Traveling back to 1977

Chapter 532 Go Fight It Yourself
Rongbaozhai was founded during the Kangxi era. It originally sold "Southern Paper" and was named "Songzhuzhai".

Paper shops in the capital city were divided into two types: one was "Jingzhi" shops, which sold Korean paper, old-fashioned account books, window paper and other civilian paper; the other was "Nanzhi" shops, which were called Nanzhi shops because Xuan paper, Huzhou brushes, Huizhou ink and Duan inkstones all came from the south, and Xuan paper was the main product.

It's actually a shop that specializes in selling scholar's supplies.

After the business failed, the owner opened another shop, which became Rongbaozhai.

Therefore, from its inception, Rongbaozhai has been inextricably linked with literati.

As its business expanded, Rongbaozhai also started dealing in calligraphy, paintings, and antiques. Scholars would bring their calligraphy and paintings to the store to sell, and the store also collected precious calligraphy, paintings, and antiques for its own use. Over time, it gained a reputation in the art collecting world.

However, what they are most famous for is their unique "woodblock prints," which established their status in the world of calligraphy and painting.

From a small paper shop, it developed into a renowned literary and artistic center, naturally becoming a place where Beijing's literati and artists lingered.

To facilitate communication among these literati, and also to cultivate relationships, Rongbaozhai designated a special area in the inner hall for their use.

This is the "family of calligraphers and painters".

After the founding of the People's Republic of China, with the implementation of the public-private partnership, Rongbaozhai underwent a remarkable transformation, becoming a state-owned store with a very high status. At the same time, it merged with many small shops and then invested heavily in its transformation, which solidified Rongbaozhai's prominent position in the industry.

In earlier years, Qi Baishi, Zhang Daqian, Huang Binhong, Fu Baoshi, Liu Haisu and others were frequent visitors here.

Later, renowned figures such as Qi Gong, Ouyang Zhongshi, Wang Xuetao, Guan Shanyue, and Pan Tianshou also frequently visited.

It was quite a coincidence that Ba Jin had come to Beijing today, and the Federation of Literary and Art Circles had just finished its reconstruction meeting. Many famous writers gathered here for a small get-together, partly to chat and catch up, and partly to "buy some goods".

The writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones sold at Rongbaozhai were all of the highest quality and were naturally favorites of these literati.

Regardless of whether they're in this line of work or not, they all come together.

When Mr. Ba led the four of them in, there were more than a dozen big shots inside, some sitting and some standing, chatting and laughing. When they saw the newcomers and three people with the air of seasoned veterans, they fell silent within seconds.

Ba Jin solemnly introduced them, "This is Lin Yuanxiang, this is Zhang Xuansong, and this is Li Shangde. They are all combat heroes. Please welcome them."

Hua Hua Hua...

Although it was strange why Buffett would bring them here, it didn't stop everyone from immediately applauding enthusiastically.

Lin Yuanxiang and the other two were beaming with excitement, waving their hands in response.

Ba Jin introduced them one by one, "This is the calligrapher and painter Qi Gong, this is the calligrapher Ouyang Zhongshi, this is the writer Mao Dun, this is the writer Shen Congwen..."

Chen Fan stood alone in the corner. He was eighteen years old that year. At a gathering of big shots, he stood there like a lackey.

So he quietly moved closer to He Qingsheng, picked up his Platinum Dragon cigarette, lit one, and exhaled a puff of smoke. "You guys are discussing the first Lu Xun Literary Prize right here?"

He Qingsheng turned his gaze away from Lin Yuanxiang and the other two, looking at him in surprise, "Weren't you at a meeting? Why are you here?"

Chen Fan: "...I've come to buy some things."

He Qingsheng, "You came with them? Who are these three old comrades to you?"

Chen Fan: "Master."

He Qingsheng, “…???”

He glanced at the three veterans, their menacing expressions radiating as they recounted a harrowing battle from years past, and then at the "refined" Chen Fan, sensing that something was amiss.

