Apprenticeship (Part One)

Fang Yi had placed the box he brought down from the mountain on the second floor of the Manjun family's home, making it convenient to retrieve later. Upon reaching the upper floor and opening the box, he gazed at the bundle wrapped in oiled paper, his expression a mix of emotions. 

During his time on the mountain, the old Taoist would descend annually, sometimes for as short as ten days or as long as over a month. The documents contained within that oiled paper were procured by Fang Yi's master the year before his impending fate. 

As the saying goes, "Seeing an object evokes memories of a person." The sight of these items instantly summoned the old Taoist's carefree demeanor into Fang Yi's mind. Shaking his head, Fang Yi first slipped the string of old sandalwood beads onto his wrist, which he had carefully stored in the box while cleaning the previous day. 

"Identity card, Taoist certificate, abbot certificate, Taoist knowledge continuing education certificate..." 

After unwrapping the oiled paper, Fang Yi retrieved several documents, ultimately selecting only his identity card and Taoist knowledge continuing education certificate. He then meticulously rewrapped the other documents and placed them at the bottom of the box. 

Regardless of their authenticity, these documents were a memento from the old Taoist, a cherished connection for Fang Yi. Even if they were indeed counterfeit, he could not bring himself to part with them. 

"Fang Yi, hurry and show me..." As Fang Yi descended the stairs, Sun Lao stood up, his eagerness palpable as he extended his hand. 

It was not merely a matter of requiring credentials for Fang Yi to become a disciple; the presence or absence of such credentials would significantly influence the path he would follow. Deep down, Sun Lianda hoped to provide Fang Yi with an official identity, which is why he placed such importance on the documents. 

"Taoist Association issued, complete with a steel seal?" Upon receiving the lightweight, coverless paper from Fang Yi, Sun Lianda immediately scrutinized the issuing authority and the seal, his eyes lighting up with excitement. 

"I don't see any discrepancies; Hong Tao, take a look as well..." 

After examining the document several times, Sun Lianda handed it to Zhao Hongtao, stating, "The issuance date is 1995. I heard the Taoist Association held several sessions during those years; I never expected Fang Yi to have participated!" 

Originally built by the Ming Dynasty emperor to honor Taoism, the Chaotian Palace had since transformed into the Jinling Museum. However, a few Taoists still resided there a few years prior, which granted Sun Lianda some familiarity with Taoist affairs. 

"Sun Lao, this document was issued by my master; I never attended that session..." Fang Yi quickly clarified, asserting that even if the document were genuine, it was obtained through his master's connections. 

"As long as it's authentic, that's all that matters..." Sun Lianda chuckled, waving his hand dismissively. He was not a pedantic man; as long as he was not asked to engage in deceit, he would overlook how the document came into being. 

"Teacher, the document should indeed be legitimate..." Zhao Hongtao examined the certificate multiple times before nodding in agreement. "It even has a document number, so it should be on record. Tomorrow, I'll have someone check it when I'm at work. If it's genuine, we can request a certification from our local education department, resolving Fang Yi's credential issue..." 

"Excellent! As long as this document holds weight, Xiao Fang, you can participate in the national unified examination at the end of the year!" Upon hearing Zhao Hongtao's words, Sun Lianda beamed with joy, waving his hand and saying, "Come, everyone sit down. Today, the old man is in high spirits; let's enjoy a few more drinks..." 

"Teacher, before you take on a student, you should first ask Fang Yi if he's willing..." After returning the document to Fang Yi, Zhao Hongtao whispered in Sun Lianda's ear. 

"Oh, you're right; I got carried away with my excitement..." 

Realizing his oversight, Sun Lianda had been so focused on Fang Yi's credentials that he forgot to inquire if Fang Yi was even interested in becoming his disciple. After all, even if Fang Yi were to succeed in his studies, the mentor-student relationship is a mutual choice. 

"Xiao Fang, I wonder if you would like to become my disciple and learn the art of artifact and antique appraisal?" Taking a deep breath, Sun Lianda finally voiced his question. Strangely, he felt a twinge of nervousness, fearing that Fang Yi might decline. 

Sun Lianda, being an old-school individual, understood that finding a disciple with both virtue and talent was far rarer than encountering a renowned teacher. This was why many artisans, unable to find worthy apprentices, would rather let their skills fade into obscurity. If he were to miss this opportunity with Fang Yi, Sun Lianda doubted he would ever wish to take on a disciple again. 

"Teacher referred to me as a disciple rather than a student; it seems he truly values Fang Yi..." Zhao Hongtao thought to himself, reflecting on the significance of the terms. Though similar in meaning, their implications were worlds apart. 

As a professor at Jinling University, Sun Lianda had dedicated his life to education, shaping countless students. However, these students would not regard him with the same reverence as the term "master" implies, for it was his profession to nurture them. 

