Shanbo becomes an apprentice, and the torch is passed on.

That day, after having breakfast, Liang Shanbo, along with Wang Shu and Gu Jun, headed towards the back of the mountain.

After passing through the back gate of the school, crossing the wilderness, and stepping onto the winding path leading into the mountains, the view suddenly opened up before us after a short while.

We've arrived at Songzha.

Wang Shu stepped forward and gently knocked on the door frame: "Sir, your disciples Wang Shu and Gu Jun, along with Liang Shanbo, request an audience."

A gentle voice came from inside the door: "Come in."

The three people pushed open the door and entered.

Meng Wenlang sat on a bamboo mat under the window.

The three of them knelt down.

Meng Wenlang's gaze lingered on the three faces for a moment, then landed on Liang Shanbo: "Shanbo."

Liang Shanbo's heart skipped a beat. Mr. Meng called him "Shanbo," not "Liang Shanbo." These two words carried a different meaning than before.

"The student is here," he said, bowing slightly.

Meng Wenlang's voice was calm: "I wish to take you as my personal disciple. Are you willing?"

Liang Shanbo placed his hands on the bamboo mat and solemnly bowed, saying, "Liang Shanbo wishes to become your disciple, sir!"

Meng Wenlang watched him kowtow, a hint of relief in his eyes.

"Alright." He nodded and said slowly, "So far, I have taken in more than ten disciples. Among them, you already know Wang Shu and Gu Jun. As for the others, some have taken up official positions, some are traveling elsewhere, and some... have passed away."

His tone became more serious: "Among these disciples, only one has come from a humble background so far. And you are the second."

Liang Shanbo's heart stirred again.

Meng Wenlang continued, "I accepted you because of your talent and your character. I have been observing you for the past two months since you enrolled."

You debated with your classmates, displaying your talent without being arrogant; when they mocked you for coming from a poor family, you responded calmly and humbly; you won a duel with Xiao Hu without changing your expression, remaining neither proud nor arrogant; you studied diligently in the library every day without interruption; and you were always well-mannered in your interactions with others.

Talent is innate, character is cultivated. Talent is rare, and so is character. Only by possessing both can one achieve greatness. If one's character is flawed, the greater one's talent, the more harmful one will be.

He paused, his voice softening slightly: "I've witnessed your character over the past two months. You haven't let me down."

Liang Shanbo lowered his head: "I am unworthy of your kindness, sir. After becoming your student, I will certainly study diligently, uphold moral integrity, and live up to your expectations."

Meng Wenlang continued, "As you know, your grandfather was kind to me back then. He taught me to read and was my teacher for a period of time. Although it was a short time, it benefited me for life."

Now, his grandson has become my student. It seems like a kind of cause and effect. Your grandfather taught me, and now I teach you. The torch is passed down, and the flame never dies out.

He smiled slightly: "You must remember this connection. It's not that you owe me anything, nor that I owe your grandfather anything. Rather, it's that knowledge is passed down from generation to generation in this way. If you have disciples in the future, you must also pass on this torch."

Liang Shanbo solemnly replied, "Your disciple will remember this!"

This was the first time he had referred to himself as a "disciple" in front of Meng Wenlang.

Meng Wenlang nodded: "Alright. Today, in front of your two senior brothers, let's perform the apprenticeship ceremony."

To become an apprentice.

This is one of the most solemn ceremonies for scholars. The respect for teachers is not just an empty phrase. Once one becomes a disciple, the relationship is like that of father and son, a bond that lasts a lifetime.

Meng Wenlang stood up, walked to the center of the thatched cottage, and stood facing south, looking elegant, solemn, and dignified.

Liang Shanbo straightened his clothes and stood in front of Meng Wenlang.

He first picked up a bundle of paper money that had been prepared beforehand and respectfully offered it. This was the gift of "bundle of paper money," a small token of respect for teachers and the Way. Wang Shu took it from the side and placed it on the shelf.

Meng Wenlang said, "Shanbo, I have three things to say that you must remember."

Liang Shanbo bowed his head and said, "Please enlighten me, sir."

Meng Wenlang slowly said, "The first point is that knowledge is boundless, and one should never be complacent. You have the ability to memorize things at a glance; this is a talent, but also a test. The higher one's talent, the more one must cultivate oneself. One must not be arrogant or complacent, nor should one stop after a superficial understanding. Remember this well."

"Your disciple will remember this."

