Chapter 125 Engagement Banquet
In the Imperial College, Jiang Zhiyu and Liu Mengmeng knocked on the door of Shangguan Zhengming's study.
Shangguan Zhengming asked the two of them to come in. Liu Mengmeng looked excited and expectant. She gently pushed Jiang Zhiyu and told her to go quickly.
With a gentle push from Liu Mengmeng, Jiang Zhiyu walked into Shangguan Zhengming's study with graceful steps. The study was filled with the fragrance of books. There were all kinds of books on the bookshelf, and all kinds of pens, inkstones, and paper, which looked simple and elegant. Shangguan Zhengming sat behind the desk, looking at them gently.
"Two female disciples, what do you want from me?" Shangguan Zhengming asked.
Jiang Zhiyu smiled slightly, bowed politely, and said, "Your Excellency, we have something to ask you. Could you please enlighten us?"
Shangguan Zhengming nodded and motioned for them to sit down. Liu Mengmeng sat down excitedly, but Jiang Zhiyu stood aside a little stiffly.
"Sir, there have been rumors in the Imperial College recently that you are secretly studying a mysterious ancient book. I wonder if this is true?" Jiang Zhiyu asked cautiously.
Shangguan Zhengming's eyes flashed with something strange, and he smiled and said, "Oh? You have also heard this rumor? Yes, I am indeed studying an ancient book, but it is not a mysterious work, but a book about ancient Chinese culture. I think it may be helpful to your study."
Liu Mengmeng asked curiously, "Sir, what is so special about this book that makes you value it so much?"
Shangguan Zhengming pondered for a moment and said, "This book is called The Book of Changes. It is a great philosophical work in ancient my country. It contains a wealth of philosophical thoughts and cosmological views. I think studying this book will be of great help to our understanding of ancient culture and improving our own cultivation."
Jiang Zhiyu was so absorbed in listening that he could not help asking, "Sir, could you please explain to us the essence of the Book of Changes?"
Shangguan Zhengming smiled slightly and said, "Of course. There is a very important concept in the Book of Changes, called 'Yi', which refers to the changes of all things in the universe. 'Yi' is divided into yin and yang, which are interdependent and transform into each other. In the Book of Changes, there is a famous sixty-four hexagrams, and each hexagram represents a state of the universe. By studying these hexagrams, we can better understand the laws of the universe and guide our lives."
Liu Mengmeng asked thoughtfully: "Sir, how can we learn the Book of Changes well?"
Shangguan Zhengming looked deep in his eyes and said, "To study the Book of Changes, three conditions are required. First, you must have a persistent learning attitude and not give up halfway. Second, you must have the insight to understand the philosophy contained therein. Finally, you must have practical experience and apply what you have learned to real life."
Jiang Zhiyu exclaimed: "Sir, you are really knowledgeable and talented. We have benefited a lot from you. May I ask if we can worship you as our teacher and learn the Book of Changes from you?"
Shangguan Zhengming looked at their eager eyes, smiled and nodded, saying: "Okay, since you are so sincere, I will accept you as my disciples and teach you the knowledge of the Book of Changes. However, learning the Book of Changes is not easy, you must be mentally prepared."
Liu Mengmeng clenched her fists excitedly and said, "Sir, we will definitely work hard!"
Jiang Zhiyu also said firmly: "Yes, sir, we will definitely live up to your expectations and study the Book of Changes well."
Shangguan Zhengming nodded with satisfaction.
……
Jiang Zhiyu and Liu Mengmeng returned to the dormitory and happened to meet Qi Zimo who was about to go out.
"Hey, has Xiao Wen returned home?"
"Yeah." Qi Zimo blinked and said with a smile, his tone sounding gossipy.
"Besides - her sweetheart Zhang Anjie is also in the Xiao Mansion now!"
Jiang Zhiyu and Liu Mengmeng smiled at each other, with a hint of curiosity and anticipation in their eyes. Qi Zimo's words seemed to have planted a seed of exploration in their hearts.
"Really? Then we have to go to the Xiao Mansion and take a look." Liu Mengmeng clapped her hands excitedly, her face full of anticipation.
Qi Zimo smiled slightly and said, "Then I'll go with you, so I can help you find out the truth."
The three of them walked out of the dormitory together and walked along the bluestone road towards the Xiao Mansion. Along the way, they talked and laughed, and the atmosphere was harmonious. Soon, they arrived in front of the Xiao Mansion.
There were two large vermilion lanterns hanging at the door of the Xiao Mansion, illuminating the night sky and making it look particularly festive. When the doorman saw them, he hurried over to greet them warmly.
"Ladies, please come in."
The three of them entered the mansion, which was brightly lit and bustling with people. They walked through the front hall and came to the back garden, where they saw Father Xiao and Mother Xiao sitting in the pavilion drinking tea.
"Father, Mother." Jiang Zhiyu, Liu Mengmeng and Qi Zimo saluted together.
Father Xiao and Mother Xiao looked at them, their eyes full of joy: "It's just right that you're here. I just happen to need your help with something."
After saying that, Father Xiao waved to the servant to bring over an exquisite box. When he opened the box, a sparkling jade necklace was revealed inside.
"This is a family heirloom of the Xiao family, called the 'Emerald Jade Necklace'. Xiao Wen and Zhang Anjie will hold an engagement party in the garden tonight. We plan to give this necklace to Xiao Wen as a gift for her coming of age."
The three of them's eyes lit up, and they immediately understood what Mr. and Mrs. Xiao meant.
"We are willing to help." Qi Zimo said first.
Mother Xiao smiled and said, "Then I'll trouble you. Go and prepare now."
The three of them followed the order and came to Xiao Wen's boudoir. Xiao Wen was sitting at the table, looking at the letter in her hand, with a happy smile on her face.
"Xiao Wen, congratulations!" Jiang Zhiyu said with a smile.
Xiao Wen raised her head and saw them, her brows suddenly lit up with joy: "You're here just in time, I was just about to tell you this good news."
Liu Mengmeng smiled and said, "We know. Your sweetheart Zhang Anjie is also in the Xiao Mansion."
Xiao Wen blushed and lowered her head shyly: "Don't talk nonsense, he just came to attend the engagement party."
Qi Zimo blinked and said with a smile: "Xiao Wen, we are your good sisters, don't hide anything from us."
Xiao Wen glared at him and said, "If you don't mind, help me prepare the engagement banquet."
The four of them chatted and laughed as they began to get busy, setting up the scene and preparing gifts. Everything was in order.
As night fell, the engagement banquet in the garden officially began. Family members and friends of the Xiao family arrived one after another, with laughter and joy, and the atmosphere was warm.
At the banquet, Xiao's father announced the engagement of Xiao Wen and Zhang Anjie, and the audience burst into applause. Zhang Anjie walked onto the stage, picked up the microphone, and said affectionately: "Xiao Wen, from now on, I will spend my whole life protecting you, loving you, and making you happy."
Xiao Wen's eyes were filled with tears and she nodded with emotion.
At this time, Jiang Zhiyu, Liu Mengmeng and Qi Zimo walked onto the stage and put the jade necklace on Xiao Wen's neck. The necklace set off Xiao Wen's beauty and was dazzling.