Chapter 967: 965 Apprenticeship

Words : 1327 Updated : Sep 23rd, 2025

Chapter 967: Chapter 965 Apprenticeship By the second gate, a familiar figure could be seen—isn’t that Scholar Song Chongjin from Changqing Academy? Everyone remembered vividly, not only because Song Chongjin saved someone, but also for his distinct appearance. His demeanor and complexion made him stand out in Changqing Academy, leaving a deep impression. Why is he at the second gate today, welcoming guests? In such an event today, only members of the main family or someone very close to them could manage such a role. Someone recalled hearing that the apprentice being accepted today is none other than Song Chongjin’s wife, isn’t she? Everyone exchanged a glance; the master-disciple ceremony hadn’t even started yet, and the apprentice’s son-in-law was already welcoming guests. Clearly, this apprentice is very much favored by Imperial Doctor Du, perhaps no different from his own daughter. So, Song Chongjin, understood through rounding off, could be considered a son-in-law, without a doubt. Guests, who realized these relationships, began looking at Song Chongjin with renewed enthusiasm. He was already a scholar at Changqing Academy, and now with this connection to Imperial Doctor Du, his future... Everyone gathered around Song Chongjin, showering him with praise. To them, Song Chongjin’s expressionless face showed maturity and steadiness; his inseparability from a smile demonstrated seriousness and responsibility. There was nothing wrong with any part of him. The greeting procedure Song Chongjin followed went like this: when guests arrived, the steward introduced them. After a few exchanges of pleasantries, the guests would first praise today’s main figure, Wang Yongzhu, then Song Chongjin, and finally the couple as a whole. Depending on the sincerity of the guest’s compliments, Song Chongjin would allow his face to show a touch, perhaps two, but no more than five points of a smile as feedback, along with polite remarks like “Not at all” or “You’re too kind”. Finally, he would gesture for the guests to enter, completing the process. With such a good memory, it was a bit dizzying even for someone like Song Chongjin after several rounds, but he knew that the later the guests arrived, the more important they were. He could only muster his spirit and listen to the steward’s introductions. Most guests had arrived when another one showed up at the second gate, a striking gentleman, in a sky-blue robe with a jade pendant at his waist, appearing about forty years old, with a beard under his chin and a smiling face. The steward hurriedly reminded him, “This is the Historian Officer Loo of our county.” Song Chongjin’s heart skipped a beat, and he couldn’t help but glance at Historian Officer Loo, who was also examining him. When their eyes met, Song Chongjin hadn’t done much, yet Historian Officer Loo’s gaze shifted slightly, his smile unchanged as he nodded at Song Chongjin. Song Chongjin cupped his hands in salute: “This student greets Lord Loo, please come inside—” Historian Officer Loo smiled warmly: “So it’s Scholar Song. I saw your impressive demeanor from afar yesterday and knew you were destined for greatness. Meeting you today confirms it! As the Yangtze’s waves push forward the waves before, we must accept aging—” Song Chongjin hastened to bow: “Lord Loo overpraises me, this student is unworthy. Please, inside—” Seeing that Historian Officer Loo seemed about to speak more, he smoothly ushered him in. Historian Officer Loo naturally couldn’t say anything further, smiled, and went in. The steward seemed to want to say something when another report came from the doorman, stating that Lord County Magistrate, accompanied by Governor Chen and Minister Zhu, had arrived, causing him to forget what he was about to say and hurriedly report inside. Upon hearing that Governor Chen and his company arrived, Imperial Doctor Du quickly rose, signaling Old Master Qin to remain seated, and led Wang Yongzhu to the main gate. Both Governor Chen and Zhu Haoran arrived in simple attire today, with merely two or three carriages and just a few people accompanying them, appearing like ordinary wealthy individuals. Seeing Imperial Doctor Du leading a group to greet them, they quickly stepped down from the carriages and signaled for the gifts to be brought forth. The attendants unloaded a pile of gift boxes from the carriages, and those around marveled at such generosity from these nobles from the Capital City. After exchanging a few courteous words with Imperial Doctor Du, Governor Chen directed his gaze towards Song Chongjin and Wang Yongzhu in dark garments beside him. With his experienced insight, Governor Chen viewed her as merely a pretty young girl. There are plenty of beautiful women in the world, especially in the palace, with more than can be counted. This young girl before him, still growing, appeared to be just a child; being Imperial Doctor Du’s closed-door disciple, in Governor Chen’s eyes, she resembled a daughter. After a couple of glances, seeing that Wang Yongzhu remained composed, not shrinking because she saw him and Zhu Haoran, especially standing with Song Chongjin, they indeed looked like a capable young couple. He offered a brief congratulation, not lingering long at the door, and went inside. However, Zhu Haoran took a few more glances at Wang Yongzhu, presented a congratulatory gift, and followed suit. Inside the hall, everything was ready, guests had arrived, and the time had come. Imperial Doctor Du signaled for Old Master Qin to take the stage. Old Master Qin, who had taken over thirty apprentices in his lifetime, was extremely familiar with the master-disciple ceremony. He stood in the center of the hall and announced the commencement of the ceremony. He first declared that Wang Yongzhu was accepted as a disciple by Imperial Doctor Du because of her talent, and then read through the customs of the entire doctor and physician profession. Then it was Wang Yongzhu’s turn to kneel before the portrait of the patriarch ancestor, seeking protection, and offering incense to him. In this era, the patriarch ancestor of doctors is Emperor Huang, whose work “Inner Canon of Huangdi” is the earliest classic of medicine, thus being revered as the patriarch ancestor of doctors. A large portrait of Emperor Huang was hung in the hall. Wang Yongzhu respectfully kowtowed to the portrait of Emperor Huang and then offered incense. Next, under the guidance of Old Master Qin, Imperial Doctor Du and Lady Qi took their seats. Wang Yongzhu knelt properly in front of them, performing the three-kneeling and nine-bowing ceremony, then presented the master-disciple gifts, the teacher’s red packets, and the application note. Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, the carefully prepared master-disciple gifts by Wang Yongzhu and Old Granny Zhang were presented. Nothing much else, but that box of tea leaves made Imperial Doctor Du uncharacteristic as he eagerly grabbed it, adopting a stance of trying to keep it to himself. Governor Chen and Zhu Haoran’s eyes sparkled, knowing that the tea in the box was likely the one they had tasted that day. However, seeing Imperial Doctor Du’s protective stance, they just touched their noses and said nothing. Lady Qi, on the other hand, softened her gaze upon noticing the two outfits. Someone had already handed over the tea to Wang Yongzhu, who then knelt to serve tea to Imperial Doctor Du and Lady Qi. They took the teacups, sipped, and set them aside. Prepared gifts were also ready for return. Imperial Doctor Du gifted a medical chest, an intricate sandalwood carving with silver-cornered edges, of exceptional value. Lady Qi presented a pair of mutton fat white jade bracelets, smooth and creamy, clearly not of ordinary quality. Even Imperial Doctor Du was momentarily startled, as the bracelets were inherited by Lady Qi and were her most cherished possessions, not even given to their own daughter-in-law. Today, why had she brought them out? Lady Qi benevolently placed the bracelets on Wang Yongzhu, thinking compassionately that these could stand for her Qi family’s girl for Chongjin, a symbol for the daughter-in-law.

Chapter 967: 965 Apprenticeship

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