Meng Wenlang continued, "The second point is to remain steadfast in your resolve and not deceive yourself. You have been of good character during your two months at the academy, which I have observed. However, once you enter the inner circle, as your knowledge and reputation grow, temptations will also arise."

No matter when or where, never forget the integrity of your Liang family ancestors, never forget your father's dying wish for you, and never forget the meaning of the word "human." Remember this well.

"Your disciple will remember this."

"The third point is that the torch must be passed on without selfishness. What you have learned from me is not only knowledge, but also methods of teaching, principles of conduct, and the fundamental duties of being a person. If you have disciples in the future, you must not be secretive or stingy in your teaching. You must pass on this torch as I taught you. This is the way of the teacher. I earnestly agree."

"Your disciple will remember this."

The admonition is complete.

Liang Shanbo stepped back, straightened his clothes, and knelt down. He placed his hands on the ground, lowered his head to his hands, and straightened up. He bowed again. Each bow and rise was upright and slow.

After the ceremony, he knelt on the ground, folded his hands in front of his knees, and bowed his head to await orders.

Meng Wenlang stepped forward, reached out his hand, and gently supported his elbow, saying in a gentle voice, "Get up."

Next comes the ritual of washing hands.

Wang Shu took a ceramic wine vessel from the shelf, poured the water from the vessel into a bronze ewer, and then held the ewer with both hands and walked up to Liang Shanbo.

Liang Shanbo took the bronze ewer and slowly poured clear water onto Meng Wenlang's outstretched hands. The water was spring water, flowing through Meng Wenlang's fingers. Wang Shu held a basin below to catch the water.

This is a disciple washing the teacher's hands. Upon entering the master's school, one must first fulfill the duties of a disciple, observe the proper etiquette, and serve the teacher; this is the beginning.

Meng Wenlang took the fine linen handkerchief handed to him by Gu Jun and dried his hands.

Then, he took the bronze ewer from Liang Shanbo, and Wang Shu poured water into the pottery jar.

Meng Wenlang held the ewer and slowly poured the cool water into Liang Shanbo's palm. The water flowed through his fingers, as if washing away the old and infusing the new. Wang Shu continued to hold the basin below to catch the water.

This is the teacher washing his disciple's hands. Washing away worldly dust and old habits, from then on, he can focus wholeheartedly on learning without distraction.

Gu Jun handed over a clean handkerchief, which Liang Shanbo took and used to dry his hands.

Next comes the tea ceremony.

Wang Shu took the tea kettle off the stove; the tea inside was boiling. He used a bamboo ladle to scoop out the tea and poured it into a clean earthenware cup.

Liang Shanbo knelt down, held the ceramic cup in both hands, and raised it above his head: "Please have some tea, sir."

Meng Wenlang took the ceramic cup, gently blew on the steam rising from the rim, and took a sip: "Good."

He placed the ceramic cup on the low table, took out an old inkstone from beside the mat, and handed it to Liang Shanbo: "This inkstone has been with me for many years, and I give it to you today. I hope that in your future studies you will persevere in grinding ink and remain true to your original aspirations."

Liang Shanbo accepted the gift with both hands, bowed, and said, "This disciple will certainly not fail your expectations, sir."

The ceremony is complete.

Meng Wenlang looked at Wang Shu and Gu Jun: "You two, greet Shanbo."

Liang Shanbo stood up and faced Wang Shu.

Wang Shu tucked his hands into his sleeves and bowed respectfully: "Junior Brother Liang."

Liang Shanbo also tucked his hands into his sleeves and returned the bow properly: "Senior Brother Wang."

The two straightened up, their eyes meeting. Wang Shu's eyes held a faint smile, and Liang Shanbo's eyes also held a smile.

Then, Liang Shanbo turned to Gu Jun.

Gu Jun also bowed: "Junior Brother Liang."

Liang Shanbo returned the bow: "Senior Brother Gu."

The three of them knelt down on the bamboo mat again.

Meng Wenlang looked at the three of them, nodded slightly, and said to Liang Shanbo, "After you enter the inner chamber, you and your two senior brothers must support and encourage each other."

Liang Shanbo cupped his hands in greeting to Wang Shu and Gu Jun, saying, "I hope you two senior brothers will give me your guidance and support in the future."

Wang Shu said, "Junior brother, you're too kind."

Gu Jun smiled and said, "I admire your talent and knowledge, junior brother. In the future, we can learn from each other and strive for mutual progress."