Chen Fan didn't offer much explanation, but when Master Lin got to the exciting part, he immediately clapped and cheered.

After telling a story, Old Ba stood up and laughed, "Hearing the battle stories of these old brothers has really stirred my heart!"

He turned his head and found Chen Fan, saying loudly, "Little Chen, your three masters are all great heroes. As their disciple, shouldn't you write a few pieces of calligraphy to praise them?!"

Everyone immediately looked at Chen Fan and understood the origins of these three veteran comrades, as well as why Ba Jin had brought them in.

So that's why!

Chen Fan's eyes twitched. He glanced at Ba Lao, suspecting that Ba Lao was making excuses to trick him into writing, but he had no proof.

Mr. Mao Dun had already gotten up, walked to the calligraphy and painting table in the corner, placed a piece of paper, pressed down the corner with a paperweight, then stepped aside and gestured with a smile, "Please."

Instantly, thunderous applause erupted again.

Those who attended both of the Astronomical Union conferences had all been strongly recommended Chen Fan's calligraphy by Ba Jin, but since they hadn't seen it in person, they were inevitably curious. Those who hadn't attended, such as Qi Gong and Ouyang Zhongshi, were somewhat puzzled, wondering why Ba Jin would choose this young writer over so many other renowned calligraphers, simply because he was the disciple of these three war heroes?

However, they didn't say anything, but just watched with smiles.

Chen Fan was not intimidated. He threw away his cigarette butt and walked to the calligraphy and painting table. He first poured some water into the inkstone, picked up the ink stick and gently ground it. In a short while, there was a pool of even ink.

He picked up his brush, dipped it in ink, and without hesitation, poured it onto the paper.

"Tall trees stretch for hundreds of miles, soaring to the southern sky's wondrous peaks. Returning to this familiar place, what do I see? More pavilions and towers have appeared. Before the Five Wells Stele, on Huangyang Boundary, carriages fly like leaps. The landscape is like a painting, once a sea of ​​green clouds. In the blink of an eye, thirty-eight years have passed, and the world has changed, as if the heavens and earth have been overturned. I still remember those days of war, when I survived nine deaths as if it were yesterday. Only heroic spirit remained, with the bright moon hanging in the sky, amidst the thunder and lightning. With the crowing of a rooster, all monsters vanished like smoke."

By the time he put down his pen, more than a dozen bigwigs had already surrounded him and his calligraphy and painting table.

Which of these people isn't a master calligrapher? They are the best at judging the quality of a piece of calligraphy.

At this moment, all their attention was drawn to the calligraphy, and they squeezed closer and closer... until they finally pushed Chen Fan out.

"Brother Qigong, look at this calligraphy. It is passionate, unrestrained, and vigorous, with the spirit of a general on the battlefield. It is quite similar to the calligraphy of leaders."

“What Brother Zhongshi said is very true. Judging from the form, it is far from the leader’s elegant and unrestrained style. However, the brushstrokes are full of unrestrained and boldness. The brushwork is unique and the characters are distinctive. He can be called a master of his generation.”

"What you two say is quite right. Ladies and gentlemen, look here, look at the shape and meaning of these characters. Each character echoes the poem. When writing about towering trees, the characters are elegant and flowing, as if the trees are soaring into the sky. Then, when writing about the Southern Heaven and Mount Qi, the characters are connected, as if the mountain range is endless. The temperament is so different, yet they are a perfect whole..."

Chen Fan walked around outside for a while, but no one paid him any attention. He could only approach his three masters and whisper, "I'm going to go outside and take a look. Do you want to come along?"

Lin Yuanxiang waved his hand without hesitation, "No, no, I'm tired from walking. I'll sit here for a while. Anyway, you went into the inner hall, so they should have seen everything. If you want to buy something, go and see for yourself. If you don't have enough money, I'll pay for it later."

Zhang Xuansong said without turning his head, "I've been here countless times, I'm already tired of it. You go ahead and do your thing."

Li Shangde squinted at the people and said, "You go about your business and don't worry about us."

