Chapter 404: The Face of Jealousy

"Are you jealous of the famous masters of the previous dynasty, so you sold the calligraphy book to me for a mere two hundred taels?" Chen Guanlou speculated with a small-minded heart.

Xie Changling was like a cat with its fur standing on end. "I would be jealous of a dead person, and a dead person who has been dead for hundreds of years! Prison Clerk Chen, you don't have to buy it, please don't humiliate me. Also, two hundred taels is really not cheap; in my opinion, a mere calligraphy book by a famous master of the previous dynasty, fifty taels is enough."

And he said he wasn't jealous.

The face of jealousy was clear, plain, and obvious.

Chen Guanlou didn't expose him. "Let's make it two hundred taels. Since Lord Xie is confident in surpassing the famous masters of the previous dynasty, why don't you write a few strokes at the back of the calligraphy book and stamp a seal? Many years later, a mere calligraphy book of the previous dynasty will surely become valuable and increase in value because Lord Xie is famous all over the world."

This idea was something he thought of on the spot.

In his view, Xie Changling was definitely not a thing in a pond; sooner or later he would soar, and he might really become a prime minister and a famous official in the world.

A calligraphy book, two famous masters—the value would certainly double.

Moreover, the top scholar's calligraphy must be extremely beautiful and have extreme collection value. To take the top scholar exam, the calligraphy must be beautiful first. Ugly calligraphy would have been brushed off during the scholar exam; there was no possibility of entering the palace exam.

"Prison Clerk Chen's mouth must have been blessed; I will accept your auspicious words first. Since you are thirsty for my calligraphy, I will reluctantly agree. When you get the calligraphy book, prepare the best pen and ink, and I will write an article to congratulate the Marquis's heir on his return to the capital and wish him a bright future."

Look at this arrogant face.

Chen Guanlou clicked his tongue twice, but he didn't feel disgusted. Arrogance due to talent—every era has such people. If the top scholar isn't arrogant, that's called hypocrisy. If he were the top scholar, his eyes would be on top of his head for a lifetime. Ancestral graves smoking wouldn't be enough; they would have to be burning, they would have to be on fire.

The two agreed on this matter.

Xie Changling wrote a note.

Chen Guanlou took the note and went to the Xie mansion in person to get the calligraphy book. There was an interlude: Xie Changling's wife came out to see him in person, asking about Xie Changling's prison life and sending silver, entrusting him to take extra care. Upon learning that the Heavenly Prison was freezing, she immediately sent several quilts and thick cotton clothes.

"I didn't know it was colder inside the prison than outside before, so I didn't prepare enough. Many thanks to Prison Clerk Chen for the reminder."

"If your family members have time, appropriately taking time to visit the prison is good for the prisoner's emotional stability."

"Prison Clerk Chen is right. It's just that my husband has a stubborn temper and refuses to let us visit, and even if we go, he refuses to see us."

"Then let the steward of your mansion run around more. The Heavenly Prison is different from the Imperial Prison; the management of the Heavenly Prison is relatively humane, and we generally cooperate with reasonable requests."

The premise of cooperation is naturally that the silver is in place.

There is no need to say these words; those who understand the unspoken rules understand.

"Thank you so much today. If it weren't for Prison Clerk Chen's notification, I would still be in the dark, knowing nothing. I made some small snacks for my husband; I wonder if they can be sent in together."

"Food and drink are not allowed. Prisoners can only eat the food and drink prepared by the prison guards. Please forgive me, Madam."

"Understood, understood."

The steward retrieved the famous master's calligraphy book.

Chen Guanlou immediately put on gloves and carefully flipped through it. Having followed Master Du for so long, he still learned a little. For example, wearing gloves was learned from Master Du.

Afterward, he wrapped the famous master's calligraphy book with soft cotton cloth, wrapped it in another layer of waterproof oilcloth, put it into a wooden box, and took his leave.

The two hundred taels were directly credited to Xie Changling's private account in the Heavenly Prison.

Chen Guanlou paying this money was equivalent to moving it from his left hand to his right hand, just going through a pen and ink procedure.

Seeing the banquet was imminent.

After getting the calligraphy book, Chen Guanlou fleeced the best pen and ink from Master Du, specially invited Xie Changling to the office, and let him write an article.

Master Du learned that the great top scholar Xie was going to write, and as a gift for the Marquis Prefecture, he thickened his face and endured his discomfort with the Heavenly Prison, running to the Heavenly Prison to observe.

Chen Guanlou introduced the two on the spot.

Xie Changling behaved politely this time, facing Master Du, who was much older, without putting on airs, directly performing the junior's salute.

On the contrary, Master Du was full of panic, repeatedly avoiding it. "This cannot be done, this cannot be done. I admire Lord Xie's talent very much. Learning that Lord Xie is going to write in person today, I thickened my face to observe, and I hope Lord Xie will forgive me."

"No problem! I have no special quirks when writing; just don't make noise to disturb me."

"Definitely, definitely. I will absolutely not make noise to disturb you."

Master Du even took the initiative to take on the responsibility of supervising Chen Guanlou, signaling him to shut up with his eyes.

Chen Guanlou:...

The bad habits of readers, he endured it!

Xie Changling pondered for a moment at the last two blank pages of the calligraphy book and raised his pen to write. He had a plan in his heart early on, and the content was familiar to his heart. The top-grade brush matched with top-grade ink made his writing appear extremely smooth and fluent, almost in one go, without the slightest hesitation or pause in the middle.

Waving the brush and splashing ink, it was done in one go.

The top scholar's strength could be glimpsed from this.

Seeing the last stroke fall, Master Du finally let out a long breath, his expression unable to hide his excitement. "Lord Xie's skill is better than in the past, more settled, and the brushwork has formed its own style, already having the demeanor of a master."

"Have you seen my calligraphy?"

"When Lord Xie was named top scholar, the article was posted, and I was fortunate enough to see it once. Several years have passed, and Lord Xie already has the demeanor of a famous master. It's just a pity that it's very difficult to see Lord Xie's ink treasures among the people."

Xie Changling put down the brush and said expressionlessly, "Before, I worked in the Donggong, and matters involved the Crown Prince of the Donggong. Pen and ink documents were important things and could not be easily leaked. Therefore, anyone who invited calligraphy and paintings would be rejected. If it weren't for being trapped in prison now, without the constraints of status, I would never dare to write at will."

"Lord Xie is right. Things in the world are impermanent. But I believe Lord Xie will surely be able to see the clouds open and see the moon."

"I accept your auspicious words!" Xie Changling's expression was gloomy, as if he had thought of some unhappy things.

Chen Guanlou got the ink treasure, the gift problem was solved, and he was in a good mood. So he waved his hand and granted a favor: "Lord Xie, don't be in a hurry to return to the Heavenly Prison; continue to sit and drink a cup of tea. I'll have the kitchen prepare two small dishes for you, and we'll have a drink in a while."

This was his way of thanking him.

Rather than thanking him verbally, it's better to give something substantial. What is more valuable than coming out of prison to get some air, eating a good meal, and experiencing the feeling of being a human being?

"I won't be polite with Prison Clerk Chen." Xie Changling arched his hands, counting as a thank you.

Master Du teased, "Lord Xie, eat and drink as much as you want, don't be polite with Prison Clerk Chen. If you stroke his fur in the right direction, he is actually very easy to talk to." ===== CHAPTER 405 =====