Chapter 004: On the Teachings of Entering and Leaving the World, Past Events and Present Life, the Lotus Smiles
Every day, the servant would present the basin and hand over the towel to attend to the master, yet the master neither expressed approval nor disapproval, merely uttering the word 'wisdom'. This indeed leaves one in doubt
Seeing that his own gaze had not caused it any harm, Luo Yu weakly held his forehead and rolled off the bed, exclaiming in frustration: "... ... Shouting and shouting, one day I will definitely have Senior Brother Tao roast you ... ... "
In the Peach Blossom Valley during the summer, once the hour of Chen has passed, it becomes particularly sultry, perhaps due to its proximity to the Tears of Solitude Sea, which is rich in moisture
Looking at the lotus pond, there was already a figure sitting by the shore, skillfully holding a fishing rod. Luo Yu and Qian Ling'er exchanged a glance and hurried over. As soon as Qian Ling'er reached Tao De's side, without saying a word, she picked up the fish basket, shook it, and found it was completely empty! Qian Ling'er was instantly filled with disappointment
Giggling ~
However, Luo Yu was laughing while shaking his hand to deny Qian Ling'er, saying: "Not necessarily. I have heard that in ancient times there was a man named Taigong, who used a hook to fish in the Wei River without any bait. He would say, 'Those who are fated will bite!' Indeed, he was a true fisherman. Today, I observe that Senior Brother Tao has a similar charm; Senior Brother Tao truly deserves to be called a senior. I admire you greatly!" ... Today, I observe that Senior Brother Tao has a similar charm; Senior Brother Tao truly deserves to be called a senior. I admire you greatly!" ...
In the small courtyard, Master Qian was leaning against a bamboo chair, having opened his eyes at some unknown time, and was smiling as he looked at the two. At that moment, Luo Yu was returning with a lotus leaf atop his head, a fishing rod in hand, and a fish basket slung over his shoulder
Listening to the Master's words, Luo Yu felt much clearer in his heart; it turned out that the Master was teaching him the way of being a person
... ...
With a troubled expression, Luo Yu finished washing up and then helped Qian Ling'er with cooking and boiling water. Two years of living together had gradually allowed him to integrate into this new 'home'. Although he was only ten years old now, appearing thin and frail, for someone who had lived two lives, he felt the need to contribute in ways he could manage. After all, he could not bear to have a twelve-year-old girl take care of him, so the two young children, one boy and one girl, busily went about their tasks in an orderly manner
Gazing at the two figures chasing in the distance, Master Qian leaned back against the bamboo chair once more and picked up the bamboo slips to recite softly.
Just at that moment, Luo Yu beside me said with a hint of glee, "Hehe, if you can't catch any fish, won't Uncle Tao give you a good scolding?"
After Tao De finished speaking, he did not glance at Luo Yu but turned his face to the right and smiled at Qian Ling'er. However, Qian Ling'er did not pay attention to his radiant smile; instead, she focused on the most beautiful lotus flower blooming in the lotus pond. Seeing this, Tao De felt a slight sense of disappointment and lowered his head.
However, Keluoyu glanced at the fishing line, squatted down with a mischievous smile, and asked the very serious Tao De beside him: "Aren't you going to study at home?"
Luo Yu opened his hazy eyes and struggled to rise, pushing open the window. A gentle breeze accompanied by a faint scent of lotus wafted into his nostrils. The air in Peach Blossom Village was particularly fresh in the early morning, with a thin mist lingering over the lotus pond outside the courtyard, reflecting the elegant white lotuses and green leaves, presenting a simple yet refined beauty
Speaking of the pursuit of academic success, what a coincidence! This spring, the old village chief Tao's son, Brother Tao Deta, at only 14 years of age, has already achieved the status of a scholar. Goodness! This has delighted Chief Tao to no end, even making him walk with a spring in his step. However, ever since that day, the master has ceased to give lessons to Brother Tao. He merely stated that he has already completed his studies and should immediately embark on his journey, thus expelling Tao De from the courtyard. Chief Tao assumed that his own inappropriate behavior had displeased the master, affecting his only son, and he earnestly pleaded multiple times. Yet, the master remained exceptionally resolute. ... He merely stated that he has already completed his studies and should immediately embark on his journey, thus expelling Tao De from the courtyard. Chief Tao assumed that his own inappropriate behavior had displeased the master, affecting his only son, and he earnestly pleaded multiple times. Yet, the master remained exceptionally resolute. ... However, he felt that Brother Tao preferred to engage in conversation with Qian Ling'er rather than focus on his studies, which brought him more joy ... !
