The Breeze of Dusk with the Scent of Musk

Chapter 6: The Growth of Yueliang and Taiyang

In the Crown Kingdom in the Peace Province in the Jasmine City, one day, Emperor Wei Jian was chatting with his wife, Fang Huan, about Yueliang and Taiyang and here is a snapshot of their conversation:

Wei: Fang, what do you think about growth of Yueliang and Taiyang? Are they growing well at the right pace?

Fang: Do you mean their mental growth?

Wei: Yes, the physical growth is out of my concern. I am concerned about their personal and mental growth.

Fang: As far as their studies are concerned, they both are diligent and study regularly. They also pass their exams with high grades. I think they are in safe zone. No need to worry about that.

Wei: But do you know, Fang, that studies are not the only dimension for human growth. There are other dimensions that need to be considered and taken care of.

Fang: What do you mean, Wei? Can you be more specific and concrete?

Wei: I mean the dimension of hobbies. Sometimes, people achieve more and greater success at their hobbies than their professions or studies.

Fang: The major hobby for Yueliang is Chinese calligraphy. He is fond of writing Chinese symbols and valuable wisdom in a beautiful way. His handwriting is charming and elegant. As for Taiyang, her major hobby is drawing and painting and she likes to draw and paint about nature. Her drawings and paintings are hung in her room for adornment.

Wei: But now their hobbies are limited in impact and no one knows about them except a few. I think we should step further and help them promote their work and reach a wider audience.

Fang: Do you have an idea in mind?

Wei: Why do not we establish for them an exhibition room inside the palace in which they display their art?

Fang: That is a good idea. But who will visit this exhibition room?

Wei: The people authorized to be in the palace such as ministers, officials, servants and maids.

Fang: But the problem with this is that these people are still limited in number. Wei, I have a better idea on top of your idea.

Wei: Tell me. I am listening to you fully.

Fang: Why do not we open an art gallery for Yueliang and Taiyang? The art gallery will have two sections: one section for the works of Yueliang and one section for the works of Taiyang. The art gallery is open to all people with a reasonable entrance fee. This will help us monetize the skills of Yueliang and Taiyang and turn them into a profitable project.

Wei: Wow! That is a great idea, Fang. I think this should be our goal.

The emperor summoned Yueliang and Taiyang and after they arrived, the following conversation took place:

Wei: Yueliang, Taiyang. How are you doing, my dear son and daughter?

Yueliang and Taiyang: We are doing well. Thank you, our dear father and mother.

Wei: I heard about your hobbies and I want to know more about that. Yueliang, how many Chinese pieces of wisdom have you written so far?

Yueliang: I have in my room 100 pieces of Chinese wisdom with beautiful calligraphy.

Fang: Taiyang, how many drawings and paintings do you have so far?

Taiyang: I have 50 drawings and paintings in my room; some are hung on the walls while others are in my drawers.

Fang: Your father and I have a marvelous idea for you. We want to cherish your talent, help you promote your skills and share your art with people.

Taiyang: I am really excited to know about your plan, my dear mother.