Chapter 207 We are brothers with different surnames
Shen Zheng had a book in front of him, but his eyes were looking sideways out of the classroom.
He had heard the noise outside a long time ago and was originally going out to see what was going on, but before he knew it, he heard a familiar voice.
When his father arrived, he dared not wander around aimlessly anymore. He quickly opened his book and pretended to read it seriously.
He could hear the footsteps getting closer and closer, as if they were coming in and standing right behind him.
He could no longer keep up the pretense. He closed the book, turned around, met the proud gaze of Magistrate Shen, and grinned, "Father, what brings you here?"
Cheng Zhao then snapped out of his book and immediately stood up: "Greetings, Magistrate."
Zhao Sidan was also studying here. He imitated Cheng Zhao by standing with his hands clasped and bowing slightly.
"Let me introduce you. This is Master Yu, who will be in charge of teaching the children of Dahe Village to read and write," Magistrate Shen said with a smile. "Shen Zheng and Cheng Zhao, you two will be taking the provincial examination soon. If you have any questions about studying or writing, you can come and ask Master Yu."
Shen Zheng shrank back. He was most afraid of teachers and Confucian scholars, always feeling that they would pick up a ruler and beat him at any moment.
Master Yu said, "Then I will test your knowledge first, so that I can teach you according to your aptitude."
Shen Zheng immediately made a bitter face: "Dad, didn't you say that Master Yu came to teach the children of Dahe Village to read? I'm not a child of Dahe Village..."
Magistrate Shen's face darkened: "Master Yu is a man of great learning and profound knowledge. Do you know how honored you are to receive a single word of guidance from him!"
Cheng Zhao's eyes flickered slightly, as if he had thought of something. His attitude became even more respectful, and he humbly cupped his hands and said, "Please enlighten me, Master Yu."
Master Yu stroked his beard and casually said, "In the Analects, Duke Ai asked You Ruo, 'In a year of famine, when resources are insufficient, what should be done?' You Ruo replied, 'Why not reduce them?' Duke Ai said again, 'Even I have insufficient resources, how can I reduce them?'"
Shen Zheng picked up the conversation, speaking in a serious tone: "If the people are well-off, how can the ruler be lacking? If the people are lacking, how can the ruler be well-off?"
"Indeed," Master Yu nodded. "This proves that you have studied diligently. Now, tell me, what exactly do you mean by these words?"
Shen Zheng grinned.
Cheng Zhao recently lectured him on the Analects, and they happened to be discussing this particular passage, which he was extremely familiar with.
He coughed and said, "The country is suffering from famine. When Duke Ai asked his minister these questions, he meant that he wanted to increase taxes. However, Yu You Ruo advocated reducing taxes. I think Yu You Ruo is absolutely right."
Magistrate Shen smiled with pride; his son had indeed made great progress.
Master Yu continued, "In your opinion, how should Yu Youruo's proposal be implemented?"
"Ah, this..." Shen Zheng scratched the back of his head and turned around. "Brother Cheng knows a lot, so let Brother Cheng answer this question."
Magistrate Shen: "..."
As expected, this kid was overrated. He knows what he is doing, but not why he is doing it. How can someone with this level of ability participate in the academy examination?
"In times of famine, collecting high land taxes can indeed temporarily alleviate the crisis, but excessive taxation on the people can easily lead to widespread poverty. Poverty breeds rebellion, and rebellion leads to the decline of national power..." Cheng Zhao said methodically. "The Confucian ideal of governing a country is that when the people are wealthy, the ruler is wealthy, and the country is stable. However, I believe this idea is too idealistic. There is wealth among the people, and there is also poverty among the people; these are relative..."
Master Yu looked at him with eyes full of admiration.
He thought this remote and impoverished place was inhabited by illiterate children, but he never expected to find a young man with extraordinary insight.
He seemed to see his younger self in this boy.
After Cheng Zhao finished answering, he waited quietly for Master Yu's comments.
Master Yu suddenly asked, "Do you have any writing skills?"
