Step by step, a gentle breeze leads to a smooth path

"Master, Master!" Upon seeing him in the early morning, Nan Da shouted loudly from afar.

"This girl is full of energy every day, she's really suited for martial arts training." Gao Haoran was infected by Ting Nan's excitement. "Did she call him Master?"

"Hehehe, my uncle and the others have all agreed, so can Master be called ahead of time?"

"You little rascal, you've been yelling all the way here, the whole village heard you. What good would it do for me to object?"

"Hehe, Master, when do you have time? My uncle wants to visit you. He said that although it's not appropriate to be too ostentatious now, the proper ceremony must be performed." Ting Nan relayed Song Wanli's words.

“Okay! I’ll wait for your uncle at home tomorrow to discuss the date for the apprenticeship ceremony.” Gao Haoran didn’t stand on ceremony.

……

The apprenticeship banquet was scheduled for Song Tingnan's birthday, the eighth day of the seventh lunar month, and everything went smoothly.

On the second day of the seventh lunar month, Song Wanli first visited Tingnan with a generous gift for his apprenticeship: a large red envelope containing 12 yuan, symbolizing monthly prosperity (locally, red envelopes typically contain 3.3, 6.6, or 8.8 yuan). Song Wanli was really going all out. He also brought two jin of fresh pork and four packets of candy and pastries. Song Wanli, who was usually very frugal, surprised Tingnan with his extravagant gesture.

Gao Haoran was also surprised; this was completely inconsistent with the information!

Enough of this. Time will tell. Anyway, Tingnan will be his disciple from now on, so he won't be bullied.

On the eighth day of the seventh lunar month, Song Tingnan arrived at his master's house before dawn. Gao Haoran first led Tingnan to pay respects to the ancestors, informed the late master, wrote down Song Tingnan's name, and led Song Tingnan to recite the master's teachings three times: "Learn humility, abandon pride, and do not slacken in practicing your boxing skills... Be fearless in the face of danger, rescue those in distress, and never harm the public for personal gain. Do not seek high office or great wealth, and do not become a traitorous and disgraceful disciple." From these teachings, it seemed that one could understand why Gao Haoran lived in seclusion in the countryside.

Gao Haoran introduced Song Tingnan to two senior brothers and one senior sister who had rushed over.

The senior students, who were around thirty years old, were dressed casually but neatly and energetically. They were incredibly enthusiastic, hugging and kissing each other, even lifting her up high. When Nan's face turned red from their pinching, they stopped and presented her with a small gift—a junior sister!

It's a small gift but a big sentiment. Song Tingnan was very happy that her senior brothers and sisters came. It felt so good to be valued and pampered!

After making a fuss, Gao Haoran gave an order, and the group of five headed to the Song family for a banquet.

Song Tingnan led the way, his heart pounding with excitement. This year, the eighth day of the seventh lunar month was the best day. To hell with all the troubles and anxieties!

A teacher for a day is a father for life; she has a father again. Ting Nan quietly wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes. Today must be a happy day; today is a good day!

They arrived at Songjia Village amidst laughter and chatter. Song Wanli was already waiting at the village entrance, his attitude extremely humble. "Master Gao, fellow disciples, this way please!"

Before the meal, I heard Nanxia kneel down to pay homage to his master and offer him tea.

After finishing his tea, Gao Wanli presented a jade pendant, smooth, delicate, and lustrous—clearly a fine piece.

When you first touch it, it feels cool, then warms up. But this coolness isn't icy; rather, after handling and playing with it, it feels oily, as if it's about to ooze oil.

This is warm jade, which can drive away evil spirits and bring good fortune. When worn close to the body, the body's temperature will be transferred to the warm jade, making its temperature the same as the body's temperature. Therefore, wearing warm jade will not feel cold, making it especially suitable for girls.

This was something Gao Haoran had heard about from Nanluo River and specially sought out. This item is now available, but it's extremely rare, hence its value! Everyone understood how much Master Gao valued his young apprentice.

After the ceremony, Song Wanli invited Gao Haoran to sit at the head of the table, then led his fellow disciples to their seats, and had the village chief and Song Wanxing accompany them.

Two tables were set up, and all the village officials were invited. Throughout the meal, Song Wanli was warm and attentive, providing meticulous hospitality that made everyone feel like they were bathed in a spring breeze.

Watching from the side, Song Tingnan felt a lump in her throat again. Her uncle had always been aloof and rarely interacted with others. Yet today, he had arranged everything so meticulously, even bringing Song Wanxing along, without showing the slightest impatience; in fact, he was beaming with joy.

Grandma was busy in the kitchen and didn't come out during the meal. Gao Haoran specially came over, took Grandma's hand and said, "Thank you, Auntie, thank you for raising such a good apprentice for me."

Grandma was all smiles: "We have to thank Master for not looking down on my Tingnan. We hope Master will discipline her strictly in the future! She won't amount to anything without discipline. Master, you don't need to worry about us causing you trouble."

Gao Haoran stated bluntly: "I will never hesitate to strike when it's time to fight."

"Spare the rod and spoil the child"—Qian Shuzhen was trying to justify Song Wanli's past behavior.

After the guests left, Grandma sat down, rubbing her sore feet, and sighed: "Our family has such a good master in Tingnan; our luck is about to change."

Song Tingnan came over and massaged her grandmother's feet. Her grandmother couldn't stand for long, and she had worked so hard today! "Thank you, Grandma!" "Yes, as long as you're alright!" Grandma gently patted Tingnan's little hand.

Ting Nan thought for a moment, hesitated for a second, then ran to the main room and poured Song Wanli a cup of tea: "Uncle, thank you!" After Song Wanli took the tea, he turned and ran away.

"Little girl!" Song Wanli said with a laugh as he watched Song Tingnan's figure disappear.