Gifted since childhood, with lofty ambitions all my life. While others carry a treasured sword, I wield a pen as sharp as a blade.
When the Chancellor of Jixia Academy and the resident Great Scholars heard William Wang Jinling speak, they were all dumbstruck, mouths agape in shock. The Chancellor, especially startled, blurted out, "You truly cannot see?"
It didn't seem that way at all.
Those eyes were clearly lively and bright, with a gentle, warm smile that the Chancellor could see perfectly—how could this possibly be the gaze of someone who could not see?
But the truth was just that—William Wang Jinling's eyes could not see; he was blind. Although no one wanted to use the word 'blind' to describe him, the fact remained...
"If your eyes can't see, why did you come to take the exam for Jixia Academy?" The Chancellor was both pained and disappointed, feeling sorry for the Wang Clan's Grand Heir, wishing he could give his own eyes to the boy.
How could such a boy be unable to see?
If he could see, what unparalleled brilliance and unmatched talent would he possess?
A youth like this truly makes one ache with pity, wishing to trade places with him.
"My inability to see does not mean I am inferior to others. Jixia Academy values talent and learning, and I believe I can pass the exam." William Wang Jinling spoke calmly—without a trace of resentment, and without a hint of pride.
"If you can't see, how will you study in the future?" That was the most heartbreaking part, but...
But is that really a problem?
William Wang Jinling replied with composure, "How I studied for the past ten years is how I will continue to study." Did they think he hadn't learned anything before?
If he were truly ignorant, why would he come to Jixia Academy and risk humiliating himself?
...The crowd was speechless for a moment. Only now did they recall that the essay William Wang Jinling wrote earlier had already proven his remarkable talent—it was clear his eye condition hadn't affected his learning. But...
The crowd glanced at one another, hesitating. A few Great Scholars wanted to persuade the Chancellor: although this boy was exceptional, his blindness made it truly unsuitable to take him as a disciple.
But seeing the Chancellor deep in thought, they knew he would make his own decision, so they said no more.
In truth, the Chancellor was deeply conflicted. He truly didn't know whether to accept this student—he cherished the boy's talent and valued his character, but the issue of his eyes weighed heavily on him...
William Wang Jinling seemed to sense their difficulty; his brow furrowed slightly, and after a moment's thought, he spoke: "Chancellor, sirs, though I have an eye condition, I will not trouble others. I only ask to study at Jixia Academy; if I am admitted, I will be truly grateful."
As for formal apprenticeship, he did not dare hope for it—he knew his own situation.
For most people, the clearer they see, the more painful it is. But for William Wang Jinling, the clearer he sees, the freer he lives. He doesn't think there's anything wrong with that, nor does he need anyone's pity...
William Wang Jinling sat there, utterly unaffected by the oppressive atmosphere in the room. He was as calm and at ease as if he were out in the wilderness, yet his noble bearing was worthy of a palace.
The more the Chancellor looked, the more conflicted he became. If this boy were not blind, he wouldn't hesitate—he would snatch him up as his own student without a second thought. But now...
After thinking for a long time, the Chancellor could only sigh and say, "Would you be willing to stay by my side? I can guide you personally when I have time." It wasn't a formal apprenticeship, but it did mean he was willing to mentor him himself.
A master–disciple relationship lasts a lifetime. For someone like the Chancellor to accept a student means not only teaching William Wang Jinling knowledge, but also teaching him how to conduct himself, introducing him to others, and paving his future path...
To put it bluntly, the Chancellor treats his students no worse than his own sons. A student also represents his reputation, so the Chancellor must be cautious.
William Wang Jinling understood his own circumstances—why refuse such generosity from the Chancellor?
No matter how gifted he was, he was still blind.
"This student is willing. Thank you for your kindness, Chancellor." William Wang Jinling rose and bowed, flawless in every movement—nothing like other blind people at all...
The Chancellor felt distinctly uncomfortable, especially when William Wang Jinling addressed him as 'Chancellor.' "Though I haven't formally taken you as a disciple, I am at least half a teacher to you. Just call me 'sir.'"
"Sir." William Wang Jinling followed the suggestion without joy or disappointment, and this response greatly satisfied the Great Scholars. Some of the ones who especially liked William half-joked, half-seriously told the Chancellor, "Chancellor, the Wang family's eldest son is truly exceptional. Though he has an eye condition, it doesn't hinder his learning—in fact, he surpasses ordinary students. In my opinion, you should keep him by your side; after a year or so, if you're satisfied, take him as your disciple. If you still don't want him, I'll gladly accept him as my final disciple and teach him with all my heart."
A final disciple is the last student a master ever accepts—afterward, he takes no more, and will devote special care to teaching William Wang Jinling.
"Thank you for your kindness, sir." No matter the situation, with such appreciation shown to him, William Wang Jinling knew he should express his gratitude.
"No, no... I think highly of this boy too. If the Chancellor won't take him as a disciple, I certainly will."
Once someone spoke up, the rest began openly competing for him...
They wouldn't compete with the Chancellor, but with their colleagues? Why not?
William Wang Jinling has a quality that easily wins others' goodwill—especially scholars. Almost no one dislikes him.
It's not deliberate; his bearing just naturally draws scholars to him. The older Great Scholars especially find him more and more likable, especially...
After William Wang Jinling enrolled, his rigorous study habits and resilient spirit made him beloved by all the Great Scholars. Among the Jixia Academy lecturers, nearly everyone knew the youngest student.
William Wang Jinling thrived at Jixia Academy. Though a few students envied him and occasionally spoke ill, using his blindness as an excuse, William always responded with a smile. But...
Being easygoing doesn't mean being easy to bully. If they only mentioned William Wang Jinling's blindness, he didn't mind—after all, it was the truth. But if they brought up anything else, William would not yield an inch.
He had no interest in using his blindness to win sympathy, nor would he become bitter or obsessed with proving himself because of it. Why should he care what others said?
He treated others kindly and upheld the conduct of a gentleman—but that didn't mean he was weak or easily bullied.
He acted with gentleness, but the stronger the challenge, the stronger his response. That was William Wang Jinling...
In just three months at Jixia Academy, William Wang Jinling's reputation soared—he became the leader among the students. Even his blindness couldn't dampen their admiration for him.
So what if he was blind? All these healthy students together couldn't compare to the Wang family's eldest son, even with his condition...
Remember, William Wang Jinling was the youngest among his cohort, yet he entered Jixia Academy as the top scorer. His exam paper was posted on the academy gates for all to see...
On the day he enrolled, William Wang Jinling was immediately liked by the Chancellor and the academy lecturers—he even received personal guidance from the Chancellor and several Great Scholars.
William Wang Jinling was truly a star at Jixia Academy. Some admired him, some envied and looked down on him. But as time passed and William kept revealing his talent and genius, those who already admired him came to admire him even more, while those who once looked down on him...