Zhang Xu was a renowned calligrapher of the Tang Dynasty.
One year, Yan Zhenqing, who was deeply passionate about practicing calligraphy, resigned from his official post and became a disciple of Zhang Xu to study the art. He originally believed that by learning under a master, he could quickly grasp the secrets of writing and achieve instant fame. However, after becoming his student, Zhang Xu did not reveal any secret techniques for practice. Instead, he merely gave Yan Zhenqing brief guidance on the characteristics of model calligraphy sheets, introduced some famous examples by master calligraphers, and had Yan Zhenqing copy them. Sometimes, after drinking a little wine, Zhang Xu would take Yan Zhenqing mountain climbing, swimming, visiting markets, or watching theatrical performances. When they returned home, he would either have Yan practice writing or let him observe as Zhang himself wrote swiftly and vigorously with his brush.
In the blink of an eye, several months passed. Yan Zhenqing, unable to obtain his teacher's secret methods, grew increasingly anxious. He decided to personally ask his teacher for instruction.
One day, as Zhang Xu enthusiastically picked up his brush again, Yan Zhenqing seized the opportunity, stepped forward, bowed deeply, and respectfully called out, "Master!"
Zhang Xu looked up at Yan Zhenqing and asked with concern, "Is there something?"
Gathering his courage, with a flushed face, Yan Zhenqing said, "I wish for Master to impart to me the secret techniques of calligraphy."
Hearing this, Zhang Xu was both exasperated and amused. But remembering Yan Zhenqing's honest and upright character, he spoke earnestly: "To learn calligraphy, one must practice diligently and hard, while also drawing inspiration from the myriad phenomena of nature. Haven't I explained this to you many times already?"
Yan Zhenqing, upon hearing this, thought his teacher was still holding something back. He stepped forward again, bowed, and pleaded: "I already understand the principles you've mentioned, Master. What I need most now is the secret formula to write beautiful characters. I left my official post to become your disciple precisely for this reason. I humbly beg you to instruct me further."
Zhang Xu, hearing this, frowned deeply, yet still patiently advised Yan Zhenqing: "Only through arduous practice can one write good characters. There is no other way."
To Yan Zhenqing, his teacher's advice still seemed like an excuse. So he knelt on both knees and continued to plead earnestly.
Seeing that this student was completely unwilling to listen, obsessed only with obtaining a secret, Zhang Xu grew deeply displeased. In order to awaken him, he finally lowered his countenance and sternly declared: "You want a secret, do you? Very well, I'll tell you now: anyone who seeks only a shortcut and is unwilling to put in hard work will never achieve anything."
Having spoken, Zhang Xu immediately turned to write his own characters with his brush, ignoring Yan completely.
Yan Zhenqing finally awakened. He understood the true path of learning. Thereafter, he diligently practiced, deeply contemplated the brush techniques of past masters, and drew insights into the spirit of brushwork from social life and natural scenes. He progressed rapidly, and the characters he later wrote became dignified and majestic.
Through constant effort, he eventually became a renowned calligrapher.
Reading the Story, Understanding the Lesson
People often blame fate for its blindness, but in truth, fate itself is not as blind as people can be. Heaven rewards diligence; fate is always in the hands of those who work earnestly and diligently.