15 Nothing More Than That
At that moment, the elderly lady and a few others had already ushered Chen Dalu into the house and led him to the parlor. Song Erlang was so excited that he became somewhat incoherent, hastily instructing Mrs. Jiang to serve the tea quickly.
Concerned for her son's future, Mrs. Jiang was nervous and clumsy. Though the tea had been specially purchased and was of excellent quality, she worried about brewing it properly. Her hand trembled as she poured the water. Seeing this, Xiuniang stepped forward and took the kettle from her, pouring the water steadily into the teapot. She said:
“Sister-in-law, what are you afraid of? People say a prime minister’s heart is broad enough to hold a boat. If Chen Dalu were to find fault with our family just because of some tea, then he wouldn't be much different from us women. None of us women have such narrow minds.”
Mrs. Jiang hadn’t expected her younger sister-in-law to remain so composed at such a critical moment. Upon reflection, she realized that since it wasn’t directly her concern, she could afford to remain detached. Perhaps in this situation, the younger sister-in-law was even steadier than she was. But now was not the time for that.
She turned to Mrs. Wang and said, “No, elder sister-in-law, if my hands tremble when serving the tea, it will be a laughingstock. It’s better if you serve the tea for me.”
Mrs. Wang had just received the elderly lady’s teachings, and now being relied upon by the second younger sister-in-law, she felt quite pleased with herself. She thought to herself: in crucial moments, it’s still me, the elder sister-in-law, who has to step forward. Smiling happily, she gracefully took the tea and went out.
Xiuniang was displeased. Previously, she could suppress her feelings, but now that her own son had a renowned teacher, and Chen Dalu’s question had actually been thought up by her son, the credit for whose apprenticeship opportunity had been given up by her older brother-in-law for his younger brother, why should she keep silent?
With a toss of her sleeve, Xiuniang went out, muttering bitterly, “Elder sister-in-law and second sister-in-law are both educated, unlike me, a tofu seller, who can’t even show face. I won’t embarrass myself here.”
Mrs. Jiang did look down somewhat on Xiuniang’s humble origins. She had asked the elder sister-in-law to serve the tea partly because she thought her demeanor was more dignified and presentable. But though she thought this, she couldn’t admit it openly. Hastily, she grabbed Xiuniang’s arm and said:
“What nonsense are you talking? How could you embarrass yourself? The elder sister-in-law and I just know a few more characters. As for posture and appearance, who can compare with you? If it were possible, would you be willing to trade your good looks for the education we have?”
Xiuniang felt comforted by this and replied modestly, “I’m not that good looking.”
Mrs. Jiang cast a teasing glance at her slender waist and smiled, “Willows sway gently, like a girl’s waist. With your waist, elder sister-in-law and I can’t compare.”
Mrs. Jiang’s meaningful look as she said this carried a lot of implication.
Xiuniang blushed, “What nonsense are you saying, second sister-in-law?”
Seeing Xiuniang’s attention diverted, Mrs. Jiang secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Things had changed; now that Xiuniang’s status was elevated by her son, it was best not to offend her.
In the Song family parlor, Chen Yan’an sat upright in the grand chair, dressed in a brown long robe, with exquisite embroidery subtly hidden in the wide borders at the collar and cuffs. He looked like a refined and kind old gentleman, showing none of the aloofness and pride that legend attributed to him.
At that moment, he was smiling as he spoke to Song Jingrui.
“You are still young, yet you have a broad and strong memory and wide-ranging knowledge—a promising student. But I must warn you, only those who solve my questions may become my disciples. I have accepted your younger brother as a student; do you have anything to say?”
At these words, the elderly lady and Song Erlang were both stunned: “What is going on?”
Song Jingrui bowed deeply to Chen Yan’an. “Jingrui thanks the teacher on behalf of his brother.”
Chen Yan’an said, “Your honesty cost you a great opportunity. You may not realize how important this chance was now, but when your status diverges more and more from your brother’s in the future, you might understand what you lost.”
“Child, let me give you some advice — If a man does not act for himself, heaven and earth will destroy him. You must seize opportunities when they arise.”
Song Jingrui suddenly looked up, staring incredulously at the famed scholar before him.
Chen Yan’an asked, “What, you think I am wrong?”
Song Jingrui’s chest heaved with emotion. He had never imagined that the teacher his grandmother had worked so hard to secure for him was such a pragmatic man.
Chen Yan’an glanced at him, “You don’t accept that?”
Song Jingrui looked up sharply and held back his frustration, saying, “I am but a boy with little education, but I know a true man must have principles of what to do and what not to do!”
