When Wu Minggao learned why Yi Shuyuan had come and saw the sheet of paper he held out, delight spread across his face.
He had actually chosen the large paper meant specifically for calligraphy and paintings. Wu Minggao rose excitedly from his seat, accepted the Azure Origin Paper, and laid it on the desk to examine it closely.
Compared with the writing on the smaller sheet before, this was a proper calligraphic piece, and all the more imposing for it.
"Only after hearing your words last time did I realize how much we ordinary men lack in our understanding of calligraphy and painting. I must have this properly mounted. Hahahaha!"
Wu Minggao noticed the signature and seal impression and read them aloud.
"Written in Yuanjiang County in the ninth year of Chengxing. Yi Daozi."
Wu Minggao looked up at Yi Shuyuan.
"Is this your literary name, Mr. Yi?"
"Indeed!"
Wu Minggao nodded. Such names were a common habit among scholars, and with the signature added, the calligraphy seemed even more seamlessly whole. He could truly never tire of looking at it.
"By the way, Master Wu, besides bringing you this calligraphy today, I have also come to report the completion of my assignment. The Yuanjiang County Gazetteer has been fully compiled. You may go and inspect it."
Wu Minggao's delighted expression froze briefly, and he looked again at Yi Shuyuan's calm face.
As County Registrar, Wu Minggao knew more about the gazetteer's progress than anyone else in the County Office. He had long known that it was nearly finished.
The Yuanjiang County Office was too small a temple to house a great Buddha like Mr. Yi. Reluctant though Wu Minggao was to part with him, he could hardly ask Yi Shuyuan to stay on as a mere petty clerk.
"This