The animosity between the Zhou and Xia families had been long-standing, a fact well-known to the citizens of Chang'an.
Tomorrow was the patriarch's calligraphy and painting exhibition, and if anyone were to cause trouble during it, his lifelong reputation would be ruined. The Xia family, in turn, would become the laughingstock of Chang'an.
Even with the Xia family's good reputation in Chang'an, such rumors could not be stopped.
"Chairman Zhou, are your preparations complete? Will you truly be able to disgrace Xia Mingzhong tomorrow?" someone asked beside Zhou Tao in a tea house.
Zhou Tao nodded, "Of course. I have made arrangements. Tomorrow, Xia Mingzhong's disciple will appear at the scene with a painting. At that time, Xia Mingzhong's efforts over the years will turn into a pipe dream, and he will be branded as a plagiarist."
For scholars, nothing was more taboo than being accused of plagiarism.
Zhou Tao not only intended to ruin Xia Mingzhong's reputation but also to leave him with the stigma of plagiarism after his death. It was a move designed to strike at the heart.
"Since that is the case, I shall permit it. Xia Mingzhong, tomorrow marks his day of despair."
The two men laughed sinisterly.
Many people would attend tomorrow, including prominent figures from the business, political, and artistic circles. Business magnates seeking calligraphy, political figures looking to build connections, and respected senior artists exhibiting their work. The influence of these people was immense. If Xia Mingzhong were to make a fool of himself in front of them, he would be finished, and the Xia family's reputation would be ruined!
"When his disciple appears tomorrow, that will be the climax. Both evidence and video surveillance will confirm Xia Mingzhong's plagiarism."
Zhou Tao took a sip of tea and laughed heartily, clearly pleased.
He had been suppressed by Xia Mingzhong for so many years. The people of Chang'an all knew him as the eternal runner-up, let alone the many families in Chang'an.
Being overshadowed by Xia Mingzhong his entire life was something anyone would find unbearable.
About ten minutes later, a young man appeared before them and respectfully called out, "Chairman Zhou, Director Zhao."
"Let me introduce you to Xia Mingzhong's eldest disciple, his most favored one. If he were to betray him, it would surely break Xia Mingzhong's spirit. Hahaha." Zhou Tao said with a laugh, clearly enjoying the prospect.
"Chairman Zhou's methods are formidable. I am truly impressed."
Meanwhile, on the other side, Xia Mingzhong remained in his small courtyard. Xia Lingxuan was practicing calligraphy at the stone table in the courtyard.
"Heaven rewards diligence."
These four characters appeared in the offices of many businessmen, written in various styles.
"Grandpa, what do you think?"
Xia Lingxuan had been fond of such things since childhood, even grasping a calligraphy brush during his Nian Zhaun ceremony, which had delighted the old man and signified that the Xia family had a successor.
"It still lacks a certain flair. Look at the stroke for 'dao' in 'tiandao,' the last part of the character should be like this. This makes the base appear more sharp, but for businessmen seeking calligraphy, the base should be more rounded. Because for them, sharpness isn't always good; on the contrary, a more rounded style allows for greater longevity."
"For 'qin' in 'qinlao,' the 'li' stroke should not be two separate strokes; it should be written as one. Here, it should be written with decisiveness and determination, do you understand?"
Old Master Xia was generous with his teachings, sharing what he knew and saying what needed to be said, as it was his own descendant.
Xia Lingxuan nodded, "Understood, Grandpa."
Xia Mingzhong smiled faintly, looking at the dark clouds in the sky, and sighed, "Dark clouds press down on the city, urging it forward."
He knew in his heart that tomorrow's exhibition would not be simple. The Zhou family would not miss such a good opportunity.
"I'm going for a walk."
Not far from the Xia family's residence was a park he frequented. It was in this park that he could find old gentlemen who enjoyed playing chess.
"Old Cheng, you're the president of the Go Association. What will you do with your face if you lose to a junior? Tsk, I'll be laughing at you from now on."
"That's right. You can't even defeat a young man, and you still have the nerve to call yourself the president of the Go Association? If I were you, I'd jump into the Chang'an River and end it all."
"Hahaha, Old Cheng actually lost. I'm treating tonight, everyone eat your fill, hahahaha!"
In the park, a group of old men surrounded a young man, laughing heartily and making no effort to hide their schadenfreude.
Yet, only when immersed in the game of Go could one truly feel the terrifying sharpness of the opponent's moves.
Every step was pressing, every move was a strategic position. A moment's carelessness could lead to a complete loss.
The pressure was immense.
The opponent had already captured many of his stones. Most of his pieces had become dead stones, useless. Even when his dragon formation emerged, it had no ability to resist.
The opponent's stones were like nails, pinning his dragon formation to the board.
Finally, Cheng Yi gave up his struggle, let out a long breath, and said with a solemn gaze, "A Grand Master."
Only with the skill of a Grand Master could he be so thoroughly defeated.
He was already a National Master; only a Grand Master could crush him!
But this was too unbelievable. The opponent was not even thirty years old; how could he be a Grand Master? Could he perhaps come from a family of Go players?
"In Chang'an, I haven't heard of such a formidable young gentleman. Young sir, are you from a Go-playing family from elsewhere?"
Cheng Yi exhaled and asked, this game making him realize that there were always greater talents.
Ye Longlin shook his head, "This junior comes from the battlefield."
Cheng Yi raised an eyebrow, finding some understanding in his heart, "No wonder your moves are so sharp, each step carrying killing intent. It makes sense, it makes sense. This old man has learned much today."
"Hahaha, Old Cheng, you actually have a day where you concede defeat. It's rare, truly rare."
Hearing the voice, Cheng Yi rolled his eyes and said irritably, "Old Xia, do you think you can defeat this young friend? This young gentleman is a Grand Master. You probably won't last ten moves."
Ye Longlin turned to look. Xia Mingzhong was slowly approaching, and his eyebrows also rose.
He hadn't expected his grandfather to be here. He had only come here to find some amusement and pass the time while waiting for tomorrow's exhibition.
Although it wasn't far from the Xia family, it was rare for the old man, given his personality, to appear here.
"Oh, really? I don't believe it. Young man, shall we play a game?"
Xia Mingzhong curiously examined Ye Longlin, very intrigued by such a young Grand Master.
Ye Longlin nodded slightly, "It would be my honor."
This time, Ye Longlin was more relaxed. After all, it was his grandfather; he had to save face.
"Old Xia, if you lose, you have to buy us brothers drinks tonight!"