Sixteenth Year: The Ripe Fruit
Li Qingshan stood on the porch of his home, which had expanded into a small complex, looking out at the yard where Chen Daming—now eighteen years old—was leading a discussion with a group of teenagers on community conflict resolution. The young man's voice was calm yet authoritative, his eyes sparkling with a deep understanding—just like his father, Chen Wei, but with a different dimension of wisdom.
Daming, Li Qingshan reflected with a heart full of warmth. From the little boy who used to help his mother water the plants, he has now become a young man capable of reading the human heart with admirable depth.
"Uncle Qingshan," a familiar voice made him turn. A-Ming stood at the gate, returning for his monthly visit from Dongyang. His face, once thin and scared, was now full of confidence and peace.
"A-Ming," Li Qingshan smiled, feeling a deep sense of pride. "How are things in Dongyang?"
"The network of inter-village cooperation we built is getting stronger," A-Ming reported as he approached. "But more importantly, Uncle... I have started teaching."
Li Qingshan raised an eyebrow with interest. "Teaching?"
"Just like you did for me and the others. There are seven young people in Dongyang who... they remind me of my former self. Lost, in need of guidance, in need of someone who believes in their potential."
The circle is complete. From receiving wisdom to transmitting wisdom.
"And what was the response?"
A-Ming's eyes shone. "The same as I felt when you first taught me about inner balance and community service. They are thirsty for a deeper understanding, for a meaningful purpose."
Li Qingshan felt a profound moment—this was exactly what he had hoped and prepared for over the years. Wisdom that did not stop at one generation, but flowed like water from a source into tributaries, continuously spreading fertility.
"A-Ming," he said in a serious yet affectionate tone, "you are ready for a greater level of responsibility."
"What do you mean, Uncle?"
"I want you to be the regional coordinator for the northeastern area. Not just for Dongyang, but for a cluster of five communities in that area. A position that will require you to train more local leaders, coordinate resource sharing, and most importantly—continue transmitting the values we have developed here."
A-Ming fell silent for a moment, processing the weight of this responsibility. "Uncle, am I ready?"
"That is the right question," Li Qingshan smiled. "And the fact that you ask it shows that you are indeed ready. Arrogant people never question their readiness. Wise people always evaluate carefully before accepting responsibility."
Seventeenth Year: The Leadership Transition
The meeting room at the School of Harmony was filled with twenty-five people—a combination of former students, current teachers, community leaders, and young people who were training for leadership positions. Li Qingshan sat not at the head of the table, but on one side, deliberately creating a more egalitarian atmosphere.
"Friends," he began in a familiar voice—calm yet commanding attention, "we are at an important turning point. Over the past seven years, the School of Harmony and the network of communities we support have grown beyond expectations. Now it is time to... evolve."
Chen Daming, who sat across from him, nodded with understanding. In the past year, he had gradually taken on more responsibilities in school administration and community coordination.
"Evolve how?" asked Xiao Hua, who had returned from Nanping for this meeting.
"To become less dependent on one person or a central authority. To become more distributed, more sustainable, more... organic in its growth."
Li Qingshan stood up and approached a board containing a simple organizational chart. "Currently, too many decisions and coordination flows through me. This is not sustainable long-term, and honestly, it is not healthy for the development of individual leaders."
And this is preparation for my eventual departure, although they don't need to know that yet.
"What I propose," he continued, "is a more... distributed structure. Regional coordinators like A-Ming in the northeast will have full authority for decisions in their area. The school will be managed by a council of senior teachers. Community projects will be coordinated by teams that rotate leadership."
Jin, who now managed fair trade networks in the western region, raised his hand. "Uncle Qingshan, what about the overall vision and consistency of values?"
Excellent question. It shows an understanding of complex challenges.
"Good point, Jin. The vision and values will be maintained through... what we can call 'living transmission.' Not through rigid rules or formal protocols, but through example, mentoring, and ongoing dialogue."
Li Qingshan pointed to a small bookshelf in the corner of the room. "We will also create a simple collection of written principles—not as rigid rules, but as reference points for guidance when facing difficult decisions."
Chen Daming spoke for the first time. "Uncle, this sounds like you are... preparing for something."
Perceptive boy. Exactly like his father.
"I am preparing for the natural evolution of this work," Li Qingshan answered carefully. "Every leader must prepare successors. Every teacher must ensure that knowledge and wisdom can continue without them. This is the mark of successful leadership."
"But you won't leave, will you?" Liu-er asked with slight concern.
Li Qingshan felt a pang in his heart. One day, yes. But not now.
"I am not planning to leave anytime soon," he assured them. "But I am planning to... step back from day-to-day management so that all of you can develop your full potential as independent leaders."
