Zhang Yang was very hesitant, saying he had to return and ask his teacher about the apprenticeship. He didn't look down on Mr. Zhou for being just an old Scholar; on the contrary, he held a profound, inexplicable respect for him.
This made Ding Xuezheng even more delighted. A student who valued loyalty and personal bonds was a rare find indeed. He told them to go right ahead and ask their teacher, adding that it wouldn't be a problem even if Zhang Yang didn't take him as a master.
They were happy, but County Magistrate Li was thoroughly frustrated. 'If I'd known it would turn out like this, I would have tried to win over the people from Qingnan Village. These students are from my own jurisdiction, yet they're not close to me at all. Instead, Ding Xuezheng has poached them. What a huge loss!'
Juhua asked Zhang Yang, "So, did your teacher agree to the apprenticeship?"
