Reborn in 1977

Rongbaozhai was founded during the Kangxi era, initially selling "Southern Paper" under the name "Songzhuzhai."

Paper shops in the capital were divided into two types: "Beijing Paper" shops, selling civilian papers like Korean paper, old-style account books, and window paper; and "Southern Paper" shops, because Xuan paper, Huzhou brushes, Hui ink, and Duan inkstones all came from the south, with Xuan paper being the most heavily traded, hence the name Southern Paper shop.

In reality, they were stores specializing in supplies for scholars.

After going bankrupt, the owner opened another shop, which became Rongbaozhai.

Therefore, from its inception, Rongbaozhai was inseparable from scholars.

With business development, Rongbaozhai also ventured into calligraphy, painting, and cultural artifacts, with scholars bringing calligraphy and paintings to the shop for consignment sales, and the shop also collecting precious calligraphy, paintings, and antiques, gradually establishing a reputation in the collecting world.

However, its most famous product was its unique "woodblock-printed paintings," which established its position in the calligraphy and painting world.

From a Southern Paper shop to a renowned sanctuary of calligraphy and painting, it naturally became a favorite haunt for scholars and literati in the capital.

To facilitate communication among these scholars, and also with the intention of building relationships, Rongbaozhai specially designated an area in the inner hall for their use.

This was the "Home of Calligraphers and Painters."

After the founding of the People's Republic of China and the implementation of public-private partnerships, Rongbaozhai also underwent a magnificent transformation, becoming a state-owned store of very high standing, while also merging with many smaller shops, and then investing heavily in renovations, which established Rongbaozhai's position in the Jianghu (literary and art world).

In earlier years, Qi Baishi, Zhang Daqian, Huang Binhong, Fu Baoshi, Liu Haisu, and others were frequent visitors here.

Later, famous figures such as Qi Gong, Ouyang Zhongshi, Wang Xuetao, Guan Shanyue, and Pan Tianshou also frequented the place.

Today was also a coincidence; it was rare for Ba Jin to visit the capital, and the Federation of Literary and Art Circles had just concluded its restoration meeting, so many famous figures agreed to gather here, partly to chat and reminisce, and partly to "stock up."

The writing brushes, ink sticks, paper, and inkstones sold by Rongbaozhai were all high-quality treasures, naturally beloved by these scholars and literati.

Whether they were in the profession or not, they came along when they gathered.

When Ba Lao brought the four of them in, the dozen or so big shots inside were either sitting or standing, talking and laughing. Seeing newcomers arrive, including three with the aura of battle-hardened veterans, they quieted down in a few seconds.

Ba Lao solemnly introduced them, "This is Lin Yuanxiang, this is Zhang Xuansong, this is Li Shangde, all are combat heroes, everyone welcome them."

Clap clap clap…

Although they were curious as to why Ba Lao would bring them here, it did not prevent everyone from immediately applauding warmly.

Lin Yuanxiang and the other two were beaming, excitedly waving their hands in response.

Ba Lao pulled them to introduce them one by one, "This is the calligrapher and painter Qi Gong, this is the calligrapher Ouyang Zhongshi, this is the writer Mao Dun, the writer Shen Congwen…"

Chen Fan stood alone in a corner. At eighteen, he was just a nobody at a gathering of big shots.

So he quietly moved closer to He Qingsheng, picked up his Platinum Dragon cigarette, lit one, and exhaled a puff of smoke, "Are you discussing the first Lu Xun Literary Prize here?"

He Qingsheng turned his gaze away from Lin Yuanxiang and the others, looking at him in surprise, "Weren't you going to a meeting? How did you end up here?"

Chen Fan, "…Came to buy something."

He Qingsheng, "Did you come with them just now? Who are these three old comrades to you?"

Chen Fan, "Masters."

He Qingsheng, "…???"

He looked at the three old comrades who were exuding a fierce aura and recounting a thrilling battle from back then, then looked at the "refined" Chen Fan, and felt that something was not quite right.

Chen Fan didn't explain much. When Master Lin reached an exciting part of the story, he immediately applauded and cheered.

After the story was finished, Ba Lao stood up and smiled, "After listening to the battle stories of several old brothers, my heart is surging!"

He turned his head to find Chen Fan and said loudly, "Little Chen, your three masters are all great heroes. As a disciple, shouldn't you write a few words to praise them?!"

Everyone immediately looked towards Chen Fan, and at the same time understood the origins of these three old comrades, and why Ba Jin brought them in.

It turned out it was because of this young man!

Chen Fan's eyes twitched. He glanced at Ba Lao, suspecting that he was making excuses to trick him into writing, but there was no evidence.

