In order to learn calligraphy, Yan Zhenqing first learned from Chu Suiliang, and later worshipped Zhang Xu. Zhang Xu was the leading calligrapher in the Tang Dynasty, and he could write in all kinds of fonts, especially cursive. Yan Zhenqing hoped that under the guidance of this famous teacher, he would soon learn the tricks of writing and become famous in one fell swoop. However, after his apprenticeship, Zhang Xu did not reveal any calligraphy secrets. He just introduced some famous copybooks to Yan Zhenqing. Simply point out the characteristics of the copybook, and let Yan Zhenqing copy it. Sometimes, he takes Yan Zhenqing to climb mountains, go swimming, go to the market, go to the theatre, and when he gets home, he asks Yan Zhenqing to practice calligraphy, or watch him scribble.
In a blink of an eye, several months passed, and Yan Zhenqing was in a hurry, so he decided to ask the teacher directly.
One day, Yan Zhenqing got up the courage. Second, we must' comprehend', that is, we should be inspired by all the natural phenomena. Have I not told you this many times? "
Yan Zhenqing thought the teacher didn't want to teach the secret, so he took a step forward and pleaded: "I know all the things that the teacher said, such as' engineering' and' understanding'. What I need most now is the secret of the teacher's stunt, so please ask the teacher to teach me."
Zhang Xu still patiently enlightened Yan Zhenqing: "I saw the princess and the porter fighting for the road and examined the brushwork. There are no other tricks. "
Then he told Yan Zhenqing the story of Wang Xianzhi, the son of Wang Xizhi, a book sage in Jin Dynasty, practicing calligraphy. Finally, he said seriously:" If there is any' secret' in learning calligraphy, it is to study hard and practice hard. Remember, people who don't work hard will not achieve anything. "
Yan Zhenqing was greatly inspired by the teacher's teaching, and he really understood the way to learn.