benches, indicating that they had been in use for some time. On the second floor, numerous old books were displayed. Beside both floors were study rooms provided for scholars to copy books. These rooms had notices posted, stating how much money could be earned by copying a book. If someone wished to take a book away, no charge would be made; only the cost of paper and ink would be collected.

Standing there, Xu Chun explained, “This isn’t meant to make a profit. It’s to attract scholars to come here. Where there are people, there’s money.”

Xie Yi smiled, “People do come, but they’re poor scholars who spend not a single coin. How do you make money?”

Xu Chun chuckled, guiding Xie Yi back down the corridor to the inner book building on the second floor. “I have a good method. Here, we have membership fees. A thousand coins can be exchanged for a hundred book tickets, which can be redeemed anytime. But if you use these tickets to buy paintings, goods, and books from Leisurely Cloud Workshop, everything is discounted by twenty percent. Additionally, you can read and copy books unlimitedly in the tea room.”

Xie Yi laughed, “You’ve got your methods. Even though pens, ink, paper, and inkstones are available everywhere, since they’re cheaper here and you offer the benefit of free reading and copying, naturally, people will buy them from you. Once the money exchanged for book tickets reaches your hands, it’s akin to prepaying the cost. Your cash flow accelerates, making it profitable for you.”

Xu Chun smiled, “Ninth Brother understands business too. Indeed, doing business involves looking at capital. If the capital can be turned over smoothly, profits can be made. However, my business doesn’t attract attention. After all, there are many experts in the capital, and I might unwittingly obstruct someone’s path to wealth and offend an influential person.”

He showed Xie Yi the goods on the ground floor, “Pens, ink, paper, and inkstones are all packaged in very exquisite bamboo boxes. The cost of the bamboo boxes is low, but they look more dignified than those from other shops. Many scholars buy them as gifts. The goods are sourced from Minzhou, where prices are much lower than in the capital. Of course, I only get this advantage because I can utilize Mother’s cargo ships, saving on transportation costs. But what truly makes a profit isn’t these items; it relies on the large number of people, earning money from the tea and snacks sold in the tea room upstairs.”

Xie Yi chuckled, “What kind of tea do you have? Have some prepared.”

Xu Chun responded, “Everything is already prepared on the third floor.”

Xie Yi glanced around at the shop’s shelves, which displayed beautifully packaged tea leaves, complete tea sets, colored paper cuttings, paperweights, pens, ink, paper, and inkstones—common items used in the study—and mosquito-repelling sachets, pen cases, book bags, and other objects, all complete and exquisitely crafted.

Xie Yi reached out to examine the golden bookmarks. Some were shaped like ginkgo leaves, others like women with high hairstyles, and still others like peach blossoms or bamboo leaves. They were adorned with exquisite tassels and beads, serving as both bookmarks and waist decorations. Besides bookmarks made of gold, silver, and copper, there were also ivory, jade, and bamboo ones, delicate and translucent, elegant and beautiful.

Xu Chun asked, “Ninth Brother, do you like any of them?”

Xie Yi replied, “No need. I’m not particular about such things.”

Xu Chun looked at Xie Yi, noticing that he wore nothing but a jade pendant and dressed in a simple black brocade robe. Embarrassed, he said, “Ninth Brother is too hard on himself.” He wondered if Xie Yi might think him excessively extravagant.

Xie Yi glanced at him and smiled, “Excessive self-discipline may be a plot for greater gains. It’s better for you to express your desires. I prefer your straightforward nature without ulterior motives.”

Xie Yi observed how the youth’s eyes brightened and his ears turned slightly red at his affirmation, confirming his innocence at a glance. He thought to himself, I’ve been taught stories about sages noticing subtle signs and fearing the appearance of an ivory chopstick since childhood. I’ve grown up hearing about self-discipline, upholding righteousness, inner sainthood and outer kingship, preserving the laws of heaven and extinguishing human desires, and being a sage emperor. It’s not as enjoyable as this child who lives freely by pursuing what he wants.

They continued walking up to the second floor of Leisurely Cloud Workshop, where the tea room was indeed exquisitely elegant. The seats were separated by screens, and the walls were adorned with calligraphy and paintings.

Xu Chun explained, “Additionally, the distinguished guest tea room can be reserved for literary gatherings. The entire third floor is my private space, with a room that allows me to oversee the operations of the first and second floors while also enjoying the view outside.”

After saying this, he led Xie Yi up to the third floor. Inside the tea room, a whole window was embedded with glass, offering a view of the scenery by the lake. Looking out, one felt their heart broaden and their spirit uplift. In the distance, one could faintly see the imperial city.

