The Book of Rites, in the chapter on the deep garment, records the saying, "The garment has six panels and the skirt has six panels." Each of the garment and skirt has six panels, which symbolize the six yin and six yang of the twelve months of the year.
Today, Qin Mu was dressed in a deep-colored robe, which must have been hastily made yesterday after Aunt Zheng and her men took his measurements. The fine white linen was very comfortable to wear, and the pure white color was his favorite, although it was very troublesome to put on. He didn't particularly like the wide sleeves.
The shenyi emphasizes concealing one's body, exuding elegance and grace. Its loose fit is also a characteristic feature. On the head, one would wear a headscarf, a jade pendant, a thumb ring (also known as a thumb ring), and a sachet.
Normally, Qin Mu would definitely not want to wear a sachet, but today he had no choice but to comply. This apprenticeship ceremony was much more formal. Firstly, Yan Lide didn't want to make a fuss; he only wanted to pass on the family's traditional construction techniques, with only one request: that Qin Mu's descendants pass it on to the Yan family's descendants.
Given Li Gang's status and position, it wouldn't be appropriate for him to accept disciples without a proper ceremony. Not only Qin Mu, but also Qin Qiong and his wife were dressed formally. They didn't bring any children with them; the three of them, in three carriages, headed straight for the Li family.
Li Gang has now resigned from most of his positions in the imperial court and only serves as the head of the Tianxin Pavilion, so he has a lot of free time.
"Old Master Li is of a simple and unassuming nature, so he was unwilling to live on Zhuque Street. This house was bestowed upon him by the Emperor Emeritus, who strongly insisted that he live here." The carriage stopped in Yongchang Ward, directly east of the Imperial City, outside a mansion even larger than the Qin family's. Qin Qiong explained to Qin Mu in a low voice.
The mansion did look a bit dilapidated over the years, appearing somewhat weathered, but it was very clean.
He was led into the gate of the Li residence by the servants and soon met Li Gang.
"This student greets the teacher!" Qin Mu bowed respectfully to Li Gang, who was kneeling at the desk.
"No need for formalities," Li Gang said with a slight nod.
"Greetings, Elder Li!"
"Uncle Bao, please have a seat!"
"This is my son's tuition fee. I humbly request that Elder Li strictly discipline him in the future!"
"I will accept the tuition fee and will certainly teach you with all my heart."
After exchanging polite pleasantries, Li Gang stroked his beard and introduced, "Huai Dao, this is my son, Li Liyan, and Li Shaozhi. You can just call him Senior Brother."
"Greetings, senior brothers!"
"Greetings, Junior Brother!"
After introducing his two senior brothers, both over fifty years old and older than Qin Qiong, Li Gang introduced another middle-aged man: "That is my grandson, Li Anren, and Li Anjing."
"Greetings, Martial Uncle!"
"Greetings, sir!" Qin Mu returned the greeting, though he hesitated to address the two men, both around thirty years old.
"It's almost time, Shaozhi, take Huaidao to greet the guests!" After the introduction, Li Gang sent Qin Mu away.
Following Li Shaozhi, they arrived at the gate of the Li family mansion. Not far away, there was a steward of similar age to Li Shaozhi, accompanied by several servants. The Li family was indeed as Qin Qiong had said, rather frugal; at least, the number of servants and maids appeared to be even fewer than in Qin Qiong's residence.
"I've long admired your name, Junior Brother. I never imagined we'd have the chance to become family." Li Shaozhi said with a smile as he waited at the door.
"I am honored to have become your student, and I hope you will continue to guide me in the future!"
"I dare not! To be honest, of the five of us brothers, the eldest, second, and third brothers all died in battle, leaving only my fourth brother and me. Now our cultivation is comparable to yours, junior brother, and we will need your guidance in the future," Li Shaozhi said with a wry smile.
"Senior brother, you are too modest. I only came here by chance. How could I possibly give you any guidance?"
“Cultivation requires talent. Fourth Brother has no sons, and my two sons are not very talented. The mantle of my father can only be carried on by you, Junior Brother,” Li Shaozhi said solemnly.
"I will certainly not bring shame to our sect," Qin Mu replied solemnly. Only then did he understand why Li Gang, despite his advanced age, only had so few family members. It seemed that the others either had no children or no sons.
The idea of passing on skills to sons but not daughters, and to family members but not outsiders, is prevalent in many families, especially the most core ones. Even when passing on skills to daughters, most don't actually continue the lineage. Apprentices are different; taking on an apprentice is like having a son. Therefore, some people, lacking suitable apprentices, prefer to keep their skills buried with them.
