1. Yan Zhenqing was a famous calligrapher in the Tang Dynasty. In order to learn calligraphy, Yan Zhenqing studied under Zhang Xu. Zhang Xu was a leading calligrapher in the Tang Dynasty. He could write in all kinds of fonts, especially cursive. Yan Zhenqing hoped that under the guidance of the famous teacher, he would soon learn the tricks of writing and become famous. However, Zhang Xu did not reveal any secret of calligraphy after he became a teacher. He just introduced some famous calligraphies to Yan Zhenqing, simply pointed out the characteristics of the calligraphies, and let Yan Zhenqing copy them. Sometimes, he took Yan Zhenqing to climb mountains, swim, go to markets and see plays. After returning home, he asked Yan Zhenqing to practice calligraphy or watch him write fast. A few months later, Yan Zhenqing could not get the calligraphy secret from the teacher. He was worried and decided to ask the teacher directly. One day, Yan Zhenqing bravely said with a red face, "If you have something to ask, please teach me the secret of calligraphy."
2. Zhang Xu replied, "In learning calligraphy, first of all, we should 'work hard', that is, study hard; second, we should 'comprehend', that is, we should learn from the natural world. Haven't I told you this many times?"
3. Yan Zhenqing thought that the teacher was unwilling to impart the secret, and then took a step forward and begged: "I know all the reasons why the teacher said 'work' and 'understand'. What I need most now is the teacher's unique skill secret of writing and inking. Please give me some advice."
4. Zhang Xu still patiently enlightened Yan Zhenqing: "I saw the princess fighting with her husband to check the meaning of writing skills, and I saw Aunt Gongsun dancing swords to get the verve of writing. In addition to hard training, I just observed nature, and had no other tricks."
5. Then he told Yan Zhenqing a story about Wang Xizhi, a calligrapher in the Jin Dynasty, who taught his son Wang Xianzhi to practice calligraphy. Finally, he said seriously, "If there is any 'secret' to learning calligraphy, it is to study hard and practice hard. Remember that no one can achieve anything without hard work."
6. Yan Zhenqing was greatly inspired by the teacher's teachings, and he really understood the way to learn. Since then, he has worked hard, studied hard, learned the charm of writing from life, and made rapid progress. Finally, he became a great calligrapher, the first of the four calligraphers.