July’s sky was the hottest period, when most people would choose not to step outside. Yet, near noon, Ma’s Mansion welcod a visitor.
Mr. Yu Shan had drunk too much at a friend’s ho yesterday, so he had stayed over. It was not until close to noon that he returned ho and saw Yueyao’s letter stating she had created a good painting, so he imdiately rushed over. He wanted to see for himself what kind of painting could make Yueyao proclaim its rit.
Upon entering the studio, Mr. Yu Shan saw the "South Street Market Scene Painting" that occupied half the room. He walked straight up to the painting and gazed at it intently for over half a Shichen Chinese Ti before turning around to ask, "Is this the painting you ntioned?"
After Mr. Yu Shan finished observing, Yueyao asked, "Teacher, if there are any shortcomings in this painting, please point them out."
With a hearty laugh, Mr. Yu Shan looked at Yueyao and said, "There’s no need for my guidance anymore, you’ve developed your own style, and it’s excellent." Mr. Yu Shan couldn’t be happier that Yueyao had not only found her own style but also one that was unique.
Anxiously, Yueyao inquired, "Does this an, Teacher, that I’m now a Great Painter?" After serving tea that ti, Yueyao had started referring to Mr. Yu Shan as ’Teacher,’ and he did not disagree, thereby tacitly accepting the title, and she had continued to address him as ’Teacher’ ever since.
Smiling, Mr. Yu Shan said to Yueyao, "Do you know why I didn’t formally take you as a disciple back then?" It wasn’t appropriate to discuss it at that ti, but now there were no such reservations. Yueyao’s style had developed, and she would no longer be influenced by others.
Yueyao shook her head: "Please enlighten , Teacher." She was also puzzled; if Mr. Yu Shan hadn’t intended to take her as a disciple, why did he ticulously teach her?
Mr. Yu Shan repeated his initial concerns.
Yueyao’s mouth fell open wide enough to fit a salted duck egg, and it took her a long while to collect her thoughts before she said, "Teacher, do you an..." This was too high an expectation for her!
Excitedly, Mr. Yu Shan said, "Yueyao, your paintings, whether in terms of subject matter, concepts, or craftsmanship, are genuine, natural, and moving. Especially this painting—it’s filled with the essence of life and easily resonates with others. Yueyao, your progress has exceeded my expectations. Yueyao, you are on your way, but you must continue to strive hard. Ultimately, you will go far."
Mr. Yu Shan was very excited and lost his composure in his joy, speaking extensively to Yueyao. He ant that Yueyao’s painting style represented innovation and hoped that Yueyao would take on the responsibility of leading in artistic innovation and inspire others to walk the path of innovation.
Yueyao was so startled by Mr. Yu Shan’s words that she was speechless for a long while.
Xiang Wei finally spoke up, "Mr. Yu Shan, you should let the lady paint as she pleases. Forcing growth has no benefits." Xiang Wei felt that Yueyao could not live up to Mr. Yu Shan’s expectations because the responsibility was too great, a burden Yueyao couldn’t handle, even though she was capable, lacking only the necessary boldness.
Mr. Yu Shan recovered his senses and said with a smile to the stunned Yueyao, "I rely spoke too much out of joy upon seeing your significant progress. This isn’t sothing that can be accomplished in a day or by one or two people; it requires everyone’s effort. Yueyao, just continue to follow your own desires." To achieve breakthroughs in painting requires the collective efforts of many. It’s not sothing Yueyao can achieve alone.
Yueyao sighed deeply, truly shaken by Mr. Yu Shan’s words. She had no idea how to inspire others to innovate; she hadn’t even fully understood where her own innovations lay. She had rely painted according to her own heart’s desires.
Seeing Yueyao’s confused look, Mr. Yu Shan didn’t know whether to be happy or sad for her single-mindedness. The idea of Yueyao leading a new force in innovative thought was dood to fail because it didn’t suit her temperant.
Mr. Yu Shan shook his head; n and won were indeed different. If Yueyao had been a man, she would have been filled with ambition upon hearing his words, rather than scared half to death. Mr. Yu Shan chuckled and shook his head, letting the matter go, "How many paintings do you still have here?"
After thinking for a mont, Yueyao replied, "Nine. Including this one, that makes ten." Yueyao had produced many paintings, but she checked them monthly, destroying any she wasn’t satisfied with. These nine paintings were the ones she was quite happy with, so she had kept them.
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