Chapter 122 Chapter 122 Learning
"A thatched cottage with bamboo fences, a flower-filled pavilion in a stone house; pines and cypresses singing in clusters, vines growing on the ground..." [1]
Dafu was holding a book in one hand and reading by the window.
The house was stuffy and hot. He could hear the rustling of bamboo leaves outside, but there was no wind blowing into the house. Instead, he felt hot and restless inside, so he simply opened the door and read under the porch in the back garden.
The summer breeze blowing on my face, bringing with it the fragrance of green bamboo, makes me feel a lot more open and relaxed.
I was immersed in a book, trying to forget the confusion of the past two days, when I suddenly heard a voice calling:
"Fan Zhongyang."
Da Fu looked in the direction of the sound and saw Wu Heguang at a glance.
"Why did you go up to that high place again? But what did you lose?"
He hurried to the wall of the house and looked up at the person who was sticking his head out from the wall.
"I haven't forgotten anything. I was just cooling off in the garden when I heard someone reading aloud. I couldn't help but take a look."
Wu Heguang saw Dafu and chuckled.
Dafu was a little embarrassed: "I'm sorry that I disturbed you with the sound of my reading."
"I seldom go out, and even when I do, I'm always surrounded by people. I never feel at ease, and I usually spend my time at home. It's a pleasure to hear you reading today."
Wu Heguang just smiled and asked, "Are you reading 'Xiao Chuang You Ji'?"
Dafu nodded and said, "This is a new reading material that my uncle and I have learned. He taught me that besides studying Buddhist scriptures, I can also read books like this. Firstly, it can broaden my knowledge, and secondly, it can calm my utilitarian and impetuous mind."
Wu Heguang said: "'The mountain moon, the river mist, and the sound of a few iron flutes are a beautiful sight; the wind and the waves of the sea, and a small boat, are a great spectacle.'" [2]
"It is indeed a wonderful book, very elegant and interesting. If you like reading this kind of book, I also have a copy of 'Dreams of Taoan' and 'Cai Gen Tan' here, I can lend you a read."
Dafu was overjoyed and thanked Wu Heguang profusely, saying, "If I could borrow it to read, I would be more than happy to do so."
He couldn't help but feel very surprised that the boy had read so many books and was quite knowledgeable.
He had heard that even wealthy families would educate their daughters and sons. Today, it seemed to be true. When he had time, he would persuade Xiaofu and teach him to read and write.
Wu Heguang said, "You just passed the imperial examination in April. There are very few students of your age in Luan County. You are truly the most famous person at the moment.
It's understandable that you're young and impetuous, and it's hard for you to read these books to calm your mind. But I see a hint of sadness in your eyes and brows, and you seem to have lost a lot of weight since the last time I saw you.
"You are really as meticulous as dust. I am sorry to have embarrassed you."
Dafu said, "I've been having trouble understanding a lot of things in my studies lately, so I'm feeling confused and bewildered. I can't figure it out. It's hot and humid in summer, so that's why I'm feeling this way."
Wu Heguang was silent when he heard this. He was so smart. He thought that Dafu’s predicament was difficult for the master to solve, so he was stuck in his heart.
He said, "When you have a problem, it's sometimes hard to figure it out on your own. Sometimes, with a little help, it suddenly becomes clear. I know a place that might be able to relieve your worries, but I don't know if you're willing to go."
Upon hearing this, Dafu's eyebrows twitched. "Please tell me, if I can go there to learn and understand, I will go no matter what."
Seeing Dafu's eagerness to learn, Wu Heguang said with a smile, "If you want to know, I'll tell you. Whether to go or not is up to you."
"I heard that the county school occasionally invites local and even other famous scholars to come and discuss the scriptures. These people may not have great achievements, but they are very knowledgeable and have profound learning. If I could go and ask for advice, I would definitely be able to solve my doubts."
"These famous scholars, though well-educated and knowledgeable, also have hot tempers, often shouting and scolding. Even compared to the stern masters, they are more ferocious. Many scholars who come here to learn from their reputations often enter with a smile on their faces and leave with a gloomy face, never to return."
Wu Heguang asked, "Are you willing to go to a place like this?"
Dafu knew about the county school, but he had no idea there was such a gathering. He was so happy to hear about it that he felt a sense of relief. He said, "This is a rare place to study. How could I not want to go? I just want you to tell me when I can go."