Conversely, a disciple held a different connotation. Even during the tumultuous years of the Republic, the relationship between a teacher and a disciple was akin to that of a father and son, with the disciple honoring the teacher as a parental figure, merely separated by blood ties. 

Seeing Sun Lianda refer to him as a disciple rather than a student filled Zhao Hongtao with envy. 

When Zhao Hongtao had studied under Sun Lianda for his graduate degree, he had not fully grasped the nuances of their field. He merely followed Sun Lianda's lead in museum management, while his own interests lay elsewhere. As a result, he had not inherited Sun Lianda's legacy. 

Thus, in the circles of academia, others would say Zhao Hongtao was a student of Sun Lianda, but they would not refer to him as a disciple. Aside from his specialized research, Zhao Hongtao's reputation in the realm of cultural relics was not particularly distinguished. 

"Sun Lao, do you wish to take me as your disciple?" 

Though he had suspected Sun Lianda's intentions, Fang Yi was momentarily taken aback upon having the matter openly addressed. "Sun Lao, my credentials are not genuine, and I have never attended school. Are you not concerned that I might bring you shame?" 

Like Sun Lianda, Fang Yi approached the idea of choosing a mentor with great caution. Although he yearned to learn the art of antique appreciation from Sun Lianda, he felt it necessary to express his reservations upfront. Otherwise, should Sun Lianda later take issue with Fang Yi's lack of formal education, it could lead to his expulsion from the apprenticeship. 

"Fang Yi, you've misunderstood my intentions..." 

Upon hearing Fang Yi's words, Sun Lianda shook his head with a smile. "What I value most is the person you are, not your academic qualifications. If I were only interested in students with degrees, I could take on several each year. My inquiry about your credentials was solely to ensure that your path in this field would be smoother..." 

With that, Sun Lianda lifted his glass and took a hearty drink, setting it down before continuing, "Even without any formal education, as long as you possess genuine talent and knowledge, I believe that my disciple will not be inferior to anyone else. So, Fang Yi, are you willing to learn from this old man?" 

With such a heartfelt proposition, Fang Yi had no reason to decline. He rose respectfully and said, "Teacher, I am willing!" 

"Good, good, good!" Upon hearing Fang Yi's response, Sun Lianda excitedly slapped his thigh, exclaiming, "To have such a promising disciple is truly a blessing! Hong Tao, pour the wine..." 

For years, Sun Lianda had refrained from taking on disciples, having been unable to find students of exemplary character and insight. Now, as he grew older, he often pondered the regret of not passing on his knowledge. 

Yet today, with Fang Yi's apprenticeship, Sun Lianda felt he had fulfilled a long-held wish. He believed that despite Fang Yi's lack of formal education in artifact appraisal, his profound historical knowledge would allow him to carry on Sun Lianda's legacy. 

"Teacher, although today is a joyous occasion, you must limit yourself to just one more drink..." Zhao Hongtao picked up the bottle, aware that Sun Lianda could only handle a few sips; today, he had already exceeded his limit, and further drinking could harm his health. 

"Zhao Ge, allow me to raise a toast to the teacher..." 

Fang Yi, being a person of great etiquette, recognized that since he had decided to become Sun Lianda's disciple, he could not forgo this act of respect. He took the bottle from Zhao Hongtao's hands and filled Sun Lianda's glass. 

"Teacher, this toast is for you, from your disciple. From this day forth, I shall honor you as my father in learning. Fang Yi will remember your teachings and humbly requests that you drink this cup..." 

Lifting the cup, Fang Yi stepped forward, holding it with one hand while pulling out the chair behind Sun Lianda with the other. Kneeling down, he raised the cup above his head, presenting it with utmost reverence. 

"This... this is too much, my good child. Get up, quickly! I will drink this cup..." 

Sun Lianda was genuinely taken aback, having never anticipated that Fang Yi would perform such a traditional apprenticeship ceremony. Hearing Fang Yi's words stirred deep emotions within him, causing his lips to tremble. Where could one find such a devoted and understanding disciple? 

Taking the cup that Fang Yi held aloft, Sun Lianda drank it in one gulp, then gently lifted Fang Yi to his feet, his eyes filled with affection. 

"Fang Yi, since you have become my disciple, I shall gift you a token of your apprenticeship..." 

After seating Fang Yi beside him, Sun Lianda removed a pendant from his waist and placed it in Fang Yi's hands. "This is a family heirloom, a carved fisherman figurine made from Hetian jade, which has been passed down through generations. Today, I entrust it to you..." 

"Teacher, this... this is a treasured family heirloom..." Zhao Hongtao, witnessing Sun Lianda present such a significant item, could not help but change his expression. However, before he could finish his thought, he fell silent under Sun Lianda's admonishing gaze.