Resigning from our seats side by side, presenting a bow as a token of our hopes

On this day, it was Meng Wenlang's turn to give a lecture at Jiazhai.

It rained last night, and the air is crisp this morning.

Meng Wenlang had not yet arrived, and there were some whispers in the lecture hall.

Just then, a figure slowly approached from outside the window, and the whispering stopped abruptly.

Meng Wenlang walked into the lecture hall, placed the book on the table, looked up and scanned the audience, his gaze landing on Liang Shanbo.

"Liang Shanbo," he called out.

Liang Shanbo stood up: "Disciple is here."

Upon hearing this, all the students in the hall turned to look at him.

disciple.

When these two words came from Liang Shanbo's mouth, they took on a different meaning when they reached the ears of the crowd.

The difference between "disciple" and "student" is significant. "Student" is a general term; anyone who comes to the academy to study can be called a student. "Disciple," on the other hand, is exclusive; only a disciple who has formally entered the master's inner circle can refer to themselves as a disciple in front of their teacher.

Liang Shanbo now refers to himself as "disciple" in front of Meng Wenlang, which is a clear message to everyone in the hall that he is now Meng Wenlang's disciple.

Yu Yanzhi's lips moved slightly, a hint of envy and bitterness flashing in his eyes.

He too came from a poor family and longed to become Master Meng's disciple. But he knew that his talent was far inferior to Liang Shanbo's.

Jia Boyang's gaze darkened, and the corners of his mouth twitched, as if he were smiling, or as if he were enduring something.

Sun Yuangui's eyes rolled, then he smiled. There was no gloom in his smile, only admiration. He had felt this Brother Liang was extraordinary when he first arrived, and now he was even more so.

Both Wang Shu and Gu Jun had a more friendly expression on their faces.

Meng Wenlang's gaze swept across the students' faces, taking in their reactions, before settling on Liang Shanbo. Suddenly, he raised his hand and pointed to the front row of the lecture hall, specifically to an empty seat next to Gu Jun: "There's one empty seat in the front row. Would you like to sit there?"

The seating arrangement in Jiazhai Lecture Hall was actually quite particular. Those sitting in the front row were always Meng Wenlang's close disciples. Wang Shu sat in the front row, and Gu Jun sat in the front row.

Since Liang Shanbo entered the museum, he has always sat in the back row with Zhu Yingtai and has never moved his position.

Now, in front of all the students of Jiazhai, Meng Wenlang personally asked him if he wanted to sit in the front row. This was as if he were announcing to the public that Liang Shanbo was no longer an ordinary student and was qualified to sit in the front row, next to Wang Shu and Gu Jun, in the position of an inner disciple.

Zhu Yingtai knelt beside Liang Shanbo, looking up at his profile, feeling a little nervous.

Liang Shanbo glanced at the empty seat in the front row. If he sat there, he would be sitting side by side with his two senior brothers.

However, he respectfully said to Meng Wenlang, "I am deeply grateful for your kindness, sir. However, I am used to sitting in the back row. I believe that sitting in the back row does not hinder my studies. If I have any questions, I will ask you for guidance."

Zhu Yingtai's eyes immediately lit up.

Meng Wenlang glanced at Liang Shanbo, then at Zhu Yingtai beside him, his gaze deep. He didn't say much, only nodded slightly and said calmly, "Alright. So be it."

He gestured for Liang Shanbo to sit down, then opened the book in front of him and began to talk about "Zhuangzi".

Zhu Yingtai lowered her head, her mind elsewhere.

Brother Liang refused.

Mr. Meng publicly invited him to sit in the front row, a seat many people dream of. But Brother Liang refused.

She knew why Brother Liang was after this.

It was for her!

In order to continue sitting with her and listening to her lectures side by side.

She turned to look at Liang Shanbo again. He was listening intently, as if nothing had happened.

She felt both joy and gratitude.

Brother Liang!

……

……

On this day, Liang Shanbo, along with Wang Shu and Gu Jun, came to the pine forest behind the mountain as usual and knelt down to listen to Meng Wenlang's lecture.

Today, Meng Wenlang will be discussing the "Biography of Wei Xiang" in the Book of Han.

He said slowly, "When people read the Book of Han, they focus on Huo Guang, but they overlook Wei Xiang."

Wei Xiang rose from humble beginnings as a county official and became known for his strict enforcement of the law when he served as the governor of Henan. Later, when Huo Guang seized power and wielded immense influence, Wei Xiang, recognizing the critical nature of the political situation, used a hailstorm as an excuse to submit a memorial to the throne, stating bluntly that "there should be measures to diminish his power, thwart his conspiracy, and thus solidify the foundation for future generations and preserve the legacy of meritorious officials." This angered Huo Guang, leading to his imprisonment in the Court of Justice and a near-death experience.