The elderly lady was speechless.
Song Erlang was also speechless.
Chen Yan’an stood and laughed heartily, lightly patting Song Jingrui’s shoulder.
“Good boy, you have backbone!”
“Just for standing firm in your principles in the face of temptation, for daring to question authority and stand by yourself, you deserve to be my disciple. Today I have not come in vain.”
He then asked, “By the way, where is your brother who can solve the questions?”
The sudden turn of events left Song Jingrui somewhat bewildered, but the elderly lady and Song Erlang both breathed a sigh of relief. The elderly lady smiled and said, “To be honest, my naughty little grandson ate something bad and is suffering from stomach pain.”
“Oh? Is it serious? Has he been seen by a doctor? I know a skilled pediatrician; I could call him over to take a look.”
The elderly lady was overwhelmed with gratitude and quickly said, “It’s nothing serious. Please allow me to thank you for your concern on behalf of my grandson.”
The two boys had only met one of the teachers. Chen Yan’an was somewhat disappointed but could not force the sick child to come. He relented and said to the elderly lady, “Have Jing’er come to my residence another day to formally take the apprenticeship ceremony, and bring your grandson along.”
The elderly lady was speechless.
Had he already chosen her older grandson without even meeting him?
The problem was that the older grandson had already been promised to Song Sanlang, and was also a disciple of Mr. Xiao, who was as famous as Chen Dalu.
The elderly lady was troubled but knew she must explain clearly to avoid complicating matters. She reluctantly explained how Li Yishan had introduced her older grandson to Xiao Yanzong.
Chen Yan’an, upon hearing that Xiao Yanzong was competing for the disciple, became even more determined to secure the older grandson. “Since the apprenticeship ceremony has not yet taken place, old madam, just bring him to my residence. I will deal with Xiao Yanzong myself. I will claim both your grandsons as my disciples.”
The elderly lady was speechless once again.
The Song family’s ancestral tombs either lay dormant or, when stirred, could terrify.
Chen Yan’an claimed he had other business and declined to stay for dinner. The elderly lady had no choice but to see him out with the family.
Just after Chen Yan’an left, Song Sanlang returned carrying a basket of food. He had ordered several hearty dishes from a restaurant to entertain Chen Yan’an, along with fine wine, spending a considerable sum.
Having already purchased the food, he could not return it, so the family ate it themselves. Both adults and children enjoyed the meal. The elderly lady even drank two glasses, an exception for her. Everyone in the family felt that the Song household was finally emerging from hardship, and fortune was turning in their favor. They even imagined Jing’er and Chen’er being honored with red robes.
Only Song Sanlang clearly understood that whether the disciples were Chen Dalu’s or Mr. Xiao’s, the emperor sought balance and checks among various powers.
The world never lacked talent. Talent was not scarce. Jing’er or Chen’er were simply among the clever ones, nothing more.
After dinner, the weather was warm, and Song Sanlang took his wife and son out for a stroll to aid digestion. Chen’er had never before eaten at a restaurant and was so delighted he couldn’t stop eating. His little belly was round and full. If not held back, the child would have kept stuffing food into his mouth.
In terms of appetite, even those without much desire to eat were encouraged to have an extra bowl just by watching Chen’er.
The night breeze brought refreshing coolness, carrying a refined charm reminiscent of the moon rising over willow branches, and a delicate elegance after dusk when lovers meet.
Xiuniang whispered something to Song Sanlang, causing the corners of his mouth to lift slightly.
Song Jingchen was not pleased. He forced his way between his parents, clutching his father’s leg. “Dad, Mom, what are you whispering about? What about me? I want to hear too.”
Xiuniang laughed.
Song Sanlang bent down and picked up the little one, kissing his forehead. He whispered something in his ear.
Song Jingchen beamed with joy, hugging his father’s neck and shouting, “Dad, really?”
Song Sanlang smiled and nodded.
Song Jingchen gleefully tugged at his father’s beard. “Good daddy.”
Song Sanlang said, “Stop flattering me.”
Song Jingchen blinked his innocent big eyes. “Chen’er doesn’t know how to flatter. Dad never taught me.”
“Dad, what is flattering? Can you do it?”
Song Sanlang was at a loss for words.
The moonlight fell softly, casting long shadows behind the family of three.
Song Sanlang had experienced great joys and sorrows, ups and downs. He had enjoyed the highest honors and endured hardships beyond ordinary endurance. He thought his heart had grown weary and indifferent, incapable of stirring any emotion. Yet now, once more, he felt his blood warm with feeling.