Many people know Yan Zhenqing as a calligrapher, along with Liu Gongquan, famed for the style of Yan Tendons Liu Bones, and he is one of the most brilliant figures in the history of calligraphy.

However, many people are not aware that Yan Zhenqing's entire family was loyal and virtuous.

He was upright and unyielding, rose to resist during the Anshi Rebellion, and every member of his family charged into battle. Many of them subsequently died on the battlefield, particularly Yan Gaoqing and Yan Jiming, who were killed for refusing to surrender, which prompted Yan Zhenqing to write the "Memorial to My Nephew" in deep sorrow, a work commemorating his family members.

Yan Zhenqing himself also sacrificed his life in resistance to the rebel forces, illustrating his determination.

Thus, it can be said that Yan Zhenqing's family epitomized high moral integrity and unparalleled loyalty, rare throughout history. Perhaps the only comparable case that people might think of is the Yang Family Generals.

The "Old Tang History," Volume 128, is the "Biography of Yan Zhenqing."

The "New Tang History," Volume 153, is also the "Biography of Yan Zhenqing."

In history, scholarly chroniclers have always recorded such loyal and virtuous figures with great detail and emphasis.

"I had previously read about it out of interest."

In fact, Xu Lin had only glanced at it briefly, but with his good memory, he remembered those over two hundred words.

And with the detailed depiction in both the "Old Tang History" and the "New Tang History," Xu Lin came to realize that Yan Zhenqing and even his entire family were like this.

Out of curiosity, Xu Lin searched for the "Memorial to My Nephew" and took a quick look.

Chi Lingri seemed to find a kindred spirit and said with a laugh, "My grandson, when I ask him to read books, he just can't get into them."

Finally, he asked, "Can Xu write?"

Being able to write refers to calligraphy with a brush, not just simply writing a word.

"I used to practice."

"Why don't you give it a try, Xu?"

"Sure."

Chi Lingri provided Xu Lin with a new piece of rice paper.

Xu Lin: "The 'Memorial to My Nephew'?"

"Good."

"There are quite a few places in the 'Memorial to My Nephew' that Yan Zhenqing revised. I'll just write the unaltered parts, okay?"

"That's fine too."

Chi Lingri smiled warmly.

Xu Lin picked up the brush, adjusted his grip, and dipped it in ink.

Next to him was a copy of Yan Zhenqing's regular script, though it was not an authentic piece, but meant for practice.

Xu Lin took a glance.

With a Flourishing Brush and a natural talent for learning calligraphy, Xu Lin was able to imitate any calligrapher's work.

"In the first year of Qianyuan..."

Xu Lin began to write, imitating Yan Zhenqing's regular script.

It was almost identical to Yan Zhenqing's regular script.

Of course, "almost" means not completely; it resembled in form but lacked the spirit and essence.

The spirit of a piece is difficult to imitate; throughout history, very few calligraphers have been able to capture the spirit of Yan Zhenqing's style.

However, this piece of writing by Xu Lin was already quite impressive.

Chi Lingri was also astonished, "Xu's calligraphy is extraordinary!"

Xu Lin thought to himself, "You're an outsider, naturally, you find it remarkable."

"It's not true calligraphy, just imitation, which shouldn't really be called calligraphy."

"Haha, Xu is being modest!"

The more Chi Lingri looked at Xu Lin, the more he liked him.

Soon, the "Memorial to My Nephew" was finished; after all, it was just a little over two hundred characters.

Chi Lingri exclaimed, "It looks almost exactly like Yan Zhenqing's writing!"

"Not quite, because it lacks the spirit; it only has the form, so it can't be said to be exactly the same."

"Haha, the spirit, is it?"

Chi Lingri laughed happily, "Xu's writing, I doubt I could achieve all my life!"

"You're joking, sir, it's not that extreme."

Xu Lin felt a bit troubled.

But soon something more troubling happened, as Chi Lingri asked for his guidance in calligraphy.

Facing this, Xu Lin could only muster his courage.

The saying goes: the trouble of people lies in trying to be a teacher to others.

Aside from business interactions, such as online literature and songwriting, where he had people earning money for him, Xu Lin never taught others. Yet here was Chi Lingri asking him to do so.

He couldn't help but feel troubled.

"Were you discussing calligraphy with my grandfather just now?"

At around ten in the evening, Chi Linyue came over to prepare the bed for Xu Lin.

"He said my writing was good and wanted me to teach him."

"You know calligraphy?"

"I learned it before."

"Your brain is amazing, who knows what it's filled with!"

Chi Linyue was quite surprised; she knew her grandfather well enough to know how unlikely it was for him to let someone instruct him.

Don't underestimate the pride of an old man who once held a high position.

Xu Lin got into bed, sat up against the headboard, and put his hands behind his head, looking very relaxed.

"It's no big deal, I don't plan to focus on calligraphy."

"Having multiple skills is useful, especially when traveling; you never know when it might lead to unexpected joy!"

Chi Linyue said, "My grandfather said that when he was in the army, there was once a time when the old superior wanted someone who could write well. Guess what? My grandfather stepped up, and after several times, the superior thought he had potential and took him under his wing. My grandfather said he never imagined he'd get that far."

"That's just one of the reasons, right? Your grandfather's success was due to many factors."

"That's true, but you have to start somewhere, right? Isn't there a saying that goes, 'When the time comes, heaven and earth will help? When luck is gone, even heroes are helpless.' Luck and opportunity are sometimes very important!"

"That's true."

Xu Lin thought that made sense.

"Do you have an interview tomorrow night?"

"A website interview, nothing much, it's audio only."

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