Chapter 25: A Teacher Who Imparts Knowledge and Resolves Doubts

Ouyang Zhi and his two companions arrived at an auspicious time. Not only that, they also brought preserved meat, longan, and other items.

Last time, the ceremony to acknowledge their teacher was too simplistic. In their view, since the matter was already settled and many of their classmates had heard about it, leading to endless mockery, Ouyang Zhi and the others understood that once you have a teacher, you should respect him for life as you would your father. So they decided to take the ceremony seriously.

Thus, the three of them formally came to pay their respects, bringing along ceremonial gifts as well.

However, as soon as they entered the hall that day, Fang Jifan’s outfit immediately dazzled their eyes.

They saw Fang Jifan wearing an extremely expensive silk robe, with a hat on his head. Not only did the hat have a tassel hanging down the back, but right in the center of the hat was a large pearl. At that moment, sunlight seeped in through the window, making the pearl shine brilliantly in the light.

Not only that, around Fang Jifan’s waist, besides a blindingly bright “Golden Belt,” there was also a teacup-sized jade pendant hanging.

So flashy and dazzling, it was truly… a bit… a bit…

Ouyang Zhi and the others felt bitterness rising in their hearts. What a disaster! What sin had they committed? They had already become the butt of a huge joke by acknowledging Fang Jifan as their teacher. Now, seeing their Esteemed Mentor in such a “state,” Ouyang Zhi wished he could beat his chest in despair.

The three of them felt as if they had swallowed flies. They sighed inwardly and finally knelt down, saying, “We pay our respects to our Esteemed Mentor.”

The term “Esteemed Mentor” had an early origin. Since the Southern Tang dynasty, there was a saying: “Unable to be loyal to one’s Esteemed Mentor, yet stirring up frivolous discussions across the world.” By the time of Emperor Huizong of the Northern Song dynasty, there was a minister named Wang Fu who, in order to curry favor with a powerful eunuch of the time, acknowledged the eunuch Liang Shicheng as his teacher and affectionately called him “Esteemed Mentor,” referring to himself as a humble follower.

From then on, “Esteemed Mentor” became the formal term for a respected teacher, used in written language.

Fang Jifan crossed his legs and waved his hand with great swagger. “No need to be so polite, no need. Rise. You are Ouyang Zhi? And you… you are Liu Wenshan, and you, Jiang Chen? The name Ouyang Zhi isn’t great. This teacher thinks Ouyang Feng sounds much more imposing.”

Ouyang Zhi felt as if his heart had turned to ashes. He felt like a virtuous woman who had been forced to follow a bandit. He mumbled, “Esteemed Mentor, my father’s name is Ouyang Feng.”

Fang Jifan was taken aback and instinctively said, “My apologies, my apologies.”

His words were completely incomprehensible to Ouyang Zhi and the other two. However, that was just how his character was. Such nonsensical and absurd remarks would have felt out of place coming from anyone else, but when spoken by Fang Jifan, Ouyang Zhi and the others didn’t find it unusual at all.

Fang Jifan’s gaze then fell upon the ceremonial gifts the three had brought. He smiled again. “What’s this? You came to your teacher’s home and even brought gifts? So polite, so polite. What’s inside?”

Liu Wenshan replied in a scholarly manner, “These are ceremonial gifts. There is preserved meat, symbolizing gratitude for the teacher’s kindness; there is celery, representing diligence in one’s studies; there are dried longans, which signify opening the mind to wisdom; and there are lotus seeds, symbolizing the teacher’s earnest efforts in teaching. As for the red dates and red beans…”

Upon hearing about these worthless items, Fang Jifan lost all interest. He couldn’t help but sigh. “You scholars are really something. Even worthless things can be stretched into so many meanings. Alright, alright, no need to say more. This teacher is getting a headache listening to it.”

“…” Ouyang Zhi, Liu Wenshan, and Jiang Chen felt as if they wanted to die.

Fang Jifan perked up. He narrowed his eyes. These three scholars had decent character. Since he had accepted them as disciples, it was just as well. He ought to make use of his own strengths. As their teacher, it was only natural that he hoped to groom his three disciples properly. In this era, disciples were like sons. If the sons achieved success, the father would benefit the most.

Of course, these little schemes were hidden deep in Fang Jifan’s heart and could not be openly displayed. “I heard that the Provincial Examination is in half a month?”

“Yes.”

Fang Jifan calculated on his fingers. “There’s still time. You must study hard.”

Ouyang Zhi and the other two bowed and said, “We will remember our teacher’s instruction and strive to study diligently, living up to expectations.”

Fang Jifan then asked, “What are your chances?”

“This…” The three of them looked at each other.

