Liang Shanbo: The Poor Scholar-Emperor

Chapter 101 Shanbo and Yingtai, Deeply Thanking Mr.

The next morning, the snow cleared.

Meng Wenlang walked slowly to his study in the academy and found Liang Shanbo standing respectfully in front of the study door. He was slightly surprised and thought to himself that this disciple must have something important to do.

He didn't ask immediately, but simply nodded slightly, took off the doorknob, and pushed it open.

The master and apprentice entered the study.

Meng Wenlang knelt down behind the low table, straightened his clothes, and pointed to the cushions opposite him: "Sit down."

Liang Shanbo knelt down as instructed, bowed to Meng Wenlang, and said in a deep voice, "I have something to say to you, sir."

Meng Wenlang said calmly, "What is it? Please speak freely."

Liang Shanbo met Meng Wenlang's gaze and explained the whole story in detail.

It is said that Zhu Jiuling's real name was Zhu Yingtai, a young woman from the Zhu family of Shangyu, who disguised herself as a man to study at Wansong Academy; it is said that she knew the truth shortly after they shared a room, but had kept it a secret until now; it is said that the Ma family of Shangyu intends to force her into marriage, and Zhu Yingtai vows not to marry Ma Wencai; it is said that she and Zhu Yingtai have pledged their lives to each other and decided to go to Shining together, asking Xie Xuan to act as their matchmaker—

He finished speaking calmly, then bowed again: "This disciple has been concealing the truth from you, sir, and deceiving my teachers; my sin is immeasurable."

Even Meng Wenlang, who was usually calm and composed and never showed his emotions, was surprised and moved at this moment.

He pondered silently for a long while, then sighed deeply and said, "So that's how it is. I've always felt that Zhu Jiuling is a woman, but I just never bothered to confirm it."

Last year, you took the initiative to ask Xie Youdu for that promise. At the time, I found it strange and couldn't figure out what you needed Xie's help for, but I never pressed you for an answer. Now the truth is out; you had already planned to ask Xie Youdu to act as matchmaker for you and Zhu Yingtai. You've kept your intentions well hidden."

Liang Shanbo respectfully said, "This disciple dares not be careless, please forgive me, sir."

Meng Wenlang pondered for a long while, then stared at Liang Shanbo and asked solemnly, "Are you really determined to do this?"

Liang Shanbo nodded firmly and said, "Yes, disciple has made up his mind."

Meng Wenlang sighed again and slowly nodded, saying, "Very well, if that's how it is, then you may go."

His voice softened: "Although you have only studied at the academy for less than three years, you have the ability to memorize what you read and are willing to work hard to study. In these less than three years, the books you have read and the principles you have understood are something that ordinary people can hardly achieve even in a lifetime."

There was one more thing he didn't say. For the past two years, Liang Shanbo and his wise and virtuous teacher had imparted all their knowledge and taught him with utmost care.

In the past two years, what Liang Shanbo has learned at the academy is something that most people can hardly match in a lifetime.

Meng Wenlang sighed again, "It is truly not easy for a poor man to marry a woman from a prominent family. Fortunately, the Zhu family of Shangyu is not an unapproachable aristocratic family like the Wang family of Langya or the Xie family of Chenjun; they are merely a local prominent family. If Xie Youdu is truly willing to act as your matchmaker, and Zhu Yingtai can persuade her parents, the chances of this matter are not bad."

That's a very apt and accurate statement.

If Zhu Yingtai were not an ordinary noblewoman, but rather the legitimate daughter of Xie Daoren of the Chenjun Xie family, a top-tier aristocratic clan, then Liang Shanbo would have virtually no hope this time, unless he disregarded everything and took her away to elope to the ends of the earth.

Just as Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai had predicted, Meng Wenlang was surprised and regretful upon learning the truth, but he did not try to stop them. He understood the sincere affection between Liang and Zhu, respected his disciple's choice, and was unwilling to interfere with his authority as a teacher.

At this moment, Liang Shanbo pleaded, "Sir, if everything goes smoothly on my journey and this marriage can be arranged, I would like to respectfully ask you to officiate at my wedding. If you would agree, I would be eternally grateful."

He had thought about this matter carefully, and Meng Wenlang was the perfect candidate to officiate the wedding.

Meng Wenlang pondered for a moment, then nodded: "Alright."

Liang Shanbo pleaded again, "Sir, I have another wish. I am seventeen years old and have not yet received a courtesy name. My father has long since passed away, and you, sir, have been a source of immense kindness to me, as close as a father to me. I humbly beg you to bestow a courtesy name upon me."

In the Eastern Jin Dynasty, men usually received their courtesy name from their fathers or elders when they underwent the coming-of-age ceremony at the age of twenty.

Meng Wenlang said slowly, "It is my duty to choose a name for you. However, there is no need to rush this matter. When you turn twenty, I will give you a better name."

Immediately, Meng Wenlang said, "Go and call Zhu Yingtai here. Before I leave, I have a few words I would like to say to her in person."

Liang Shanbo stood up in response, walked out of the study, and soon led Zhu Yingtai in.

Zhu Yingtai and Liang Shanbo knelt down side by side, and she bowed respectfully to Meng Wenlang: "Student Zhu Yingtai greets teacher."

This was the first time she had ever used her real name in front of Meng Wenlang.

Meng Wenlang looked at her, a kind smile appearing on his face, and said with deep emotion, "Zhu Yingtai, I have been teaching at Wansong Academy for more than ten years, and have taken in more than a dozen disciples. I have taught hundreds and thousands of students, and you are the only one who disguised yourself as a man to study. This courage and dedication to learning are truly rare and admirable among women."

Over the past two years, I have witnessed your talent and learning at the academy, even your archery practice. You are quick-witted, have a solid foundation in knowledge, and possess a spirit and resilience rarely seen in ordinary young ladies—a rare combination of strength and gentleness.

Zhu Yingtai's eyes welled up with tears. She lowered her head, bowed again, and choked out, "Sir, your praise is too kind. I am unworthy of it. Over the past two years, I have benefited greatly from your teachings and am deeply grateful. However, due to my status, I have always been cautious and dared not tell you my true name. Today, being able to tell you my real name in person fills me with immense gratitude and I have no regrets."

Meng Wenlang smiled slightly and reached out to offer a helping hand.

His gaze slowly swept over Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai, and he said earnestly, "Your journey to Shining is uncertain. Perhaps Xie Youdu will help you, perhaps not; perhaps Zhu's parents will agree, perhaps not. In this world, many things are beyond our control."

However, over the past two years, I have personally witnessed the bond between you. This bond, forged day by day over those two years, is one that can withstand storms and stand the test of time.

Meng Wenlang then turned to Liang Shanbo: "Shanbo, when you went to ask Xie Youdu for help, don't think that you're lowering yourself by asking someone for help. On the contrary, you dared to break through this door for a woman, and you dared to plead with a powerful family as an ordinary man. That makes you a brave man, a true hero. In the future, whether you are an official or a person, you must have this sense of responsibility, so as not to fail your teacher's teachings."

Liang Shanbo's eyes reddened slightly as he bowed deeply: "Disciple Shanbo is deeply grateful to Master. Master's teachings will be etched in my heart and never forgotten."

Zhu Yingtai also bowed down, tears finally welling up in her eyes and dripping to the ground: "Student Yingtai is deeply grateful to you, sir. I will never forget your kindness."

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