"Not yet," Cheng Zhao said respectfully. "I humbly request that you bestow upon me a name."
He just addressed Master Yu with respect, but now he's calling him "teacher." In this dynasty, the meanings of "teacher" and "Master" are completely different.
A teacher for a day is a father for life; a teacher is equivalent to a father.
The willingness to bestow a name upon oneself is enough to prove one's willingness to be close.
That's why Cheng Zhao changed his form of address.
“Yu means beautiful jade,” Master Yu said. “He is talented and versatile, patient and gentle in handling affairs, and capable of shouldering great responsibilities. Let’s call him Ziyu, Cheng Ziyu, what do you think?”
Cheng Zhao bowed even lower: "Ziyu thanks Teacher for bestowing the name upon him."
"Isn't this a coincidence?" Shen Zheng said with a grin. "My courtesy name is Zijue, and yours is Ziyu. It seems we are destined to be sworn brothers."
Zhao Sidan held the book, somewhat envious. He also longed for Master Yu to bestow upon him a courtesy name.
However, he knew that learned people would not easily bestow calligraphy upon their students, because it was a very serious and formal matter.
Let's talk about it when he's more successful in the future.
Magistrate Shen said, "You all continue with your studies. I'm going to Zhao Chengshi's house to ask about something."
Shen Zheng's eyes flashed, and he pulled Magistrate Shen aside: "Father, this time don't just talk about serious matters. Didn't you want Aunt Zhao to know your true feelings? You'd better show your attitude quickly, otherwise, Aunt Zhao will be snatched away by someone else."
Magistrate Shen blushed and said, "It's none of your business to tell your elders what to do. You should follow Master Yu and focus on your studies. Don't come along!"
He strode out of the school and headed towards Cheng Wanwan's house.
Cheng Wanwan was busy inside the house, praying in her heart that Magistrate Shen would not come to her house. The main reason was that the last marriage proposal had been quite embarrassing, with so many people outside the courtyard pretending to pass by, clearly wanting to see the drama between her and Magistrate Shen. She didn't want to be gossiped about and watched by the villagers.
As luck would have it, the sound of the eldest daughter-in-law bowing and greeting came from the courtyard gate.
She raised her eyebrows and saw that Chunhua had fallen to her knees with a thud. Knowing that Magistrate Shen was kind and generous, Afu quickly helped the limp Chunhua up and dragged her to the backyard.
Cheng Wanwan had no choice but to come out and curtsy, saying, "This humble woman greets Your Excellency, the County Magistrate."
"No need for such formalities."
Magistrate Shen offered a gesture of support, then quickly withdrew his hand and put it behind his back.
Cheng Wanwan took a step back and said, "Is the magistrate looking for Xiao Zheng? He is studying at the school."
"No," Magistrate Shen said with difficulty, "I do have a few words to say to you. Last time I sent someone to propose marriage, it was indeed too abrupt. I've been so busy that I haven't had the time to explain things to you in person. I hope you can forgive my rudeness..."
"It's just the kids messing around, I understand," Cheng Wanwan said with a smile. "Your Excellency, there's no need to feel guilty."
Magistrate Shen nodded: "It's good that you understand."
He had so much to say, but he didn't know where to begin.
He scratched the back of his head, then felt the gesture was rather unseemly, so he quickly withdrew his hand and coughed.
Cheng Wanwan stood with him in the courtyard. The county magistrate didn't say anything or mention leaving, making it extremely awkward for them to just stand there.
She glanced at the sky and casually said, "I should go make lunch, otherwise... would you like to stay for a meal, Magistrate?"
Magistrate Shen readily agreed, saying, "Good."
Bringing up matters of love and sex at this point is a bit too hasty; let's wait until after the meal.
Cheng Wanwan: "..."
She was just being polite, indicating that dinner was about to be served. Wouldn't most people offer to leave at that point?
How could a dignified county magistrate possibly be interested in the food of a villager?
Looks like I'll have to put some effort into lunch.
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