After chatting for a while, a carriage appeared in the distance. The two stopped talking and waited quietly.
"Master Yan!" Two people alighted from the carriage, one an old man and the other not young either, who looked about the same age as Li Shaozhi. Li Shaozhi hurriedly stepped forward and bowed respectfully.
"Greetings, esteemed elders!" Qin Mu naturally followed and bowed beside Li Shaozhi.
"Junior brother, this is Elder Yan of the Shi family!"
"Greetings, Elder Yan!" Qin Mu greeted him respectfully again. Upon hearing the name Elder Yan of the Shi family, he knew who this person was. There was no way around it; in the other world, there were very few people who hadn't heard of Yan Zhenqing's name. And in the upper echelons of the Tang Dynasty, only their family had this surname. However, judging from the age, this should be Yan Zhenqing's grandfather.
“Excellent! Excellent! I am Yan Silu, and your teacher is a good friend. You are welcome to visit the Yan family sometime in the future.” Yan Silu stroked his beard and smiled.
"Yes, sir! I will definitely come to learn from you. Just don't find it too troublesome."
"well!"
"Please come in, Elder Yan!"
"I don't need you to lead the way, I know the way!" Yan Silu waved his hand and strode towards the Li family.
"See you later, Brother Li!" The man next to Yan Silu smiled at Li Shaozhi.
"Brother Yan, please!"
After seeing the two off, another carriage appeared in the distance, and the two hurriedly went to greet it again.
The number of guests was unexpectedly large, and they were all important figures. Among those I recognized were Yu Shinan, Li Shentong, Kong Yida, and Wang Ji; among those I hadn't met were Xue Yuanjing, Yu Zhining, Lu Deming, and Yao Silian. Although I hadn't met them in person, I recognized their names.
Qin Mu went in and out about ten times, always maintaining a smile, bowing, and greeting.
"That's about enough! Let's go in!" Li Shaozhi said, looking up at the sky.
"Okay! Thank you for your hard work, senior brother."
"You're welcome!" Li Shaozhi waved his hand and said. Then the two smiled at each other. After working together for so long, they quickly became familiar with each other.
"I am accepting a disciple today and have specially invited you all to be witnesses. I am deeply grateful for your presence," Li Gang said, bowing to the crowd as he dressed in a blue, wide-sleeved robe.
"Brother Wenji, no need to be so polite. Let's begin the formal apprenticeship ceremony!" Lu Deming, his face full of wrinkles, said with a smile.
"Thank you for your trouble, Brother Yuanlang!"
"The apprenticeship ceremony officially begins! Today is an auspicious day, and I am delighted that my esteemed disciple, Qin Huaidao, is becoming my apprentice! Bow!" Lu Deming stood up, took two steps forward, and solemnly announced.
Following the rules, Qin Mu straightened his clothes, solemnly stepped forward, knelt down in front of Li Gang, and slowly bowed three times. He then took the teacup from Li Shaozhi beside him and offered it with both hands, saying, "Teacher, please have some tea!"
The three-bow ceremony is considered the highest form of etiquette, used only when bowing to Heaven, Earth, parents, and teachers. Qin Mu performed the three-bow kowtow ceremony, the most solemn of rituals. First, one must sit upright, keeping one's buttocks on one's calves, raise both hands in front of the forehead, lower them until they touch the ground in front of the body, and lean forward with the arms. For the third bow, the hands descend, separate, palms facing upward. One bows, placing the backs of the hands on the ground to the side, and touches the forehead to the ground. Only then is the three-bow kowtow ceremony complete.
"Alright!" Li Gang smiled as he took the teacup, took a sip, and casually placed it on the table.
"Get up!" Li Gang nodded slightly.
Then Qin Mu presented the gift prepared by Qin Qiong, saying, "This is just a small gift, nothing more, please accept it, teacher!"
"I have accepted the gift. Remember to study diligently from now on." Li Gang didn't even look at what was inside the box before accepting it and putting it aside.
"The student has remembered!"
"As disciples of your master, you must not do anything that is against heaven and reason; you must not harm the people. You must be upright and indomitable. This is what makes a great man," Li Gang admonished.
"I will keep your teachings in mind and never forget them!" Qin Mu replied respectfully once again.
"Hmm!" Li Gang nodded in satisfaction, and then introduced his two sons and two grandsons again. The group then greeted each other in front of the guests.
After exchanging greetings, Qin Mu washed his hands in a basin to symbolize cleanliness. Then, Li Gang dipped a brush in cinnabar and placed it on Qin Mu's forehead, signifying the opening of wisdom. Only then did the apprenticeship ceremony end.
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