To tell the truth, this was almost the first time Pei Ye had performed such a proper scholar's bow, especially to someone he was meeting for the first time.
Yet when the bow was finished, no response came. The man before them was studying them earnestly.
"...Good, we have met," the man said softly. He raised his sleeves and cupped his hands in return, bending halfway at the waist. "I am Zhu Wen, courtesy name Kao Zhi. Since you two will pursue the Way with me, I shall teach you sincerely. May we bring out the best in one another, like mirrors reflecting each other."
"Then perform the ceremony." He stepped back twice, gathered his sleeves, and waited.
Pei Ye was momentarily bewildered. Beside him, Fang Jidao had already walked solemnly to one side. Only then did Pei Ye notice a stone basin filled with clear water standing there.
Fang Jidao carefully washed his hands in it with soap pods, then dried them thoroughly with a clean cloth. He walked before Zhu Wen, knelt with a solemn expression, and kowtowed. Zhu Wen stepped forward to help him up, carefully straightened his clothes, headwear, and waist folds, and brushed the dust from his knees. Fang Jidao bowed again in thanks, and the ceremony was complete.
Fang Jidao went to stand behind Zhu Wen, who then turned his gaze toward Pei Ye.
Pei Ye remained standing.
After a brief silence, he raised his eyes and spoke. "Mister Zhu, may I forgo this ceremony?"
Zhu Wen showed no anger at this. He looked at him. "This is the ceremony for accepting a teacher. Only after performing it will you count as having entered my academy."
"...I never intended to take you as my teacher." Pei Ye was quite blunt. "I came on Hall