Do you know that my grandfather was entitled to be enshrined in the Imperial Ancestral Temple?

Chapter 44

He was clearly older than Wang You, so why did Wang You act like he was older?

Although he didn't fully understand what Wang You was saying, he did grasp some of the underlying principles.

Therefore, no rebuttal was made.

Wang You didn't say anything. The reason he reminded Ma Ping was because he cherished this friendship.

After the prodigy exam, Ma Ping will not stay in Bianjing for long.

Although he only got a chance to be exempted from the exam, his family lived on the border, where the literary style was not prominent.

It might not seem like much to many people, but in a place like Bazhou, it's bound to be popular.

At that time, you'll be surrounded by people who want to praise you and curry favor with you every day.

With Ma Ping's personality, he really can't refuse when others say nice things to him.

Over time, even if one doesn't become arrogant from the praise, it will still waste time that could be spent studying.

Whether Ma Ping can understand his good intentions is up to him.

"By the way, when are you planning to go back to your hometown?"

"During my time in Bianjing, I made some friends, and I will definitely say goodbye to them all before I leave. I plan to set off for Xiongzhou in three days."

"Then I will host a farewell banquet for you the day before you leave."

…………

After escorting Ma Ping back to his residence, Wang You returned home.

When Wang Fu learned that Wang You had been granted the title of Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations), he was so moved that tears streamed down his face. He then arranged for people to buy sacrificial items to prepare for the worship of the Wang family's ancestors.

Wang You didn't say anything. The ancients valued respecting Heaven and honoring their ancestors, so naturally they had to tell their ancestors about such a joyous occasion.

Wang Fu was left to his own devices, while Wang You went to his study to write a letter to his parents.

He told his parents that he had been granted the title of Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations).

He also mentioned that he was waiting for an appointment and could not return for a while.

Xiaoman was instructed to mail the letter, and someone was also arranged to deliver a visiting card to the Hai family.

Since you've agreed to become my apprentice, you definitely need to give me a response.

He could not formally become an apprentice until his father replied.

But a visit is a signal.

After finishing these tasks, Wang Fu came to inform him to go and pay respects to his ancestors.

Although the Wang family was not in Bianjing, their ancestral hall in Bianjing remained untouched.

The ancients valued filial piety, which naturally extended beyond just their parents.

These include our ancestors.

When Wang Min served as an official in a local area, he could only build a small shrine for worship.

The Wang family was not a large clan; the ancestral hall only had a dozen or so memorial tablets, and the most senior member was his great-great-great-grandfather.

According to the family genealogy, the Wang family lost its original genealogy while fleeing from war, and its lineage beyond that is now untraceable.

However, there is also a speculation that the Wang family's ancestors were from the Wang clan of Taiyuan.

As for whether it's true or not, I don't know. Surnames changed very frequently in ancient times.

The idea that one's name and surname remain unchanged is simply not true.

It is common for people to migrate and change their surnames to escape war.

There were also some servants who were given surnames by their masters.

However, claiming ancestors indiscriminately is not exclusive to emperors; some clans would do similar things to show that they have a long lineage.

This is at most a rumor about the Wang family; they haven't actually recognized any ancestors and started worshipping them.

…………

The next day, Wang You brought a small gift and went to the Hai family.

Haining was waiting at the door and led Wang You inside.

"Ziqian, you're here, but why did you bring so much stuff? My father will be angry if he finds out."

Hai Ning glanced at the things carried by Wang You's attendants and feigned displeasure.

"It's just some snacks, not worth much, and there are also some books I borrowed before."

Wang You laughed and said, "I'd also like to borrow some books. How could I ask for them empty-handed?"

"You, you."

Hai Ning said helplessly, "Let it go this time, but it must not happen again in the future."

"Definitely, definitely," Wang You replied with a smile.

"We haven't congratulated Ziqian on passing the imperial examination yet."

"The prodigy exam always involves some shortcuts. Brother Hai's talent far surpasses mine, but he's too old. Otherwise, what chance would I have?"

"Stop flattering me. If I were your age, it's hard to say whether I could even participate in the imperial examination."

Haining had heard his father explain why Wang You's writings were favored by the officials.

There are essentially three approaches to answering this type of question: support, opposition, and a neutral stance.

The first two are easy to understand, while the middle way requires both expressing initial approval of the reform and explaining the potential problems that the reform may cause when answering the question.

In conclusion, both reform and non-reform have their advantages and disadvantages, and the final decision rests with the Emperor.

Wang You's approach was, strictly speaking, somewhat moderate, but he offered specific solutions rather than simply trying to smooth things over.

This method isn't particularly clever, but it largely fails to please either side.

Reformers thought he was too conservative, while conservatives thought he was supporting reform.

As they spoke, they arrived at the main hall of the Hai family, where Hai Wenqing was sitting upright at the head of the hall.

"Greetings, Scholar Hai!" Wang You bowed respectfully.

No need for formalities.

Hai Wenqing waved his hand, glanced at the attendant carrying gifts behind Wang You, and asked, "Why have you brought gifts?"

"Scholar Hai, it's just some snacks. I've come to return some books and also to borrow some more. I'd be very sorry to have come empty-handed," Wang You replied.

Hai Wenqing smiled upon hearing this.

If Wang You did not understand his purpose, or was unwilling to become his disciple, then Wang You should have expressed his gratitude for his guidance.

Since Wang You didn't mention this matter, but only talked about borrowing books, it means that Wang You understood his meaning and was willing to become his disciple.

As for why they didn't directly become apprentices, the reason is quite simple.

Wang You is young and has no say in many things.

It is considered unfilial to take on a master without the parents' consent.

Even if Wang You were to directly become his disciple, he would not agree.

"From now on, when borrowing and returning books, there's no need to send a visiting card in advance; just come directly."

Hai Wenqing had already come to regard Wang You as his student.

He wasn't worried at all about whether the Wang family would refuse.

Given the Hai family's status and reputation, the Wang family had no reason to refuse.

"Thank you, Scholar Hai." Wang You bowed and expressed his gratitude.

"I have something to say to you. Come with me to the study," Hai Wenqing said, standing up.

Wang You didn't know what Hai Wenqing wanted to say to him, but he still followed behind.

Hai Ning wanted to go along, but Hai Wenqing sent her away.

Watching Wang You leave with his father, Hai Ning had a question: why did Wang You seem more like his biological son?

Hai Wenqing's study was usually maintained by his servants, and even his son had rarely been inside.

At this point, it would have been fine if Wang You could go, but they wouldn't let him go.

Hai Wenqing, unaware of his son's thoughts, led Wang You to the study and invited him to sit down.

After the attendants served tea and left, Hai Wenqing asked, "Are you curious why I had Ning'er tell you all that?"

"The students are too young, and the reform is a very complex matter; it is not appropriate for them to participate," Wang You said.

"That's right."

Hai Wenqing nodded slightly and then asked, "Do you know why it's not suitable?"

Wang You pondered for a moment, then cupped his hands and said, "Please enlighten me, Scholar Hai!"

"Do you know anything about factional strife?" Hai Wenqing asked.

"Students read history books and know that the Disaster of the Partisan Prohibitions occurred at the end of the Han Dynasty, which seems to have been caused by factional strife," Wang You said.

"In my opinion, that's not so much a factional struggle as a power struggle," Hai Wenqing said, shaking his head slightly.