To speak of this Tearful Sea is indeed peculiar; it resembles the sea yet is not the sea, and yet it possesses the vastness and boundlessness of the ocean. It is said that long ago, this Tearful Sea was not a marshland, but rather an expansive and boundless continent. Mountains rose in layers above the vast plains stretching for tens of thousands of miles. However, for reasons unknown, it has now transformed into this immense freshwater ocean extending for hundreds of thousands of miles. ... The details of how this occurred, and the reasons for such a monumental change, remain beyond his knowledge, leaving him to gaze at the sea with a long sigh and endless imagination ... it is only known that for reasons unknown, it has now become this immense freshwater ocean extending for hundreds of thousands of miles. ... The details of how this occurred, and the reasons for such a monumental change, remain beyond his knowledge, leaving him to gaze at the sea with a long sigh and endless imagination ...
Luo Yu picked up the fishing rod, gently brushed aside the lotus branches, and when the time was right, plucked a handful of them. Turning around, he shook them in front of the pleasantly surprised Qian Ling'er and said with a smile: "It's nothing much, Senior Brother Tao couldn't find the fragrant bait, knowing he wouldn't catch any fish, so he left in a huff..."
The three individuals had their breakfast in silence, not uttering a word.
While speaking and joking, Luo Yu did not forget to pretend to clasp his fists and bow in greeting. Upon seeing this, Tao De suddenly felt an unbearable heat, and his already darkened face deepened a few more shades.
Luo Yu instantly showed a look of confusion as he gazed beyond the bamboo fence, observing the villagers toiling away, their bodies covered in dust and sweat; while in the pond, the lotus flowers floated on the green leaves, their jade-like droplets glistening, and the pink petals resembling the delicate skin of an infant. In such a stark contrast, the latter was undoubtedly more beautiful. Although he thought this way, he harbored doubts in his heart, wondering how the master could pose such a simple question. There must be an underlying implication.
After a moment of contemplation, Luo Yu respectfully said: "Master, I believe both are beautiful. However, I think the two cannot be compared."
Upon entering the hospital, upon seeing that the teacher had already awakened, Luo Yu ran over with a joyful expression and said: "Teacher, during your leisure time, you can use Brother Tao's fishing rod to fish and pass the time. This not only expresses Brother Tao's respect for you as a teacher, but also cultivates your character and adds to your enjoyment"
Qian Ling'er, upon hearing the story told by Luo Yu, immediately became interested and hurriedly urged Tao De, "Oh? Tao De, you also fish for people! Quickly tell me, who do you fish for?"
Although he thought so, Luo Yu did not dare to "risk his life to offer direct advice"; in fact, his already swollen hands had no place left to fall...
Master Qian leisurely blew on the tea foam in his cup, took a gentle sip, and casually pointed outside the courtyard, saying: "Look at the villagers toiling and bustling outside the courtyard; compared to the tranquil lotus in the pond, who is more beautiful?"
Luo Yu spoke while glancing at the beads of sweat trickling from Tao De's temples, then turned to look at the fishing line that had not a single float, a smile gradually curling at the corners of his mouth
Upon hearing this, Tao De finally turned his face around and said anxiously: "How could one not catch anything? Little Yu, what do you know? Patience is key. The teacher once said, 'A gentleman should calm his mind and observe the changes in events, and avoid impatience'... As the saying goes, 'Sincerity can move even gold and stone'...
It is indeed strange; although they are busy, the two do not engage in casual conversation, and even the sounds of their work are deliberately kept to a minimum. Why is this so? ... It is simply because Master Qian is still in a dream at this moment
Luo Yu smiled as she placed a lotus leaf on her head, feeling a refreshing coolness in her heart
Luo Yu was not interested in how the Tearful Solitary Sea was formed; rather, he was quite curious about why it had such a peculiar name. He even consulted the Master, but even the erudite Master shook his head in ignorance.
At the hour of the snake, the Master would come to the small courtyard, reclining on a bamboo chair to give his lectures. Behind him, a flourishing peach tree stood, blocking the scorching sun from entering the courtyard, creating a rare cool spot. Luo Yu also followed the Master, sitting upright on the stone bench opposite, waiting for the Master to begin his lesson
... ...
Seeing Luo Yu unable to respond, he appeared even more perplexed, while Master Qian smiled slightly without showing any anger. He then staggered as he attempted to stand up, and Luo Yu quickly stepped forward to assist him. Watching the master walk slowly to the bamboo fence, he pointed at the villagers, then gently tapped Luo Yu's forehead with a smile, saying: "A person of virtue is one who understands the world, embodying the essence of life, naturally and effortlessly. Hidden within, one may be unaware of their own potential; thus, one must endure trials and tribulations, gaining wisdom through experience, to truly find their path. Therefore, the essence of life is indeed a reflection of the void, understanding the interplay of emptiness and reality, which is the essence of being human."
