The next day, the sun was bright and clear. Cai Yong and Guan Ning arrived together at Lu Zhi's residence to visit their old friend.
Upon seeing them, Lu Zhi's face broke into a joyful smile, and he quickly went to greet them, "Brother Yong, Brother Ning, how did you two come together?"
Cai Yong smiled and said, "Brother Lu, we heard that Ma Chao is an excellent child, so we specially came to visit today, hoping to meet this rumored young talent."
Guan Ning also nodded in agreement, "Yes, Brother Lu, we also want to test his Four Books and Five Classics to see how profound his scholarship truly is."
Lu Zhi was delighted to hear this. He was quite confident in Ma Chao's scholarship, so he led them to the main hall.
When Ma Chao saw Cai Yong and Guan Ning, he respectfully bowed.
Cai Yong smiled, nodded slightly, and with gentle admiration in his eyes, softly said to Ma Chao, "Ma Chao, I heard you have a deep understanding of the Four Books and Five Classics. Seeing you today, you truly possess an extraordinary demeanor. What is your understanding of the phrase 'Is it not a pleasure to learn and to repeat or practice what has been learned at due intervals?' from The Analects?"
Ma Chao lowered his head slightly, pondered for a moment, his eyes firm and focused, then looked up and confidently replied, "Sir, this junior believes this phrase emphasizes the importance of learning. Continuously learning and reviewing at appropriate times can bring joy and satisfaction."
Guan Ning stood tall with his hands behind his back, his eyes showing a hint of anticipation, and then asked, "Hmm, a unique insight. Then, what are your thoughts on 'When Heaven is about to confer a great office upon a man, it first exercises his mind with suffering, and his sinews and bones with toil' from Mencius?"
Ma Chao's expression was firm, and he clenched his fists as if expressing his inner resolve, replying, "This junior believes this phrase tells us that those who achieve great things must endure various hardships and temper their will and physique."
Cai Yong's admiration grew stronger. He patted Ma Chao's shoulder and nodded in praise, "Excellent, excellent. It is truly rare for you to have such a profound understanding. How do you interpret 'cultivating oneself, regulating one's family, ordering the state, and bringing peace to the world' from The Great Learning?"
Ma Chao frowned slightly, lost in thought. After a moment, a look of realization appeared on his face, and he replied, "Sir, this junior understands 'cultivating oneself' as the foundation. Only with noble personal character can one manage their family well, and then contribute to the country and the world."
A faint smile also appeared on Guan Ning's face. He took a step forward, his tone affirming, and continued to ask, "Very good. What is your personal experience with the 'Doctrine of the Mean and Harmony' mentioned in The Doctrine of the Mean?"
Ma Chao straightened his posture, his eyes gleaming with firmness and wisdom, and replied, "This junior's understanding of the 'Doctrine of the Mean and Harmony' is to maintain inner balance and harmony, acting without bias and just right."
Cai Yong and Guan Ning exchanged smiles. Cai Yong crossed his arms and said with satisfaction, "Ma Chao, your answers have satisfied us greatly. To have such profound insights at such a young age is truly rare. You must continue to work hard in the future and not slack off."
Ma Chao respectfully cupped his fists and bowed, sincerely replying, "Thank you, sirs, for your guidance. This junior will certainly bear it in mind and live up to your expectations."
Subsequently, Cai Yong and Guan Ning took turns asking questions. Ma Chao's mind was agile, and he answered fluently. His answers were clear, and his insights unique, earning frequent nods of praise from Cai Yong and Guan Ning.
After the examination, Cai Yong exclaimed, "Ma Chao, your scholarship is indeed extraordinary. Given time, you will surely achieve great things."
Guan Ning also smiled and said, "Brother Lu, this disciple of yours is truly a rare talent, quite endearing."
Lu Zhi's face was beaming with a proud smile, "Ma Chao, this child, is not only outstanding in scholarship but also noble in character. He is truly a promising talent."
Ma Chao gratefully said, "Thank you, sirs, for your praise. This junior will certainly redouble his efforts and not disappoint your expectations."
In the time that followed, Cai Yong and Guan Ning had a very pleasant conversation with Ma Chao. They shared many experiences and insights about learning, and Ma Chao benefited greatly.
As the hosts and guests conversed happily, time quietly slipped away.
Cai Yong smiled and patted Ma Chao's shoulder, saying kindly, "Ma Chao, conversing with you today has truly delighted me. Your intelligence and scholarship are very impressive. If you have free time in the future, please feel free to visit my home often. We can discuss scholarship together, which will surely be beneficial."
Guan Ning also nodded in agreement, his eyes showing admiration, "Ma Chao, your insights are unique, and your mind is agile. You are truly a rare talent. You are welcome to visit my home often, and we can also learn from each other and make progress together."
Upon hearing this, Ma Chao was overjoyed. He quickly bowed and said gratefully, "Thank you, sirs, for your kindness and appreciation. This junior, Ma Chao, feels deeply honored. I will certainly visit often in the future to seek your guidance."
Cai Yong laughed heartily, "No need to be so polite. With your eagerness to learn, you will surely achieve great things in the future."
Guan Ning also smiled and said, "Ma Chao, your talent and effort are beyond ordinary people. I hope you can maintain your original aspiration and continue to strive forward."
Ma Chao thanked them again, "This junior will certainly bear your teachings in mind and not disappoint."
Afterward, Cai Yong and Guan Ning bid farewell to Lu Zhi and left, taking with them their admiration for Ma Chao.
After the two left, Lu Zhi looked at Ma Chao, a relieved smile on his face. He slowly said, "Ma Chao, what happened today was actually intentional on my part."
Ma Chao was slightly taken aback, a hint of confusion in his expression. He gazed at Lu Zhi and softly asked, "Master, why did you arrange it this way?"
Lu Zhi sighed softly and continued, "Although I have some insights into governance and military strategy, I am not a top-tier scholar in the true study of the Four Books and Five Classics. However, you are exceptionally intelligent, and your understanding of the Four Books and Five Classics is quite profound. I firmly believe you can achieve something in this area."
Lu Zhi paused, looking at Ma Chao with determined eyes, "I recommended you to the literary circle because I hope you can make friends with virtuous scholars there, learn from each other, and progress together, thereby gaining a good reputation and laying a solid foundation for your future development."
Upon hearing this, Ma Chao was deeply moved, tears welling up in his eyes. His voice choked as he said, "Master, you have truly spared no effort for your disciple. Your disciple is endlessly grateful! Without your meticulous cultivation and promotion, your disciple would likely not have today's opportunity."
Lu Zhi smiled and patted Ma Chao's shoulder, saying earnestly, "You and I, master and disciple, are like father and son. I have expectations for you, so naturally, I will help you with all my might. I have seen your talent and effort, and I believe you will surely stand out in the literary circle."
Ma Chao nodded heavily, his eyes filled with determination and resolve, "Master, rest assured, your disciple will certainly live up to your expectations, study diligently, and continuously improve his scholarship and cultivation. Your disciple will repay your nurturing grace with actual actions and bring glory to Master!"
Lu Zhi looked at Ma Chao, his eyes full of tenderness and expectation. He believed that Ma Chao would surely become an outstanding talent.