Chapter 10, All Things Are Inferior (Part 1)

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Silently, the sweat began to pour down, and I thought to myself: "You can ask me to tidy up the Shen family courtyard, but please don't make me compose poetry, recite verses, or write anything." But at such a moment, how could I show any weakness? I had to brace myself and go for it!

The seventh young lady, kneeling on the ground, wore a face full of surprise and gratitude, with snot hanging from her nose and a broad smile; seated at the head of the table, Lord Shen also looked at Shen Mo in astonishment, feeling that he needed to reevaluate this young man. As for the fourth young master, he was also nodding secretly behind Shen Mo, his lips moving as if to say, "Good lad, quite loyal" or something of that sort.

Indeed, the air of superiority inadvertently revealed by Master Shen deeply wounded Shen Mo's pride. If given a choice, he would rather return to the thatched cottage by the river than continue living in this grand mansion

The seventh young lady first bowed to Lord Shen, then gratefully glanced at Shen Mo, and finally hurriedly fled from the oppressive hall that made her feel overwhelmed.

"There are no awards." Master Shen said with a smile while stroking his beard, "How old are you this year?"

"I have read it," the Silent Ghost said mysteriously

"I will pose a question to you," Master Shen chuckled. "If you answer correctly and satisfactorily, not only will you not be punished, but you will also receive a reward. If you answer incorrectly, you will be punished by having to clean the entire Shen family's gate."

"Harming others for one's own benefit does not make one a scoundrel; it is harming others without any benefit to oneself that truly defines a scoundrel." This is the motto of silence

Hehe... Lord Shen was amused by Shen Mo. Although this young man was not very old, he spoke with great shrewdness. With a large hat of "fairness and kindness" placed upon him, Lord Shen felt both comfortable and amused, yet could only put on a stern face and say: "Among neighbors and relatives, we should love and support each other. This time, I will let it go since it is your first offense, and I will not resort to family punishment." He then said to the seventh young lady: "You go back and clean the room properly, and do not be so petty in the future." As he spoke, he glared and said: "There will be no next time, do you understand?"

Very well. Master Shen pointed to the plaque on his head and said: "Explain to me the origin of these four characters."

At the age of thirteen, you have achieved such a level, which shows your exceptional talent and deep diligence. It is indeed rare, truly rare! Lord Shen sighed, saying: "If the fourth son had even half of your intelligence, he wouldn't be in such a situation now..." As he spoke, he cast a glance at Young Master Shen Si, his expression turning cold and stern again: "Unaccomplished in literature, inept in martial arts, idling away his time, a complete waste!"

Old Master Shen also had his eyes slightly closed, remaining silent and seemingly in a state of contemplation

Only that Fourth Young Master Shen understood nothing, naturally feeling utterly bored, yet he did not dare to leave on his own. He stood there, scratching his ears and cheeks, feeling uncomfortable all over.

"Not bad, what does that mean?" Master Shen nodded and smiled

After the seventh young lady left, only silence remained in the Zhonghe Hall, with Master Shen and the fourth young master.

Silently and calmly enduring the gazes of the crowd, he was acutely aware that even if they drove the Seventh Miss and her family out of the courtyard and the father and son occupied an entire building, it would not change their situation of living under someone else's roof. No matter how large the house, as long as it was under someone else's roof, they would inevitably face condescending inquiries and arbitrary control, just as they did today. This was simply too dreadful

These four characters embody the essence of the entire text of "Zhongyong". The "Zhongyong Fen Zhang" explains: "By means of moderation and harmony, the unity of substance and function is clarified; through position and cultivation, the utmost achievement of benevolence and sincerity is elucidated." Silence, no longer surprised, opened the conversation and spoke at length: "This means that 'moderation and harmony' is the goal, and in dealing with others, as well as in articulating thoughts and actions, one must be impartial and balanced; how can this be achieved? 'Position and cultivation' is the method."

How should one cultivate oneself? Master Shen asked with a serious expression, as if he were discussing knowledge with a peer.

Fortunately, the state of reverie between the two did not last long, as they soon heard Master Shen clap his hands in laughter and say: "What a commendable adherence to one's principles and following of the heavenly way; you have already deeply understood the three flavors of Zhuzi."

Thirteen," murmured Shen Mo softly

Thus, he said with righteous indignation: "Very well, my lord, please proceed."

Zhuzi said: "Position is to secure one's place. Nurturing is to fulfill one's life." According to Zhuzi's interpretation, "position and nurturing" means "to secure and fulfill life." As scholars, we should adhere to our principles and follow the way of heaven, thus achieving "position and nurturing" and attaining "moderation and harmony"

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Shen Si Shao thought to himself: "I knew that if you wouldn't let me leave, it would surely lead to no good."

Silently flipping through his thoughts, he rolled his eyes inwardly and thought, "Is there even a choice?" Then, with a sincere smile, he said, "I dare not refuse the elder's gift, nor do I dare to be choosy."

Once a word is spoken, the entire room is astonished

"The Doctrine of the Mean..." What does it mean?" Silently cursing, a series of phrases flashed through his mind, and he couldn't help but blurt out: "This sentence is from the first chapter, fifth sentence of 'The Doctrine of the Mean': 'Achieving harmony, the heavens and the earth are positioned therein, and all things are nurtured therein.'"

The seventh girl had long since accepted it, and there was no longer anything to fear. She nodded repeatedly like a chicken pecking at grains, saying, "I understand, I understand."

It is truly a case of heroes seeing eye to eye. Shen Mo almost shouted, "Can't I just admit my fault?" Fortunately, he was feeling resentful towards Lord Shen and was unwilling to submit. Additionally, he was filled with a sense of confidence, seemingly unafraid of this game-like situation.

Master Shen's expression softened considerably as he smiled at Shen Mo, saying, "Seventh Miss is a rough person; she can only be punished with physical labor. But you are a scholar, so we should take a more literary approach."

"Go ahead." Master Shen waved his wide sleeves and said calmly, "Take care of yourself."

With such thoughts in mind, how could he bear the reputation of being "narrow-minded and unable to tolerate others" and engage in such despicable acts that harm others

After a moment of astonishment, it was Lord Shen who first regained his composure, looking at Shen Mo with a half-smile and saying: "If what you say is true, then both families are at fault and should be punished."

Shen Mo quickly responded humbly, saying: "As a student, I merely recite the text and have gained a little understanding; you flatter me too much, my lord."

"Very well," Master Shen nodded and said, "Since you have already taken the county examination, you must have read the Four Books, correct?"

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"Your Excellency, I shall follow your wishes." With a calm expression, he felt a cramp in his calf, having already prepared for a "strategic retreat".

Silence calmly stated: "The esteemed lord is fair and benevolent; regardless of the punishment, Silence is willing to accept it"

After speaking, he stood silently in the hall, quietly reflecting on what had just been said, as if he had come to an understanding.

It is only because he is mentally mature, understanding what should be expressed and what should not be expressed, that he does not erupt on the spot

Shen Mo thought to himself: "Let's get to the point." Sure enough, he heard Old Master Shen turn his head and say with a smile: "Shen Mo, I just mentioned that there would be a reward for the correct answer. What kind of reward do you want?"