Chen Shiceng passed away in 1923, leaving Qi Baishi without his only confidant and making him a target of harsh criticism from his peers. At that time, the conservative circles of the Beijing art scene attacked Qi's work relentlessly, dismissing it as 'wild fox Zen' or 'vulgar,' and even claiming it was 'unfit for high society.'
Yet, hope emerged from despair. In 1929, the final year of Qi Baishi's 'ten-year seclusion,' the 66-year-old artist was recognized by Xu Beihong, who had recently arrived in Beijing. To Xu, Qi was undeniably a master painter. Amidst the noise of his detractors, Xu Beihong championed him, praising his works for 'simulating nature' and achieving 'grandeur through exquisite detail.' To elevate Qi's status, Xu did more than just placing orders at exhibitions; he curated art albums for him, wrote prefaces, and arranged for their publication in Shanghai. Furthermore, Xu invited Qi to serve as a professor at the Beijing Art Academy, where Xu was the director, even personally driving a carriage to escort Qi to his classes. Xu once told his students, 'Qi Baishi is comparable to any master in history; he can be not only your teacher, but mine as well.'
In a letter to Xu Beihong, who was 32 years his junior, Qi Baishi wrote: 'My parents gave me life, but you are the one who truly understands me!'