Well, they're all only thinking about their idols, they don't even want apprentices.

Chen Fan could only slink away and wander around by himself.

By this time, the foreigners had left the store, leaving only some tourists from other places browsing. Among them were a few "long-term hangers-on," who were people who would come to the store regularly but only look without buying anything and then stay there.

The fact that the shop assistants chatted with them so familiarly told them they were regulars.

(Interior view of Rongbaozhai in the 70s, with many foreigners. The horse there was painted by Xu Beihong, and the eagle next to it was painted by Li Kuchan.)

Chen Fan, with his hands tucked into his sleeves, slowly walked past the counter.

He wore a smile on his face, but inwardly he was clicking his tongue in disapproval.

Really expensive!

There's a little story. Back in the 1970s, Xiaoyun (qing) suddenly had a whim and came here to pick out 10 items to take home. At the time, her secretary reminded her that the items here were very expensive. She only earned 200 yuan a month and was still living paycheck to paycheck. Did she have the money to pay the bill?

Xiaoyun was indignant. "With such a high salary, how could I not have money to pay my bills?"

Besides, if I don't have money, why would I ask the men in my family for it?

The next day, Rongbaozhai sent over the bill, which contained 10 items, including inkstones from the Ming and Qing dynasties, imperial ink from the Qing dynasty, writing brushes, high-grade Xuan paper, as well as calligraphy and paintings by calligraphers and painters from various dynasties.

Honest offer, 600 yuan!
Without saying a word, Xiaoyun rolled up the package and threw it to her secretary. "Return this! This is outrageous! They're trying to cheat me out of my money, no way!"

Is it expensive?

Compared to the tens of thousands of yuan for a single piece of imperial ink or the tens of millions of yuan for a single painting or calligraphy in later generations, this was incredibly cheap.

But considering the current average salary of 35 yuan, it's ridiculously expensive.

(A 61 Rongbaozhai shipment order, a big spender bought 9100)

Chen Fan sighed softly, pointed to a painting by Li Keran on the wall, and asked, "Comrade, how much does this painting cost?"

Just now, when Mr. Ba pulled him into the inner hall, all the shop assistants saw it. In addition, since this is a place that caters to foreigners, all the shop assistants have undergone "professional" training, and their attitude is far superior to that of the salespersons in the supply and marketing cooperatives outside.

Not to mention Chen Fan's face, which made the woman with pigtails blush. "Hello comrade, this painting 'Thousands of Mountains in Red' by Li Keran is 3.1 feet in size and costs 98 yuan."

Chen Fan raised an eyebrow and was about to speak when the woman said again, "Comrade, if you like Li Keran's paintings, I suggest you buy his new one. This painting cost 80 yuan to acquire, so it's expensive."

Last year, our unit applied to the higher authorities to resume paying fees for calligraphy and painting manuscripts. The fees ranged from 7 to 15 yuan per square foot. Li Keran was paid the highest fee, with a purchase price of only 45 yuan for 3 square feet. Even with profit and operating expenses, the selling price was only 56 yuan, which was much cheaper.

The prices for Wu Zuoren and Jiang Zhaohe's works were similar, averaging 45 yuan per piece. Although this was the highest among the painters, it was still cheaper than works acquired in earlier years.

(Wu Zuoren's calligraphy and painting purchase order, purchase price of 60 yuan per painting)
Chen Fan blinked rapidly. "No, I work hard to type, and I only get 7 yuan for a thousand words. Those who create calligraphy and paintings can get 7 to 15 yuan per square foot."
Did I take the wrong turn?

Drawing is so easy, I can draw three three-square-foot paintings in two minutes... No, no, that's not right.

He quickly corrected his thinking: although the remuneration for calligraphy and painting was high, it was only a one-off transaction. Once royalties were reinstated, he could receive a steady stream of income.

We can't lose the big picture for a little short-term gain!

He glanced at the wall covered with famous paintings and felt so envious!
Then he pointed at the wall and said, "This, this, this, this... wrap them all up."

