Do You Know?: I, the Little Cabinet Elder, Regent of the World.

Chapter 3 Han Men Li Xue 2.0
"Big Brother." Han Jiayan walked out quickly.

He hesitated for a moment: "Father is fast asleep. Does Eldest Brother have something important to attend to?"

Jiang Zhao bowed solemnly and said, "What could be more important than becoming a disciple?"

"Uncle is exhausted from working for the people and is sound asleep. Please do not disturb him. Please inform him when he wakes up."

As he spoke, Jiang Zhao straightened up, becoming even more respectful.

Many people praised it.

"Their sincerity in seeking knowledge is both admirable and awe-inspiring!"

"To be honest, Lord Han is a person who has been demoted. At this time, many officials are afraid of being implicated and dare not associate with him. But Dalang is eager to learn and hopes to become a disciple. His sincerity in seeking knowledge and respect for teachers are evident."

"The esteemed [Qilin of Huainan], a scholar who became a Xiucai at the age of ten, could be considered a potential prime minister. Yet, he is neither arrogant nor haughty, but instead humbly seeks knowledge. He is truly a rare talent in the world!"

"If his sincere pursuit of knowledge three times were to succeed, it would be a remarkable story. After the New Year comes the imperial examination, and when I arrive in Bianjing, I will have plenty to talk about."

"That's right. Throughout history, people have said that once is enough, twice is enough, but not three times. Yet, only Emperor Zhaolie of Han visited the thatched cottage three times, and only Dalang sought to learn from him three times!"

There were simply too many people, so Han Jiayan had to have his servants serve hot tea and light a fire at a distance to avoid any neglect.

Just then, several servants entered carrying about a hundred umbrellas.

Jiang Zhao looked back twice, bowed apologetically, and said, "Jiang Zhao's matter of becoming a disciple was originally a trivial matter, but it has caused you all to be soaked in the snow. It is truly my fault."

As he spoke, several sensible servants went to deliver the umbrellas.

This drew praise from many people.

The servants were very efficient; in no time, everyone had an umbrella.

For a time, Jiang Zhao was alone, standing alone in the winter snow.

As winter snow falls, a bonfire is lit, hot tea is drunk, and scholars witness and discuss the scene, which inevitably adds a touch of elegance and creates the atmosphere of an open-air tea party.

For scholars, the atmosphere is paramount.

This added to the lively atmosphere, making it hard for people to leave.

No poetry gathering, tea party, or assembly can compare to this kind of scene and atmosphere.

The snow fell, covering Jiang Zhao's black hair in a thin layer, which slowly thickened.

One quarter of an hour
a stick of incense
Half an hour
Three incense sticks.
Those who were just there for the fun were fine; a bunch of people gathered together, and with a fire to warm them, they weren't cold at all.

Jiang Zhao stood respectfully the whole time, but his body couldn't help but feel stiff.

until
"Jiayan, have any guests arrived?"

The old man's voice was strong and clear; one could hear him before seeing him.

Han Jiayan was startled and quickly took two steps into the mansion, saying, "Jiang Dalang wanted to become Father's disciple and visited three times, but to avoid disturbing him, he refused to enter the room and stood respectfully in the snow for a long time."

"Hmm?" Han Zhang seemed somewhat surprised: "Why didn't you report it sooner?"

As he spoke, he held the bamboo slips in his hand and strode out.

At first glance, he was slender and had a majestic appearance. His sleeves fluttered in the wind, and every move he made exuded authority yet also showed gentleness and kindness, fully embodying the word "temperament".

Han Zhang stepped forward and reached out to help the person.

"Brother, it's snowing and cold outside. Why don't you come inside and rest, or warm yourself by the fire?"

Jiang Zhao looked delighted and bowed, saying, "Greetings, Uncle."

"Jiang Zhao has long admired your talent and learning, and hopes to become your student. I have already bothered you three times. As the saying goes, once or twice is acceptable, but not three times. I am truly ashamed to enter your door. Please forgive me, Uncle."

"Your son's thirst for knowledge is truly astonishing!" Han Zhang said, looking deeply moved.

"Uncle," Jiang Zhao said, making a gesture as if to bow.

Unexpectedly, Han Zhang helped him up and prevented him from bowing.

Jiang Zhao was startled, his body trembling slightly.

He seemed to realize something, glanced back, and his eyes reddened: "Uncle, are you not planning to take me in?"