Mr. Mao Dun had already gotten up and walked to the calligraphy and painting table in the corner, placed a piece of paper, and pressed the corners with paperweights. Then he stepped aside with a smile and gestured, "Please."

There was another thunderous applause.

Those who had attended the Federation of Literary and Art Circles meeting these past two days had been strongly recommended by Ba Lao for Chen Fan's calligraphy, but had not seen it in person, so they couldn't help but be curious. Those who had not attended the meeting, such as Qi Gong and Ouyang Zhongshi, were a little confused, not understanding why Ba Jin would ignore so many famous figures and insist on having this young writer write, just because he was the disciple of these three combat heroes?

However, they did not say anything, just watching with smiles.

Chen Fan was not intimidated either. He dropped the cigarette butt and walked to the calligraphy and painting table, first pouring some water into the inkstone, then gently grinding the ink stick. Soon there was a pool of even ink.

He picked up the brush, dipped it in ink, and without hesitation, landed it on the paper.

"Towering trees, hundreds of miles, soaring to the southern peaks. What do I see on returning to the old place? More pavilions and towers. Before the Five Wells Stele, on Huangyang界, the vehicles fly like leaps. The landscape is picturesque, in ancient times it was said to be a sea of green. In the blink of an eye, thirty-eight years, the world has changed, like the heavens and the abyss overturned. I still remember the flames of war, nine deaths and one life as yesterday. Only heroic feelings remain, the bright moon hangs in the sky, the wind and thunder are immense. With a cock's crow, all monsters vanish like smoke and clouds."

By the time he put down the brush, a dozen or so big shots had already surrounded him and the calligraphy table.

Which of these people was not a master of calligraphy? Who could best understand the quality of a piece of writing?

At this time, all their attention was attracted by this piece of writing, and then they squeezed closer and closer… finally squeezing Chen Fan out.

"Brother Qi Gong, look at this writing, passionate, unrestrained, and galloping, very much in the spirit of a battlefield general, quite similar to the leader's calligraphy."

"Brother Zhongshi is right. Judging from its form, it is far from the leader's unrestrained and vivid style, but the brushstrokes reveal a bold and unrestrained spirit. The brushwork is unique, and the handwriting has a distinctive style, which can be called a master of a generation."

"The two of you are right. Everyone, everyone, look here, look at the shape and meaning of this character. Each character echoes the poetry. When writing about towering trees, the font is delicate and elegant, as if the trees are soaring into the sky. Reaching Nantian Qiyue, the characters are connected, as if the mountains are continuous. The temperament is so different, yet it is a perfect whole…"

Chen Fan walked around outside for a while, but no one paid any attention to him, so he had no choice but to approach the three masters and whispered, "I'll go take a look outside. Do you want to go?"

Lin Yuanxiang waved his hand without hesitation, "No, no, I'm tired from walking, I'll sit here for a while. Anyway, you've entered the inner hall, they should have all seen it just now. Go see what you want to buy yourself. If you don't have enough money, I'll pay later."

Zhang Xuansong also said without turning his head, "I don't know how many times I've been here, I'm tired of it. You go wander around."

Li Shangde squinted his eyes to look at those people, "You do your thing, don't worry about us."

Okay, everyone is only thinking about their idols, not even wanting their disciples.

Chen Fan could only slip away and go out to wander around by himself.

At this time, the foreigners in the store had already left, leaving only some tourists from other places window shopping, interspersed with a few "old rogues," that is, those who came to stroll around for a long time, but only looked and didn't buy, and still lingered.

From the shop assistants' familiar conversations with them, it was clear that they were regulars.

(Interior of Rongbaozhai in the 1970s, many foreigners. That horse was painted by Xu Beihong, and the eagle next to it was by Li Kuchan)

Chen Fan put his hands in his sleeves and walked slowly past the counter.

With a smile on his face, but啧啧啧 in his heart.

So expensive!

There is a little story. In the 70s, Xiao Yun (qing) had a whim and picked out 10 items here to take back. At that time, the secretary reminded her that the things here were very expensive, and you only make two hundred yuan a month, and you're a spendthrift, do you have money to pay?

Xiao Yun was very indignant. Would I not have money to pay with such a high salary?

Besides, if I don't have money, won't I ask the man in my family?

Then the next day, Rongbaozhai sent the bill. Just 10 items, almost inkstones from the Ming and Qing dynasties, imperial ink from the Qing dynasty, writing brushes, high-grade Xuan paper, and calligraphy and paintings from various dynasties.

Sincerely, 600 yuan!

Expensive?

Compared to tens of thousands of yuan for an imperial inkstone and tens of millions for a calligraphy and painting in later generations, it was simply too cheap.

