: All enter the Jia Zhai , one room is difficult to manage.

Inside the study.

As Liang Shanbo recited fluently, Zhu Yingtai's eyes widened and her mouth slightly opened.

While she was amazed, she also felt a sense of reverence.

Yes, reverence.

She had an excellent memory, which was outstanding among her peers. But now, after hearing Liang Shanbo recite his poem, she realized what it meant to be "there is always someone stronger than you".

She could never reach that level.

After Liang Shanbo finished reciting the last sentence of the manuscript, his voice fell silent in the study.

Outside the window, the pines rustled, as if cheering him on.

Meng Wenlang remained silent, looking at Liang Shanbo. The scrutiny in his eyes had completely disappeared, replaced by a solemnity one would show when encountering a talented person.

Finally, he spoke in praise: "To memorize something after just one reading—something that only exists in books, I have witnessed with my own eyes today! Your father said in his letter that you were 'of acceptable talent,' but this is far from 'acceptable,' it is truly an extraordinary ability!"

Liang Shanbo said, "Sir, you flatter me. It's just that I have a better memory; it's nothing special."

Meng Wenlang picked up the teacup on the table, took a small sip, put it down, and said slowly, "I have personally witnessed your ability to memorize things at a glance, and it is no exaggeration. However, the path to learning is not limited to memorization. Memorization is a basic skill; true talent lies in being able to apply what you've learned to other situations and make connections between different things. I will ask you another question, and you can answer it."

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

Meng Wenlang pondered for a moment and said, "The first chapter of the Analects, 'To learn and at due times to practice what one has learned, is that not also a pleasure?' Everyone can recite and understand this sentence. But let me ask you, what exactly does Confucius mean by 'learning'? Is it the 'learning' of reading books, or the 'learning' of self-cultivation? Or is it both? Please explain in detail."

Previously at Caoqiao Pavilion, Zhu Yingtai asked Liang Shanbo whether "shixi" in "xue er shixi zhi" meant "to recite and practice at the right time" or "to recite and practice at the right time".

Now, Meng Wenlang has also asked about this question, but he is asking about the word "learning".

This question seems simple, but it is actually quite profound.

Since the Han Dynasty, there have been various interpretations of the character "学" (xué, learning). Zheng Xuan, in his commentary on the Analects, interpreted "学" as "learning," emphasizing the accumulation of knowledge; while Wang Su and others stressed that "学" is the practice of self-cultivation and moral conduct. The two schools of thought have been arguing endlessly, each holding their own opinion, and there is still no definitive conclusion.

Meng Wenlang asked Liang Shanbo this question to test Liang Shanbo's understanding, to see if Liang Shanbo had his own independent thinking or just copied the annotations of his predecessors.

Upon hearing this, Liang Shanbo knew that the answer to this question could neither be too superficial nor too profound. Too superficial would make him seem ignorant, while too profound might offend the Confucian traditions of the time.

He pondered for a moment before speaking, "Sir, I believe this question should be considered from two perspectives."

"Oh? Tell me about it." A hint of interest flashed in Meng Wenlang's eyes.

"Firstly, in terms of the meaning of the word, the character '学' (xué) appears more than sixty times in the Analects, each with a different meaning. Sometimes it refers to learning knowledge, as in 'Learning without thinking is futile'; sometimes it refers to emulating others, as in 'When you see someone virtuous, think of emulating them; when you see someone not virtuous, reflect on your own shortcomings'; and sometimes it refers to self-cultivation, as in 'A gentleman is learned in literature and restrained by propriety'. It is evident that the character '学' does not have a single meaning, and its meaning must be determined in the context of the passage."

Meng Wenlang nodded slightly, without interrupting him.

Liang Shanbo continued, "Secondly, looking at the overall meaning of the first chapter of 'Learning,' after 'learning and practicing what one has learned,' comes 'Isn't it a pleasure to have friends coming from afar?' and 'Isn't it the mark of a gentleman to remain unperturbed when others do not understand him?' These three sentences progress step by step. From personal learning to exchanging ideas with others, to composure when facing misunderstanding."

