Chapter 1227 - 1228: Apprenticeship Ceremony
On the second day, all the important figures of the Su Family gathered at the Su Family Courtyard to attend Song Xiaodong's apprenticeship ceremony.
Holding such a ceremony for the Su Family is not about showcasing but establishing Lu Yaobing's status. The more formal it is, the more it indicates Song Xiaodong's regard for Lu Yaobing. From now on, Lu Yaobing's every word and action might even represent Song Xiaodong.
Lu Yaobing's parents were also invited by Song Xiaodong.
Song Xiaodong had only parted with them yesterday and didn't anticipate holding the ceremony so soon, which is why they weren't invited then.
The two arrived at the Su Family and, like many others, were deeply astonished.
No wonder Lu Yaobing has such prestige; her master's background is evident, and being a disciple allows her to bask in the glory.
Lu Yuan and Zheng Yue'e now truly feel very fortunate, glad they ultimately decided to let Lu Yaobing become Song Xiaodong's disciple. Otherwise, such a glorious opportunity would have been missed in vain.
The ceremony adopted an ancient style, with Song Xiaodong paying respects to heaven and earth, then sitting on the Taishi Chair, while Lu Yaobing kowtowed three times to Song Xiaodong and respectfully offered tea.
However, the ceremony was rather brief, lasting less than half an hour.
But even for a moment, everyone recognized Lu Yaobing, knowing she is the Family Head's disciple. Although the status of a disciple may not be as noble as Madame Patriarch, the future significance might not be inferior to those ladies.
Additionally, the Su Family members also thought that with such a beautiful female disciple, who knows if one day she might become Madame Patriarch? It seems quite possible too, hence remembering this special disciple, Lu Yaobing, clearly, to avoid offending her by mistake.
Following this was a sumptuous luncheon, where Lu Yaobing had to toast each master's wife individually.
Yesterday, Lu Yaobing was somewhat nervous, so she didn't remember all these masters' wives. Now, she remembers them all clearly. However, He Lingzhi was absent today as she had not yet entered the family and would not appear in such occasions under this identity.
Most astounded were Lu Yuan and Zheng Yue'e, who never expected Song Xiaodong to have so many women, each as beautiful as the next.
After attending the apprenticeship ceremony and leaving the Su Family, Zheng Yue'e said, "I say, Old Lu, why don't you call General Lu Lang and ask about this… I wasn't worried initially, but now I am a bit concerned. What if Yao Bing becomes like this?"
Lu Yuan also felt a bit troubled. After hesitating for a moment, he finally called Lu Lang.
Although Lu Yuan and Lu Lang are cousins, they rarely contact each other unless there is a significant matter within the Lu Family, as Lu Lang usually avoids any ties involving family interests.
The call connected quickly, and Lu Yuan cautiously said, "Brother Lang, it's Lu Yuan."
"Oh, it's Little Yuan, what's going on?" Lu Lang's voice came over. Actually, he knew why Lu Yuan was calling, but he couldn't directly say that he was generally aware of everything concerning Song Xiaodong, so he pretended to be oblivious.
"Cough cough, Brother Lang, here's the situation: I heard that you're quite familiar with Song Xiaodong of Minghe?"
"Yes, he was once my soldier, and he's doing quite well now. We still keep in touch."
"So... now our niece Yao Bing has acknowledged Song Xiaodong as her master. Do you think this is good or bad?"
"Of course, it's a good thing. Song Xiaodong's medical skill is remarkable, and he's referred to as the King of Acupuncture at the top. Yao Bing being accepted as his disciple is truly fortunate. Learning even a fraction of his skills would be beneficial for her entire life."
"King of Acupuncture… how come I haven't heard of that?" Lu Yuan asked, puzzled.
"You just don't know because with his level, ordinary people hardly have a chance to seek medical help from him; it's only the top-tier figures who have the opportunity."
"I see…" If others had said it, he might not believe, but Lu Yuan trusted Lu Lang's words completely. Lu Lang's high regard for Song Xiaodong speaks volumes about his capabilities.
Zheng Yue'e listened to the call, noticed Lu Yuan still hadn't hit the main point, and nudged him, giving him a meaningful look.
Lu Yuan caught the hint and quickly said, "Brother Lang, there's one more thing both your sister-in-law and I are a bit worried about."
"What else?"
"Well, we noticed that Song Xiaodong has about a dozen women, each one very pretty. We're worried… for Yao Bing in the future…"
Lu Lang immediately laughed, saying, "So that's what you're worried about, huh? Well, let's put it this way: if Yao Bing truly has such intentions, I advise you not to interfere."
"Huh?" Lu Yuan exclaimed in surprise, "Brother Lang… if we don't intervene, does it mean letting Yao Bing also…"
Lu Lang quickly said, "Little Yuan, we're cousins, so we're no outsiders. I can responsibly inform you that if Yao Bing truly follows Song Xiaodong, it would be a tremendous benefit."
"But…"
"I can only tell you this much; as to how you decide, I won't interfere."
Lu Yuan knew Lu Lang's personality. With words to this extent, asking further would yield nothing more, so he simply said, "Thanks for your advice, Brother Lang."
After hanging up the call, Lu Yuan and Zheng Yue'e couldn't help but exchange glances with one another.
"What… what's gotten into Brother Lang? He doesn't seem to dissuade this?" Zheng Yue'e frowned.
Lu Yuan also frowned, saying, "Indeed, but considering Brother Lang's status and personality, if he can say such things, it means he knows a lot about Song Xiaodong and supports it with valid reasons."
Zheng Yue'e smiled bitterly, saying, "But if our Yao Bing ends up like that… that's not even like being a Mistress; that's beyond the tenth in line."
Lu Yuan took a deep breath, saying, "I trust Brother Lang, so let's not interfere with this. Besides, isn't there an apprenticeship ceremony now? If he truly had that kind of thought for Yao Bing, I don't think he'd make such a grand gesture, would he?"
Zheng Yue'e thought about it and said, "That's true. Let's just see how things unfold."
Lu Yuan patted Zheng Yue'e's shoulder and said, "Maybe we're just overthinking. Didn't you say Yao Bing hasn't had any involvement with him either?"
Zheng Yue'e smiled bitterly and said, "You just don't understand women; she may be reserved most of the time, but once that reservation is broken, anything is possible."