The girl with pigtails stared wide-eyed. "You bought so much?"

Chen Fan coughed lightly and pointed to the inner hall, "My master is moving to a new house, so I bought these to hang on the wall as decorations."

The woman nodded in realization, "Our master's house is quite big!"

Chen Fan remained expressionless. "Who is our master?"
In no time, the 36 paintings and calligraphy works of varying sizes were wrapped up.

The woman clattered away on her abacus for a while, then looked up and smiled, "Comrade, that's 2160 yuan in total."

Chen Fan nodded. "Okay, please put it in the counter for now. I'll pay and take it with me when I leave."

The woman didn't say much, and immediately nodded and smiled, "Okay, you can come to me to get it later."

Chen Fan waved his hand, without taking a single receipt. The 36 paintings and calligraphies he selected were all by familiar names, including Qi Baishi, Li Kuchan, Li Keran, Qi Gong, Huang Zhou, Zhang Daqian, Jiang Zhaohe, Huang Binhong, etc. Huang Binhong's was the cheapest, only 10 yuan a painting, and it was particularly large, but it was dark and not very attractive.

Unlike others who became famous during their lifetime, Huang Binhong's works were only "discovered" for their value "50 years after his death".

To put it bluntly, back in 81, a Hong Kong businessman named Xu Huachi, the son of Xu Linlu, the first manager of Rongbaozhai after the founding of the People's Republic of China, came back and spent more than HK$20 to sweep up more than 9000 paintings and calligraphy works in the "Foreign Guests Service Department" of the National Museum of China (formerly the History Museum) in front of Tiananmen Square. Among them were works by Qi Baishi, Zhang Daqian, Li Keran, Wu Zuoren, Jiang Zhaohe and others. "They had works by everyone."

But the most numerous are still Huang Binhong.

Because his paintings couldn't be sold before.

Then came the "discovery of value" at the Huang Binhong painting exhibition in Hong Kong in the 1990s, followed by sky-high auction prices in the early 2000s, which made Huang Binhong's paintings an overnight sensation and a darling of the art collecting world.

Currently, Chen Fan has only bought three paintings to balance out the "high-priced paintings" by Xu Beihong and Zhang Daqian.

Oh, and there's Qi Baishi too. At that time, a one-foot painting only cost 10 yuan, which is even lower than it was more than ten years ago. That's outrageous.

Currently, the most expensive paintings are by artists like Wu Zuoren and Li Keran, so Chen Fan bought several large-sized paintings by Qi Baishi, as well as several albums of flowers, birds, or landscapes.

However, the total number is not large; it is mainly intended for houses near Shichahai.

There's still a long way to go before calligraphy and painting become a big hit, no rush, I'll collect them slowly later.

Back in the inner hall, the bigwigs were still gathered around the calligraphy and painting table, discussing animatedly, except there was one more person in the room.

As soon as Chen Fan entered the room, the man rushed over, grabbed Chen Fan's right hand tightly, and said excitedly, "Comrade Chen, join our Chinese painting creation group! Your calligraphy skills are extremely high; it could be exported as artwork to earn foreign exchange!"

The "Chinese Painting Creation Group," which later became the Chinese Painting Research Institute, was established in 77 through a collaboration between the Ministry of Culture, the China Artists Association, and Rongbaozhai. Its main tasks were threefold: first, to create diplomatic gifts; second, to collect works by the China Artists Association or art museums; and third, to facilitate the export of works by Rongbaozhai to generate foreign exchange.

The level of calligraphy and painting in China is high, and the demand for calligraphy and painting among overseas Chinese is also high. These days, in addition to agricultural products and mineral resources, cultural exports are also a major source of foreign exchange earnings.

Chen Fan was somewhat bewildered by his sudden appearance.

At this moment, Ba Jin walked over and said with a smile, "Let me introduce you. This is Manager Hou of Rongbaozhai, who is also the head of Rongbaozhai."

Then, Chen Fan was introduced: "This is Chen Fan, the youngest member of our Writers Association. When the National Writers Association is re-established next month and new members are elected, he will also be the youngest national member."