After his release from prison, he was reinstated as magistrate of Maoling, then promoted to governor of Yangzhou, later summoned to serve as an advisor, and finally appointed governor of Henan. Despite these ups and downs, he remained upright and incorruptible, refusing to curry favor or curry favor, taking each step steadily until he finally returned to the court through his political achievements. Such composure is truly remarkable.

After Huo Guang's death, Emperor Xuan assumed personal rule, and Huo's relatives still held important positions. Wei Xiang, having no one to rely on, gradually gained Emperor Xuan's trust by submitting memorials on expediency and the advice of virtuous ministers. He was promoted from Grand Minister of Agriculture to Grand Censor, and eventually to Chancellor. When he took charge of all officials, he proposed abolishing the system of deputy appointments, allowing the people's opinions to reach the emperor, thus opening the path that Huo's family had blocked.

Subsequently, the Huo family's past was gradually exposed, ultimately leading to the downfall of the entire family and the widespread implicated among those who had sought to curry favor with them. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Wei, having long maintained his integrity and awaited the opportune moment, had already taken command of all officials, assisting Emperor Xuan in reforming the bureaucracy and ushering in the Xiaoxuan Restoration.

Meng Wenlang glanced at the three men, his tone deep and serious: "You must remember: power is like a raging fire; when it's at its peak, everyone rushes to seize it, but once it collapses, those closest to it will be the first to perish. Those who achieve great things not only possess talent, but also composure; they must be able to wait, endure, and discern clearly!"

Liang Shanbo, Wang Shu, and Gu Jun all seemed to be deep in thought.

Meng Wenlang put down his book, picked up the ceramic cup on the table, took a sip of tea to moisten his throat, and then said, "Today's lecture ends here."

Just as Liang Shanbo and the others were about to get up and take their leave, Meng Wenlang suddenly raised his hand and said, "Wait a minute."

All three looked at him.

He suddenly got up and walked to the corner of the room, took out a bow, a quiver, and a quiver of arrows from a wooden box, and then walked up to Liang Shanbo.

The bow was made of mulberry wood, with a simple yet elegant wood grain. Plain horn pieces were inlaid at the bow tip, and the bowstring was made of twisted deer sinew, taut and strong.

The bow bag is made of leather, with a regular shape, and a leather rope is used to bind the opening of the bag.

The quiver contained twelve arrows, their shafts cleaned, their arrowheads polished, their fletchings intact, and their hemp twine securely bound together.

This set of bows and arrows was a respectable item compared to the crude, worn-out bow with rusty feathers that Liang Shanbo borrowed from the storeroom.

Meng Wenlang presented the bow, quiver, and arrow quiver to Liang Shanbo with both hands, smiled faintly, and said, "Shanbo, this bow and arrow set is for you. It's not top-of-the-line, but it's not crude either. You always borrow the ones from the storeroom when you practice archery, which is ultimately inconvenient. The key to archery is not the quality of the equipment, but the focus of your mind. The bow doesn't need to be expensive; anything that works is fine."

Liang Shanbo accepted the bow and arrow, bowed deeply, and said solemnly, "This disciple thanks you for your generous gift, sir."

Meng Wenlang reached out and helped Liang Shanbo straight up, then slowly said, "I gave you the bow and arrow not so that you would compete or show off, nor so that you would make it your profession. I hope that while you are studying at Wansong Academy, you will take advantage of your youth to strengthen your body. If you can serve the country in the future, you will need a physique that can withstand heavy loads."

Furthermore, since you were able to defeat Xiao Hu in wrestling, you are no weak scholar who can't even kill a chicken. Archery is similar to wrestling; it cultivates composure of mind and perseverance of arm strength. If you can remain composed in wrestling, you will certainly be able to remain composed in archery as well.”

Liang Shanbo held the bow in both hands, looking at Meng Wenlang with a resolute gaze: "This disciple will certainly not fail your expectations, Master."

He knew that Mr. Meng had noticed he had no bow and arrows, and that he was from a poor family and couldn't afford any extra expenses, so he had prepared this bow and arrow set for him. This sentiment was far more precious than the bow itself.

Meng Wenlang turned back to sit on the bamboo mat by the window and waved his hand, saying, "Let's stop for today and continue tomorrow."

Liang Shanbo hung his bow case at his waist and his quiver on his shoulder, bowed deeply to Meng Wenlang, and then followed his two senior brothers out.

As Wang Shu walked, he glanced at Liang Shanbo's bow and said, "Junior brother, this bow may not be expensive, but it is a truly fine bow. Since the master has given it to you, you must not let it down."

Gu Jun also said, "Junior brother, what the master gave us was not a gift, but a hope."

Liang Shanbo stopped and looked back at the pine fence, where the bamboo wind chimes under the eaves tinkled in the wind.

He nodded. "I understand."