But thinking about the average salary of 35 yuan now, it was simply outrageously expensive.

(Rongbaozhai delivery note in 1961, a big shot paid 9100)

Chen Fan sighed faintly, pointed to a painting by Li Keran on the wall, and asked, "Comrade, how much is this painting?"

The fact that Ba Lao had pulled him into the inner hall earlier was seen by these shop assistants, plus this was a foreign-related place, so all the shop assistants had undergone "professional" training, and their attitude was far from that of the salespersons in the supply and marketing cooperatives outside.

Not to mention Chen Fan's face, which directly made the female comrade with pigtails blush, "Hello comrade, this 'Thousands of Hills in Red' by Li Keran is 3.1 chi (a Chinese unit of length, approximately 1/3 meter) and costs 98 yuan."

Chen Fan raised his eyebrows slightly, just about to speak, when the female comrade said again, "Comrade, if you like Li Keran's paintings, I suggest you buy his new paintings instead. This painting cost 80 yuan to acquire, so the price is expensive.

Last year, our unit applied to the higher authorities to restore the payment of calligraphy and painting royalties, ranging from 7 yuan to 15 yuan per chi. Li Keran is the highest standard. The purchase price for 3 chi is only 45 yuan, plus profit and operating expenses, the selling price is only 56 yuan, much cheaper.

In addition, Wu Zuoren and Jiang Zhaohe are about the same, the average purchase price is 45 yuan per piece. Although it is the most expensive among painters, it is cheaper than the works acquired in earlier years."

(Wu Zuoren calligraphy and painting purchase order, purchase price of 60 yuan per painting)

Chen Fan blinked wildly. Wait, I work so hard to write, only 7 yuan per thousand words, and those engaged in calligraphy and painting creation get 7 to 15 yuan per chi?

Did I go down the wrong path?

Painting is so simple, I can paint three three-chi paintings in two minutes… No, no, no.

He quickly corrected his thinking. Although the remuneration for calligraphy and painting is high, it is only a one-time deal. When royalties are restored in the future, I can continue to receive money.

I can't lose the big watermelon for a little immediate gain!

He glanced at the wall full of famous paintings, so envious!

Then he pointed on the wall, "This, this, this, this…, wrap them all up for me."

The pigtail comrade widened her eyes, "You're buying so much?"

Chen Fan coughed dryly and pointed to the inner hall, "My master is moving to a new house and bought them to hang on the wall for decoration."

The female comrade nodded understandingly, "Then your master's house must be quite big!"

Chen Fan was expressionless. Who is she calling 'master'?

Before long, 36 pieces of calligraphy and painting of various sizes were wrapped up.

The female comrade tapped away on the abacus for a while, then looked up and smiled, "Comrade, the total is 2160 yuan."

Chen Fan nodded, "Okay, please put them in the counter first. I'll pay and take them when I leave."

The female comrade didn't say much and immediately nodded with a smile, "Okay, you can come to me to get them later."

Chen Fan waved his hand, not taking a receipt.

The 36 pieces of calligraphy and painting he chose were all by familiar names, including Qi Baishi, Li Kuchan, Li Keran, Qigong, Huang Zhou, Zhang Daqian, Jiang Zhaohe, Huang Binhong... Huang Binhong's were the cheapest, only 10 yuan a painting, and the size was especially large, but they were dark and not very attractive.

Unlike other people who became famous during their lifetime, Huang Binhong's works were "discovered" for their value "50 years after his death."

To put it bluntly, in 1981, a Hong Kong businessman named Xu Huachi, the son of Xu Linlu, the first manager of Rong Baozhai after the founding of New China, came back and spent more than 200,000 Hong Kong dollars to sweep away more than 9,000 calligraphy and paintings from the "Foreign Guest Service Department" of the National Museum in front of Tiananmen Square (formerly the Museum of History), including works by Qi Baishi, Zhang Daqian, Li Keran, Wu Zuoren, Jiang Zhaohe, etc., "Everyone's was there."

But the most were Huang Binhong's.

Because his paintings couldn't be sold before.

Then came the "value discovery" of the Hong Kong Huang Binhong Painting Exhibition in the 1990s, and then the sky-high auctions in the 2000s. Huang Binhong's paintings became a hit overnight and became the darling of the collector's world.

Now, Chen Fan only bought 3 pieces to balance the "high-priced paintings" of Xu Beihong and Zhang Daqian.

Oh, and Qi Baishi. At this time, a foot of his painting only cost 10 yuan a piece, the price even lower than it was more than ten years ago, which is outrageous.