Seeing that he was already impatient, Wu Heguang said, "The time is not always fixed. This time I heard it's the 16th or 1st, but we don't know who will be coming. But if they are invited by the county school, they can't be bad."
He wanted to talk to Dafu in more detail, but he heard his servant Gu Ge'er trotting in and saying that his mother was coming to the yard.
Wu Heguang was not able to talk for long. He just said quickly, "I asked someone to lend you a book. Just read it carefully and you will know."
After saying this, the man quickly descended the ladder.
Dafu wanted to tell him to slow down, but he was afraid of making a noise and exposing his identity, so he could only watch him anxiously from the foot of the wall as he went down.
After a moment, he breathed a sigh of relief when he heard no more shouting, thinking that he had landed safely.
In the afternoon, when it was almost evening, Awang brought in a basket from outside, saying that it was from Gu Ge'er, who lived with Mr. Wu next door.
Dafu opened it quickly and saw that the books inside were indeed the ones that Wu Heguang had mentioned during the day. In addition, he was given two more books, one was "Mengxi Bitan" and the other was "Tiangong Kaiwu".
Dafu couldn't let it go and wanted to record it to keep for later viewing, but he didn't have Wu Heguang's consent, so he couldn't do that.
At the bottom of the book, there was a page of letter paper pressed inside, and Wu Heguang's neat handwriting was clearly visible on the paper.
Dafu didn't read the contents of the paper, but first appreciated the calligraphy. He found that Wu Heguang's calligraphy seemed soft and calm at first glance, but upon closer inspection, it was elegant and lively, which was somewhat similar to his temperament.
He wrote down in detail on the paper what time and which gate of the county school to go to wait for him.
After reading the letter, Dafu felt very grateful. He wrote down the content carefully and put the letter away carefully.
He was calculating in his mind that it was only two or three days away from the 16th, and the school happened to be closed. When the day came, he would go there early to wait. If he had to study on that day, he would prepare to take a day off before going.
"Dafu, are you asleep?"
Before I could calm down, I suddenly heard Kang He's voice. I was so relieved that the confusion I had about studying had been solved. I felt much more relaxed and ran out to greet him with a smile.
"not yet."
"I just made a bowl of almond, lily and lotus seed soup. It's just cooled down. I'll give you one. Xiaofu has already eaten two bowls."
Dafu took it with a smile. Seeing Xiaodie also coming over, he said to the two of them, "Daddy, just ask Wang to go get it. You'll be busy with Xiaodie's business during the day, and you should rest well at night."
"Those things aren't too busy. The shop is now looked after by capable clerks. Your little father and I just have to look around. It won't take much effort and won't be tiring."
Dafu felt more at ease after hearing this, so he picked up the spoon and took a sip of the soup.
The lilies and lotus seeds were boiled until soft, and then cooled in the well. They didn't feel cold like ice, but were just cool when eaten. He found them very delicious.
Fan Jing sat down at one end. Seeing that Dafu's appetite had improved, he reached out and smoothed his hair. "Is it hot in the room? If you're uncomfortable, buy some ice."
Dafu shook his head. "There's a water tank in the house, and the breeze at night makes it cooler. I don't feel too hot."
Kang He also sat down beside him and said, "You should practice the principle of keeping calm and cool."
The two men watched Dafu finish a bowl of soup and asked him if he wanted to eat more. Dafu shook his head. The soup was delicious, but if he ate too much at night, he would inevitably have to get up at night, so it would be better to eat less.
Seeing this, Kang He talked to him about serious matters.
"You have always been ambitious and studious. Your father and I have heard from people these past two days that there was a gathering like that at the county school, and all the people who attended were learned people.
Your father and I have come forward to tell you that you have always admired these learned seniors."
Kang He said, "I've heard that these people have bad tempers, and if you go and ask for their advice, you'll probably suffer some offense. I'm afraid it will hurt their pride and they won't be able to relax for a long time."
Over the past few days, the two of them had used various channels to inquire around and finally got this news. They hesitated for a while whether to tell Dafu or not.
He heard that scholars who had gone to seek advice were scolded and called worthless. Some of them were in their twenties or even thirties, and some of them went back crying after being scolded. This showed how difficult it was to deal with them.
But then I thought that it is a path after all. On the road to study, one must endure some hardships, and only then can one's character be tempered to become harder.
After Kang He finished speaking, Da Fu was slightly startled. It was a coincidence that he had heard the news in advance.
He thought that his father and little father must have seen that he was confused about his studies recently and had lost weight, so they went to him specifically to ask for advice.
