This was something Meng Jingyuan had anticipated the day they recognized each other, knowing a verbal confrontation was inevitable, but the Meng family would firmly stand their ground. Qi Laoshi only had this one disciple; no one could treat him as an outsider!
Those opposing said that while they recognized the lineage, Qi Shejiang was merely an informal disciple without a proper ceremony. You’re still Hai Qing; you’re still Hai Qing; you’re just Hai Qing.
According to crosstalk customs, just like when Qi Shejiang accepted Mo Sheng and Qi Leyang, they are informal disciples, without an official initiation ceremony.
With obstacles met head-on, on one side, Liu Quanhai, Zeng Wen, and people from the Meng family have started to voice their opinions under Meng Jingyuan’s hint. “The circumstances and environment back then were completely different; you can’t make a blanket statement. Mr. Qi only has one disciple, and has imparted everything to him. Since the person is willing to pursue this art, the ceremony can be made up!” “From what I understand, this person really has no conditions to hold a branch ceremony. They are abroad; how can they invite three masters? Their head has been bowed, and they have also paid respects to their ancestral master. Why does it seem like you’re all denying it just because you speak?” — According to the old traditions, the branch ceremony requires the presence of three master witnesses, as well as witnesses from among relatives and friends. However, if Qi Shejiang’s master is overseas, it indeed would be difficult to hold a formal branch ceremony. Yet the opposing side, clinging to this point, refuses to acknowledge Qi Shejiang’s identity, even going so far as to quote classics to prove that this matter does not conform to traditional rules.
The verbal sparring between the two sides is heated, causing quite a stir in the crosstalk community. Netizens are also watching the excitement, each choosing a side. When it mattered most, it was still the elders who had seen the world. Old Master Meng learned that there was still controversy over this matter, and he stepped in to end the noisy argument. Since falling ill, he had largely refrained from involving himself in various matters. But for Qi Shejiang, he spoke up.