Qian Fuzi always gets up after the Chen hour, and Luo Yu has long been accustomed to it. He considers the master's love for sleep to be quite natural. While there is certainly a sense of filial piety towards his teacher, it is also true that he envies the master.
For such a quiet breakfast, Luo Yu could only describe it as eerily silent. Glancing at the ruler placed on the table, he couldn't help but feel a lingering fear, not daring to act out in any way
Luo Yu pondered and said: "The nature of the lotus is to emerge from the mud without being stained, to wash in the clear water without being seductive, symbolizing the virtue of a gentleman, which is beautiful; the villagers are simple and hardworking, returning home early in the morning and late at night, embodying diligence, which is also beautiful, thus all are virtues... However, one is a thing and the other is a person, hence they cannot be compared. I, Yu, am dull and speak recklessly, and I ask for the teacher's guidance."
A few days ago, Peach Blossom Village
Qian Ling'er looked at the fleeing Tao De with a puzzled expression and asked, "Why is Senior Brother Tao angry? Could it be that he didn't catch any fish?"
Gazing at the scene outside the courtyard, Luo Yu has come to understand that today's discourse in the world is not about learning or rites, but rather about the virtue and conduct of a person. This is the teaching of the Confucian master, which, for him, surpasses the teachings of a teacher by a hundredfold. Whether as a disciple or a child, one should deeply comprehend and feel this.
Ancient scholars exerted their utmost in learning, while the young must toil to achieve success in their later years. Knowledge gained from books ultimately feels superficial; to truly understand this matter, one must engage in practice
Todd shook his head and spoke at length to Luo Yu, clearly only a few years older yet feigning an air of wisdom. Luo Yu couldn't help but chuckle at this, but their conversation did catch the attention of Qian Ling'er, who was nearby.
Upon hearing Luo Yu's words, Tao De could no longer endure it, and with a resentful exclamation, he threw down the fishing rod in his hand and left in a huff
However, Luo Yu looked at Tao De and chuckled, simultaneously pointing at the fishing rod in his hand, which was now shaking more violently. He feigned urgency and reminded him, "Brother Tao, do not get too excited; such shaking may alert the fish."
Seeing Luo Yu respond in this manner and even raise a question, the Master smiled faintly and feigned curiosity as he asked: "Oh? What is there that cannot be compared?"
Although Luo Yu has never personally witnessed what the scientific research on this divinely bestowed continent looks like, it seems that studying is the only path available to him.
Upon hearing this, Qian Ling'er also laughed and teased, "Without the fragrant bait and sincerity, how can the fish be caught? Brother Tao is truly foolish.
However, Todd by the courtyard fence looked on with hopeful eyes as Luo Yu departed. When he came to his senses, he nervously glanced at the master who was dozing lightly, and then quietly tiptoed towards the lotus pond.
Upon hearing "What is a person?", Luo Yu immediately showed a look of difficulty, unsure of how to respond. Should he tell the sage, "A person is a species belonging to the order Primates and the family Hominidae, and so on..."? Wouldn't that just shock the old man out of his bamboo chair, exclaiming, "What nonsense are you talking about?" After thinking it over, he feared he might even receive a beating with a ruler.
Luo Yu clasped his hands on his head and suddenly felt a void above, hurriedly chasing after and shouting: "Return my 'lotus leaf hat'..."
After much hesitation, Luo Yu had no choice but to give up, feigning a look of confusion: "Disciple is dull-witted, I implore the teacher to enlighten me."
Qian Ling'er took the lotus flower with great joy, then raised it and slowly rotated it under the sunlight. The sparkling water droplets danced and scattered, refracting beams of crystal light in mid-air.
Luo Yu chuckled as he glanced at Qian Ling'er, then looked towards Tao De, secretly mocking in his heart, "Kid, still fishing, do you think you are Jiang Taigong? I think you are trying to catch a mermaid instead."
At dawn, as the rooster crows loudly, the sound reverberates through the tranquil Taohua village in the Qingqiu valley, while the curling smoke from cooking rises slowly with the morning sun
... ...
Recalling the past, he was once punished by the master for making noise while eating, and was admonished: "Do not speak while eating, and do not talk while sleeping; when a teacher or elder asks, you should respond, but if not asked, remain silent; making chewing sounds while eating is considered disrespectful, and thus shows a lack of respect for teachers and elders..."
