Chapter 15

Hearing Hu Tixue's question, everyone perked up.

Lin Chengyi replied, "In response to the Grand Master, learning has its sequence. Some disciples have already read the Four Books, some are reading the Three-Character Classic, the Hundred Family Names, and the Thousand Character Classic. As for those who have just entered school, they are still reading the Children's Training and the Disciple's Rules."

Hu Tixue earnestly instructed, "As a teacher, one's role is to enlighten the ignorant, resolve doubts, and impart knowledge. When you teach, you should proceed step by step and not be hasty. Haste makes waste."

Lin Chengyi bowed and said, "I will remember the Grand Master's teachings."

Hu Tixue turned to the students and asked gently, "Who among you has read the Four Books?"

As Lin Chengyi had anticipated, Hu Tixue would first test the Four Books. This was necessary, as the study of classics was the stepping stone to officialdom. As the provincial educational inspector, Hu Tixue was responsible for guiding the literary trends of the scholarly class.

Upon hearing Hu Tixue's words, Zhang Haoyuan, Zhang Guihe, and Zhang Songming all perked up. The three stepped forward and answered, "In response to the Grand Master, we have read some of the Four Books."

Hu Tixue looked back and smiled at his attendants, "Look, how interesting. Coincidentally, I also read some of the Four Books before I passed the imperial examination. Let's compare our understanding."

When a leader makes a joke, subordinates must laugh. Most of the people present were from the government, and they knew this well. Thus, everyone laughed heartily.

Hu Tixue then pointed to Zhang Guihe and asked, "How far have you read in the Four Books?"

Among the three, Zhang Guihe was the oldest and the most refined-looking, clearly the most scholarly. Hu Tixue chose him first, showing some interest. Among the village elders accompanying him, there was a relative of Zhang Guihe, who felt honored.

Hearing Hu Tixue's question, Zhang Guihe perked up. Under the watchful eyes of his relatives and the officials, he showed no sign of nervousness.

Zhang Guihe stepped forward and answered clearly, "I have finished the Great Learning and am diligently reading the Analects and the Mencius." Lin Yanchao thought, Zhang Guihe, the top 'scholar' of the Hongtang Community School, was indeed impressive. Reading the Analects and the Mencius at thirteen was quite an achievement.

Hu Tixue nodded, but in his eyes, this was not particularly remarkable. He then said, "Good. Since you have read the Analects, I will ask you: 'The Master said, "A gentleman does not compete. If he must, it is in archery. What is the next line?'"

Zhang Guihe answered without hesitation, smiling, "I know. 'They bow and yield, then ascend and drink. Their competition is that of a gentleman.'"

Hu Tixue nodded slightly and asked, "How would you interpret this line?"

Zhang Guihe paused and thought, "It means that a gentleman is humble and does not compete with others, but... but in archery, they bow and yield before ascending and drinking. This should... should be the competition of a gentleman."

Zhang Guihe was reciting the official interpretation from Zhu Xi's commentary. This was the standard answer. When Lin Chengyi had asked Lin Yanchao to memorize the Four Books, he felt the time was insufficient, not because the Four Books were difficult, but because the commentaries were too long. Lin Yanchao thought that although Zhang Guihe's answer was somewhat hesitant, the meaning was generally correct. Even Lin Chengyi sighed in relief after hearing his response.

Hu Tixue, without comment, turned to the county magistrate Zhou and asked, "Shu Tai, what do you think of this student's interpretation?"

Zhou, with a blank expression, said, "This is a difficult question for me."

As a graduate of the imperial examination, Zhou was well-versed in the Four Books and Five Classics, but he did not want to appear boastful.

Someone nearby said, "Grand Master, let me help the county magistrate."

A man about the same age as Zhang Guihe stepped out from behind Zhou.

"Who are you to speak in front of the Grand Master?" Zhou scolded him.

Hu Tixue smiled and said, "He is a student, let him speak."

The man said, "I will venture to say, the 'bowing and yielding' refers to the ritual of archery. In ancient rituals, the archers would bow three times before ascending. Zhu Xi commented that this means a gentleman is humble and does not compete, but in archery, there is competition. However, their competition is conducted with such grace and humility, making it a competition of gentlemen, not like the competition of small-minded people."

Hu Tixue nodded in satisfaction and said, "That's about right."

Hearing this, the man was delighted and said, "I am Chen Zongcheng, thank you, Grand Master, for your praise."

Chen Zongcheng's outstanding performance annoyed the Zhang clan's students. The educational inspector was here to test the students of Hongtang, and who was this person to steal the spotlight? However, since he was from the county magistrate's office, he was likely a trusted aide, and no one dared to say anything.

Zhang Guihe, seeing this, glared and said, "I humbly request the Grand Master to ask another question!"

Hu Tixue smiled and said, "I have already asked. For your age, you have done well. Just keep working hard in the future."

Hearing this, Zhang Guihe did not dare to say more and stepped back, stomping his foot. Hu Tixue noticed this action and his face showed a hint of displeasure.

Hu Tixue then looked at Zhang Haoyuan and Zhang Songming and asked, "What have you learned?"

"In response to the Grand Master, we have only studied the Great Learning and have a basic understanding of the Analects," they answered together. Clearly, they had seen Zhang Guihe's failure and knew their knowledge was not as deep, so they took a step back. The Great Learning, with its one chapter and ten sections, totaling about five thousand characters, was less likely to cause mistakes.

