Capítulo 86: Chapter 41: Qingfeng Bookhouse
Yueyao followed Ma Chengteng to a bookhouse. The shopkeeper presented a book of Ou style calligraphy. Yueyao, after finishing it, shook her head, "This is not good." Yueyao did not expect to find the original manuscript but at least hoped for a handwritten copy by a famous person.
Ma Chengteng actually thought that supplying Lian Tingzheng with a calligraphy book for beginners was sufficient, but Yueyao believed they needed to start with a high standard. Otherwise, starting low would mean always looking up to peers in the future.
Yueyao picked several shops in succession, all with a shake of her head—not what she wanted. Some things could be compromised, but others could not. After another disappointment, Yueyao became somewhat impatient. It was rare for her to come out, and if she could not buy a book to her liking, she did not know when next she would be able to come.
Ma Chengteng, observing Yueyao's mood, suggested after a moment of thought, "If so, then let us go to Qingfeng Bookhouse." Qingfeng Bookhouse was, to be exact, the largest bookhouse in the Capital City of the Great Yuan Dynasty. It was said that any book one wanted could be found there, though the prices were quite high.
No matter how expensive the books were, the scholars in Capital City, who had some money, were willing to shop there. The quality of its goods went without saying, and one could even meet a famous person or a great scholar there. Moreover, a great scholar might even hold classes and give guidance to scholars. For this reason, scholars flocked there. If one could receive guidance from these famous figures and gain their favor, it would benefit them for life.
Moreover, Qingfeng Bookhouse also allowed browsing. As long as one did not damage the books, one could look at them without buying; one could read for as many days as needed without being chased away, unlike in other academies.
The only downside was that Qingfeng Bookhouse was somewhat remote. The travel from Capital City took over a shichen. However, given the fame of Qingfeng Bookhouse, its remote location did not deter business. Also, due to the remote location, unlike the expensive bustling areas in the center of Capital City, Qingfeng Bookhouse covered a large area.
When Yueyao heard they had arrived, she lifted the curtain to look out, only to see they were still on the outskirts. From afar, she could see a lake with many pavilions around it, bustling with people far in the distance.
The carriage continued for about a quarter of an hour before they finally reached the entrance of the bookhouse. In front of Qingfeng Bookhouse, there was no House Guardian Beast. Confucians believed that scholars inherently possessed an intense righteousness, thus they did not need a House Guardian Beast.
Yueyao dismounted the carriage, and Ma Chengteng, looking at Yueyao's veil cap, suggested, "Take it off!" Wearing a veil cap here would be seen as impolite.
Nanny Deng intended to stop her, but Yueyao shook her head. She was always bound by rules, and it hindered her from accomplishing anything. Sometimes, one should live freely and not concern oneself with those conventions.
An attendant then came over to greet them. Qingfeng Bookhouse also adhered to the principle that all visitors were guests, from the greatest scholars aged eighty to the oblivious young children, all were welcomed with the same enthusiasm.
Yueyao, seeing the buildings connected one after another, would have thought it a visit to a wealthy household had she not known this was Qingfeng Bookhouse.
As per the academy's rules, random individuals could not enter at will. Everyone following Nanny Deng, including her, had to wait outside the bookhouse.
As Yueyao crossed the threshold, the first thing that caught her eye was a half-story tall lake stone standing in the center of the courtyard. The stone was polished very smooth, and carved upon it were four flamboyantly dancing large characters: "Qingfeng Bookhouse."
Yueyao exclaimed in admiration, "Written so magnificently, vigorous and full of strength, accomplished in one go. These four characters, elegant like floating clouds, truly worthy of the world's number one master of calligraphy."
The attendant was indifferent, for who did not know that the four characters in the bookhouse were by Master Du? What he did not know was that Yueyao had previously been unaware that these characters were penned by Master Du. Yueyao greatly admired this master known worldwide for his calligraphy, hence her deep understanding and extensive study of his work.
The bookhouse covered a large area. The attendant led Yueyao to a building. Standing outside, Yueyao looked up at the three-story structure, thinking, this place was less like a bookhouse and more like a gathering place for scholars.
Entering the main hall, Yueyao saw on the wall facing the entrance a portrait of Confucius. To the left and right hung couplets; the left read "Among any three people walking, I will find something to learn surely," and the right read "Isn't it delightful to have friends coming from distant quarters?"
Beneath the portrait was an ebony wood desk, and in the center of it was a bronze tripod carved with characters, flanked by offerings of fruit and pastry.
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