At that moment, Qian Ling'er quietly approached Luo Yu from behind, swiftly snatched the 'Lotus Leaf Hat' and turned to run away
At that moment, as Luo Yu was lost in thought, the Master gently said: "Let us conclude for today; the rest is for you to comprehend on your own"
Luo Yu glanced over and was just about to pay his respects to the Master, who was taking a short rest, when he was startled by Tao De's sudden appearance from behind the courtyard fence. He looked at his sneaky senior brother with an annoyed expression and then shot him a glare. Seeing Tao De eagerly peering into the room, he chuckled and turned to walk into the house on his own.
Upon seeing Luo Yu, the young boy's eyes suddenly became clear, and he understood his own intentions. He stroked his grizzled beard, smiled, and nodded in approval. He then gazed towards the lotus pond and pointed at the lotus flowers, slowly saying: "Everyone knows that beauty is beauty, externally attached to the internal, and also clear; the internal benefits the external form. However, why do people often contradict beauty? It is due to the influences around you. Therefore, in the depths of understanding, the cause and effect of the celestial sounds before and after, that is beauty! ..." He pointed again at the lotus flowers in the pond and continued: "Everyone knows that beauty is beauty, externally attached to the internal, and also clear; the internal benefits the external form. However, why do people often contradict beauty? It is due to the influences around you. Therefore, in the depths of understanding, the cause and effect of the celestial sounds before and after, that is beauty! ..."
A faint snoring sound emerged
Perhaps feeling guilty under the gaze of Luo Yu beside him, Tao De finally huffed impatiently: "It was my father who asked me to go fishing."
The Master, having listened, merely nodded but did not comment; instead, he continued to ask, "What then is meant by 'human'?"
At this moment, Luo Yu, however, remained indifferent to the scenery before him, as he stared intently at the opposite bank of the lotus pond, specifically at the roof of the Tao village chief's house. There, a brilliantly colored rooster was crowing incessantly, proudly "looking down upon the world".
Recalling the scene at that time, the Master said: "The wise know through words; the enlightened understand the essence without haste"
Although the Master’s words have a certain degree of reason, Luo Yu also feels that the Master is being somewhat too harsh. How can there be such reasoning? You can speak freely, and you must respond to minor matters; yet I am not allowed to speak, and if I do, I must face punishment. Even eating with a bit of noise cannot escape reprimand
In other words, the one who knows all things is wisdom, the one who perceives all laws is insight, and the one who transforms all phenomena achieves great wisdom. Although he generally understands these principles, at times, in a moment of confusion, he once thought that the Master was not merely an old scholar, but rather resembled an old Taoist with a cow's nose in the mountains! ... However, perhaps all the teachers in this world teach in a manner similar to that of the Master, for to him, who rarely travels far, everything in this unfamiliar world is unknown; who knows what the teachers here are imparting ... ? But perhaps all the teachers in this world teach in a manner similar to that of the Master, for to him, who rarely travels far, everything in this unfamiliar world is unknown; who knows what the teachers here are imparting ... ?
At this moment, Tao De felt as if he were sitting on pins and needles between the two, while simultaneously casting a strange glance at Luo Yu.
Looking at Todd's suddenly purple face, Luo Yu could no longer contain himself and burst into laughter: "A gentleman should be like this, but the teacher has not mentioned it. Without bait or lure, how can one catch fish? Hahaha ~"
In fact, in today's teaching, the master will discuss with him the principles of conduct and behavior after some time. It is not as Lo Yu initially imagined, where one spends the entire day memorizing books and worrying about hanging oneself from a beam or pricking one's thigh with an awl. However, the use of the ruler is still the same, and it is even more severe than one might expect. That said, scholars must strive to study hard in order to achieve success and serve in the court, thereby strengthening the nation and benefiting the people
Upon seeing this, the Master extended his thin, bony hand and tapped his forehead, simultaneously scolding him with a smile. Luo Yu, witnessing this, chuckled and adjusted the already tilted "lotus leaf hat" on his head
In his mouth, he continuously repeated the words of the Master, and Luo Yu fell into deep thought. After a moment, a flash of insight appeared in his eyes as he suddenly awakened. He glanced at the empty space beside him, only to find that the Master had once again leaned back in the bamboo chair, leisurely savoring tea and enjoying the coolness.
In the past, whenever the master rose to wash and groom himself, it was always Qian Ling'er who attended to him. However, ever since the master, with great righteousness, taught him that "a teacher should treat his disciples as a father, and disciples should respect their teacher as a son respects his father; this is called propriety, thus a gentleman must not be without propriety, and so on..." he took it upon himself to replace Qian Ling'er.