Chapter 17: The Apprenticeship Banquet

On the nineteenth day of the second month, the snow had stopped, though the early spring air was bitterly cold. It was an auspicious day, favorable for all undertakings.

The Wei residence opened its gates wide. Red silk hung high and new lanterns shone. Gate attendants in fresh blue-green clothes stood alert to welcome guests. The stone steps had been swept spotless; even the stone lions at the entrance had been polished until they gleamed.

Guests’ sedan chairs filled the courtyard, and carriages and horses arrived in a steady stream. Servants hurried about with tea and water, busy but orderly.

The main hall had been arranged for the apprenticeship ceremony. Red candles burned on the incense table, smoke curled upward, seats lined both sides and kneeling cushions lay neatly in place.

The guests were wealthy or distinguished. The principal guest was Qin Yan, vice director of the Imperial Academy, a great scholar of moral philosophy and a respected upright official. Among the visitors were his colleagues and students, Mingde’s colleagues at the Ministry of Works—Zhou Yan, Liu He and their subordinate officials—and scholars in the capital with old ties to the Weis who had come to offer congratulations.

Everyone in the capital knew that after today the eldest legitimate son of the Wei family would be Master Qin’s personal disciple, with a brilliant future.

……

In the main hall, Mingde was in excellent spirits. He cupped his hands and exchanged greetings with everyone, smiling so broadly that the lines around his eyes deepened. Lady Cui, dressed in finery and laden with jewels, moved among the women’s seats with two-year-old Shoucheng, receiving compliments from the other ladies.

“Madam, how fortunate you are to have such an accomplished son!”

“Once he enters Master Qin’s school, his future will be limitless!”

Meanwhile, Shouzheng stood in his study in a new scholar’s robe, turning this way and that before the mirror, nervous and excited. After today he would be Qin’s disciple. Who would dare look down on him then?

The whole residence was dressed for celebration.

……

The side courtyard, by contrast, was as quiet as another world. Nisheng sat at his desk leafing through a mathematical classic when the door opened. A maid entered with a tray, Wei An behind her.

The tray held a complete new outfit, from inner layers to boots. A moon-white brocade robe was folded neatly with a jade belt on top. The maid bowed. “Second Young Master, Madam sent these new clothes and asks you to change. In a little while, please come to the main courtyard for the eldest young master’s apprenticeship banquet.”

Nisheng glanced at the clothes and frowned. Another little trick from his stepmother. The ceremony in the front courtyard was already nearing its high point, yet she had only now sent clothes and summoned him. On the surface it was a kindness; in fact, she wanted him to appear before the guests at a different time.

Then he reconsidered. Wasn’t the protagonist supposed to arrive separately, after everyone else?

After the maid withdrew, Wei An assumed Nisheng didn’t want to go. He came forward and spoke quietly. “Second Young Master, you must attend today.”

Nisheng looked up.

“Today is the chance to build your reputation.” Wei An’s gaze was intent. “Yesterday’s story has spread through the capital. You’re the spirited boy praised by His Majesty himself, and Master Qin asked for you by name. However unwilling the master may be, he has to let you attend.

“Besides, great scholars and upright officials will gather at the banquet. Your grandfather already walked the hard road of examinations from a poor family. You should live as a son of a great house!”

“I know, Uncle Wei.” Nisheng nodded and called the maid back to help him dress. It was his first time wearing such formal clothes: inner garment, middle layer, outer robe, belt and boots, layer upon layer, elaborate but dignified.

When the outer robe was in place and the belt fastened, the maid stepped back and looked up. She froze. So did Wei An.

In the mirror stood a boy in moon-white brocade, a jade belt at his waist, straight as a pine. He had fine features and graceful bearing, his teeth white as jade. His face combined the delicate beauty of Jiangnan with the refined air of a legitimate Wei. Simply standing there, he carried himself like the son of a great family.

“Second Young Master… you’re so handsome,” the maid murmured.

Wei An came to himself and nodded emphatically. “Good! This is a true son of the Wei line! This is Lord Wenduan’s legitimate grandson!”

Nisheng looked at his reflection, the corner of his mouth lifting. He turned, pushed open the door and strode toward the main courtyard, Wei An close behind.

……

In the main hall, the auspicious hour had arrived. Red candles burned and incense smoke curled over the altar. Qin Yan sat in the principal seat, wearing a solemn dark robe. His hair and beard were white, his face lean; he had every appearance of a great scholar. Guests stood on either side to witness the ceremony.

Wearing his scholar’s robe, Shouzheng followed the master of ceremonies toward the incense table.

First came the presentation of the wild goose. He offered Qin a wooden carving with both hands. Lifelike in its detail, it symbolized fidelity. Qin accepted it, placed it on the table and nodded.

Next came the apprenticeship petition. Shouzheng knelt and presented the document with both hands, listing his name, native place and three generations of paternal ancestors. Qin read it carefully and nodded again.

Third came the formal bows. Shouzheng knocked his forehead to the ground three times, each movement respectful and precise. His humility earned approving looks from the guests.

Fourth came the tuition gifts: dried meat, celery, dried longan, lotus seeds, red dates and red beans, all six items neatly wrapped in red silk.

Fifth, the teacher addressed his pupil. Qin rose and offered words of encouragement. “The way of learning lies in making virtue manifest, renewing the people and resting in the highest good. Now that you have entered my school, study diligently and do not disgrace your family name.”

Sixth, the ceremony concluded. Shouzheng bowed again and rose. The guests applauded and offered congratulations.

With lowered eyes and respectful manners, Shouzheng presented the picture of simplicity and kindness. Each bow had been just right, neither servile nor arrogant, and the whole hall approved. Qin nodded, reasonably satisfied with his first impression of his pupil.

Mingde stood nearby, his face creased with smiles as he watched his son complete the ceremony. Lady Cui sat among the women, accepting compliments with a grin she couldn’t suppress.

Everything was perfect.