Yan Zhenqing was a famous calligrapher in the Tang Dynasty.
In order to learn calligraphy, Yan Zhenqing first learned from Chu Suiliang, and later became a disciple of Zhang Xu. Zhang Xu was the leading calligrapher in the Tang Dynasty. He could write in various handwritings and was especially good at cursive script. Yan Zhenqing hoped that under the guidance of this famous teacher, he would quickly learn the skills of writing and become famous in one fell swoop. But after becoming a disciple, Zhang Xu did not reveal any secrets of calligraphy. He just introduced some famous calligraphy books to Yan Zhenqing, briefly pointed out the characteristics of the calligraphy books, and asked Yan Zhenqing to copy them. Sometimes, he would take Yan Zhenqing to climb mountains, swim, go to fairs, and watch plays. After returning home, he would ask Yan Zhenqing to practice calligraphy or watch him write quickly.
A few months passed in the blink of an eye. Yan Zhenqing was very anxious because he could not get the teacher's calligraphy secrets. He decided to make a request directly to the teacher.
One day, Yan Zhenqing plucked up the courage and said with a blushing face: "The student has something to ask for, please teach me the secret of calligraphy."
Zhang Xu replied: "Learning calligraphy, once The first step is to study hard and practice hard; the second step is to understand and be inspired by nature. Haven't I told you this many times?"
After hearing this, Yan Zhenqing thought that the teacher did not understand. Willing to teach the secret, he took another step forward, bowed and begged: "I know what the teacher said about 'work' and 'comprehension'. What I need most now is the teacher's secret recipe for writing and ink. Please give me your advice."
Zhang Xu still patiently enlightened Yan Zhenqing: "I saw the princess and the carrier fighting for the way to observe the meaning of the pen. I saw Gongsun dancing with the sword and got the charm of the pen. In addition to practicing hard, I also observed nature. There are no other secrets."
He then told Yan Zhenqing the story of how the calligraphy sage Wang Xizhi of the Jin Dynasty taught his son Wang Xianzhi to practice calligraphy. Finally, he said seriously: "If there is any 'secret' for learning calligraphy, then... Just study hard and practice hard. Remember, those who don’t work hard will not achieve anything.”
The teacher’s teachings greatly inspired Yan Zhenqing, and he truly understood the way to learn. From then on, he studied hard, studied hard, and learned the charm of writing from life. He made rapid progress and eventually became a great calligrapher, the first of the four major calligraphers.