Chapter 115: Choosing the Courtesy Name Jingzhao

Song Mu returned to his residence in high spirits and eagerly opened the book titled "Feng Ming’s Insights." However, after only a brief glance, instead of feeling enlightened, he found himself scratching his head in frustration.

The reflections penned by Tao Fengming were far from detailed or comprehensive; in fact, the content seemed overly intricate, bordering on obscure and difficult to comprehend. After finishing just the first page, Song Mu was already somewhat bewildered.

The paragraphs made him feel as if he had suddenly been transported back to his university days, when he unexpectedly encountered the most esoteric and arcane courses. Tao Fengming resembled a consummate scholar, his notes so concise and refined that they left one astonished. Some cultivation techniques lacked any description of their beginnings or processes, instead focusing solely on reflections upon success or analyses of failure.

After several passages, Tao Fengming’s notes left Song Mu dizzy and confused. Faced with this, Song Mu could only smile wryly and settle down to read slowly and patiently.

After much effort over half a day, Song Mu finally gained some understanding and immediately decided to begin practicing.

The cultivation of mental energy differed greatly from that of literary power. Normally, to increase mental energy, one would repeatedly release it until depleted, then gather it anew.

Of course, Song Mu possessed the secret method from Song Wenrong, which allowed him to continuously restore mental energy by reciting ancient texts backward. Yet this method was mentally taxing, and to steadily increase mental energy, one needed to recite multiple ancient texts simultaneously.

At present, Song Mu could recite four ancient books backward at once, but only for fifteen minutes at a stretch.

He tried both methods alternately to see if any unexpected results would emerge.

After a period of practice, Song Mu achieved some breakthroughs. However, haste made waste. While he learned much about restoring mental energy, the application of it remained a gradual process, not easily mastered.

Over the next two days, Song Mu devoted himself to study and cultivation, reading books and practicing literary and mental energies. Though there was slight progress, it was still minimal. This made him realize that he must integrate into the world’s educational system; some things cannot be accomplished by solitary effort alone.

When all the newly promoted scholars arrived at the prefectural academy for registration, on a clear day, September 19th, the academy held the capping ceremony, marking the official commencement of their studies.

This event resembled a modern school opening ceremony but was called the Capping Ceremony for scholars. Commoner men were considered adults at twenty and crowned accordingly, but at the academy, any new scholar, regardless of age, was crowned that day to signify adulthood.

It also symbolized their transition from the commoner class to the scholarly official class.

Scholarly officials were entitled to wear caps.

Early that morning, Song Mu donned his student’s robe and joined the other newly enrolled scholars in the academy’s square, quietly awaiting the arrival of the education official.

Several acquaintances greeted Song Mu along the way. Xue Kaiwen merely nodded slightly, while Zhang Yiqi and Cui Kexing chatted briefly.

Excitement shone on everyone’s faces—they were finally entering the academy to study.

“Brother Xue entered the academy as a student; we’ll need your guidance,” a few scholars standing near Xue Kaiwen said, trying to curry favor. Though he had placed second in the academy examination, he had been living there three years and was naturally better acquainted with many.

Xue Kaiwen said nothing, his expression slightly more relaxed.

Before long, the education official arrived in full regalia. Seeing Song Mu and the others waiting outside, he greeted them with a bow and led them inside.

The group of about twenty made a grand procession through the academy, attracting the attention of other students, until they reached the main hall—the largest building in the academy and the site of regular exams and lectures by great scholars.

Inside the hall hung portraits of sages, while many students bustled about.

Upon entering, ceremonial officers began speaking in turn. Song Mu caught snippets: honoring the sages, upholding Confucian teachings, and exhortations for the scholars to pursue the path of the gentleman and act with integrity.

The ceremony was brief. Then, each scholar was presented with a cap made of pure white silk, reinforced with silver thread and adorned with flowing blue ribbons. Song Mu noticed the lining embroidered with the name of Jizhou Prefectural Academy.

Additionally, each was handed a long sword, its handle and scabbard fashioned in a classic style. Song Mu drew his sword, its sharp blade gleaming—a design reminiscent of the Tang dynasty’s horizontal saber, both elegant and formidable.

These caps and swords symbolized their status as academy scholars and their readiness to stand alone. Should they encounter injustice, a gentleman must draw his sword in aid.

With hearts stirring, the scholars donned their caps and hung their swords at their waists. They bowed before the portraits of sages and, led by Education Official Fan, recited the Analects aloud.

The capping ceremony concluded there. Afterwards, each could choose a courtesy name. Three days later, they were to report back to the academy for registration.

This was another scholar’s privilege: beyond their given names, they could select courtesy names, and upon reaching the title of “juren”—an advanced degree—could even adopt a literary pseudonym, as they wished.

Having completed these rites, the scholars left the hall, exchanging congratulations and playfully addressing each other as gentlemen.

Song Mu exchanged a few words with Kong Zong and Zhang Yiqi, then quickly bowed and moved aside.

At the side of the hall, the education official was conversing with Tao Fengming. Seeing Song Mu approach, he called out:

“Ah? Song Mu, why are you here?”

Fan looked curious. Song Mu was surprised to see him here. He quickly saluted and glanced toward Tao Fengming.

No one likely knew yet that he was Tao Fengming’s disciple.

“A few days ago, I took Song Mu as my disciple,” Tao Fengming said calmly, his tone as serene as ever.

Fan smiled and nodded but then suddenly paused, looking at Tao Fengming in disbelief before turning to Song Mu.

Song Mu smiled and bowed again.

Tao Fengming continued, “Song Mu has come to ask about choosing a courtesy name.”

“Courtesy name?” Fan was momentarily taken aback but then understood. He studied Song Mu and nodded.

“Well, your elders haven’t given you a courtesy name yet, right?”

Song Mu bowed respectfully.

“Yes. My family elders died young; my father didn’t leave me a courtesy name.”

Fan’s expression grew serious as he nodded sincerely. He then looked to Tao Fengming and said,

“So, you and Song Mu are master and disciple now. Choosing a courtesy name is appropriate. Mister Fengming, do you have any ideas?”

Fan’s tone conveyed both envy and regret.

“It’s a pity such a promising talent was taken first by Mister Fengming,” Song Mu grinned, unsure if the remark was sincere or just politeness.

Tao Fengming’s face remained impassive. He scratched his chin thoughtfully and said to Song Mu,

“I’ve given it some thought these past days. What do you prefer?”

Song Mu hesitated, then answered,

“I favor reading and writing.”

Fan and Tao Fengming laughed heartily. Fan exclaimed,

“Ha! That’s a fine hobby, very much to my liking.”

Tao Fengming’s expression remained calm as he stroked his chin and said,

“In the ‘Rites of Zhou, Minor Ancestral Official’ it says: the father is called ‘Zhao,’ the son ‘Mu.’ I imagine your ancestors had great hopes for you. You yourself are gentle and profound. I shall give you the courtesy name ‘Jingzhao.’ How does that sound?”

“Jingzhao?” Song Mu murmured the name twice, then looked up and bowed deeply to Tao Fengming.

“Thank you, Master Jingzhao.”

Song Mu knelt, but suddenly felt a great force lifting him up.

Looking up again, he saw Tao Fengming’s usual serene expression.

Fan nodded approvingly and stepped forward to encourage Song Mu:

“Jingzhao, Mister Fengming has given you this name. You must study diligently and never disappoint your master’s earnest hopes.”

“Jingzhao will remember,” Song Mu said solemnly, his heart stirring deeply.

...

[End of excerpt.]