Chapter 50: Capturing Cai Yan and Discussing Destiny

Father and daughter Cai Yong and Cai Yan were immersed in the fan surface for a long time, playing with it continuously. Finally, they turned back to calligraphy and painting.

Cai Yan asked, "This painting seems simple but is just right. It perfectly blends with the poetic meaning. Can the young master tell me the painting technique?"

"The difference between this painting technique and traditional painting methods is that it doesn't deliberately pay attention to details but focuses on expressing artistic conception. Therefore, this painting technique is called 'freehand brushwork'. The implication is all in the artistic conception. When the artistic conception is achieved, the painting is completed. Of course, everyone's consciousness, realm, and imagination are different. Everyone can freely express themselves without being bound by one style. Even on this basis, a new realm can be created."

After Liu Zhan finished speaking, he picked up a paintbrush and sketched and smeared casually. In just a few strokes, the picture was completed.

This father and daughter are both extraordinary talents. After a little consideration, they understood the general idea. At the same time, they were also amazed by Liu Zhan's talent.

When it came to calligraphy, Liu Zhan briefly introduced the key points of calligraphy. After writing several fonts, he said, "The style of calligraphy is related to a person's character. People with a thick character should write thick and full fonts. People with a resolute character should write thin and hard fonts. People with inner elegance should write more delicate fonts. For example, Cai Yan should write delicate fonts."

As he spoke, Liu Zhan wrote various fonts. First, it was Yan Zhenqing's font, then it became Liu Gongquan's font. When he wrote again, it became Ouyang Xun's font. Even running script and cursive script were also written.

The father and daughter watching on the side were dazzled and overwhelmed for a while. This Four-Wonders Young Master really lived up to his reputation.

Putting down the pen, Liu Zhan said, "Although I have created these fonts and painting techniques, I don't have time and don't want to put too much effort into these aspects. My level is naturally very ordinary. If I really want to show my level, it still depends on master-level figures like Cai Zhonglang and geniuses like Cai Yan to complete it. I won't develop in this direction anymore in the future. My level is just like this. Hehe."

Liu Zhan and this father and daughter had a great discussion about poetry, painting, and calligraphy, enjoying themselves.

In the blink of an eye, it was almost noon. Liu Zhan was here as a guest. Of course, it was impossible to always talk about poetry and painting. When the food and wine were served, Liu Zhan sat down and began to chat casually with father and daughter Cai Yong.

The three of them talked about everything under the sun. Time passed quickly. Liu Zhan suddenly changed the topic and brought up the young man who had just left.

"I just saw the young man who went out. His health doesn't seem very good. He might be a short-lived person. I wonder who this young man is?"

This sentence from Liu Zhan shocked father and daughter Cai Yong and Cai Yan, leaving them stunned.

After a while, Cai Yong came to his senses and said to Liu Zhan, "This young man is my student. His name is Wei Zhongdao. He is the son of the Wei family in Hedong. He has just made a lifelong commitment with Cai Yan."

As soon as Liu Zhan heard this, it was indeed as he expected. He naturally knew the Wei family in Hedong. The Wei family in Hedong first rose to prominence with Wei Qing, a famous general in the Han Dynasty, and Wei Zifu, who was made empress. The Wei family rose rapidly from that moment on.

After Cai Yan married, the couple were very affectionate. Unfortunately, the good times didn't last long. Less than a year after marriage, Wei Zhongdao died of hemoptysis. Cai Yan didn't give birth to a child.

Later, Cai Wenji was despised by the Wei family. They thought she 'caused her husband's death'. At that time, Cai Yan, who was young, full of spirit, and proud, couldn't bear such contempt. Despite her father's opposition, she angrily returned home.

The later process was even more tragic. After Dong Zhuo's death, his generals Li Jue and others captured Chang'an again. The situation of warlord chaos finally formed.

The Qiang and Hu barbarians took the opportunity to plunder the Central Plains. In the situation of 'people in the Central Plains are weak. The incoming soldiers are all Hu and Qiang. They hunt freely and surround cities and towns. Everything they attack is destroyed. Men's heads are hung on horsebacks. Women are carried behind horses. They drive deep into the northern desert. The return path is dangerous and difficult.', Cai Yan and many abducted women were brought to the Southern Xiongnu together.

Liu Zhan asked for the birthdates of father and daughter Cai Yong and Cai Yan. After a brief look, he thought, sure enough, it was destined.

Although he was not very proficient in the principles of the Book of Changes, he still knew roughly. Coupled with the historical ending, it was easy to express it reasonably. Therefore, he decided to use a heavy dose of medicine. Taking down Cai Yan was the top priority.

Destiny is something innate. If one doesn't know how to avoid disasters and pursue good fortune, one will not be far from tragedy. If one struggles against destiny, it is tantamount to seeking one's own death.