Chapter Three: Taking on a Master

The elders of the family watched Li Zisheng with anxious eyes, fully aware that the village elder was deliberately testing him. Li Zisheng, too, understood the boundaries he needed to observe; after all, he was still a seven-year-old child. If his answers were too astonishing, he would inevitably arouse suspicion. Most importantly, he had yet to begin his formal studies—his knowledge could only be called rudimentary, so his words should be plain and simple. However, if he spoke too plainly, he might leave a poor impression on the learned elder.

“All under heaven benefit from its grace and favor, bearing goodwill to all things; the myriad peoples are nurtured and flourish in its care, responding to its might, and calling upon it with sincerity. Here, the myriad peoples represent the heartfelt devotion of all beings under heaven—this is the greater self. Further on, the passage speaks of bearing goodwill to all things and answering when called upon, which returns to reverence for the divine—this is the lesser self. The greater and lesser selves transform freely between each other. Elder, your scholarship and discernment command the deepest respect from your juniors.”

“To think that a seven-year-old child would grasp the meaning of heartfelt devotion, of the greater and lesser selves—tell me, who taught you these things?” Elder Cheng’s brows drew together slightly at Li Zisheng’s reply. If a student in formal schooling had said such things, it would be unremarkable, but for an unschooled seven-year-old, it was extraordinary.

The first possibility was that this child was exceptionally gifted; if so, his talents should have been apparent from an early age, and his reputation would already be widespread—even in their own village, Elder Cheng had never heard of him, so this seemed unlikely. The second possibility was that his elders had coached him, hoping to attract the elder’s attention. This seemed more plausible, yet the expressions on the faces of the Li family did not suggest any prior collusion. Thus, Elder Cheng did not react immediately, choosing instead to probe further.

“Elder, I learned basic literacy from my cousins, and I often listen to the storyteller in the village,” Li Zisheng replied, keeping his explanation brief.

On one hand, he explained the source of his knowledge; on the other, he subtly hinted at his ability to draw inferences from what he heard.

During the era of Kaiyuan’s flourishing, the atmosphere of learning was strong, and the court had established the special post of village storyteller—usually someone who had traveled widely in youth and possessed some learning. Though the monthly stipend was modest, it was a coveted position, sheltered from hardship, and many elders were happy to take it on.

In Tianshui Village, the storyteller was a septuagenarian, somewhat learned, who had once been a carter and had abundant experience from his travels. Eager to understand his surroundings as soon as possible, Li Zisheng never missed a storytelling session. To Elder Cheng, this was understandable—children loved stories, after all.

Upon hearing this, Elder Cheng nodded in approval.

“Well then, let me ask you—what is it that you do not understand?”

“In this line: ‘Thus, by good deeds one fulfills one's life, accumulating benevolence and virtue; thus, by cultivating truth, one withdraws from the world, preserving harmony at death.’ I do not understand.”

“Tell me, then.”

“The earlier passages about the myriad peoples I can still grasp, but the meanings of good deeds and cultivation of truth here elude me.”

At Li Zisheng’s honest confusion, Elder Cheng’s eyes lit up. The earlier insights might have been prompted by adults, but this point of uncertainty could only be genuine understanding and discernment; it could not have been prepared in advance. The Li family, though affluent in the village, were generally unlettered folk. They might have coached him through the earlier lines, but not this; this confusion struck directly at the heart of Elder Cheng’s own philosophy. This required true intelligence.

Looking at Li Zisheng, Elder Cheng’s admiration only grew—such talent was exceedingly rare. He resolved then and there to take Li Zisheng as his disciple, to become his first teacher and guide.

The thought excited the old man’s heart, even at his age; to encounter such a prodigy was a rare blessing. With guidance, this uncut jade would surely become something extraordinary.

“Zisheng, let me ask you—would you like to learn the true meaning of these later lines?” Elder Cheng stroked his white beard as he spoke. Outsiders might not know, but this gesture was his habitual tic when nervous.

The Li family, though rustic, understood Elder Cheng’s meaning. Grandparents and elders watched Li Zisheng with eager eyes. Their stubborn little grandson, if he missed this chance, would suffer a great loss. Madam Wang also fixed her gaze on him, not daring to make a sound for fear of disturbing Elder Cheng or of Zisheng’s stubbornness causing him to miss the opportunity.

Seeing the expressions on both sides, Li Zisheng understood their intentions. Elder Cheng’s attempt at calm and his small anxious gestures did not escape Zisheng’s notice.

Without waiting long, Li Zisheng answered Elder Cheng crisply.

“Student greets his teacher.” Li Zisheng imitated his cousin’s respectful bow to the teacher in the private school.

“Hahaha! A child who can be taught, truly a child who can be taught.” Elder Cheng had intended to test him further but, fearing Zisheng might regret it, decided to forgo unnecessary formalities.

“Let us eat first. Zisheng, remember—after the Lantern Festival, come to me and I will teach you the ways of reading and comprehension. Will you?”

Though Elder Cheng had accepted the boy, he knew if Zisheng was too playful, it would need correcting. Thus, the meeting was set for after the Lantern Festival, which lasted three days from the New Year, a time of lanterns and celebrations throughout the land. If Zisheng kept his promise, it would show his sincerity and reduce the need for further tests of character in the future.

“Yes, Teacher.” This time, Zisheng answered without hesitation.

“But Teacher, my personal matters are small—delaying the sacrifice to the gods is far more serious.” Having achieved his goal, Zisheng promptly turned the topic back to the day’s main event, for he was not the central figure today.

The Li family, still rejoicing in Zisheng’s acceptance as Elder Cheng’s disciple, had momentarily forgotten about the sacrificial rites. His reminder brought them back to the day’s true priority, and once more they turned their attention to Elder Cheng.

Elder Cheng gazed at the boy with a smile in his eyes—what a clever and measured child, so different from others his age. A true prodigy. Elder Cheng praised him inwardly, though he kept his face serious, maintaining his dignity.