The Transmigrated Li Jin's Daily Farming Life (Translated With Mtl)

Chapter 109

Practicing calligraphy under Pang Lao wasn't as simple as putting pen to paper; it involved grinding ink on an inkstone and writing directly on a large, smooth rock by the pool.

In the afternoon, Pang Lao reviewed Li Jin's regular handwriting and found it quite satisfactory. He then inquired if Li Jin had any experience with other font styles.

The answer, of course, was no.

Pang Lao was somewhat surprised but didn't comment further. He had accepted Li Jin as his disciple, and there was no turning back.

However, Pang Lao understood that due to Li Jin's prior focus on the imperial examinations and his family circumstances, he hadn't had the resources to practice other font styles.

Pang Lao remarked, "At first glance, your regular script appears conventional, but upon closer inspection, it carries a subtle edge, as if no one in the world can make you yield."

Pausing, he wore a more serious expression than his usual playful demeanor and continued, "Xiuzhi, this won't do. You were previously preparing for the scholar's exam, and magistrates, prefects, and scholars may appreciate the sharpness in your writing because they are constrained by societal norms. They hope for someone to break through and become a refreshing voice in the court.

"However, Xiuzhi, during our interactions over the past month and a half, I've noticed that while you possess spirit and sharpness, your actions are steady and grounded. You don't seek to present yourself as overly sharp."

Li Jin listened attentively, feeling somewhat astonished.

Pang Lao, a master of calligraphy, was adept at judging people through their writing—precise and unyielding.

Li Jin indeed didn't want to reveal his sharpness too prominently, but he hadn't realized these subtleties within his writing.

After all, his personal motto had always been 'have a tiger in the heart, but handle family with tenderness and friends with warmth and sincerity.'

The reason for his inner sharpness was that, in this era, he had people he wanted to protect. Simply yielding wouldn't earn their understanding; it often led to others taking advantage.

So, ever since he arrived in Fucheng last year, the sharpness in Li Jin's writing had become more pronounced, reflecting his emotional state.

As a newcomer to an unfamiliar city, he wasn't as composed as he appeared on the surface. Still, as a man, he had to shoulder these responsibilities.

When he had first arrived, Qin Muwen was only eighteen, and Baozi was even younger. Li Jin was determined to grow stronger and protect his family.

While he appeared calm on the surface, he channeled his inner emotions into his writing, inadvertently sharpening his pen.

This fact was now keenly pointed out by Pang Lao.

Li Jin immediately asked how to address this issue.

Old Pang said, "Before you practice regular calligraphy, start by writing cursive three times to incorporate your edge into it. Then, when you write regular handwriting, it will be more disciplined. Since you aim to pursue the imperial examination path, your regular handwriting must strike the right balance. It can't be too sharp, but it also shouldn't be too conventional. However, there's no rush; I'll help you adjust gradually."

As Li Jin made a gesture of respect, Old Pang waved his hand, saying, "You are my disciple; whom else would I teach? Today, after finishing this bowl of ink, you may leave."

It turned out that when Pang Lao mentioned "three stones," he meant writing on the large rocks by the shore three times.

After Li Jin had finished writing once, he scooped water from the pool to clean the bottom of the stone. As he reached the front, the water flowed back into the pool.