It's hard for my father and my stepfather to run around like this for him even though they are not scholars and are not well versed in these things.
However, he couldn't help but feel curious about Wu Heguang. The information that his father and little father had taken the trouble to find out was not as detailed as what he knew. He wondered what kind of person he was.
He didn't deviate from the important matter to explore these things. He focused on what was in front of him and said, "Daddy, little daddy, I'll go. I'm not afraid of these things. Studying and seeking knowledge is asking for help from others. How can I ask others to help me and treat them with a smile?"
Kang He and Fan Jing had actually guessed it and told him that the child would definitely go, and since they had said it, they had promised him.
It's good to go and gain some experience and gain some experience. If it really doesn't work out, just don't go again, just like those places where you've studied before.
So, at dawn on the 16th, Dafu got up early as usual to go to school, had some food, and then walked to the outside of the county school with Awang.
Wu Heguang told him that it would be best not to go there in a fancy carriage when he went to ask for advice. If the carriage was parked outside the county school, it would not only block the road and disgruntled the people on the other side, but would also give the famous scholars a bad impression when they saw it.
But even if Wu Heguang didn't say it, he didn't plan to take the car over.
When the two men arrived outside the county school, it was just dawn. At this time, there were already three or four people standing outside the county school with their heads bowed respectfully, not blocking the road.
Daifukuhara thought he had arrived early enough, but he didn't realize that there were always people who were more diligent and motivated than him on his academic journey.
He politely bowed to them and then took a look at them. He saw that they were of different ages, but they were all dressed simply.
I think they are all poor scholars. Although the soles of some of their shoes have been treated, there is still some wet mud on them. I'm afraid they must have walked here from the village before dawn.
Dafu had no intention of looking down on them. Instead, he felt a little respect for them and was also grateful. If it weren't for his father and little father working all day long, he wouldn't be able to live a rich life now.
Seeing that no one was talking, Dafu waited quietly at the other end. He took out some questions that he had written down on a piece of paper, read them over several times, and silently expressed his thoughts.
One or two more scholars came one after another.
Around noon, some famous scholars gradually arrived, some with beards, some young and handsome.
Some came on foot, some by car, and some by sedan chair, but all had to enter through the main gate.
Dafu had never met many of these famous scholars, but he felt that they had an extraordinary aura.
He stood respectfully to the side, and passers-by would occasionally turn their heads to glance at them.
Gradually, fewer people came in, and when no one else came in, Dafu waited outside for more than an hour.
I felt my legs were a little stiff from standing. The sun was high in the sky, and the scorching sunlight made the bluestone slabs outside the county school hot. Although I was waiting alone in the shade under the eaves, it was still very hot and stuffy.
Dafu felt that his vest seemed to be soaked with sweat, and his body seemed to be in a steamer, but it didn't matter. He was just a little worried that the sweat would ruin his appearance, and he would be embarrassed when he went to ask Hongru.
Seeing Dafu's face breaking out in sweat, Ah Wang leaned over and whispered, "I'll go get you a bowl of iced drink to cool you down. I'll have it at the back of the street and come back later. Wait outside, it seems like this won't be over anytime soon."
Dafu said, "No one knows when the meeting will end; there's no set time. Those of us who aren't from the county school can only go in after the meeting is over. If we leave, even if it's only a quarter of an hour, we might miss the chance to get in."
After hearing this, Awang felt sorry for Dafu, but he didn't want to miss out on important things just for a bowl of food.
"Then I'll get my fan and fan you, so you can feel cooler."
"Look at the scholars waiting here, they are all waiting patiently. If you fan me, won't I stand out and show my impatience? Don't worry, if others can wait, I can too."
Awang had no choice but to give up.
Turning around, he saw several scholars who were obviously from much wealthier families who had arrived late. They were either asking their servants to buy some summer drinks or sitting in the tea stalls on the street.
Awang thought to himself, what if I get heatstroke while waiting in such hot weather? I heard the young man talk about standing in the snow outside Cheng's door, so could it be that the county school is suffering from the heatstroke?
I just don’t know whether it is more difficult to wait in the snow or in this scorching heat. In Awang’s opinion, they are both equally painful.
"The meeting inside is over. If you scholars have any questions, you may go in and stay for a while. In less than an incense stick of time, the instructor will host a banquet for all the great scholars. Please do not disturb us for too long."
"yes."
Da Fu suddenly saw a messenger coming out from inside and saying a few words. The scholars waiting outside were overjoyed and responded respectfully.
