Zhao Yu and Zhao Ya both nodded, firmly saying, "Big Brother, don’t worry. We know full well in our hearts that we will never do anything to let Uncle or Aunt down."
Only then did Zhao Cheng nod in satisfaction. He had heard enough of the idle gossip in their village. So people claid the Zhao Dong family was rely feigning affection towards the three siblings, wanting only to secure soone to care for them in their old age and see to their burials. Others alleged that Zhao Dong and Sun i treated the three siblings poorly, only allowing their own daughter to attend school while disregarding the siblings’ futures.
Although he wasn’t the quickest on the uptake, Zhao Cheng knew he should trust his own heart; he could sense the genuine sincerity of his uncle and aunt’s family. Therefore, he didn’t believe a single word of the gossip spread in his presence. He often warned his younger brother and sister not to pay attention to such talk but to keep their eyes open and discern who truly cared for them.
Of course, while many villagers spoke ill of the Zhao Dong family, so also called them foolish. "I’m afraid Zhao Dong will end up raising three ungrateful wretches. Once the siblings grow up and their birth mother returns, they’ll just leave with her." He had heard this particular sentint the most. However, he never bothered to argue or defend against it. As long as he and his siblings were filial to their uncle and aunt, that was all that mattered.
After their first heartfelt conversation under the moonlight, the three siblings dispersed to their beds.
A few days later, just as Zhao Dong had prepared gifts and was about to take Zhao Yu to find ng Fusheng, ng Fusheng himself unexpectedly arrived at their door.
It turned out that while Zhao Yu was waiting for Zhao Zhitong to finish school, he had been idly practicing with a stick near the school entrance. ng Fusheng happened to witness this. He was astonished to find that although Zhao Yu’s movents were still unrefined and lacked strength, with one or two mistakes in the forms, they showed a clear spark of talent. Crucially, ng Fusheng recognized the moves as those he had casually demonstrated at the Zhao Family’s ho so days prior. Unexpectedly, the boy had rembered a good seven or eight parts of those moves. This was undoubtedly a martial arts prodigy!
So, he had co to the Zhao Family, intending to teach Zhao Yu a few more techniques.
After hearing ng Fusheng’s purpose, Zhao Dong’s eyes lit up. He reached out and patted the dazed Zhao Yu, saying, "Silly boy, what are you standing there stupefied for? Hurry and thank your master!"
"Ah!" Zhao Yu finally snapped out of it. With an almost startled jump, he then imdiately dropped to his knees and kowtowed three tis to ng Fusheng, exclaiming, "Zhao Yu thanks you, Master!"
ng Fusheng paused. He did intend to accept Zhao Yu as his disciple, but he worried Zhao Dong might not agree. After all, practicing martial arts and engaging in fights was hardly a stable livelihood; otherwise, his own father wouldn’t have opposed it so vehently back then. Furthermore, he felt his own skills weren’t particularly outstanding, so he wasn’t sure if others would even want him as a master. He hadn’t expected Zhao Dong to agree so readily.
After a mont’s hesitation, ng Fusheng cleared his throat and, setting aside his usual lighthearted deanor, said, "Good, good. Stand up. We will find an auspicious date for the official apprenticeship ceremony." Then, his tone shifted abruptly. "However, I must give you a word of caution: practicing martial arts is an extrely arduous undertaking. If you cannot endure hardship, you must consider this very carefully."
Zhao Yu stood up, lifted his head, and declared loudly, "I am not afraid of hardship!"
Seeing the determination and joy on Zhao Yu’s face, ng Fusheng nodded in satisfaction.
After a little more conversation, Zhao Dong saw ng Fusheng off.
The next morning, Zhao Dong took Zhao Yu to the school to find ng Fusheng for the apprenticeship ceremony. ng Fusheng was very pleased with the Six Etiquettes they had prepared, noting the seriousness with which Zhao Dong regarded the matter. The ceremony of acknowledging the master and serving tea proceeded smoothly and naturally.
From that day on, ng Fusheng welcod his first disciple, and Zhao Yu embarked upon his own distinct path in life.
In the following days, Zhao Yu would wake up very early to go to the school and learn the fundantals from ng Fusheng. Sotis he would train for the entire day, finishing just in ti to return ho with Zhao Zhitong in the afternoon.
Their activities naturally attracted the attention of Zhao Zhitong and the other three youngsters. So, whenever they had a break from class, they would run over to watch. They even curiously joined Zhao Yu in practicing the horse stance and throwing punches.
When it was almost ti for class to resu, Scholar ng arrived at the school, preparing to start the lesson. However, he found that Zhao Zhitong and the other three were not in the classroom. So, he didn’t start the lesson imdiately but waited for them at the doorway.
After a short while, the children ca running back, chasing and playing.
Seeing the Teacher, Zhao Zhitong imdiately ran over, her face beaming, to greet him.
Seeing the pure joy on the child’s face, the Teacher couldn’t help but smile as well.
Just then, Qiao Muchen and Wei Shulan also ran up, leaving only Zhao Yue still limping his way over.
Noticing dry grass and leaves clinging to the other children’s clothes, the Teacher suddenly frowned. He asked sternly, "Did you all get into a fight with Zhao Yue again?"
Zhao Zhitong shook her little head. "Teacher, we didn’t fight. Zhao Yue is our friend now." With great conviction, she added, "We even took him to play with Big Brother Yu!"
Qiao Muchen also nodded, explaining, "He was just being mischievous. He tried to jump off a Shi Tou like Mr. ng and sprained his ankle."
Seeing the Teacher’s concern, Zhao Zhitong said, "Teacher, don’t worry, Zhao Yue is fine. Big Brother Yu already massaged his ankle and said it was nothing serious. He’s just scared of the pain, so he doesn’t dare to walk properly."
By this ti, Zhao Yue had managed to limp over.
Scholar ng looked at the four little ones and, in the end, did not scold them. He let them into the classroom, and the lesson began.
In this class, the Teacher explained ncius’s "The Fish I Desire". The scholars listened with great attention. The other scholars only absorbed what the Teacher said, but Zhao Zhitong connected the Teacher’s words to real-life situations. Consequently, she began to feel regretful about the idea that one couldn’t have both fish and bear’s paw.
She even shared her thoughts with Qiao Muchen, who also frowned upon hearing them.
The two of them, both sitting in the front row, were separated by the aisle. Their quiet discussion was nonetheless audible to the Teacher. So, the Teacher asked them to co to his study after class.
Thus, after class, the two of them went hand-in-hand to find the Teacher.
In the study.
Zhao Zhitong directly voiced the question on her mind, "Teacher, if ncius wants both fish and bear’s paw, why must he give up the fish for the bear’s paw? Can’t he try to get both?"
Qiao Muchen also nodded and asked, "Teacher, does one really have to give up one of them?"
Scholar ng stroked his beard and smiled. He had taught ncius’s "The Fish I Desire" today for a reason. It seed his two brightest scholars had indeed understood his purpose and had co to ask about it.
Then, smiling, he asked, "So, do you both feel it’s a great pity to give up either the fish or the bear’s paw?"
The two youngsters nodded.
Scholar ng chuckled. "Today, Teacher will impart to you the first important lesson in life: that of choosing and letting go."
Seeing their bewildered expressions, Scholar ng rose, went to the courtyard, and found a porcelain vase with a narrow opening. He put a few peanuts into it and then began to tell them a story.
"Do you know how hunters catch monkeys?"
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