The four servants, Spring Stream, Summer Tide, Autumn Lake, and Winter Mountain, were all present today to serve. While someone prepared tea, another arranged fruits and pastries. Fang Zixing didn’t enter but stayed outside with Five Blessings and Six Etiquettes, saying he wanted to look around for anything good to buy for his family.

Xu Chun hurriedly smiled, “Brother Fang, just tell me what you fancy, and we’ll pack it up and deliver it to Lamp Grass Lane later. You won’t have to worry about a thing, or if it’s for someone else, just let us know, and we’ll handle the delivery.”

Fang Zixing chuckled, “I’ll take you up on that. Don’t cry if I take too much.”

Xu Chun assured him, “Why wouldn’t I be serious?”

Fang Zixing laughed and took Five Blessings and Six Smoothness downstairs. Xu Chun noticed that he was alone again with Ninth Brother, his spirits rising even more. Seeing that Spring Stream and Summer Tide had finished arranging everything, he was about to dismiss them when Xie Yi stopped him. “Wait, help me hang up the gift I brought. Let’s appreciate it together.”

Xu Chun was startled, “Ninth Brother, why did you bring another gift? The painting and books you gave last time were already very precious.”

Xie Yi smiled faintly, “I have my reasons.” He gestured toward the long case Fang Zixing had placed on the table earlier. “Open it and hang it up.”

Spring Stream promptly opened the case and pulled out a scroll, slowly unrolling it. They fetched a short folding screen and hung the painting on it for easy viewing.

Xu Chun stood up to admire the painting. At first glance, it was filled with figures, the lines dense and sparse in harmony, the color tones imbued with an ancient charm. He praised it, “Ninth Brother, what’s the name of this painting?”

Xie Yi opened the teacup lid on the table, looking at the set of white jade cups filled with tender green tea leaves. He commented casually, “It’s called ‘The Repeated Screen Chess Game Picture.’ It’s a Song dynasty copy of the original by Zhou Wenju of Southern Tang. What kind of tea is this? It’s a bit bitter.”

Xu Chun explained, “It’s made from the tender hearts of bamboo leaves. With spring arriving, we picked the tea leaf hearts from Bamboo Branch Workshop ourselves. It’s rare to find something so clean, which clears heat and detoxifies. Ninth Brother, try it first. If you don’t like it, we can switch to another type.”

Xie Yi remarked, “Hmm, you, who rake in money daily, are trying to fool me with this tea?”

Xu Chun didn’t turn around, his eyes seemingly glued to the painting. “Ninth Brother, this is something only our family uses. We’re just savoring the spring and wild flavors, aiming for the fresh and vibrant appearance. Ninth Brother isn’t a common man. There will be good dishes later. Since you were poisoned last time, your spleen and stomach must still be weak. Don’t drink strong tea before meals; this light bamboo leaf tea is quite good. Drink less of it so you can enjoy the main meal later.”

Xie Yi smiled faintly and took a shallow sip, as Xu Chun complimented, “This painting is excellent. There’s a painting within the painting, a screen within the screen. No wonder it’s called ‘repeated screen.’ The brushwork is extremely thin and hard. Look at the clothing patterns; they have slight pauses, which should be the legendary trembling brush technique. The figures are well-painted; these people all have the grace of jade, their faces relaxed and elegant, appearing very leisurely and wealthy. This is the painting style of the Tang dynasty, with plump muscles and graceful bones.”

Xie Yi nodded, “Mm, these four people have names.”

Xu Chun eagerly asked, “Ninth Brother, teach me.”

Xie Yi explained, “In the middle is Li Jing, the Middle Emperor of Southern Tang—the father of Li Houzhu, who wrote ‘When will these spring flowers and autumn moons end?’ Do you know about Li Houzhu? He’s mentioned in that Southern Wind book of yours, the poem about the Rear Palace Flowers…”

Xu Chun interrupted hastily, “I know, Ninth Brother. This is Li Jing. What about the other three?”

Xie Yi secretly found it amusing but continued, “The other three, the one watching the chess game with Li Jing is his third brother, Li Jingsui, the Prince of Taibei and King of Jin. The two playing chess in front are Li Jingda, the Prince of Qi, and Li Jingdi, the Prince of Jiang, who rank fourth and fifth respectively.”

Xu Chun inquired, “Why isn’t the second son here?”

