The Capital Calligraphy and Painting Exchange Conference came to a perfect close under Bai Yuan's steady hosting.
Scholars, artists, and enthusiasts from across the land gathered, exchanged techniques, debated styles, and left with satisfied smiles, each feeling they had gained something valuable. Some carried new inspiration. Some carried quiet frustration. All carried stories.
At the entrance of the venue, Bai Yuan was still busy.
Two young scholars stood before him, each holding out a sheet of clean white paper. Bai Yuan lifted his brush and signed his name in bold, flowing strokes. The characters "Bai Yuan" seemed to leap off the page, vigorous and alive.
He handed the papers back with a warm smile.
"Young men, keep working hard. The Six Arts of a Gentleman are waiting for your generation to carry them forward."
The two scholars exchanged awkward glances.
They loved calligraphy. That much was true. As for the other five arts, they had absolutely no interest. Still, standing before a respected elder, neither dared to say that aloud. They forced polite smiles and nodded repeatedly.
Just as the atmosphere was about to turn painfully stiff, a strange rumbling sound rolled in from the street.
"Wuuuuu..."
A peculiar vehicle pulled up in front of the venue.
It looked nothing like the old steam-powered machines people had grown used to. Its body was sleeker. Its sound deeper. Its presence more aggressive.
The door opened.
A man in his early thirties stepped out.
It was Bai Gongzi.
He walked forward quickly and bowed.
"Father."
Bai Yuan turned, his eyes lighting up.
"Ah, you are here. Is this the special vehicle you built for me?"
Bai Gongzi nodded, unable to hide his excitement.
"Yes. Father, you must be careful with this one. It is no longer a steam machine. It uses the latest internal combustion engine as its core. The power is far beyond anything you have driven before."
Bai Yuan chuckled.
"No matter how powerful it is, what is there to fear? Among the Six Arts, I have always placed great importance on driving."
Bai Gongzi rubbed his forehead.
"Father, this is different. Truly different. Please, sit in the passenger seat first. Let me show you what it can do."
"Fine," Bai Yuan said with a grin. "Let me see just how impressive this engine is, to make you doubt your own father's skill."
The two of them climbed into the car.
Bai Gongzi carefully scanned the road ahead. The official road was wide and empty. No pedestrians. No carts. Safe enough.
He took a breath.
"Father, please hold onto the handle above the door."
Bai Yuan snorted.
"Ridiculous. I have seen battlefields and storms. From horse carts to steam trains, from ships to armored vehicles, what have I not driven? You think I need to hold onto a handle for this? Step on it. Full speed. That is an order."
Bai Gongzi glanced at his father's sixty year old frame and sighed inwardly.
Only experience would convince him.
"Very well."
He pressed the accelerator.
The engine roared.
Not chugged. Not rattled. Roared.
The car shot forward like an arrow released from a bow.
In that instant, Bai Yuan felt something entirely new.
A force pressed him back into his seat. The world seemed to lurch forward all at once. No buildup. No hesitation. Just pure, immediate acceleration.
His hand flew up and grabbed the handle.
"Whoa. Ahhhhh."
But his voice quickly changed tone.
"Magnificent. This is exhilarating."
Bai Gongzi blinked.
He had expected complaints. Instead, he heard praise.
So he pushed harder.
The accelerator went down further. The engine screamed louder. Dust rose behind them in a long trailing cloud as the car tore down the road.
Only when a sharp turn appeared ahead did Bai Gongzi ease off and slow the vehicle.
Bai Yuan exhaled quietly, then immediately shouted.
"Why slow down? Where is the excitement now? Is this how I taught you? Be bold. Be spirited."
Bai Gongzi hesitated for half a second, then committed.
His foot tapped the brake. His hands spun the steering wheel. The car swung sideways in a clean drift. At the same time, he shifted gears and slammed the accelerator again.
The vehicle surged forward once more.
Bai Yuan's voice changed again.
"Ah. Oh. Ahhhhh."
Finally, the car came to a stop.
Bai Yuan stepped out. His legs wobbled slightly. His stomach churned. For a brief moment, it seemed he might collapse.
But he did not.
He steadied himself with one hand on the car, straightened his back, and stood tall. His white robes fluttered in the wind, giving him the air of an immortal untouched by worldly concerns.
In front of his son, he would never show weakness.
He let out a soft snort.
"This vehicle has far greater potential than steam machines. Very good. I accept it."
Bai Gongzi nodded.
"Then please, Father, take the driver's seat. I will guide you."
"Of course."
Bai Yuan climbed in eagerly, touching everything with curiosity.
"What is this lever? I have not seen it before."
"That is the clutch."
"Clutch?" Bai Yuan frowned. "Why would a vehicle need sadness and joy? Will you add anger and sorrow next?"
Bai Gongzi laughed helplessly.
"It is part of the transmission system. It allows you to change gears smoothly. The gearbox has multiple ratios. The clutch disengages the engine so you can shift."
Bai Yuan raised a hand.
"Enough. I do not need the theory. Just tell me how to use it."
And so, Bai Gongzi became a driving instructor.
He explained step by step. When to press. When to release. How to shift gears. How to control speed.
Despite his age, Bai Yuan learned quickly.
He did not reject new knowledge. He did not hide behind excuses. Within a single hour, he had grasped the essentials.
He laughed loudly.
"Excellent. Full throttle. Acceleration is everything. Brakes are for cowards."
Bai Gongzi panicked.
"Father, please do not say that. Safety is the most important thing."
"Do not underestimate me," Bai Yuan replied. "Among the Six Arts, I have always excelled in driving."
Moments later, they reached a bend.
Bai Yuan misjudged it.
The car tipped.
Then flipped.
Father and son tumbled into a nearby field along with the vehicle.
Fortunately, Bai Yuan had not actually been going very fast. Despite his bold words, his instincts had kept his speed moderate.
They crawled out unharmed.
The car, however, lay overturned and ruined.
Bai Yuan looked at it for a long moment, then sighed.
"The art of driving... should be crossed out."
Bai Gongzi scratched his head.
"We will have to walk back and find someone to tow it. Perhaps I should design a special vehicle for transporting damaged cars. A towing vehicle. Yes, that might work."
Time passed.
New Ming Calendar, Year Ten. Bai Yuan first encountered the internal combustion vehicle.
Year Twelve. He won first place in the National Calligraphy Competition.
Year Fourteen. He returned to the shooting event and claimed the gold medal.
Year Fifteen. He compiled and published "The Complete Compendium of Chinese Etiquette," earning recognition as a guardian of cultural heritage.
That same year, he publicly admitted that his mathematical knowledge had fallen behind the times.
"The art of numbers," he said, "should be crossed out."
Year Twenty. At the age of seventy, he funded and established the first large scale automobile racing event in the world. He personally competed and won the championship, becoming the oldest racing champion in history.
Year Thirty.
Bai Gongzi stood before his father's memorial tablet.
He bowed deeply.
Before him were countless awards and certificates, arranged in neat rows. Each one represented a moment in Bai Yuan's extraordinary life.
"Father," he said softly, "you walked toward the light and left the shadows behind you. Not a single stain marked your name."
He lowered his head further.
"No matter how hard I try, I will never surpass the greatness of your figure."