Before he could finish speaking, the crowd stirred.

Han Zhang came out to greet them, thinking that the good thing was about to happen, but who would have thought that it would not happen?
Anyone could see that Jiang Zhao was in a hurry.

He, who was always a gentleman, was so anxious that he was about to cry. "My eldest son is quick-witted and became a scholar at the age of ten. It is beyond doubt that he will pass the imperial examination, become a scholar, and a junior official in the future. I am a person in exile. If my eldest son were to become my student, I am afraid that he might be implicated. It is not worth it."

Han Zhang hesitated for a moment, then sighed and expressed his concerns.

He also wanted to take Jiang Zhao, the child prodigy, as his disciple, but precisely because of this, he was even less able to do so.

For a time, everyone sighed.

An apprentice should act like an apprentice, and a master should act like a master.

unfortunately
Many people thought the matter was over, but to their surprise, Jiang Zhao shook his head repeatedly and suddenly bowed down.

He said earnestly, "Please accept me, sir!"

"Why would you ruin your future, young master?" Han Zhang was shaken to his core, his fingertips trembling.

Jiang Zhao's eyes were red: "Since ancient times, people have always sought apprenticeship for the sake of pure knowledge. If one can learn true knowledge, what is there to fear even if one's official career is full of setbacks?"

The ground was covered in snow, and Jiang Zhao bowed in reverence, astonishing everyone.

"He is devout in his pursuit of knowledge, displaying the demeanor of an ancient gentleman."

"Xiao Yi is a child prodigy. He was already aware of Lord Han's predicament, yet he chose to become his disciple without any hesitation. He was not only seeking a mentor, but also pure knowledge and learning."

"Well said, worship pure scholarship and knowledge."

"He has visited Han's door three times; hopefully, he will succeed! Such an attitude towards learning is truly rare!"

Han Zhang was taken aback, his eyes reddening: "Elder brother, do you not mind my demotion?"

"Jiang Zhao has always respected you as a person and admired your talent since becoming your disciple. I don't care about official careers or politics," Jiang Zhao said sincerely.

Han Zhang's hand trembled as he helped the person up; deeply moved, tears welled up in his eyes.

"Good good!"

Three "good"s in a row, I was deeply moved.

"Good boy, get up quickly." Han Zhang reached out to help him up: "Come on, let's go into the mansion."

The two walked hand in hand, with Jiang Zhao trailing behind by half a step.

What a wonderful pair of teacher and student!
Han Jiayan stepped forward at the opportune moment and beckoned the servant to carry the six gifts of the bride price.

"Okay, okay!"

Good things are about to happen, and even the illiterate old farmer couldn't help but cheer.

As winter snow falls and the fire burns, the master and apprentice join hands, creating a truly immersive atmosphere.

This prompted many people to chime in with praise and cheers.

At the same time, Han Jiayan hurriedly invited the onlookers to come inside together.

The story has become a legend, and everyone is all smiles.

An old farmer reached out and stuck his finger into the snow, and was greatly surprised. He looked up and said, "He visited Han's door three times, standing in front of the door with the snow a foot deep, seeking knowledge. His sincerity is so great, no wonder Jiang Dalang was able to find a good teacher!"

“Yes!” an old farmer echoed loudly.

This drew gasps of amazement from many, who quickly reached out to wipe away the snow.

A scholar, caught up in the moment, called out, "Servant, bring over a table and chairs. I, Zhao, wish to paint a picture for Jiang Dalang to witness this beautiful tale."

With a few strokes, the outline of "Standing in the Snow" was sketched out on the Xuan paper.

Some scholars, caught up in the moment, decided to discuss it further and even composed poems.

Before an incense stick could burn, dozens of poems about standing in the snow had already been written.

Some scholars, caught up in the moment, decided to write articles to record this extraordinary event.

Everyone was amazed and praised it.

The six gifts of tuition were presented to the emperor to straighten his clothes, worship Confucius, perform the apprenticeship ceremony, offer tea and present the letter of instruction, and give admonitions. All of this was done in one go, witnessed by a thousand people.

Many ship merchants travel far and wide, rarely witnessing truly remarkable stories. Now, with such a rare encounter, they declare they will spread the names of the master and disciple, regarding it as a celebrated tale of learning.

With thousands of people witnessing the event, it was inevitable that some banquets would be set up, turning the streets into bustling streets with people coming and going.

(End of this chapter)