"Sir, what are you writing?"
Li Ping'an was outside the courtyard enjoying the breeze with Old Ox. Seeing the old man come in, he could not help asking.
"I'm preparing to write some couplets."
The old man wrote a few characters, but found none of them quite satisfactory.
Suddenly, something occurred to him, and he turned to Li Ping'an. "Sir, do you practice calligraphy?"
Li Ping'an nodded. "A little."
"I wonder if you would be willing to leave me a piece of your calligraphy?"
"I wouldn't call it calligraphy worth treasuring. Just a few words."
Li Ping'an walked over to the table. Looking at the large characters pasted on the doorframe, he vaguely felt they were a little exaggerated.
So he spread out the paper and held it down with a paperweight.
He glanced at the ink stick, seeming to find the ink rather poor.
But he said nothing more.
Holding the brush, he first moistened it with clean water.
He let the scales on the hairs open fully before dipping it in ink, allowing the water and ink to mingle.
This would also help the brush tip hold more ink and make the writing flow more smoothly.
"What sort of couplet?" Li Ping'an asked.
"One offering blessings."
Li Ping'an thought for a moment.
He began writing.
First line: May heaven and earth be gentle, and the household gain wealth
Second line: May all be safe and wishes fulfilled, and the people enjoy abundant blessings
Horizontal inscription: Peace throughout the four seasons
The old man had received an education. He studied the characters closely for a long time, finding them ever more graceful the longer he looked, as though he were standing within a painting.
"Sir, your writing is truly beautiful."
"You flatter me."
"Have you taught before?"
"I have."