Food Fairy Lord

Chapter 544 Master and Apprentice

Pei Ye didn't have to wait too long. About half an hour later, Fang Jidao came out and walked towards him.

Pei Ye was subconsciously waiting for a waiter, but it was not until he followed Fang Jidao over the threshold that he realized that there were actually no servants in this quiet courtyard.

"Let's go see Zhu Zhezi now. I've already handed him the letter." Fang Jidao walked in front. "I've done some research and found out that you, Pei Shaoxia, are not in the Tianli Academy. You are probably just studying with Zhu Zhezi. But Zhu Zhezi will definitely treat you equally."

"Ah good."

Pei Ye actually didn't care much about being treated equally. He was sent here by Xu Chuo because he was a "real proof" of the "Theory of Two Heavens", which was written by this philosopher. He came here to understand what he wanted to do.

However, deep down in his heart he was indeed curious about these great Confucian scholars who were said to be the successors of the "orthodoxy". He thought that if he could really learn a few words from here, he would be able to hold his head high in the Imperial College in the future.

The structure of this courtyard could not be described as grand. There was only a rather solemn hall in the middle, with tripods and incense in front of the stage, and it seemed that there were statues inside, making it more like a temple.

The courtyard is almost entirely filled with pine and cypress trees. These tall, dark green trees make the environment appear vigorous, especially since there are almost no shrubs or flowers, which makes the courtyard feel even more sparse and straight.

The atmosphere was extremely peaceful and solemn. Pei Ye had indeed never felt a similar atmosphere anywhere else, not even in the Imperial College. The scent of books there was strong, but more of a vitality. However, the smell here seemed even deeper than that of books and ink, as if returning to the era of scrolls of bamboo slips.

"What do you think of this Zhu Zhezi?" Pei Ye asked curiously, "Did he say anything after receiving the letter?"

Fang Jidao was startled. "I don't know either. Mr. Zhu didn't say much when I got the letter just now. He just took a look at it and told us to go together."

"……Oh."

"Mr. Zhu looks like a dignified gentleman, probably fifty years old this year." Fang Jidao paused, and introduced his swordsman friend as he walked, "Now he is known as the number one in 'Thinking Nature' in Tianli Academy. He entered the academy for constructing 'Theory of Nature'. Now, after so many years, there is still no successor, and not many people can really understand it."

“Is that difficult?”

"…It's not difficult." Fang Ji paused, "The destiny is mysterious, the mind is mysterious, to go deep into it without getting lost, you have to have a superhuman mind, many people can't even enter it."

“Is that actually a talent?”

"……Roughly the same."

The two men talked in a low voice. Pei Ye had indeed never known anything about Tianliyuan. His only impression of this philosopher was the letter from the former prime minister's old house. The wording of the letter was sad and cold, but it contained a chilling determination, which really touched his heart at that moment.

In the quietness that seemed to be deserted, the two of them walked to the west of the courtyard. After passing a few paths, a few ancient eaves appeared in the shade. The place was actually neither big nor small, probably a courtyard with two entrances. The wooden door was more than one person tall and neatly closed.

Fang Jidao stood in front of the door, straightened his clothes carefully, bowed to the door first, then raised his hand and knocked gently.

"Please come in, sir." It was indeed a calm and solemn voice.

When Fang Jidao opened the door, Pei Ye saw the philosopher standing at the bottom of the stairs.

Just as Fang Jidao said, he is a dignified gentleman.

He was dressed neatly, had neat sideburns, and had serious eyes and brows. His appearance was easy to remember at a glance.

Because it was indeed a face that was not flexible, with slightly prominent cheekbones, thin cheeks, a steep nose, and angular lips... The eyes were already flat, and there were two drooping eyebrows.

No matter how this face is changed - the cheeks become fuller or thinner, the mouth and nose move up or down, the eyes are raised or lowered... it can all become a harmonious appearance, but it just chooses none of these paths and grows into this kind of appearance.

Although not ugly, it is very unforgettable at first sight. "I am Fang Jidao, a student with the courtesy name Jidao. I am honored to meet you, sir." Fang Jidao bowed solemnly and made a deep salute.

Pei Ye was stunned for a moment, then followed suit: "…Student Pei Ye, nice to meet you, sir."

To be honest, it was almost the first time that Pei Ye performed such a standard scholar's bow, especially when facing someone he had just met.

After the ceremony, there was no response, and the person in front of them was looking at them seriously.

"...Okay, I've met you." The man said softly, raised his sleeves to return the greeting, and half bowed, "I am Zhu Wen, courtesy name Kaozhi. The two of you will follow me in seeking the truth, and I will teach you sincerely. I hope we can complement each other and be like a mirror to each other."

"Then proceed to perform your greetings." The man took two steps back, put his sleeves together and waited.

Pei Ye was stunned for a moment. Fang Jidao beside him had already walked to the side. Pei Ye then noticed that there was a stone basin full of clear water over there.

Fang Jidao carefully washed his hands with soapberry, and dried them carefully with a clean towel. Then he walked to Zhu Wen, knelt on the ground with a serious expression and kowtowed. Zhu Wen then stepped forward to help him up, carefully straightened his clothes and waist, and brushed the dust off his knees. Fang Jidao bowed again to express his gratitude, and the ceremony was completed.

Fang Jidao went behind Zhu Wen, and then Zhu Wen looked at Pei Ye.

Pei Ye stood.

He was silent for a moment, then raised his eyes and said, "Mr. Zhu, can I refuse this courtesy?"

Zhu Wen did not show any anger when he heard this. He looked at him and said, "This is the ceremony of becoming my disciple. Only after you have performed this ceremony can you be considered as entering my school."

"...I don't want to be your disciple." Pei Ye was quite straightforward. "I came here to help with the Two Heavens Theory under the order of Master Xu, and I also hope to gain some benefits from being around you."

"Then why did you come with this letter?"

“……” Pei Ye was stunned.

"'Brother, if you have anyone to entrust to you, please keep this letter and study with me to continue the lineage of the Tao.' If you wish to seek my Tao, please enter my temple. Since you are not seeking the Tao, why did you come here? Since you have come here with this letter, how can you say that you are joking?" Zhu Wen looked at him solemnly. Perhaps since he was a child, Pei Ye no longer had the feeling of facing a strict teacher.

"Perform the formalities." Zhu Wen's voice became more serious.

Pei Ye still didn't move, and was silent for a while: "Can I give a half bow?"

Fang Jidao's eyes were as big as bells.

Zhu Wen looked at him quietly, his eyes moved to the sword at his waist, and suddenly asked: "You already have a master, right?"

Pei Ye was speechless again. Naturally, he only had one master in his heart. However, his master's revenge had not yet been avenged. He also thought that he was far inferior to that figure, so he was unwilling to say it out loud.

Zhu Wen thought of something, and his eyes wandered over him for a moment: "Oh, no wonder, he is the descendant of Yue Muzhou..."

Pei Ye had never expected that this dignified gentleman would utter such a cold and disdainful tone, nor had he ever expected that someone would mention this name in such a tone. He widened his eyes in anger for a moment.

Zhu Wen continued solemnly: "I don't recognize you as my disciple, so you don't have to pay homage to me. Just do a half-bow... Learn more about morality and etiquette in the future."

(End of this chapter)