Chen Fan grinned and chuckled to himself. "Since Master Ba has made it clear, then joining the association is a sure thing."

Upon hearing this, Manager Hou couldn't help but feel disappointed. "With such excellent calligraphy, how can you use it to write books?"

Then, with eyes full of expectation, he looked at Chen Fan and said, "Come work in calligraphy and painting at our Rongbaozhai!"

Old Ba immediately laughed and scolded, "You old Hou, I introduced you to someone, and this is how you poach my people?"

Chen Fan quickly seized the opportunity to say, "Thank you for your kind words, Manager Hou, but my ambitions lie elsewhere, and I'm sorry you have been misled."

Seeing Chen Fan's resolute attitude, Manager Hou could only sigh with regret, "What a waste of talent! What a waste of talent!"

Several calligraphy masters, including Qi Gong, also expressed their regret that after more than a decade of hiatus, the older generation has gradually aged while the new generation has yet to emerge. They hoped that a rising star could carry on the legacy and promote the development of calligraphy and painting.

Thinking about this, they suddenly understood why Ba Jin had such a high regard for this young man.

This applies not only to the art world, but also to the literary world!
Or rather, the entire arts and culture world is like this!

With a soft sigh, Qi Gong suddenly asked, "Comrade Chen, how is your skill in traditional Chinese painting?"

Chen Fan blinked. "It's acceptable."

OK?

More than a dozen bigwigs immediately made way with hopeful expressions, and Chen Fan finally stood in front of the calligraphy and painting table again.

Chen Fan picked up the brush, hesitated for a moment, and then the tip of the brush landed on the paper.

A moment later, a lotus flower took shape.

Qi Gong walked to the calligraphy and painting table, carefully examined the painting, and after a moment, he straightened up and said solemnly, "This painting is not an ordinary lotus, but a celestial lotus."

Wang Xuetao approached and nodded gently, “This lotus has no water, it rests in the void, the artistic conception seems both near and far, yet it seems to fill the universe, it truly captures the charm of the celestial lotus.”

He then looked up at Chen Fan and asked, "Is there any particular custom?"

Chen Fan smiled slightly, said nothing, and instead picked up his pen again, writing a line of words in the corner.

"A lotus in the eternal blue sky."

Several calligraphers and painters gasped almost simultaneously, one of them exclaiming, "What spirit!"

Qi Gong stared intently at the painting, saying, "Without using color, only ink, he was able to create such an artistic conception, which far surpasses the common meaning of 'rising from the mud unsullied'."

He slowly raised his head, "The younger generation surpasses the older generation."

Chen Fan put down his brush and chuckled softly, "You flatter me. I still have a lot to learn."

At this moment, He Qingsheng walked over, his brows slightly furrowed, a hint of difficulty in his eyes. He looked at the painting intently and said softly, "It's a good painting, but isn't it a bit inappropriate to depict a fairy lotus?"

The room fell silent immediately after he said that.

Yes, the windy day has just passed, and he dares to paint a fairy lotus?

How about we add some water underneath and then erase that line of text?

Just when everyone was having some trouble, Zhang Xuansong suddenly said, "It's alright, this kid is my apprentice. He'll be a Taoist priest for a few days. The old political commissar has already approved it. He can paint anything, even the Jade Emperor, let alone a lotus flower."

Taoist priest?

More than a dozen pairs of eyes looked at Chen Fan, none of them knowing what expression to give.
However, it's perfectly natural for Taoist priests to paint lotus flowers.

The atmosphere immediately relaxed.

Then He Qingsheng asked curiously, "Comrade Zhang, who is your old political commissar?"

Zhang Xuansong calmly said, "The old political commissar is so-and-so."

Lin Yuanxiang and Li Shangde sat on the left and right, their conversation as casual as if they were discussing who their village chief was.

The scene fell silent once again.

Even Ba Jin, who brought them in, had a complicated look in his eyes.

The group looked at the three of them, then at Chen Fan.

