Chapter 0004: The Master Teacher
The elderly man was dressed in a white scholar's robe, wearing a tall mountain crown, and carrying a sword. In his hand, he held several scrolls of documents. Although the old man was nearing seventy, his temper was fiery. Upon seeing these people preventing him from entering, he nearly drew his sword to force his way in. At that moment, a young servant spoke up, saying: "I hope you will forgive us, but there are important matters within the residence, and this is also the instruction of the mistress. The grain supplies will continue as usual, the grain supplies will continue as usual!"
What is the first year? It is the beginning year of the ruler. What is spring? It is the beginning of the year. Who is referred to as the king? It refers to King Wen. Why mention the king before discussing the first month? Because the first month belongs to the king. What is meant by the king's first month? It signifies great unity. Why does the duke not mention the ascension to the throne? It is the intention of Duke Cheng. What does it mean to fulfill the intention of the duke? The duke intends to pacify the state and return to Huan.
Upon arriving at the East Courtyard, I heard the sound of reading gradually coming from afar
You dare to act this way! Such humiliation towards me!
The young servants chased from behind but did not dare to approach. It was not because the old man held a sword, but because he was the mentor of the young lord. Moreover, being nearly seventy years old, what could they dare to do? The old man appeared aged, yet his steps were quick, and in just a few strides, he caught up with Liu Hong, grabbing him by the back of the neck. The chubby boy stumbled and nearly fell over. The old man was panting heavily, with veins bulging on his forehead.
At this moment, if the little fat boy were to know the thoughts in his mother's heart, he would surely exclaim, which emperor is forced by someone with a sword to read memorials
In the eyes of everyone in the Hou residence, this old man is quite peculiar. After entering the residence, he neither allowed Liu Hong to pay his respects as a disciple nor accepted the customary gifts. He only came twice every ten days, requesting one sheng of rice and two dou of wine.
It turned out that the chubby boy did not like studying very much. The old teacher was rigid and serious, and his actions were harsh, showing no regard for his own status; he would strike without hesitation. Getting rid of this old man was indeed a good thing. The chubby boy couldn't help but laugh out loud, called a few servants, broke some branches to make horses, took his wooden sword, and began to play in the courtyard
The last sentence read by Da Lang touched Dong Shi somewhat. It seems that this study session still has some time left. With no other choice, she had to bring the household servants back. Although she was worried about Liu Hong, the powerful and resonant sound of his reading still affected her. She couldn't help but think that his appearance resembled that of an emperor sitting in the imperial study reading memorials. A smile once again appeared at the corner of Dong Shi's mouth as she instructed the household servants not to disturb Da Lang's studies in the future and not to be disrespectful to the elder.
"This is good, this is good," Dong said, pecking several times on the little chubby boy's forehead.
Hearing the earnest sound of reading, Dong could not help but slow his pace, arriving at the door of the study. He hesitated, not pushing the door open, and instead looked through the window. He saw the chubby boy sitting properly on his knees inside, holding a roll of bamboo slips, reading aloud, while the old man stood beside him, wielding a gleaming sword, pacing around.
When Dong heard the news, she was so furious that her teeth were clenched. Looking at the several young servants in front of her, she scolded, "You cannot even stop an old man?" The young servants lowered their heads, feeling deeply ashamed. She then commanded, "Call some strong servants! Come with me to the East Courtyard!" Immediately, a group of more than ten people surged towards the East Courtyard.
It would have been better if he hadn't spoken; after he did, the old man's complexion instantly turned pale, and his whole body trembled with anger. However, the young servant, oblivious to the situation, brought forth rice, fine wine, and some money, bending down and presenting them to the old man. "Drink!" The old man suddenly drew his sword and cleaved the copper plate in two with a single strike. The young servant, terrified, let out a loud scream and fell to the ground, looking at the old man in fear.
Dong was scolded and could not retort, so he stood by the window listening
If one does not practice the teachings of Confucius, how can one be considered a filial child?
What urgent matter do you have? How can you not be accustomed to literature? Speak!
Dong has raised this kid for nine years, and he has never seen this guy looking so serious!
