Chapter 311: Chapter 115: The Master’s Guidance Chapter 311: Chapter 115: The Master’s Guidance The walk from the back yard to the front yard wasn’t short. Fortunately, Yueyao had been training for such a long time that she had good stamina, showing no change in complexion after walking such a long distance.
The weather had cooled down, but it was still hot and stuffy walking on the road at noon without the sun, and after such a long walk, Hua Lei couldn’t go on any further. Hua Lei thought she should also train herself a bit, being unable to outdo even her own lady really was too embarrassing.
Seeing the sweat on Yueyao’s forehead, the maid asked caringly, “Cousin Miss, why don’t you rest in the pavilion for a while?”
Yueyao shook her head, “No need, I can’t keep Uncle waiting.”
Upon arriving at the study, Yueyao revealed a comfortable smile. She had been here several times before.
Ma Chengteng hadn’t seen Yueyao for over a month, and, seeing her looking well, he said with satisfaction, “You’ve grown taller, and your complexion isn’t bad either. If anything happens at Lian Mansion, you must not hide it or hesitate, tell Uncle immediately.”
Yueyao shook her head, “Uncle, I’m doing very well at the mansion.” It wasn’t that she was unwilling to talk to Ma Chengteng; she just felt these were trivial matters and it wasn’t necessary to bother Uncle with them. If Uncle had to intervene in everything, it would not only become annoying for him eventually, but it would also be embarrassing for her. After all, she wasn’t a baby still on the teat, depending on others for everything.
Ma Chengteng was reassured, “That’s good then.”
Out of curiosity, Yueyao asked, “Uncle, is there something you needed to see me for?” She knew that if Uncle asked her to come to the study, he must have something serious to say, and she wondered what it could be that made Uncle so formal.
Ma Chengteng took a painting scroll off the shelf. When he unrolled it, Yueyao saw it was the painting she did last time, but now there were several lines of text added to the painting.
After reading it, Yueyao’s heart thumped so hard it almost leapt out, “Uncle, are these comments from Mr. Yu Shan?” Since her rebirth, this was the first time Yueyao had felt so excited. She had only asked Uncle to try his luck before, without holding out much hope. Unexpectedly, she really received guidance from Mr. Yu Shan.
Looking at his niece’s flush of excitement, Ma Chengteng chuckled. The child always acted so mature, so it was rare to see such an expression. Indeed, no matter how composed she usually was, she was still just a nine-year-old child in the end, “Mr. Yu Shan’s comments are on the painting, see for yourself.”
The painting bore the words, “Seeing the mountain as a mountain, seeing the water as water; seeing the mountain not as a mountain, seeing the water not as water; seeing the mountain still as a mountain, seeing the water still as water.”
Yueyao was bewildered, not understanding what this meant. She hadn’t painted any mountains or rivers, so why would there be such comments? What she had painted was only the begonia flowers in Begonia Garden, casually integrating the scenery of the courtyard into it.
Yueyao wasn’t doubting that Mr. Yu Shan had made a mistake in his critique; she simply felt it was too profound and she couldn’t comprehend it. Yueyao asked urgently, “Uncle, what does this phrase mean?”
Ma Chengteng opened his mouth, “You should try to figure it out yourself first.” However, Mr. Yu Shan had told him it would be best to let Yueyao experience and understand it on her own first. Only then could she improve.
Yueyao stared at the painting, lost in thought.
Seeing his niece’s furrowed brows that could twist into ropes, Ma Chengteng couldn’t help but give a hint, “Mr. Yu Shan said this phrase represents three levels, and you’re now at the second level. Whether you can cross the second level to reach the third is up to your own insight.” Mr. Yu Shan had also said that if Yueyao could overcome the second threshold and enter the third, she could become a Great Painter, and her future would be boundless. But if she couldn’t, she would remain at her current skill level for the rest of her life.
At first, Mr. Yu Shan had been unwilling to critique the painting when he saw it, only reluctantly agreeing to do so for the sake of face. He simply commented that the painting was stiff and emotionless, possessing form but lacking spirit, a mere work of the lowest order.
Ma Chengteng was incredulous.
It was only after Mr. Yu Shan learned that the painting was from the hands of a nine-year-old girl that he changed his attitude. However talented and insightful she may be, Mr. Yu Shan shared the same view as Teacher Wen: it was a pity that Yueyao was a girl. After a girl marries and has children, her life would be confined to the inner courtyards, constantly entangled with domestic trivialities–no chance to gain experience or knowledge.
Of course, Mr. Yu Shan hadn’t completely dismissed the possibility, after all, Yueyao was still just a nine-year-old girl, and how her future would unfold wasn’t something he could definitively determine. So the sentence he left on the painting was just that–a remark, not really expecting Yueyao to overcome the second barrier. Countless people linger at this threshold, never advancing further. This threshold requires not only insight and talent but also life experience and understanding. Unfortunately, Yueyao simply lacked the latter.