Chapter 122: Ask for knowledge

“Bamboo fences and thatched cottages, stone houses with flower pavilions; clusters of pines and cypresses chanting in unison, entwined with wisteria…”【1】

Dafu held a scroll in one hand, reading aloud by the window.

The room was stuffy and hot. He could hear the rustling of bamboo leaves outside but felt no breeze stirring indoors; instead, an uneasy heat simmered within his chest. So he opened the door and went to read under the corridor in the backyard garden.

The summer wind brushed his face, carrying a fresh bamboo fragrance, which made his heart feel much freer and calmer.

Immersed in the book, trying to forget the confusion of the past two days, he suddenly heard a soft call:

“Fan Zhongyang.”

Dafu turned at once and saw Wu Guang.

“Why have you climbed so high? Did you lose something?”

He quickly walked toward the wall and looked up at the head poking out over the courtyard wall.

“I haven’t lost anything,” Wu Guang replied with a light laugh. “I was just cooling off in the garden, but I happened to hear your clear reading voice and couldn’t help but come and see.”

Dafu felt a little embarrassed. “Am I disturbing you with my reading?”

“I rarely go out. Even when I do, I’m usually surrounded by many people and don’t feel at ease. I often spend time quietly at home. Hearing your reading today is quite a delight.”

Wu Guang smiled and asked, “Are you reading ?”

Dafu nodded. “It’s a new book from my uncle. He teaches me to read the classics but also encourages me to read such books to broaden my knowledge and calm the restless, worldly desires in my heart.”

Wu Guang said, “‘Mountain moon and river mist, the sound of an iron flute—this makes a pure delight; sky wind and sea waves, a small boat like a leaf—what a grand spectacle.’”【2】 “Indeed, a wonderful book full of refined charm. If you enjoy it, I also have copies of and that you can borrow.”

Dafu was overjoyed and thanked Wu Guang repeatedly. “If I could borrow them, I would be most grateful.”

He was inwardly surprised at how well-read Wu Guang was.

Even in wealthy families, both girls and boys were taught to read, and now he understood this was indeed true. When he had time, he would encourage Awang to learn to read and write as well.

Wu Guang said, “You only recently passed the county exam in April. Few boys your age have done so in Luan County; you are truly remarkable.”

“Young as you are, it’s natural to be restless and ambitious. It’s admirable that you read these books to calm your mind. Though I notice a trace of worry on your face, you seem thinner than the last time I saw you.”

“You are truly observant. I’m embarrassed,” Dafu replied. “I’ve encountered many difficulties in my studies lately, which have left me confused and troubled. The summer heat only adds to it.”

Wu Guang fell silent for a moment. He was smart enough to understand that Dafu’s confusion was likely over something his teacher could not explain.

He said, “Sometimes it’s hard to solve doubts on your own. Occasionally, a hint or two can suddenly clear the fog. I know a place that might help you, but I don’t know if you’re willing to go.”

Dafu’s brow twitched. “Please tell me. I’m willing to go anywhere to seek answers to my doubts.”

Wu Guang saw his eagerness and smiled. “If you want to know, I’ll tell you. Whether you go or not is up to you.”

“I’ve heard the county school sometimes invites famous scholars and great Confucians from here and elsewhere for refined gatherings to discuss the classics. These people may not have high official ranks, but their insight and knowledge are profound. If you could go and ask them, you would surely find your answers.”

“But these scholars have strong temperaments. They often scold people harshly. Even compared to strict teachers, they are fiercer. Many students who come seeking knowledge often arrive smiling but leave with dark faces and never return.”

Wu Guang asked, “Are you willing to go to such a place?”

Dafu knew about the county school but had no idea about these gatherings. Now knowing this opportunity existed, his heart brightened, and he said, “This is a rare chance to seek knowledge. How could I not want to go? Just tell me when.”

Wu Guang saw his impatience. “The date isn’t always fixed, but this time it’s the sixteenth or seventeenth. Who will come, nobody knows yet. But since it’s invited by the county school, it won’t be bad.”

Wu Guang was about to explain more when his servant boy ran over to say his mother had come into the courtyard.

He couldn’t stay long and hurriedly said, “I’ll have someone send you some books to borrow. Look them over carefully.”

With that, he quickly climbed down the ladder.

Dafu wanted to call for him to slow down but feared making a noise and revealing their meeting. He could only watch anxiously from the wall’s base.

After a moment without any shouting, he finally relaxed, guessing Wu Guang had landed safely.