I thought he was just an ordinary writer with talent, but I never expected him to have such a background.

Alright, this is an officially appointed Taoist priest; no one can take him.

He can do whatever he wants!
Nevertheless, a group of people rushed forward.

Since we can't take the person away, surely we can ask Chen Fan to leave behind his calligraphy?

Draw the kind of things that others can't draw!

Manager Hou fully cooperated at this time, taking out the traditional Chinese painting pigments treasured by Rongbaozhai and giving them to Chen Fan to use free of charge.

Chen Fan accepted all comers' requests and immediately began to wield his brush and ink on the calligraphy and painting table.

It just so happens that after his calligraphy and painting skills improved, he hasn't had the chance to paint this kind of colorful traditional Chinese painting yet, so this is a chance for him to experience it firsthand.

More than an hour later, the four of them came out of Rongbaozhai, still empty-handed.

After Lin Yuanxiang paid for the 36 paintings, an acquaintance would deliver them to his door. Also delivered were the calligraphy and paintings left by those important figures.

Manager Hou will arrange for someone to frame the paintings for free, and then send them over together with the paintings.

Chen Fan said he didn't gain any advantage; he got it back through a trade. On the other hand, each of the three masters made a profit of more than a dozen calligraphy and paintings.

envious.

As they walked back, Lin Yuanxiang was still excited and asked Chen Fan, "Where are we going now?"

I never expected to run into so many writers and calligraphers while shopping with my apprentice! Hey, once I receive their calligraphy and paintings, I'll definitely invite my comrades over to my home more often and let them see what a cultured person is like!
If anyone dares to call us uncultured again, we'll smash them with Qi Gong's calligraphy, Wang Xuetao's paintings, and Ba Jin's inscriptions!

In his moment of triumph, he turned to look at his two old buddies, and well, they were still savoring the moment and hadn't quite come to their senses yet.

Then Chen Fan's voice rang out, "Let's go to Tongrentang. Hey, Master, are the medicines at Tongrentang expensive?"

Lin Yuanxiang snapped out of his daze and looked at him in surprise, "Why did you buy medicine if there was nothing wrong?"

Chen Fan said, "I bought some to keep on hand. Tongrentang's medicines are not comparable to those of ordinary pharmacies. Angong Niuhuang Wan, Niuhuang Qingxin Wan, Da Huoluo Wan, Wuji Baifeng Wan, Zixue San, and Jufang Zhibao Wan are all good medicines with their own unique uses. I bought some to keep on hand, because you never know when you might need them."

He paused for a moment, then added, "I also want to buy some tiger bones to make medicinal wine."

He turned to look at Lin Yuanxiang and said with a smile, "I have a recipe that uses tiger bone as the main ingredient, combined with more than a dozen other medicinal herbs to make wine. It can nourish yin and yang, strengthen muscles and bones, and is very suitable for martial arts practitioners. When I buy the medicine, I will make a whole vat for you to keep and drink."

Lin Yuanxiang chuckled twice, "You're quite filial, but unfortunately, tiger bones are too expensive and scarce, hard to buy, and unaffordable."

Chen Fan blinked. "Are tiger bones very expensive?"

Zhang Xuansong chimed in from the side, "Hmph, a tiger skin can sell for two or three thousand US dollars overseas, and a set of tiger bones can fetch several hundred US dollars. Do you think Tongrentang has any cheap tiger bones to sell to you?!"

Chen Fan's face fell. Why can others buy cheap tiger bones and tiger skins when they go back in time, but I can't?

At this moment, Master Li suddenly said, "There are cheaper ones, and they're even better."

Chen Fan turned to look at him, "Where is it?"

Li Shangde chuckled, "There are tigers in Changbai Mountain. If you can get a hunting license, you can hunt one yourself, without spending a penny, and even sell it for money."

Go fight it yourself?

Chen Fan's eyes darted around, and thinking about his trip to Changchun tomorrow, he couldn't help but nod slightly, "That's a good idea."

(End of this chapter)