The most expensive ones were still Wu Zuoren, Li Keran, and others, so Chen Fan bought a few more large-sized paintings by Qi Baishi, as well as several albums of flowers, birds, or landscapes.

But the total number was not large, mainly for the house next to Shichahai.

It's still early before the calligraphy and painting craze, so there's no rush. He can slowly collect them later.

Back in the inner hall, the big shots were still discussing around the calligraphy and painting table, but there was one more person in the room.

As soon as Chen Fan entered the door, that person rushed over, grabbed Chen Fan's right hand tightly, and said excitedly, "Comrade Chen, join our Chinese Painting Creation Group! Your calligraphy level is extremely high and can be completely exported as art to earn foreign exchange!"

The "Chinese Painting Creation Group" was later the Chinese Painting Research Institute, which was jointly established by the Ministry of Culture, the Artists Association, and Rong Baozhai in 1977. Its main tasks were three: first, diplomatic gifts; second, collections by the Artists Association or art museums; and third, distribution and export by Rong Baozhai to earn foreign exchange.

The level of calligraphy and painting in China is high, and the demand for calligraphy and painting from overseas Chinese is high. In this era, in addition to agricultural products and mineral resources, cultural exports are also a major source of foreign exchange.

Chen Fan was a little confused by his sudden appearance.

At this time, Ba Jin walked over and said with a smile, "Let me introduce you. This is Manager Hou of Rong Baozhai, also the helmsman of Rong Baozhai."

Then he introduced Chen Fan, "This is Chen Fan, the youngest member of our Writers Association. When the National Writers Association is rebuilt next month and new members are added, he will also be the youngest national member."

Chen Fan grinned aside. Ba Lao had made it clear, so his membership was stable.

Manager Hou was a little disappointed when he heard this, "How can such good calligraphy be used for writing books?"

Then he looked at Chen Fan with hopeful eyes, "Come to our Rong Baozhai to do calligraphy and painting!"

Ba Lao immediately scolded with a smile, "You old Hou, I introduced you to him, and you're already poaching my people?"

Chen Fan quickly interjected, "Thank you, Manager Hou, for your kindness, but my ambition is not here. I'm sorry to disappoint you."

Seeing that Chen Fan's attitude was firm, Manager Hou could only sigh with regret, "Waste of talent, waste of talent!"

Several calligraphy masters, including Qigong, also felt quite regretful. After more than ten years of discontinuity, the older generation was gradually aging, while the new generation had not yet risen. They also hoped that a rising star could carry on the past and promote the development of calligraphy and painting.

Thinking of this, they suddenly understood why Ba Jin valued this young man so much.

Not only the calligraphy and painting world, but also the literary world is the same!

Or rather, the entire literary and art world is like this!

Sighing softly, Qigong suddenly asked, "Little Comrade Chen, what is your level of Chinese painting?"

Chen Fan blinked, "Acceptable."

Acceptable?

A dozen big shots immediately made way with hopeful faces, and Chen Fan finally stood in front of the calligraphy and painting table again.

Chen Fan picked up the brush, pondered slightly, and the tip of the brush fell on the paper.

After a while, a lotus flower took shape.

Qigong walked to the calligraphy and painting table and carefully looked at the painting. After a while, he straightened up and said with a solemn face, "This painting is not of an ordinary lotus, but of a celestial lotus."

Wang Xuetao approached and nodded gently, "This lotus has no water, placed in the void, the artistic conception is both far and near, yet it seems to fill the universe, truly painting the charm of a celestial lotus."

Then he looked up at Chen Fan, "Is there anything special about it?"

Chen Fan smiled slightly, did not speak, but picked up the brush again and inscribed a line of words in the corner.

"An eternal blue sky, a lotus."

Several calligraphers and painters gasped almost simultaneously, and one of them blurted out, "What a spirit!"

Qigong stared at the painting, "Without any color, only dyed with ink, yet able to paint such an artistic conception, it is far better than the common meaning of 'emerging from mud and not being stained'."

He slowly raised his head, "The younger generation surpasses the older generation."

Chen Fan put down the brush and said with a light smile, "You flatter me. I still have a lot to learn."

At this time, He Qingsheng walked over, his brows slightly furrowed, with some embarrassment in his eyes. He looked deeply at the painting and said softly, "The painting is a good painting, but isn't it a little inappropriate to paint a celestial lotus?"

As soon as this was said, the scene was silent.

That's right, just after the storm, he dares to paint a celestial lotus?

Should we add some water below? And erase that line of words?

Just when everyone was a little embarrassed, Zhang Xuansong suddenly said, "It's okay, this kid is my apprentice, and he will be a Taoist for a few days in the future. The old political commissar has already approved it, let alone painting a lotus flower, even painting the Jade Emperor is fine."