After hesitating for a long time, Ouyang Zhi sighed and said, “We dare not deceive our Esteemed Mentor. The three of us are of average talent and our studies… are not refined. If we work harder, we might have a slight chance of making the list. However, recently, because a classmate fell ill, our studies were delayed. With the Provincial Examination approaching, we’re afraid… we’re afraid…”

The implication was that they had no hope of passing the Provincial Examination this time.

Fang Jifan responded, “Oh.” Then he said, “Don’t be discouraged. This teacher believes in you. There are still half a month left. Who says it’s impossible? As long as you study attentively, there is a chance.”

These words sounded like something a proper teacher should say.

Ouyang Zhi and the other two actually felt comforted. They were so moved that their eyes turned red. After all, in any era, a good person who does one bad deed cannot be forgiven, while a bad person who does one good deed is immediately praised. In their hearts, their Esteemed Mentor… well… was a bit of that. Their expectations for him were quite low. As long as he didn’t spout weird remarks, it was already a rarity. If he could even act a little like a teacher and encourage them, that… was enough to make them deeply grateful and comforted.

“Yes, the three of us will definitely work hard.”

Fang Jifan smiled and continued, “Hard work is important, of course. But the most important thing is to have a master who can teach according to their abilities and guide them properly.”

Ouyang Zhi and the others found this reasonable. The three of them came from poor families and were of average talent. They had achieved what they had solely through hard work. In contrast, many other scholars, though also of average talent, had renowned teachers to guide them, and their knowledge was far more refined than theirs.

They greatly agreed with their Esteemed Mentor’s words.

Liu Wenshan felt a surge of joy in his heart. Could it be that the Esteemed Mentor had truly invited a master? He couldn’t help but ask, “May we ask, Esteemed Mentor, where is this master?”

Ouyang Zhi and Jiang Chen also instinctively looked around, hoping to catch a glimpse of which master it was.

Fang Jifan’s expression immediately soured. Fortunately, he was thick-skinned and managed not to lose his temper. Instead, he pointed at his own nose. “This master is naturally your teacher.”

“…” Ouyang Zhi and the other two were completely stunned.

“Starting today, your teacher will personally instruct you in your studies, preparing for a final sprint toward the Provincial Examination. Although your talents are mediocre, with this teacher stepping in, your hope of passing the imperial examination will greatly increase.”

Ouyang Zhi was so shocked, perhaps because he couldn’t take it anymore, that he directly slumped to the ground, his face ashen.

Liu Wenshan and Jiang Chen also suddenly felt their eyes moisten, tears welling up and spilling over.

Heaven has forsaken us!

They had already neglected their studies recently. On top of that, they weren’t particularly talented. They had originally hoped to use these days to study diligently, thinking there might still be a slim chance. Who would have thought… who would have thought…

It’s over… completely over…

They had acknowledged a teacher, and now they had to follow him in his absurdities. If this continued, forget about passing the examination this year—even if they were given three hundred years, there would be no hope of passing. Their future looked bleak!

“Esteemed Mentor, we would like to study on our own.” Jiang Chen, the youngest of them, sobbed as he pleaded.

Fang Jifan had initially intended to be patient and gentle—after all, he was their teacher. But then he thought, in matters like this where one forces the issue, they would never agree. Fortunately, he, Fang Jifan, was a prodigal son. So… he had no choice but to act true to his nature.

Fang Jifan let out a sinister laugh and switched to his usual domineering tone. “Enough nonsense! From now on, you will move into your teacher’s residence. You are not to step outside. Stay here and study peacefully. This teacher will personally train you. If you don’t obey, I’ll break your legs!”

“Deng Jian!” Fang Jifan shouted loudly.

Deng Jian had already been peeking in from outside. Seeing the Young Lord causing trouble again, he was overjoyed. Just moments ago, the physician had asked him if the Young Lord showed any signs of his illness returning. He had been a bit worried. Although the Young Lord’s Brain Illness was gradually improving, he had heard that this illness could easily relapse. Now, seeing the Young Lord messing with these three scholars, he felt at ease. He trotted in and said, “I’m here.”

Fang Jifan said with a stern face, “Find a whip. This Young Lord believes that talent comes from under the stick.”

After saying these words, Fang Jifan found them somewhat familiar. Hey, weren’t these the words of the Duke of Yingguo?

It seemed bad habits were contagious. The Duke of Yingguo was no good!

“Alright, alright.” Deng Jian grinned and replied repeatedly, sneakily glancing at Ouyang Zhi and the other two, who had turned pale. His heart bloomed with joy.

The Capital had returned to peace.

There had been no news of the great prodigal son Fang for a long time.

It was as if this guy had suddenly vanished without a trace.

But in the Fang Family, chaos reigned.

Every day at the crack of dawn, a cheerful Fang Jifan would hurriedly get up and wholeheartedly devote himself to the education system of the Great Ming.