On July 12, Ye Zelin and Side visited the Kong family again. The steward was embarrassed to kick him out because Ye Zelin brought gifts and said he wanted to discuss learning and philosophy with his master.
The previous times Ye Zelin came to visit, it was to ask his master to be his teacher, but this time he said he wanted to discuss academic matters with his master. He was a little unconvinced and didn't believe that Ye Zelin had changed his mind. Before, he had the audacity to say that he would come to disturb his master every day.
He didn't want to let them in, but Ye Zelin, the elegant and upright man, said, "If you don't let me in, I will sleep on the floor in front of the Kong family tonight."
The manager was so angry that he thought, is this young man from the Ye family born in the year of the monkey? How could he be so shameless?
His master values reputation the most. Sleeping in front of the Kong family's door is not good for the Kong family's reputation.
He really knew his master's weakness.
Even if you don't let him in, you have no choice but to let him in.
After inviting people to the main hall, the person in charge went to the backyard to inform Mr. Kong about Ye Zelin's shameless behavior.
Mr. Kong was also angry. He rejected this kid several times, but he came to his house again. He had no choice but to come out and meet people.
Mr. Kong was very considerate in entertaining guests. Even though he didn't like Ye Zelin, he still asked his servants to bring tea and snacks, showing full courtesy to the guests.
Mr. Kong didn't bother to exchange pleasantries with Ye Zelin and went straight to the point, "Young man Ye, are you still here to become his disciple?"
Ye Zelin nodded, "Yes."
Mr. Kong said, "I heard you want to sleep at my doorstep?"
Ye Zelin confessed truthfully, "Yes."
Mr. Kong was a little angry and said, "You are the son of an official, can you please have some dignity?"
Ye Zelin said mercenarily, "Face is worthless."
Mr. Kong was furious. The first two or three times Ye Zelin came to see him, he was elegant and polite, but this time, Ye Zelin was shameless and rude.
But in just a few days, he seemed like a different person?
Or is he just pretending and will do anything to achieve his goals?
Side really wanted to laugh, but he held it back. Mr. Kong was a very serious person. If he laughed, there would be no hope for the young master to become his disciple.
The young master has really been assimilated by the young lady. Look how much his tone of voice resembles the young lady's.
They are indeed a couple, they look like a couple.
Mr. Kong looked at the young man in front of him who was both talented and handsome. Everyone said that he was noble and elegant, but why did he look so unlike him?
He does look a bit like his father, General Ye.
He doesn't look like his father, but he behaves somewhat like him. They are both shameless.
Mr. Kong had heard about General Ye's disregard for etiquette in marrying the eldest daughter of the Ouyang family. He commented on the matter at the time. He said that if all men in the world disregarded etiquette and rituals like Ye Shiheng, then what was the point of having etiquette in the world.
Mr. Kong said, "Young man Ye, I've already said that I won't accept any more disciples. You can go now."
The host had ordered him to leave, but Ye Zelin turned a deaf ear to him and sat motionless on the official hat chair, showing no intention of leaving.
The manager saw Ye Zelin sitting upright, eating a mouthful of red bean cake in an orderly manner, and not forgetting to comment that it tasted good and looked good, as if he was a member of the Kong family.
The master of his family is his grandfather, and that kid is his grandson.
Ye Zelin ate a piece of red bean cake, and the steward said, "Mr. Ye, it's time for you to go."
Ye Zelin said slowly: "Wait a minute." I will leave when your master is willing to accept me as a disciple. Ye Zelin said this in his heart but did not say it out loud.
Mr. Kong saw that he drank tea, ate a piece of dessert, and then ate another piece of dessert, but he still didn't move.
He has already ordered him to leave, but this kid from the Ye family still refuses to leave. Is he planning to stay overnight at his house?
He doesn't keep guests, especially those who don't know etiquette or rules!
The steward said again: "Lord Ye, are you not leaving yet?"
Ye Zelin politely replied to the manager, "Wait a moment."
The manager couldn't help but ask, "How long do we have to wait?"
Ye Zelin replied, "Until the teacher accepts me as his disciple."
The manager: “…”
What is this? This is truly shameless! He already said he won't accept you, yet you still shamelessly call him Master Jun Teacher. In this regard, what's the difference between the one with the surname Ruan and the other?
There is still a difference. The guy named Ruan did all kinds of bad things, but when he became a disciple, he was still humble and polite, and was very respectful to his master.
This kid from the Ye family is nothing like him. He doesn't respect his master at all. It's obvious that he wants to force his master to accept him as a disciple. If he doesn't, he won't leave!
Mr. Kong said: "I am not your teacher!"
Ye Zelin smiled and said, "It will be soon."
Mr. Kong was so angry that he wanted to tell him to get out. However, as a person who had been upright for many years and was very particular about rules and etiquette, he would definitely not say such a curse word.
Mr. Kong stood up and gave Ye Zelin an annoyed look. He would never accept a disciple like Ye Zelin who was shameless and aggressive.
No, absolutely not!
The steward supported Mr. Kong and went to the backyard. Ye Zelin also stood up, standing tall and straight. He said, "Senior Kong, does this young man remind you of Ruan Yingqi?"
Mr. Kong suddenly stopped, turned around and looked at Ye Zelin, the young man with clear eyes. His eyes were very clean and persistent, just like Ruan Yingqi who was his disciple back then.
Ruan Yingqi, the only failure and the only stain in his coaching career.
Because of Ruan Yingqi, his coaching career was tainted and the reputation accumulated by the Kong family over decades was damaged.
He had read the articles written by Ye Zelin. Every word was brilliant, the structure was clear, the insights were unique, and he had more accurate views on current affairs. He was a talent, a rare talent, and extremely gifted.
He did not accept such a talented and capable young man because he was afraid of raising another Ruan Yingqi.
He would not accept a second person who might become Ruan Yingqi as his direct disciple.
Mr. Kong said, "Yes."
Ye Zelin asked, "Are you so sure that I will become another Ruan Yingqi and commit all kinds of crimes?"
Mr. Kong said, "That's not what I meant."
Ye Zelin said, "That's exactly what you mean. Ruan Yingqi ended up like that because he got into trouble. What does it have to do with you? And what does it have to do with me, who wants to become his disciple? He is him, and I am me. How can he compare to me?"
Mr. Kong said, "You have no relationship with him. This is not a reason for me not to accept you. I am old and have no intention of accepting disciples anymore."
Being old and in poor health was indeed one of the reasons why Mr. Kong did not accept disciples, but it was not the main reason. The main reason was Ruan Yingqi.
He refused to accept disciples who looked like Ruan Yingqi, even if their methods of learning were similar!
From the first time he visited, Ye Zelin knew that Mr. Kong was firm in his attitude and he would not accept him as his disciple so easily. However, he would not give up his apprenticeship so easily either.
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