In the late afternoon, near evening, Awang brought a basket from outside—it was for Dafu.

He quickly opened it and indeed found the books Wu Guang mentioned earlier. In addition, there were two extra books: and .

Dafu cherished the books, reading eagerly, but without Wu Guang’s permission, he wouldn’t dare do such a thing.

At the very bottom of the stack, pressed beneath a page, was a letter from Wu Guang.

Dafu hadn’t read it yet but first admired the handwriting—soft and calm at first glance, but refined and lively upon closer inspection, somewhat resembling his own temperament.

On the letter, Wu Guang carefully explained when and where at the county school to wait.

Dafu read it and felt deeply grateful. He carefully noted the details and got up.

He calculated in his heart that only two or three days remained before the sixteenth. The school was on holiday, so on that day, he would go early to wait. If there were lessons, he was ready to ask for leave a day in advance.

“Dafu, are you ready for bed?”

Before his thoughts settled, he suddenly heard Kang Guang’s voice. Dafu’s mood lightened considerably now that he had a way to resolve his study troubles. He ran out smiling to meet him.

“Not yet.”

“I just made a bowl of almond, lily, and lotus seed soup. It’s cooled to just the right temperature. I brought a bowl for you. Awang has already had two bowls.”

Dafu smiled and took the bowl. Seeing his father also come over, he said to both, “Father, please send Awang to get whatever you need. He has been busy with business all day with Father. You should rest in the evening.”

“That’s not too busy now. The shop has capable assistants looking after it. Father and I just check on things sometimes. It’s not much work and not tiring.”

Dafu felt reassured and took a spoonful of the soup.

The lilies and lotus seeds were cooked soft. They had been chilled in the well, not icy cold like from ice, but just refreshingly cool. He found it delicious.

Fan Jing sat down nearby. Seeing Dafu enjoying it, he reached over to smooth his hair. “Is the room too hot? If you’re uncomfortable, we can buy some ice.”

Dafu shook his head. “There’s a water basin in the room. When the evening wind rises, it cools down. I don’t feel too hot.”

Kang Guang also sat down. “It’s truly as they say: a calm heart naturally cools the body.”

They watched Dafu finish his soup and asked if he wanted more. He shook his head. The soup was tasty, but eating too much at night meant waking to urinate. It was better to eat less.

Seeing this, Kang Guang began to speak of serious matters.

“You’ve always loved studying. These past days, Father and I heard about a gathering at the county school where scholars meet. We came to tell you, thinking you’ve always been diligent in your studies.”

Kang Guang continued, “But I must warn you, these scholars have strong temperaments. Going to ask questions might mean enduring some harsh words. It may hurt your pride and make you unhappy.”

They had made many inquiries over these days to obtain this information, hesitating whether to tell Dafu.

They heard from students who had gone that they were scolded harshly, sometimes even weeping afterward, which showed how difficult the atmosphere was.

But on the other hand, this was a path for learning; hardships sharpen the heart.

When Kang Guang finished, Dafu was a bit taken aback but thought it was fortunate to have this news beforehand.

He felt his father and grandfather must have noticed his recent troubles and weight loss, so they worked hard to get this information for him.

Though they weren’t scholars themselves and didn’t know much about such things, they still went out of their way to help him.

Still, he couldn’t help but wonder about Wu Guang, who seemed to know these details better than his own father and grandfather.

But he didn’t get distracted and said plainly, “Father, Grandfather, I will go. I’m not afraid of those things. Studying and asking questions means asking others for help. How can I expect others to treat me gently?”

Kang Guang and Fan Jing had guessed Dafu would go anyway. Having spoken about it, they agreed.

It would be good for him to experience some trials; if it really didn’t work out, he would be like those who had gone before and never returned.

At dawn on the sixteenth, Dafu woke early as usual to go to school. After eating, he and Awang walked to the county school.

Wu Guang had advised him not to come in a fancy carriage. Parking a vehicle outside the county school blocking the road would cause complaints and leave a bad impression on the scholars.

Even without Wu Guang’s warning, Dafu had no intention of arriving in a carriage.

Arriving outside the county school just as the sun rose, Dafu saw already three or four people standing respectfully by, out of the way.

He thought he was early but realized there were always people more diligent and punctual on the path of learning.

He politely cupped his hands and greeted the others.

They were of varying ages but dressed plainly.

Their shoes, though cared for, still bore traces of wet mud. They must have walked from their villages before dawn.

Dafu had no disdain, only respect and gratitude. If not for his father and grandfather’s hard work, he would not have been living such a comfortable life.

