Chia Cheng gives good advice to his wayward son. Li Kuei receives a reprimand. Chia Jui and Li Kuei rebuke the obstinate youths! Ming Yen causes trouble in the school-room. But to return to our story. Mr. Chin, the father, and Chin Chung, his son, only waited until the receipt, by the hands of a servant, of a letter from the Chia family about the date on which they were to go to school. Indeed, Pao-yue was only too impatient that he and Chin Chung should come together, and, without loss of time, he fixed upon two days later as the day upon which they were definitely to begin their studies, and he despatched a servant with a letter to this effect. On the day appointed, as soon as it was daylight, Pao-yue turned out of bed. Hsi Jen had already by that time got books, pencils and all writing necessaries in perfect readiness, and was sitting on the edge of the bed in a moping mood; but as soon as she saw Pao-yue approach, she was constrained to wait upon him in his toilette and ablutions. Pao-yue, noticing how despondent she was, made it a point to address her. My dear sister, he said, how is it you arent again yourself? Is it likely that you bear me a grudge for being about to go to school, because when I leave you, youll all feel dull? Hsi Jen smiled. What an ideal she replied. Study is a most excellent thing, and without it a whole lifetime is a mere waste, and what good comes in the long run? Theres only one thing, which is simply that when engaged in reading your books, you should set your mind on your books; and that you should think of home when not engaged in reading. Whatever you do, dont romp together with them, for were you to meet our master, your father, it will be no joke! Although its asserted that a scholar must strain every nerve to excel, yet its preferable that the tasks should be somewhat fewer, as, in the first place, when one eats too much, one cannot digest it; and, in the second place, good health must also be carefully attended to. This is my view on the subject, and you should at all times consider it in practice. |