A Taoist?

A dozen pairs of eyes looked at Chen Fan, and everyone didn't know what expression to give?

However, it is a matter of course for a Taoist to paint a celestial lotus.

So the atmosphere on the scene relaxed.

Then He Qingsheng asked curiously, "Comrade Zhang, who is your old political commissar?"

Zhang Xuansong said calmly, "The old political commissar is so and so."

Lin Yuanxiang and Li Shangde sat on the left and right, as calm as if they were saying who the village chief of our village is.

The scene was silent again.

Even Ba Jin, who brought them in, had a complicated look in his eyes.

A group of people looked at the three of them, and then at Chen Fan.

They thought he was just an ordinary writer with talent, but they didn't expect him to have such a background.

Well, this is a designated Taoist, no one can rob him.

Let him do whatever he wants!

Even so, a group of people still swarmed up.

People can't be robbed, but it's always okay to ask Chen Fan to leave his ink treasure.

Just paint the kind that others can't paint!

Manager Hou also fully cooperated at this time, taking out the Chinese painting pigments treasured by Rong Baozhai and using them for Chen Fan for free.

Chen Fan also accepted all comers, throwing himself on the calligraphy and painting table to wield the brush and splash ink.

It just so happened that after his calligraphy and painting level went up, he didn't have the opportunity to paint this kind of color Chinese painting, so now he just regarded it as a personal experience.

More than an hour later, the four came out of Rong Baozhai, still empty-handed.

After Lin Yuanxiang paid for the 36 paintings he bought, an acquaintance would deliver them to his door. Also delivered together were the ink treasures left by those big shots just now.

Manager Hou would arrange for someone to frame them for free, and then send them over with those paintings.

Chen Fan said that he didn't take any advantage at all, he exchanged them one for one. But the three masters each earned more than a dozen pieces of calligraphy and painting for nothing.

Envy.

Walking back, Lin Yuanxiang's excitement hadn't passed, and he looked at Chen Fan and asked, "Where are we going now?"

Unexpectedly, unexpectedly, accompanying his apprentice to go shopping, he could meet so many writers and calligraphers and painters. Hey, when the calligraphy and painting works specially given to him arrive, he must invite more comrades to come to his house to sit and see what a cultured person is!

If anyone dares to say that he is a roughneck again, he will smash him with Qigong's words, Wang Xuetao's paintings, and Ba Jin's inscriptions!

In his complacency, he turned to look at the two old buddies. Well, they were still savoring the aftertaste, not yet recovered.

Until Chen Fan's voice sounded, "Let's go to Tongrentang to take a look. Hey, Master, are the medicines at Tongrentang expensive?"

Lin Yuanxiang came back to his senses and looked at him in surprise, "Why are you buying medicine if you're okay?"

Chen Fan, "Buy it for backup. Tongrentang's medicines are not comparable to ordinary pharmacies. Angong Niuhuang pills, Niuhuang Qingxin pills, Dahuoluo pills, Wuji Baifeng pills, Zixue powder, Jufang Zhibao pills are all good medicines with their own wonderful uses. Buy some for backup, maybe you can use them sometime."

After a pause, he added, "Also, I want to buy some tiger bones to make wine."

He turned to look at Lin Yuanxiang and smiled, "I have a prescription that uses tiger bones as the main ingredient, combined with a dozen medicinal materials to make wine, which can nourish yin, strengthen yang, strengthen muscles and bones, and is very suitable for martial arts practitioners. When I buy the medicine, I'll make a jar for you to drink."

Lin Yuanxiang laughed twice, "You are a filial person, but unfortunately, tiger bones are too expensive and scarce, so it's not easy to buy, and you can't afford it."

Chen Fan blinked, "Are tiger bones very expensive?"

Zhang Xuansong said aside, "Hmph, a tiger skin can be sold for two or three thousand US dollars abroad, and a set of tiger bones can also be sold for several hundred US dollars. Do you think Tongrentang has cheap tiger bones for you to buy?!"

Chen Fan's face collapsed. Why can others buy cheap tiger bones and tiger skins when they return to the era, but I can't?

At this time, Master Li suddenly said, "There are also cheap ones, and they are even better."

Chen Fan turned to look at him, "Where are they?"

Li Shangde smiled, "There are some in Changbai Mountain. If you can get a hunting license, go and kill a tiger yourself, it won't cost a penny, and you can sell it for money."

Go and kill it yourself?

Chen Fan rolled his eyes, thinking that he was going to Changchun tomorrow, and couldn't help nodding lightly, "That's also possible."