Now that he intends to take Qi Nuan as his disciple, this is naturally a good thing for Wutu County.
He then said to Qi Nuan, "Don't worry about the cattle and sheep, I'll take care of it for you."
Qi Nuan did not refuse his kindness, but said, "I have already sent people down to look for them. They can handle this small matter well. Of course, if they really can't do it well, isn't there still you, County Magistrate?"
"hehe."
Bai Jiao sneered, "I don't know if you're praising me or mocking me?"
"Of course, it's a compliment."
"Alright, you can leave now."
Hearing his words, Qi Nuan knew he had other matters to attend to, so she didn't say anything more and quietly withdrew.
Time flies, and in the blink of an eye, three days have passed. Before dawn, Qi Nuan got up early.
The yellow leaves hanging from the branches rustled in the cold wind, making a clear, melodious sound that added a touch of sweetness to the quiet morning.
Today she invited Xu Erniang over to help her with her hair and makeup.
She quickly took off her clothes, got into the bathtub, and immersed herself in the hot water. After a quick bath, she also applied incense.
The sun hadn't risen yet, and the sky seemed to be shrouded in mist, making it a bit chilly.
Since her injury, Qi Nuan has been particularly sensitive to the cold, and she is currently bundled up tightly.
She wore a lake-blue crocheted brocade hoodie with a light blue embroidered half-cloud pattern, and a black cotton skirt with a smoky pattern.
She wore a light purple and white twisted-knit cloud-patterned skirt, and a dark gray velvet brocade cloak over her body. Her hair was styled in simple double buns.
Only after everything was prepared did we go to the county government office.
Bai Jiao and Ji Jin had already prepared incense and offerings.
After burning incense, Qi Nuan walked to the gate of the county government office, adjusted his posture, took three steps forward with his right foot, knelt down, kowtowed three times, and then repeated the action.
There weren't many people on the streets at this time, but there were still quite a few.
Those who already knew that Master Yan was going to take on disciples and that this apprenticeship ceremony was required got up early to watch the ceremony.
Although Qi Nuan was wearing a lot of clothes, she still shivered involuntarily when she knelt on the ground.
The cold felt even more intense when my hands touched the icy ground.
In no time, her fair and jade-like hands turned bright red from the cold.
The distance from the county government office to the school was not far when walking, but for Qi Nuan, who knelt every three steps and kowtowed three times each time, it was quite a long way.
Qi Nuan was already physically weak. Ji Jin pursed his lips, his facial features scrunched up tightly, his eyes fixed on Qi Nuan's tall figure. He wished he could pull her up from the ground, but he could only think about it; he knew he couldn't do it.
Bai Jiao and Xu Erniang watched calmly.
The crowd moved with Qi Nuan's steps, with Qi Nuan in front and the offerings behind, the crowd splitting into two paths.
Many people were puzzled, as the apprenticeship ceremony, though solemn, was far more elaborate than this, and Master Yan had previously taken on a disciple.
The two groups have different etiquettes, and I wonder what the reason is.
However, the Wang family patriarch's gaze fell on the sacrificial offerings behind Qi Nuan: cattle, sheep, pig heads, grains, and the six rites.
The six rites are self-evident and must be prepared for anyone who takes a master, but the head of a cow, sheep, or pig, and the five grains are only used for important occasions.
The girl started from the county government office and performed the ritual of kneeling three times and kowtowing nine times, which was watched by the people.
Is this to show Heaven the truth, with Heaven and Earth as witnesses, and with the people paying homage?
What's so special about this girl? What exactly does Lord Yan want to do?
His gaze was fixed on Qi Nuan, and he said to Wang Conglin, Wang Congyong and the others, "You should be careful of these two in the future, but don't provoke them."
Wang Conglin and the others nodded in agreement, knowing full well that things were not so simple.
The family values Yan Gong so highly, so they naturally wouldn't underestimate anyone who receives such special treatment from him.
They had already been in contact with this woman before; most matters in the county government were decided by her in consultation with the county magistrate.
Having dealt with her before, I naturally know that neither she nor the county magistrate are simple characters.
The Wang family doesn't have any particular plans for the time being.
Qi Nuan ignored the complicated looks from others and focused only on the road.
She had already walked most of the way, and her body was trembling slightly. Every time she knelt down, she felt a sharp pain in her knees.
She took a deep breath, straightened herself, and then knelt down again.
Yan Gong and his disciples were already waiting for Qi Nuan at the school.
Seeing Qi Nuan kneeling in worship from afar, Yan Gong's eyes revealed a hint of satisfaction. He said to the students beside him, "Prepare a basin of water."
"It's already prepared."
Yan Gong nodded and said, "Change the water to hot water, but not too hot."
The students understood.
Qi Nuan had already reached the school gate when Yan Gong stepped forward to help her up. After Qi Nuan stood up, he tidied her clothes.
Afterwards, Qi Nuan followed Yan Gong for a few more steps and performed the ablution ritual. Someone had already prepared a basin of water. Qi Nuan put her hands into the water, which was warm. Qi Nuan looked at Yan Gong.
Yan Gong smiled and nodded at her.
The heat traveled through her hands to her body, and at that moment she felt a little warm.
After washing your hands thoroughly, dry them completely, and then perform the kneeling and bowing ceremony.
First bow to the sage, second bow to my teacher.
Finally, six gifts were presented as a token of appreciation.
The gifts consist of six items: celery, lotus seeds, red beans, red dates, longan, and dried lean meat strips.
The traditional apprenticeship ceremony can be considered complete from the time Qi Nuan entered the family until now.
However, Qi Nuan's apprenticeship ceremony was clearly not yet complete.
Incense burners and desks are provided in the schoolyard.
Yan Gong led Qi Nuan to the incense burner and ordered someone to place the prepared sacrificial heads of cattle, sheep and pigs on the altar.
Someone brought a basin of water, and the two washed and dried their hands again before bringing incense.
Lord Yan, holding incense, said, "Today, I offer cattle, sheep, pigs, and the five grains as sacrifices to Heaven, and to accept Qi Nuan, the daughter of the Qi family, as my disciple, to whom I will impart my knowledge, teach her with utmost devotion, guide her in self-cultivation, uphold her principles, and nurture her virtue, so that even in death I may not fail her..."
That was an overstatement. Everyone looked at Lord Yan, their shock clearly visible.
They were already surprised enough by accepting Qi Nuan as his last disciple, but now he meant to give his life to Qi Nuan. Even if he died, he would teach Qi Nuan and would not abandon her.
This was simply unbelievable. All eyes were on Qi Nuan. What did she have that made such an extraordinary person willing to sacrifice so much for her?
Qi Nuan was no less shocked than they were.
She didn't understand why Lord Yan valued her so much.
However, Yan Gong ignored the shock of the crowd and continued to recite the sacrificial inscription to the heavens.
His eyes and expression were very serious, making it impossible for anyone to believe he was joking.
After he finished speaking, he placed the incense sticks in the incense burner and looked at Qi Nuan with a smile, clearly indicating that it was Qi Nuan's turn to speak.
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