If we interpret "learning" merely as reading books and seeking knowledge, then the "speaking" in "Isn't it a pleasure?" stops at the acquisition of knowledge; if we interpret "learning" as the way of self-cultivation, then the "speaking" goes a step further, and is the joy of daily moral improvement and inner fulfillment.

The students believed that neither aspect should be neglected. Confucianism is both a pursuit of knowledge and a cultivation of character. The pursuit of knowledge is for understanding principles, understanding principles is for self-cultivation, and self-cultivation is for putting knowledge into practice. Only when these three are integrated can it constitute a complete "learning."

For example, planting a tree involves three aspects: seeking knowledge is like watering and fertilizing, cultivating oneself is like pruning and trimming, and practicing what one has learned is like blossoming and bearing fruit. All three are indispensable. If one only seeks knowledge without cultivating oneself, it's like watering without pruning—the tree may be tall, but it will be crooked and crooked. If one only cultivates oneself without seeking knowledge, it's like pruning without watering—the tree may be upright, but it will eventually wither and die.

After listening, Meng Wenlang stared intently at Liang Shanbo, a scrutinizing look appearing in his eyes. This time, however, it was because he felt he had discovered a beautiful piece of jade. He was both delighted by the quality of the jade and pondering how to carve it.

He taught for ten years and saw many students. Some were intelligent, but only superficial, knowing only how to memorize without seeking deeper understanding; others were diligent and hardworking, but mediocre, and could not truly master the subject.

The boy in front of me was dressed in drab clothes made of rough material, and his straw sandals were covered in mud. Yet, he could not only memorize what he read, but also clearly explain the multiple meanings of the word "learn" in just a few sentences. He could also use the metaphor of planting trees to explain the relationship between seeking knowledge, self-cultivation, and practice so thoroughly.

The boy's answer was impartial, neither bound by Zheng Xuan's theories nor blindly following Wang Su's views. Instead, he demonstrated the ability to think independently, drawing on the strengths of both schools, integrating them, and forming his own unique reasoning.

Meng Wenlang couldn't help but praise again: "What a wonderful metaphor of 'planting trees'! You interpret the word 'learning' as a trinity of seeking knowledge, cultivating oneself, and putting it into practice, and then use planting trees as a metaphor for the relationship between the three. It is both vivid and profound."

Zhu Yingtai listened quietly to the conversation between Liang Shanbo and Meng Wenlang, her heart churning with turmoil.

She had already witnessed Liang Shanbo's profound knowledge and insightful understanding of classical studies at the Grass Bridge Pavilion. Even so, Liang Shanbo's explanation of the true meaning of the word "learning" still impressed her and filled her with a sense of pride.

This is her sworn brother, Liang! His talent was recognized by Mr. Meng Wenlang of Wansong Academy; his insight impressed even Mr. Meng Wenlang!

And how fortunate she was to become "brothers" with such a person!

She glanced at Liang Shanbo and saw that he was calm and composed. He was neither elated by his teacher's praise nor complacent about his brilliant answer. His calmness and composure stirred something within her.

Meng Wenlang shifted his gaze from Liang Shanbo to Zhu Yingtai: "Zhu Jiuling, I just tested Liang Shanbo, now it's time to test you too."

Zhu Yingtai quickly bowed and said, "Please give me a question, sir."

Meng Wenlang first asked Zhu Yingtai what books she had read, and then asked her the question: "What is the main theme of the poem 'Qi Ao' from the 'Wei Feng' section of the Book of Songs?"