Afterwards, Dafu slowly walked in with the others, and the people waiting at the door walked into the county school, and the door was closed again.
Those who left temporarily will not be allowed to enter again today, and it will be useless whether they come early or late.
Dafu carefully followed the guide and walked into a small garden. The pavilions and towers were very elegant, and there was a gurgling stream. A breeze blew, which was very refreshing. It was much more comfortable than outside.
However, Dafu had no intention of relaxing and enjoying himself. It was his first time coming in to ask questions, and he didn't know how to ask questions. After coming here, he was greatly enlightened.
The group went to a large classroom and saw that the great scholars who had just entered from the door and the auxiliary teachers of the county school were gathered together, all of them looking dignified.
The assistant who welcomed them in said, "Now that we're here, let's make the most of our time."
The scholar who came to ask questions today was at the front of the line. He was about thirty years old. He walked to the middle nervously and slowly opened his mouth to express his confusion about learning.
The other scholars stood behind, pretending to be spectators and listening quietly while waiting for their turn.
It was the first time for Dafu to see such a scene. Normally, when he was studying, although the teacher was strict, he would just stand in front of the podium.
The student asked and answered, and stood up to respond. He was ashamed to be reprimanded by the teacher.
There were no less than ten great scholars assisting in the teaching in the hall. They were all dignified and solemn, and their tone was not gentle or kind. Although they answered questions, they also picked out shortcomings and scolded and reprimanded.
I just saw that senior's forehead was sweating and his face was visibly pale.
The talented general took the lead. Although he asked questions slowly and seemed calm, as the great scholars corrected him and asked him about his knowledge, his words became incoherent and his voice trembled.
Dafu and others were waiting behind, feeling ashamed. He had previously thought that once he entered the county school, all the great scholars would be idle in the courtyards and rooms, and he could go and ask whoever was free. He never expected that it would be such a scary scene.
It’s no wonder that Wu Heguang and Dad both said it was quite powerful. Those scholars who came here once never wanted to come again after they left.
Dafu was also a little afraid, but then he thought, although the scene was strict, it was not easy to gather so many great scholars to assist in teaching at once. If one person criticized his shortcomings, he would correct them accordingly. By that time, he could correct more than ten deficiencies at once.
If you think about it this way, it’s not a loss, it’s even rare.
Furthermore, according to his observation, not everyone was serious; there were still one or two people with a kind tone.
I was thinking about this randomly and encouraging myself, and before I knew it, I had arrived at his place.
Dafu walked to the center and bowed to the great scholars and teachers. He then spoke aloud about the confusion he had recently encountered while studying. He then asked a question: "Guan Zhong assisted Duke Huan of Qi in becoming the hegemon, but he was not frugal. Why did you call him 'benevolent'?" [3]
He also asked about destiny, human nature, and practical application of knowledge.
The great scholar and assistant teacher in front suddenly felt shorter when he saw the scholar who came to ask questions. The person who came to ask questions was actually a young boy. He was startled and whispered a few words to him.
When the general just came in, several people had already seen Dafu at the door. This time, they saw that Dafu was determined and willing to wait to come in, so they had a good initial impression of him. He did not show his power to others as soon as he came.
Several great scholars came to assist in the teaching, and they expressed their opinions, either harshly or gently, and corrected Dafu's ideas.
Seeing that he was very humble in receiving the training, and was not accepting it dully, but really thinking about it, it was rare that he had a clear mind and could grasp some key points in such an environment. He couldn't help but look up to him and felt that this boy was not bad, and his tone softened unconsciously.
"Why is this child here?"
When Teacher Wu heard that many scholars came to study today, he came over to take a look at the excitement. When he came, he was standing outside the window and saw Dafu in the hall.
"Does the teacher know this child?"
Teacher Wu chuckled and said, "He ranked third in the county's children's exam this year. How could I not recognize him?"
The assistant teacher said, "So that's how it is. No wonder the writing is so good."
After Dafu finished the question and answer session, he felt a lot of sweat on his back. Although he looked calm on the surface, his heart was actually pounding.
However, the questions that had puzzled him for quite some time were answered from different perspectives, and he finally understood and felt relieved.
Today was a truly exhilarating defense.
If he hadn't considered the scholar behind him, he would really want to take this opportunity to ask more questions.
Even after this period of study came to an end and the assistant teacher dismissed the students, Dafu still felt a little reluctant to leave.