Well, well, Ji Ping, it is not that I am being harsh, but your descendants lack virtue! Go away, go away! The old man shook his head and pondered, letting out a cold snort, and was about to turn and leave when he suddenly noticed a small round head with thieving eyebrows and rat-like eyes peeking out from the door frame, staring at him. Upon seeing this vaguely familiar face, the old man was suddenly taken aback.
"Talkative!" Dong let out a cold snort, prompting the chubby boy to rise and slowly survey the scene. The chubby boy appeared to have undergone no significant changes; his little belly remained round and plump. With a smile, he pinched the fleshy face and then stood up, saying: "Da Lang does not need to study today; he may stay at home and play!" After speaking, he instructed the servants to prepare the meal and went to rest.
Upon opening his eyes, he saw his mother kneeling beside him, her face haggard and her eyes bloodshot. The chubby little boy called out to her in a soft voice, and Dong Shi embraced the little boy, nearly bursting into tears. "Is Da Lang well? Is there any discomfort? Do you feel any pain?" The little boy was somewhat out of breath from being held by his mother. Once Dong Shi managed to lift him with difficulty and hold him in her arms, he shook his head and said, "I do not feel anything unusual."
Why is it that Huan is treated differently? Huan is young yet esteemed, while Yin is older yet lowly; the distinction between the esteemed and the lowly is subtle, and the people of the state are unaware of it. Yin is both older and virtuous, and the great ministers support Yin and elevate him. When Yin then declines the offer to be elevated, it remains uncertain whether Huan will indeed be elevated.
"Mother!" The chubby boy suddenly noticed the person outside the window and shouted loudly. The old man frowned, drew his sword, and with a flash of cold light, the wooden table in front of the chubby boy was instantly cut in half
If it is like Huan Li, then I fear that the great ministers will not be able to support the young ruler, hence the reason for establishing Yin as Huan Li. Yin is both elder and virtuous; why should he not be suitable for establishment? Establishment is based on age, not virtue; the establishment of a son is based on nobility, not age. What makes Huan noble? It is his mother who is noble. If the mother is noble, then how can the son be noble? The son is noble because of his mother, and the mother is noble because of her son
The little chubby boy indulged in his mother's warmth, lazily lying down, while a nearby maid, unable to bear the sight, softly said: "Young Master, the mistress has not closed her eyes for a day and a night..."
The old man's sword glinted in the light, frightening the chubby boy, who cried out: "I do not know this command from my mother!"
Originally thinking that the old man was about to leave, Liu Hongzheng eagerly poked his head out to take a look. To his surprise, the old man actually saw him. Liu Hong was taken aback and immediately turned to run. "What a little brat!" the old man exclaimed in anger, picking up his sword and chasing after him. The few young servants in front were completely unable to stop him, and the old man charged right in. Upon seeing the old man pursuing him, the chubby boy shouted, "Oh my!" and ran even faster.
At the East Courtyard Gate, an elderly man was angrily shouting, while several young attendants in front of him forced a smile, not daring to trouble the old man. This elderly man was none other than Liu Hongmeng's master. Four or five years ago, he had come uninvited, presenting a written document that turned out to be a text from Liu Hong's grandfather, urging the education of his descendants. The Dong family had no choice but to welcome him. Although this old man dressed simply and was not particularly famous, he was very strict in his teachings and diligent in his work, earning the respect of the Dong family.
Having spoken, without waiting for Dong to respond, he forcefully pulled down the wooden window
Not only was the chubby boy startled, but even Dong was taken aback. The chubby boy opened his mouth wide, shivered, and hurriedly picked up the bamboo slips from the ground, immediately resuming his previous serious study posture, not daring to look back. The old man, filled with anger, approached the window and, upon seeing Dong, did not offer a greeting. He called out displeased: "Failing to educate one's children is a crime. Seeing your women and children, ignorant and foolish, I shall not hold it against you. Depart quickly!"
The familiar roar made the chubby boy shiver; he turned and ran back into the house, leaving several young men exchanging glances.
What? No studies today?
Liu Hong ate the goldfish and fell into a deep sleep. This sleep lasted a full day and night, which greatly frightened Dong Shi, who personally stayed by Liu Hong's side. If it were not for Liu Hong's strong pulse and long breath, Dong Shi might have also fallen asleep. Thus, after a full day and night of anxious waiting, Liu Hong finally began to awaken.