Zhu Yingtai pondered for a moment and replied, "The poem 'Qi Ao' is traditionally interpreted as praising the virtue of Duke Wu of Wei. The lines 'As if cut and polished, as if carved and ground' metaphorically describe a gentleman cultivating himself and striving for excellence; 'Generous and magnanimous, gentle and dignified' metaphorically describes a gentleman being kind and benevolent, treating others with gentleness; 'Skilled in jesting, yet not cruel' metaphorically describes a gentleman being humorous and witty, yet never losing his sense of propriety. The entire poem begins with bamboo, using bamboo as a metaphor for people. Bamboo is hollow inside yet straight outside, and it does not wither in the frost, just like a gentleman's humility and unyielding integrity."

Meng Wenlang nodded slightly and then asked, "You just said that 'like cutting and polishing, like carving and grinding' is a metaphor for a gentleman cultivating his character and virtue. What is the difference between these four words: 'cut,' 'polish,' 'carve,' and 'grind'?"

Zhu Yingtai replied, "'Cutting' is for bone, 'polishing' is for ivory, 'carving' is for jade, and 'grinding' is for stone. These four processes, each building upon the last, symbolize that a gentleman's self-cultivation and moral advancement require a gradual and meticulous approach."

The *Book of Rites*, in the chapter "The Great Learning," explains: "Like cutting and polishing, this is the way of learning; like carving and grinding, this is self-cultivation." Just as those who work with bone and horn cut and then polish, and those who work with jade carve and then grind, the way of learning is the same. Once you have knowledge, you need to repeatedly review it and constantly refine it in order to gradually achieve perfection.

Meng Wenlang nodded: "That's right. You were able to derive the Great Learning from the Qi Ao, and connect the four steps of 'cutting, polishing, carving, and grinding' with the way of self-cultivation. This shows that you have a real understanding of these two classics, and that you're not just memorizing them by rote. Mr. Zhou Mingyuan said that you are 'naturally intelligent and have solid knowledge,' and that's no exaggeration."

Zhu Yingtai bowed and said, "Sir, you flatter me. I am ashamed."

Meng Wenlang looked at her, silently assessing her. This Zhu Jiuling, while not as exceptionally talented as Liang Shanbo, was certainly no slouch. Her answers demonstrated her own insights, not merely reciting from a textbook. Moreover, her speech was refined, and her manners impeccable; it was clear at a glance that she was a well-educated young woman.

Meng Wenlang had heard of the Zhu family of Shangyu. Although they were far from being as powerful as the Wang family of Langya or the Xie family of Chenjun, they were still considered a wealthy and prominent family in the area.

Meng Wenlang made a decision: "Both of you will enter the Jiazhai."

Both of them bowed and thanked him.

Meng Wenlang continued, "There is only one empty room left in the Jiazhai dormitory area. Our Wansong Academy has always had a rule that two students should share a room so that they can learn from each other and look out for one another. Since you two are destined to come here to study on the same day and are both new students of Jiazhai, then you can share a room."

These words immediately created a subtle atmosphere in the room...

Liang Shanbo's first reaction was to check Zhu Yingtai's expression.

Zhu Yingtai's expression changed in an instant.

It was a complex expression: bewilderment, panic, embarrassment, awkwardness, wide eyes, and a slightly open mouth.

Then, she quickly adjusted her expression, pretending to be calm, but her heart was in turmoil.

Living in the same room!

She was unaware that the rule at Wansong Academy was that two people should share a room.

She originally thought that once she arrived at the school, she would have her own little room where she could wash, undress, and go to bed—everything would be convenient.

Living in the same room as Liang Shanbo?

Although she and Liang Shanbo became sworn brothers and addressed each other as brothers, she was a woman!

How could she share a room with a man? It would be fine during the day, but what about at night? How would she wash up? How would she undress? She couldn't exactly sleep in her clothes, could she? What if she accidentally revealed something in the middle of the night?

At this moment, Liang Shanbo bowed to Meng Wenlang and said, "This student obeys."

Zhu Yingtai didn't have time to think further. It would be inconvenient to refuse, so she could only bow and say, "As you have arranged, sir, I will obey."