Listening to other people's questions and hearing the answers from the great scholars and teaching assistants is also a form of learning and reference.
He thought to himself that if he could get time for the meeting next time, he would come again.
After such a class, I learned a lot more than in a cram school.
"Little Fan."
Just as he was walking out with a full heart, he was suddenly called. Dafu turned around and saw that the man who called him was smiling and looked quite kind.
Da Fu greeted the man and found that he looked very familiar. He felt that he must have seen him before. He glanced at the man's eyebrows and suddenly remembered that he was somewhat similar to Wu Heguang.
He asked tentatively, "Could it be Uncle Wu from the neighborhood?"
Teacher Wu laughed and said, "You have a good eye."
Seeing that he had not recognized the wrong person, Da Fu also laughed. Although he did not know that Wu Heguang's father was a teacher at the county school, when he saw the man appear here, he guessed that he must be someone who worked here.
If you think about it carefully, it makes sense. He Guang knows so much about the county school, so it makes perfect sense that his father works there.
"You are quite courageous, daring to come here to study. Do you know how many scholars, though aware of this path to learning, have given up on it out of fear of the strictness of the great scholars?"
Instructor General Wu watched quietly outside for a while and saw that Dafu was not only respectful and humble, but also responded appropriately, neither servile nor arrogant, which was very rare.
Many scholars have arrogant temperaments. When they are reprimanded, they either feel unbearable and lose confidence, or are unable to learn with an open mind. They feel that they are all scholars, and some of the people in the class have not yet achieved fame, so why should they criticize their shortcomings?
Having been flattered and complimented so much, he can no longer tolerate any unpleasant words.
As the instructor of the county school, why didn't he settle the scholars who came to study well and let the great scholars treat them politely and kindly, in order to temper the scholars' character?
If you can't even handle such a situation, how can you take on big responsibilities in the future?
There are many useless and incompetent people, but this young man from the Fan family stands out among them.
Seeing Instructor Wu praising him, Dafu felt a little happy. He said seriously, "My humble opinion is that not everyone in life is kind and polite. There are always people with bad tempers.
If someone only listens to pleasant words of praise and never listens to harsh words, and then suddenly hears such words, he or she will probably be completely confused and too resentful to be able to treat people and things calmly.
"Before coming here, I heard a bit about the strictness of the great scholars here. Although I feel nervous and cramped this time, I have gained a lot. I have learned a lot from this trip."
Teacher Wu laughed out loud, thinking that this child was really good.
He said, "If you have any doubts about your studies in the future, you don't have to go far away. We're just across the street. If you're interested, just come to my house and ask. I can also answer a few of your questions about the classics. I have a large collection of books at home. If you like reading, you can take some and read them."
Dafu was overjoyed and quickly bowed deeply to Instructor Wu, saying, "I, Fan Zhongyang, am deeply grateful and delighted to receive this honor. It's just that I'm clumsy and don't know how to address you, sir."
Teacher Wu patted Dafu's head gently and said, "You just called me uncle, so it's fine to call me that."
Dafu bowed and replied, "I just hope I didn't offend you, sir."
Teacher Wu was in a good mood and said, "Let's go home. We've been tired for most of the day."
Dafu then resigned.
Teacher Wu went to the hall to entertain the great scholars who had come to the county school that day. As soon as he left, several familiar faces came up to him.
"Who is that young man today? He's a complete stranger. He looks young, but his heart is not bad."
"He's a promising talent. He seems like someone who comes to learn and answer questions. His ideas are clear and organized."
"I don't know which teacher you are worshipping. If you haven't found one yet, I can accept you as my last disciple."
Teacher Wu heard that everyone had a stern face in the classroom, but now he changed his expression and praised the person a lot. It was a good thing that he did not show his compliments in the classroom.
"The boy next door is really good."
Teacher Wu smiled and said, "That's why I taught him to fight against stubborn opponents like you."
Everyone understood: "He's the teacher's student, and he didn't show any warning beforehand. It's a good thing everyone thought the child was good, so they didn't show any more fierceness or severity, otherwise he would have frightened everyone."
"That's wrong. The teacher's students are certainly not wrong. If I had known this earlier, I would have questioned them more carefully."
Everyone was talking at once, and the conversation was quite intense.
It is a happy thing when a good talent emerges in a local area.
Dafu had no idea that these great scholars had another face after leaving the court. He just ran back home with light steps, wanting to talk to Fan Jingkang about his studies today.
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