At this moment, Zhang Haoyuan stepped forward and said, "I am Zhang Haoyuan, the son of the village head. I am well-versed in the Great Learning. I humbly request the Grand Master to ask a question!"

By stepping forward before Zhang Songming, Zhang Haoyuan took the initiative and introduced himself, subtly indicating that he was the son of the village head. This was all to leave a deeper impression on Hu Tixue. Zhang Songming, on the other hand, was stunned and did not know what to say, clearly lacking experience in such settings.

Lin Yanchao, watching from the side, thought, having a father who is a village head does make a difference. The etiquette and manners were impeccable, not something an ordinary person could teach. However, wasn't Zhang Haoyuan being a bit too deliberate?

The village head had considerable influence in the countryside, but to Hu Tixue, it was nothing. Hu Tixue looked at Zhang Haoyuan and shook his head. Zhang Haoyuan's expression changed, unsure why he had displeased Hu Tixue.

Hu Tixue pointed to Zhang Songming and asked, "You are younger than him, why did you step forward first?"

Zhang Haoyuan was momentarily speechless, realizing he had left a bad impression on Hu Tixue. He quickly tried to salvage the situation, "Although I am younger, my seniority in the clan is higher."

Hu Tixue stroked his beard and said, "You have your reasons, but it is not in accordance with propriety."

Zhou, standing nearby, glanced at him and said coldly, "The Grand Master is giving you a lesson. Did you hear that?"

Zhou's authority was formidable, and even adults feared him, let alone children. His casual words sounded like a reprimand to Zhang Haoyuan, who trembled and said, "I thank the Grand Master for your teachings."

Hu Tixue, however, smiled and said, "No harm done. You said you are well-versed in the Great Learning. Do you know the sequence of ancient learning? Although the Great Learning is short, it is the foundation of all learning. Zhu Xi said, 'First read the Great Learning to set the framework; then read the Analects to establish the foundation; next read the Mencius to see the development; and finally read the Doctrine of the Mean to understand the subtleties of the ancients. You must not take it lightly.'"

Everyone present nodded in agreement, and Lin Yanchao secretly admired Hu Tixue's earnest and sincere guidance, despite the formalities of the community school.

However, Zhang Haoyuan, still shaken by Zhou's reprimand, answered absentmindedly, "Thank you, Grand Master, for your guidance."

Everyone could see that Hu Tixue's efforts were wasted. Zhang Zongjia, watching from the side, was secretly angry but dared not remind his son.

Hu Tixue then asked, "Do you remember what is inscribed on the basin of Tang?"

Zhang Haoyuan perked up and said, "I remember. 'If one can renew oneself daily, one can renew oneself every day, and again the next day.'"

Hu Tixue smiled in approval. Zhang Haoyuan was well-prepared for the Great Learning and was waiting for Hu Tixue to ask more questions. However, Hu Tixue had no intention of asking more and turned to Zhang Songming, "The Great Learning says, 'Sincerity of intention leads to rectitude of heart. What does 'sincerity of intention' mean? What does 'rectitude of heart' mean?'"

Zhang Songming, caught off guard, was flustered. He had expected Hu Tixue to ask Zhang Haoyuan more questions. Under pressure, his mind went blank. After a moment of thought, he said, "Sincerity of intention means not deceiving oneself, like hating a bad smell or loving a beautiful sight."

"Rectitude of heart... rectitude of heart..."

Zhang Songming could not continue.

Everyone was on edge for him, and Lin Yanchao sighed. In such a grand setting, anyone would be nervous. No wonder Lin Chengyi had told him not to expect Hu Tixue's favor, but to gain experience and not be intimidated by officials in the future.

"Let him tell you."

Seeing Hu Tixue point to him, Chen Zongcheng smiled and said, "Rectitude of heart means that if one is angry, one cannot be rectified; if one is afraid, one cannot be rectified; if one is happy, one cannot be rectified; if one is worried, one cannot be rectified. Chengzi said, 'The body should be interpreted as the heart.'"

Seeing Chen Zongcheng's answer, Hu Tixue showed approval. The people of Hongtang, however, were embarrassed.

Soon, a servant whispered to Zhou, who then said to Hu Tixue, "Grand Master, the tea and food are ready. In the countryside, there are no fine dishes, but the fish and shrimp are fresh."

Hu Tixue smiled and said, "I have heard that the river fresh produce in Fujian is nourishing. Zhou, you are truly blessed in your post."

Zhou laughed and said, "Indeed, indeed. In a while, the red crabs at Jiangkou will be in season, and that will be a true delicacy."

They both laughed and stood up.

Lin Yanchao shook his head. He guessed that the community school inspection was of less interest to the two officials than the red crabs at Jiangkou.

As the two officials left their seats, their subordinates also moved, clearing the way and lifting the curtains.

Hu Tixue nodded and stood up from his chair.

Zhang Xiang, seeing this, panicked. He thought that if this news spread, not only would the reputation of the Hongtang Community School be damaged, but the reputation of Hongtang Village would also be tarnished. He stepped forward and said, "Please, Grand Masters, stay a moment. There are a few more disciples who can be tested."

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