Volume One, Chapter 34: This Young Attendant Is Simply Unbelievable! Master Fang Is Completely Astonished!

In the study, sandalwood incense curled lazily through the air, its subtle and refined fragrance lingering almost imperceptibly. Seated upright in a grand armchair, Master Fang had several books spread before him. He lifted his gaze to Chen Pingchuan, who stood respectfully at his side, hands at his sides.

His expression betrayed nothing—neither joy nor anger.

"Pingchuan," Master Fang spoke, his tone carrying a hint of scrutiny. "Some days ago, you borrowed a few introductory books from me. How have you found them?"

He referred to selected passages from "The Jade Forest of Early Learning" and a slender volume of "A Thousand Family Poems." These were not as straightforward as "The Three Character Classic," the most basic primer.

Chen Pingchuan responded immediately, bowing deeply. His voice was clear, neither servile nor arrogant. "Sir, I have finished reading them all."

He paused briefly to gather his words before continuing, "The stories and principles in these books struck me as interesting."

"They are indeed a bit more challenging than 'The Three Character Classic.'"

"But I was able to grasp the general meaning."

"Oh?" Master Fang's brow twitched ever so slightly. This boy certainly did not lack confidence!

Those books were difficult enough for an ordinary child to read in a cursory manner, let alone understand.

He felt a stir within, though his face remained calm and composed. Picking up "The Jade Forest of Early Learning," he flipped to a page at random.

"In that case," he said, "I shall test you."

His gaze fell upon the text as he spoke in a measured tone. "'To carve a swan and make it resemble a duck is the beginning of learning; to draw a tiger and end up with a dog is the folly of cleverness.' Tell me, what does this mean?"

Chen Pingchuan thought for a moment before answering in a clear voice, "Sir, I believe this means that in our studies we must be practical and grounded."

"For example, if we attempt to paint a swan, even if the likeness is imperfect, it still resembles a duck, so we gain something."

"But if we aim too high from the start, wanting to paint a tiger and ending up with a dog, that is being overly ambitious and ultimately failing—turning skill into folly."

"It's like Young Master Jinbao. If he were made to study advanced texts from the beginning, he would surely be overwhelmed and lose interest. It's better to start with simpler lessons and progress gradually; improvement will surely follow."

Master Fang listened, his hand—midway through stroking his beard—pausing briefly.

The explanation was not elegant or ornate, perhaps even too direct.

Yet the logic was sound!

Indeed, he had captured the essence of the phrase and related it to Zhang Jinbao.

This boy had promise.

Master Fang remained impassive, though inwardly he was moved.

He pressed on, "And what about 'The willow and poplar wither before autumn; ginger and cinnamon grow more pungent with age'? What principle does this teach?"

Chen Pingchuan replied without hesitation, "Sir, this means that willow and poplar trees are soft and weak, withering before autumn arrives."

"Ginger and cinnamon, on the other hand, grow more pungent as they age—their flavor becomes stronger."

"This teaches us that some people may seem promising when young, but lack a solid foundation and soon fade."

"Others may seem unremarkable at first, but possess depth and resilience, revealing their talents over time."

"It's like Young Master Jinbao, who may have been playful in the past, but if he applies himself, he will be like ginger and cinnamon—destined for greatness!"

The waves of astonishment in Master Fang's heart rose one after another as he listened.

The passages he had casually chosen were obscure and profound, even for "The Jade Forest of Early Learning."

It was no small feat for an eight-year-old beginner to memorize them, let alone grasp their deeper meaning.

Yet Chen Pingchuan not only answered fluently and simply, he could relate them naturally to Zhang Jinbao's studies!

This was not "a little more difficult, but I can understand the general idea."

This was mastery—the essence and spirit fully absorbed!

Master Fang remembered his own struggles with these classics, how each one had taken months of meticulous study before he dared claim any insight.

And Chen Pingchuan? He had borrowed them only for a few days!

Master Fang regarded the slender young bookboy before him, his eyes filled with complex emotions—a genuine admiration for his extraordinary talent, a subtle reconsideration of previous judgments, but above all, a comforting satisfaction.

Perhaps he had not misjudged him after all.

This unpolished gem shone brighter than he had ever imagined.

Suppressing the surge within him, Master Fang pondered for a moment.

His gaze settled on Chen Pingchuan's clear, bright eyes, which brimmed with a thirst for knowledge.

"Pingchuan," he began slowly.

"Sir?" Chen Pingchuan responded respectfully.

Master Fang's tone grew solemn. "Would you like to accompany me and witness a true gathering of scholars?"

At these words, Chen Pingchuan's eyes suddenly sparkled, like twin stars ignited in the night.

"Sir!" His voice quivered with excitement. "What is a gathering of scholars? Will there be many learned men?"

Master Fang, seeing his eagerness, could not help but smile gently.

A worthy pupil!

"Indeed! Tomorrow, at the largest Wen Shan Academy in Luzhou Prefecture, there will be a student forum."

"Scholars and students from Luzhou and surrounding counties will gather to exchange ideas and share their learning."

"If fortune favors us, we may even hear the guidance and critiques of renowned masters."

He paused, his gaze filled with expectation as he continued, "Tomorrow, I will bring Young Master Jinbao along."

"You are so diligent and talented; I shall make an exception and take you as well."

"You may broaden your horizons and gain experience—perhaps it will benefit your future."

"But..." Master Fang's tone shifted, growing serious. He solemnly instructed, "You will go as Jinbao's bookboy."

"You must listen quietly, never speak out of turn, nor disturb the proceedings."

"Above all, do not embarrass me or the young master. Do you understand?"

Chen Pingchuan was so excited he nearly jumped on the spot!

He forced himself to restrain his elation, bowing deeply, his voice filled with irrepressible joy.

"Thank you for your favor, sir!"

"I will remember your teachings and behave myself, causing not the slightest trouble for you or the young master!"

Wonderful!

This was the perfect opportunity to learn more about the era's imperial examination system!

He had been searching for a way forward.

Master Fang watched him—so jubilant yet striving to contain his emotions—and the smile at his lips deepened.

This child possessed such pure and passionate zeal for learning.

It was truly rare.

Perhaps his destiny extended far beyond that of a mere bookboy.

Master Fang waved his hand, signaling him to withdraw.

"Go now."

"Come with the young master early tomorrow."

Chen Pingchuan bowed deeply once more, then departed with a heart filled with joy.