In China’s traditional cultural cognition, it is always customary to oppose character and knowledge. The reason for this problem is still the culture itself.
But when it comes to character, different conclusions may be drawn based on different values. For example, "the theory of integrity" and "the theory of loyalty" can also be measured by different standards. Different character judgments.
Cai Jing's "Returning to the Snow River"
For example, when the Qing Dynasty entered the customs, the great writer Qian Qianyi and the great calligrapher Wang Duo surrendered, thus saving the whole city. name. The great hero Shi Kefa was brave and fearless, resisting the invasion, but was ultimately defeated and died, which ultimately led to the "Ten Days in Yangzhou". So what is right and wrong?
In the Song Dynasty, there was such a figure. His calligraphy was excellent, but he was excluded from the ranks of the "Four Song Masters" because of his poor "character". He was Cai Jing.
The Four Families of the Song Dynasty generally refer to Su Shi, Huang Tingjian, Mi Fu, and Cai Xiang, but it turns out that Cai Xiang among them should be Cai Jing. It was only because people thought that Cai Jing had a bad character, so they used Cai Jing. Xiang Lai instead. In terms of age and calligraphy level, the "Cai" in the "Four Masters of the Song Dynasty" should refer to Cai Jingcai.
Cai Jing's "Scroll and Postscript of Return to the Snow River"
How good is Cai Jing's calligraphy?
There is a comment from Mi Fu that gives some clues.
Cai Jing once asked Mi Fu, who has the best calligraphy in the world today? Mi Fu said: Since the death of Liu Gongquan of the Tang Dynasty, it belongs to you Cai Jing and your brother Cai Bian.
I saw in Mi Fu that Cai Jing’s calligraphy was unparalleled at that time.
Cai Jing's "Scroll and Postscript to the Return of the Snow River"
Cai Jing was not only good at writing calligraphy, but as an official, he also did many major things that benefited the country and the people, many of which are still today. Still has influence.
For example, China’s earliest “social assistance system” was implemented by Cai Jing, far earlier than the West. In addition, during the Chongnian period, he was the leader of the "Study Movement". He created the school system at all levels across the country, including county schools, prefecture schools, and Taixue schools, which influenced later generations. century!
It is precisely because of Cai Jing's "education" initiative that ordinary people have the convenience of going to school, thus increasing the possibility of crossing classes.
Cai Jing's "Scroll and Postscript of Return to the Snow River"
In addition, Cai Jing was very good at educating his descendants. He had 8 sons, 6 of whom and 5 of his grandsons were all bachelors. . His calligraphy has a very strong scholarly style, which was popular in the Song Dynasty.
Cai Jing's calligraphy was learned from Ouyang Xun and Shen Chuanshi in his early years. He once studied Xu Hao's calligraphy with Su Dongpo in Qiantang. He deeply understood the essence of Tang people's calligraphy style and developed a kind of calm and joyful calligraphy, strong bones and amazing writing power. calligraphy style.
Cai Jing's calligraphy embodies the spirit of "Shang Yi" in Song Dynasty calligraphy. In the famous "History of Calligraphy", there is this conclusion about Cai Jing's calligraphy:
"His writing is strict but not formal, relaxed but not formal, and his formal writing is like a master with a crown and sword, discussing in the temple On top of it, the calligraphy is like that of an aristocratic prince, full of vigor and brilliance; the large characters are the best in this era, and there are few couples like him."
Cai Jing's "Scroll and Postscript to the Return of the Snow River"
It means that Cai Jing's calligraphy can express himself within the scope of the law, reaching an extremely high level, and can be said to be the best in ancient and modern times.
People around the world do not hesitate to praise Cai Jing's calligraphy. Comments on his calligraphy often include words such as "unparalleled" and "unparalleled in ancient times and today"!
Cai Jing often wrote poems for the emperor's paintings, so there are many postscripts circulated by Cai Jing today. The most exciting volume is the postscript for Huizong of the Song Dynasty's "Returning to the Snow River".
Cai Jing's "Scroll and Postscript of Return to the Snow River"