No one spoke; all waited silently.

Dafu quietly reviewed the doubts he had written down on paper and silently recited how he planned to present his thoughts.

Gradually, a few more students arrived.

Around mid-morning, some distinguished scholars and great Confucians came: some with beards, others young and handsome.

They arrived by foot and carriage alike but all entered through the main gate.

Dafu had never seen many such scholars together and sensed their exceptional aura.

He respectfully stood aside, and passersby would sometimes glance at them.

As the crowd thinned until no more entered, Dafu waited over an hour.

His legs began to stiffen. The blazing sun made the stone slabs outside the county school hot to the touch.

Though everyone stood in the shade under the eaves, the heat was still oppressive.

He noticed his vest was soaked with sweat. His body felt like it was inside a steamer.

Still, he didn’t mind; only he worried the sweat might ruin his appearance and cause embarrassment when asking the scholars questions.

Awang saw the sweat and quietly asked, “Shall I buy you some iced drink to cool down? I’ll go to the street behind and bring it back. We have to wait here anyway; it might take a while.”

Dafu replied, “No one knows when it will end. It’s never on time. We’re not county school students, so we can only go in after the gathering ends. If we leave even for a short time, we might miss our chance.”

Awang reluctantly gave up, unwilling to let a drink interfere with such an important matter.

“I’ll bring a fan to help you cool off.”

“Look, the other students here wait patiently. If I fan myself, I’d stand out and seem impatient. Don’t worry; if they can wait, so can I.”

Awang sighed and accepted it.

He then noticed some late arrivals—wealthier-looking students—either sending servants to buy cooling drinks or sitting in tea houses on the street.

Awang thought, waiting so long in such heat could cause heatstroke. Would Dafu say ‘standing respectfully by the door like snow’? Or was it more unbearable in this summer heat?

Either way, it was hardship.

“Inside, the meeting is over. Those of you who have questions may enter briefly. In less than the time it takes for incense to burn, the school will host a banquet for the scholars. You must not stay long.”

“Yes.”

Dafu saw a messenger come out to relay this. The waiting students brightened and respectfully replied.

Then Dafu and the others slowly entered, and the gate was closed behind them.

Those who left early could not reenter, no matter if they came early or late.

Dafu cautiously followed the guide into a small garden with elegant pavilions and flowing water. A cool breeze blew, making it much more comfortable than outside.

But Dafu had no leisure to relax. This was his first time seeking answers here, and he was unsure of the process.

They entered a large classroom, where the previously seen scholars and the county school’s assistant instructors were gathered, all solemn and dignified.

One assistant greeted them, “Since you’ve arrived, make good use of your time.”

A young man of about thirty nervously stepped to the center and slowly voiced his academic doubts.

The other students waited behind quietly, both as audience and for their turn.

Dafu had never seen such a scene before. Normally, their teacher was strict but only one standing at the lectern.

Students would stand to answer questions and might be scolded, feeling embarrassed enough.

Here, there were no fewer than ten scholars and instructors sitting in the hall, all dignified and austere.

Their tone was not gentle. Though they answered doubts, they also pointed out faults and scolded.

Dafu noticed the first questioner sweating, his face pale.

Though he started calmly, as the scholars corrected him, his words faltered, his voice trembling.

Dafu behind them felt ashamed. He had thought the county school was a relaxed place where scholars would be free to ask questions. He never imagined such an intimidating atmosphere.

No wonder Wu Guang and his father had warned him. Those who had come before had been so scared they never returned.

He was somewhat afraid but thought, although the scene was intimidating, having so many scholars here was rare.

If even one scolded a fault, then he could correct many faults all at once.

Thinking this way made it worthwhile, even precious.

He also noticed not all were stern; one or two spoke kindly.

Lost in such thoughts, before he realized it, it was his turn.

Dafu stepped to the center, bowed respectfully to the scholars and instructors, then loudly presented his recent study difficulties.

He asked, “Guan Zhong assisted Duke Huan of Qi to dominate the realm, yet he was not frugal. How does the teacher call him ‘benevolent’?”【3】

He also inquired about the Mandate of Heaven, human nature, and practical learning.

The instructors noticed the questioner was surprisingly young and exchanged a few whispers.

Some had seen Dafu at the gate earlier. Seeing his firm resolve to wait, their first impression was good; he didn’t demand respect at once.

One after another, scholars offered their views, some stern, some gentle, correcting Dafu’s reasoning.

