NOVEL NEXT Chapter 453
Chapter 453: Hong Liang’s Shock: Do You Know What Master Xun’s Bow Represents?
Master Xun’s address to Li Mo shifted from “National Advisor” to “Sir.”
In the Tang Dynasty, Han Yu once stated in “On Teachers”: “Those born before me may have heard the Way earlier than I; I learn from them. Those born after me may also have heard the Way earlier than I; I learn from them.” Knowledge knows no bounds, and the capable are revered.
This is known as the principle that in learning, everyone can be a teacher, regardless of seniority.
Master Xun believed that Li Mo’s ideas and outlook, as well as the contributions he was making now, had far surpassed his own. This reference to “Sir” came from the heart.
In the courtyard, Hong Liang gaped in shock, her mouth hanging open.
She stared blankly at Master Xun, who was bowing deeply and showing utmost respect towards Li Mo by calling him “Sir.”
Master Xun was the teacher of Han Fei, the highest-ranking Confucian in the contemporary world. Even the leader of the Confucians, Fu Nian, had to refer to him as “Senior Uncle.” Important matters required his opinion first.
This demonstrated just how high Master Xun’s status was among today’s Confucian disciples.
But now, this revered old scholar, with an extraordinary status, willingly referred to a younger person as “Sir.”
“What’s with that expression?” sfx: huh?
Yan Lingji pointed at Hong Liang’s chin, trying to close her gaping mouth.
Hong Liang let out a couple of sfx: whimpers and then pointed at Li Mo, who was helping Master Xun rise, saying, “Do you know what it means when Master bows?”
Yan Lingji replied dismissively, “What does it mean? It means he’s still fit enough to bend down!”
Hong Liang rolled her eyes.
It was sometimes impossible to communicate with her master, but it wasn’t entirely Yan Lingji’s fault.
She was from the Bai Yue tribe, often dismissed by the Central Plains as a barbaric land. The notion of respecting teachers and valuing the Way didn’t work with them. Power was everything!
“It’s like… it’s like when Tian Ze was crowned prince, and his father bowed to him!”
Hong Liang scratched her head, pondering for a long time before finally coming up with a relatively appropriate analogy.
sfx: ding!
“How is that even possible?”
Yan Lingji was taken aback.
Even she, lacking in education, knew that a king is the highest authority in a nation. It’s only fitting for others to bow or pay their respects to him!
Hong Liang blinked and replied, “Right! Master Xun is now the highest-ranking and most knowledgeable Confucian. Don’t you think it’s jaw-dropping that he bowed to someone? sfx: gasp! If my brother found out, wouldn’t he just drop to his knees?”
Yan Lingji gradually recovered from her shock.
Looking at Li Mo from a distance, she still found it hard to believe.
He just built a school, right? Was it really that impressive?
What she didn’t realize was that although Li Mo was only building a school, the repercussions were profound, impacting the entire world and its future!
After conversing with Master Xun for about half an hour, and seeing that time was about right, Li Mo suggested, “Master, how about we head to the school for a look?”
He was eager to check out the Confucian classics.
“Sounds good, as you say, Sir.”
Master Xun didn’t mind whether it was nearly dinner time or not.
He was more than ready to check out the school.
If Li Mo insisted he stay for dinner, he would struggle to adapt.
In this vast courtyard filled with women, aside from Li Mo, he was the lone man.
Having read books his entire life, he always adhered to the teachings of Confucius: “Think without depravity.”
He had spent his life in the company of books, nurtured in pure thought.
Dining with a bunch of women seemed inappropriate.
Better not to eat!
He could let the National Advisor enjoy his meal alone!
As they walked out, Jing Ni saw them off.
Just as they exited the courtyard, they happened to run into Duanmu Rong cradling a wailing Xiao Yan’er, accompanied by Lian Yi.
“Greetings, Master Xun.”
Duanmu Rong, as an heir from a medical family, knew Master Xun well.
“This is…” Master Xun regarded her junior somewhat unfamiliar.
Seeing Xiao Yan’er crying uncontrollably, Jing Ni stepped forward to take the baby from Duanmu Rong.
After handing the child to Jing Ni, Duanmu Rong introduced herself, “I am Duanmu Rong, a disciple of Master Nian.”
Master Xun suddenly realized, “Ah, so you’re the heir of the medical family and a disciple of Nian Dan, grown so big! How is your master?”
Duanmu Rong remained calm, “My master passed away a few years ago.”
Master Xun first stared in surprise, then nodded without further comments.
Turning to Li Mo, he smiled and said, “See, even the heir of a medical family has a limited lifespan. What do I have left to be bothered about at my age?”
Li Mo chuckled, “You’re at peace with this, but I still struggle.”
Master Xun burst into hearty laughter, his gaze sweeping across the surrounding women.
In that moment, his mind cleared like a reflective surface.
After laughing, he focused his attention back on Xiao Yan’er in Jing Ni’s arms.
Perhaps it was the scent of milk from her mother, but as soon as she was in Jing Ni’s embrace, Xiao Yan’er stopped crying, her big eyes wandering curiously.
Master Xun observed her for a moment, then suddenly inhaled, exclaiming, “What a spirited child! Rarely do we see such wisdom born in one so young!”
sfx: awe!