Xie Yi replied, “Mm, the second son was Li Jingqian, who died in his twenties. Allegedly, many ministers strongly supported him becoming the crown prince, and Li Jing’s father didn’t want to pass the throne to him. Unfortunately, his most favored second son died, so he ended up establishing the eldest son. However, Li Jing himself always declined the position of crown prince and, after ascending the throne, still appointed his third brother Li Jingsui as the Imperial Prince.”

Xu Chun observed, “Succession from brother to brother?”

Xie Yi nodded, standing up and lightly pointing at Li Jing, the Middle Emperor. “The Middle Emperor consistently expressed unwillingness to be the emperor and a strong desire to retreat to the mountains. That’s why he instructed the palace painter to create this painting, conveying to his brothers, ministers, the people, and future generations his affection for his brothers and his determination to pass the throne to them.”

Xu Chun was bewildered, “So it was like this. No wonder there are only black pieces on the chessboard, arranged in the shape of the Big Dipper. The Big Dipper is the highest star in the sky, representing the position of the monarch, right?”

Xie Yi nodded, “Yes, you’ve noticed this detail carefully. According to the Book of Huainan, ‘The emperor stretches out the four directions and moves them with the Dipper.’ The order of these four people represents the sequence of succession among brothers. Now look behind them. Behind the screen within the screen is a famous figure—it’s Prefect Bai Letian of Jiang Prefecture.”

Xu Chun was surprised, “Ah, Bai Juyi?”

Xie Yi affirmed, “Bai Letian wrote a poem called ‘Sleeping by Accident,’ which goes, ‘Place the cup on the desk, lie down in front of the brazier.'” Xie Yi pointed at the poet lying on his side in the painting: “See, it’s exactly the same. This is his wife, ‘My wife teaches me to take off my black hat, my servant spreads out the green mat.’ The landscape painting behind him also expresses his desire for seclusion, ‘It’s like a screen, why bother to paint ancient sages.’”

“The Middle Emperor had Bai Letian’s poem incorporated into the painting as a screen, expressing his intention to retire to the mountains and have no interest in power, allowing his brothers to feel at ease.”

Xu Chun commented, “The Middle Emperor does seem to trust his brothers greatly.”

Xie Yi smiled faintly, “However, the final outcome was that his eldest son, Li Hongyi, poisoned his third uncle, Li Jingsui, to death. Li Hongyi himself died in terror, and Li Jingda claimed illness for a long time, refusing to appear. Ultimately, after Li Jing’s death, his sixth son, Li Yu, ascended the throne.”

Xu Chun stared at Xie Yi, somewhat stunned. “Ninth Brother, are you suggesting that Li Jing’s display of brotherly love at that time was an act?”

Xie Yi shook his head, “Perhaps at that moment, he was genuinely sincere.”

Xu Chun fell silent. Xie Yi continued, “This painting is a Song dynasty copy. Notice the seal of Emperor Huizong of Song on it. Do you know why the Song imperial court collected such a painting?”

Xu Chun asked, “Why?”

Xie Yi smiled faintly, “This leads to the famous case of the shadow of a candle and the sound of an ax, a mystery throughout history. In short, Emperor Taizong of Song wanted to show the world that he and his emperor brother had an extremely close relationship. Brother-to-brother succession was in line with tradition, and his ascension to the throne was legitimate.”

Xu Chun looked at Xie Yi, sensing that there was something unsaid in his words.

At that moment, however, Autumn Lake came to report from outside, “Young Master, the Marquisate has sent someone to urgently request that you return immediately.”

Xu Chun was dissatisfied, raising his head. “Didn’t I say to ignore anyone who comes and push them off? Just say I’m busy reviewing my studies and won’t be coming back.”

Autumn Lake whispered, “Young Master, today is the day the results of the metropolitan examination are announced. Your elder brother passed, and the imperial examination will be held soon. Madam insists that you must return to celebrate.”

Xu Chun’s face fell, turning to look at Xie Yi. Xie Yi smiled faintly, “Your eldest brother has succeeded. You should return to congratulate him. Go ahead. We can eat another time. Anyway, I came here today primarily to deliver the painting.”

Xu Chun looked at his smiling face and then at the painting. Suddenly, a surge of warmth welled up in his heart. “Ninth Brother, did you specially choose this painting to tell me this?” Was it because of his complaints about his brothers last night?

Xie Yi chuckled, “Maybe there were genuine moments, but ultimately, it’s all about personal gain. One must never let down one’s guard against others. You’re extremely clever and well-versed in worldly affairs. Just be careful yourself.”