They saw he was humble and thoughtful, not just passively accepting but really reflecting.

In this environment, it was rare to see such clear thinking, so their tone gradually softened.

“Here comes the child,” someone said.

Wu Jiaoyu, the county school instructor, came over to watch the scene. He had been standing outside the window when Dafu arrived and now saw him inside.

“Do you know this boy?” someone asked.

Wu Jiaoyu smiled, “He ranked third in the county exam this year. How could I not know him?”

The assistant said, “No wonder he’s so talented.”

After answering, Dafu felt sweat trickle down his back. Though outwardly composed, his heart pounded.

But his doubts, which had troubled him for days, had been answered from various perspectives. He finally understood and felt relieved.

Today’s session was truly exhilarating.

If it weren’t for the students behind waiting, he would have asked more questions.

When the session ended, the instructors told the students to disperse, but Dafu still felt unsatisfied.

Listening to others ask and hearing the scholars answer was also a great learning experience.

He thought that if he could attend such gatherings again, he would come.

One class here taught far more than the school.

“Fan Zhongyang.”

Just as he was full of thought and about to leave, someone called him back.

He turned and saw a smiling man with a kindly face.

Dafu bowed and felt he recognized him. Scanning his features, he suddenly realized he resembled Wu Guang.

He cautiously asked, “Are you Uncle Wu from next door?”

Wu Jiaoyu laughed, “You have sharp eyes.”

Dafu smiled in return, realizing he was correct. Though he didn’t know Wu Guang’s father was a county school instructor, seeing him here suggested so.

Thinking further, it made sense. Wu Guang was so familiar with the county school; his father must work here.

“You have a bold heart, daring to come here to ask questions. Do you know many students know this path but are too afraid of the scholars’ harshness and give up?”

Wu Jiaoyu had quietly observed Dafu for a while outside. Seeing his respectful yet confident answers, he found him rare.

Many students have high pride; after being scolded, they lose confidence or refuse to accept correction.

They think, ‘We are students too, but these scholars haven’t passed any exams; why should they harshly point out faults?’

Pampered outside, they cannot stand harsh words.

As a county school instructor, Wu Jiaoyu came to soften students’ attitudes by having scholars treat them strictly but politely.

Those who can’t handle this will never shoulder great responsibilities.

He had seen many useless and incapable students, so among them, the Fan family’s boy stood out.

Dafu felt happy hearing Wu Jiaoyu’s praise. He answered seriously, “My humble opinion is that on the path of life, not everyone is kind or polite. There are always proud people.

“If everyone only heard flattering words and never heard painful truths, then when those come, they would be confused, hurt, and unable to calmly handle people and affairs.”

“Before coming, I heard that the scholars here were strict. Though I was nervous, I gained much. This trip was very educational.”

Wu Jiaoyu laughed heartily, thinking this boy was truly good.

He said, “In the future, if you have doubts, there’s no need to always go far. We live just a house apart. If you wish, come ask me. I can also help you understand the classics. My family has many books, and if you like reading, you can borrow them.”

Dafu was overjoyed and bowed deeply. “I, Fan Zhongyang, thank you deeply for this great honor. I am still clumsy and don’t know how to address you.”

Wu Jiaoyu gently patted his head. “I’m just your uncle; calling me that is fine.”

Dafu replied, “I hope I’m not being disrespectful.”

Wu Jiaoyu smiled. “Go home now; you’ve been here most of the day.”

Dafu then took his leave.

Wu Jiaoyu went to the hall to host a banquet for the visiting scholars. A familiar face immediately approached.

“Who is that young lad? A completely fresh face. Tender, but his character isn’t bad.”

“He’s promising. His questions are clear and organized.”

“I wonder which teacher he studies under. If he hasn’t apprenticed yet, I might take him as my closed-door disciple.”

Wu Jiaoyu saw many faces change after leaving the hall, all praising Dafu. Fortunately, he hadn’t lost face inside.

“Neighbor’s boy, truly impressive,” Wu Jiaoyu smiled. “I was the one who taught him to spar with us stubborn old scholars.”

Others understood: “So he’s the instructor’s student, but didn’t reveal it at first. We thought he was good but not so formidable. Otherwise, we would have been scared off.”

“No, an instructor’s student is never lacking. If I had known earlier, I would have grilled him more.”

Everyone talked excitedly. Producing talented youth locally was a cause for celebration.

Dafu was completely unaware of the other side of the scholars outside the hall and happily ran home, eager to tell Fan Jing and Kang Guang about his day.