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“These are my handwritten copies of ‘The Great Learning,’ ‘Doctrine of the Mean,’ ‘Analects,’ and others, with annotations. Take your time to read through them. If there are any words or meanings you don’t understand, feel free to ask me. There’s no rush; you can take it slowly,” Master Meng handed Song Jingyun the books.
“The ‘Zuo Zhuan’ we’ve been discussing recently, and we are at this part.” Master Meng flipped the pages and pointed to the section they would be covering that day. “Take a look at it now, familiarize yourself with it. If there’s anything you don’t understand, don’t hesitate to ask me.”
“As I said before, if there’s anything you don’t grasp, ask me anytime.”
“Alright, Master,” Song Jingyun nodded, putting away the books and starting with the day’s lesson as instructed by Master Meng.
While most of the characters were familiar to him, Song Jingyun occasionally needed clarification on a few words. However, the content of the ‘Zuo Zhuan’ was more challenging than the usual books he read, requiring him to carefully study the annotations, pause after each section, contemplate, and then move on.
Observing Song Jingyun quietly reading, Master Meng’s smile gradually softened.
This person not only had talent but also listened attentively and possessed a calm mind. Finally meeting such a student was truly a stroke of luck!
Could it be that his daily prayers and intentions had finally moved the heavens?
Deciding to light another incense for thanksgiving when he returned home that evening, Master Meng felt grateful.
Students gradually entered the classroom, intrigued by the unfamiliar face. However, in the presence of Master Meng, they refrained from excessive chatter, their curiosity evident as they glanced between Master Meng and Song Jingyun.
“Today, we have a new student joining our academy,” Master Meng cleared his throat and announced loudly, “His name is…”
Oh no, in his excitement, he forgot to ask for the name again!
Master Meng paused, then asked in a hushed tone, “What’s your name again?”
“Song Jingyun.”
“Today, we have a new student in our academy named Song Jingyun. He will be studying alongside all of you from now on. Song Jingyun hasn’t had much prior schooling, so I encourage you all to ask for assistance and seek guidance from him in your studies,” Master Meng declared.
As Master Meng’s words settled in, the students in the room were clearly taken aback.
Since Song Jingyun had limited schooling, it was expected that he would seek guidance from them, but how did it turn into them seeking guidance from him?
Despite their surprise, considering Master Meng’s words, they assumed there was some reasoning behind it. As the class was about to begin, the students didn’t dwell on it too much, instead, they tidied up and prepared to listen to the lesson.
It was Jiang Chunbao who reacted differently upon hearing this. He was first stunned, then surprised, and eventually angered.
Song Jingyun, the son-in-law from the third family, was attending the academy, and being taught by Master Meng no less?
He had never heard of Song Jingyun’s education background or attendance at any school. Even if he were to study, it should have been under Master Zhang, not Master Meng.
Moreover, it seemed like Master Meng was especially attentive to him, which made Jiang Chunbao quite indignant. He had never seen that proud expression on Master Meng’s face before, not even when he wrote an article that even Master Zhang praised. Master Meng had always seemed indifferent, as if everything was just a matter of course.
But now…
Why?
Jiang Chunbao couldn’t comprehend.
The other students were equally puzzled.
After class, discussions were abundant.
“I remember that seat was originally occupied by Chang Mao, but ever since he passed the civil examination and went to study at the county school, the seat has been vacant.”
“I recall Master Meng vaguely mentioning that if anyone could match Chang Mao’s diligence and eagerness to learn, they could sit in that seat, as a way to bring good luck.”
“But this person, Master Meng said he hasn’t studied much.”
“Yes, I chatted with him earlier, and he mentioned it’s his first time coming to the academy to study seriously.”
“Why is Master Meng taking such care of him?”
“I noticed he was reading books with Master Meng’s handwriting, so it seems Master Meng personally copied them…”
“And what of it?” Jiang Chunbao sneered. “Just because his family is wealthy.”
“What do you mean? Do you know this Song Jingyun?” The others gathered around upon hearing Jiang Chunbao’s remarks. “You mentioned his family’s wealth, what’s the significance?”
“Of course, I know him. He is my cousin’s husband, brought in as a son-in-law by my third uncle. My cousin and uncle are quite shrewd in business, and their wealth is increasing. Perhaps now they feel like they need to send him to the academy to study?” Jiang Chunbao explained.
“Master Meng has always been discerning, and now he shows such favoritism towards him. If there’s no issue at play, I simply don’t believe it…” Jiang Chunbao remarked, causing the others to exchange uneasy glances and take a step back.
Subsequently, they dispersed, returning to their seats without discussing Song Jingyun any further. However, Jiang Chunbao’s gaze carried a hint of aloofness or disdain.
Perplexed, Jiang Chunbao exclaimed, “Hey, what’s with all of you?”
“Do you dare to imply that Master Meng would accept money to show bias?” a slightly older student nearby mocked. “We all know Master Meng’s integrity; he would never stoop to such actions.”
“Exactly. If Master Meng arranged this, then Song Jingyun must have some exceptional qualities that we have yet to notice.”
“Your words are offensive. Are you insinuating that Song Jingyun’s family earns money through ill means? Do you have some grudge against them?”
“I bet he does. The way he speaks with such resentment must be due to jealousy over Song Jingyun’s family wealth.”
“What a narrow-minded perspective. It seems like studying is futile for someone with such a mindset…”
Listening to the harsh comments, Jiang Chunbao flushed, then paled, attempting to speak multiple times but ultimately remaining silent, clenching his fists.
These people, why are they so malicious with their words?
Master Meng resumed the class, and the room fell silent once more.
After clearing his throat, Master Meng picked up the scroll in his hand, “The article we discussed in the last class…”
“Jingyun, come forward and recite it.”
Recite?
The students in the room exchanged puzzled looks.
This was the new lesson for the day. Although they had previewed it as per Master Meng’s instructions the day before, they were only familiar with the content. Reciting it required more time, at least a couple of days.
However, now Master Meng was asking Song Jingyun, who had barely studied for a few days and was attending the academy for the first time, to recite the lesson?
Amidst the astonished gazes of everyone present, Song Jingyun responded with a quiet “Yes,” then slowly rose to his feet, reciting the article that Master Meng had just discussed from start to finish.
Enunciating clearly and maintaining a steady pace, he recited the entire content without missing a single word.