After leaving Bamboo Forest, Xiao Mo spent several days recuperating.
During this time, Xiao Mo had indeed expended a great deal of his mental energy comprehending the Dao.
Four days later, Xiao Mo went to Mr. Qi's courtyard to debate the teachings with him.
The debate lasted a full seven days.
After seven days, Xiao Mo left Mr. Qi's courtyard.
A plaque bearing the words "Academy Head" hung at Xiao Mo's waist.
For ranks below "Academy Director," an Academy Libationer could examine disciples individually and then grant them the corresponding rank.
However, before doing so, the Academy Libationer first had to apply to the Academy for authorization.
In fact, from the very day Xiao Mo went to Bamboo Forest to comprehend the Dao, Qi Daoming had already written to the Academy, asking to examine his own closed-door disciple individually.
The Confucian Academy had agreed and sent Qi Daoming an "Academy Head" jade plaque.
When Luo Yang and Shang Jiuli saw the plaque at Xiao Mo's waist, they knew without asking that their junior brother's learning had won their teacher's approval. He had even passed the examination and become an Academy Head.
Shang Jiuli suggested celebrating at a restaurant in town, and Luo Yang nodded in agreement.
"How about you two come to my humble abode for a meal instead?" Xiao Mo said with a smile. "Ruxue's cooking is excellent. We've never had the chance to host you in all these years."
"That's a good idea too," Luo Yang agreed. "Why don't we invite our teacher as well?"
"Forget it. We're young people; having our teacher there would make things awkward. He definitely wouldn't come anyway. Come on, let's go celebrate at Junior Brother's place. I've never tried Miss Bai's cooking."
As she spoke, Shang Jiuli took Xiao Mo by the