Eighteenth Year: Mentor and Apprentice
On a quiet afternoon in the small garden behind the School of Harmony, Li Qingshan sat with Chen Daming under a plum tree that had grown large over the years—the same tree they planted together when Daming was ten years old.
"Daming," Li Qingshan said, observing the white blossoms that were beginning to bloom, "there is something I want to discuss with you."
Chen Daming, now twenty years old with a mature face and eyes wise beyond his years, nodded with full attention.
"Over the past two years, I have been observing how you handle various situations—conflicts, decisions, teaching moments. There is a quality in your approach that is... very special."
"What do you mean, Uncle?"
"You have a rare ability to see beyond the surface of problems, to understand the underlying needs and motivations of people. And more importantly, you have the wisdom to know when to act and when to wait, when to speak and when to listen."
Daming smiled with humility. "I learned from observing you for many years."
And now it's time for a deeper transmission.
"Daming, I want to offer you the position as my direct successor for the overall coordination of this network."
A profound silence for a few moments. Chen Daming stared at the plum tree blossoms with deep contemplation.
"Uncle, this is a great honor. But I... I'm not sure I am worthy to follow in your footsteps."
The perfect response. Humility combined with honest self-assessment.
"Daming," Li Qingshan said in a gentle yet firm tone, "worthiness is not something you are born with. Worthiness is something you develop through service, commitment, and continuous growth."
He placed a hand on Chen Daming's shoulder. "You have shown all the necessary qualities: compassion without weakness, strength without arrogance, wisdom that is balanced with humility."
"What about the others? A-Ming, Xiao Hua, Jin—they are all more experienced."
"They are all excellent leaders in their respective domains. But you... you have a unique combination of analytical thinking and intuitive understanding, plus the ability to bridge different perspectives and bring harmony from diversity."
Li Qingshan paused, allowing the words to sink in.
"Plus," he added with a slight smile, "you are local. You grew up here, you understand this community from the inside out, and people trust you not because you are an impressive outsider, but because you are one of them."
Chen Daming looked at his Uncle with a mixture of gratitude and trepidation. "If I accept this... how will the transition happen?"
"Gradually. Starting next year, you will begin shadowing all my activities, learning the decision-making processes, understanding the networks and relationships that have been developed. By year twenty-five, you will be ready to take full responsibility."
Ten years to complete the transition. Enough time to ensure a smooth handover and preparation for my departure.
"Uncle," Daming said in a thoughtful voice, "I have a feeling you are not telling the complete story. There is a deeper reason for this urgency, isn't there?"
Perceptive. Very perceptive.
Li Qingshan looked into the distance, considering how much to reveal. "Daming, in life, there are moments when we need to prepare for transitions that are not necessarily imminent, but which are... inevitable. Wise leaders always prepare successors, not because there is an immediate crisis, but because good leadership requires thinking beyond our own tenure."
"But there's something else, right?"
Cannot hide from this sharp intuition.
"Maybe," Li Qingshan acknowledged. "Someday, I might be called for a... different kind of service. A different place, different challenges. I don't know when, or even if it will happen. But if it does, I want to ensure that the work we have built together will continue with capable and committed leaders."
Chen Daming nodded with mature understanding. "I accept this responsibility, Uncle. And I will do my best to be worthy of the trust you have placed in me."
Nineteenth Year: Shadow Learning
Chen Daming followed Li Qingshan to a meeting with a delegation from the provincial government about the expansion of the educational approaches developed at the School of Harmony. This was a perfect opportunity for the young man to observe high-level negotiations and political dynamics.
In the formal conference room, Li Qingshan sat with a relaxed but attentive posture, while Chen Daming took notes and observed carefully.
"Master Li," Government Official Zhang said, "the success of the educational model developed in Hexin is very impressive. The provincial education department wants to implement similar approaches in ten pilot schools across the province."
Li Qingshan nodded with appreciation. "We are honored by this recognition. But I must caution that the approaches we have developed are not easily replicated through simple policy implementation."
"What do you mean?"
"The methods we use are rooted in a specific understanding of community dynamics, individual needs, and the organic development of trust relationships. This cannot be copy-pasted like a curriculum or a textbook."
Chen Daming watched how his Uncle navigated the delicate balance between being helpful and being honest about limitations.
"What we can offer," Li Qingshan continued, "are training programs for teachers and administrators who are interested in incorporating elements of this approach. Not to replicate exactly what we do here, but to adapt the principles to their specific contexts and communities."
"How long would that training program be?"
"A minimum of six months. A real understanding of wisdom-based education and community-centered approaches cannot be developed in weeks or even a single course."
After the meeting ended, Chen Daming walked back to Hexin with Li Qingshan.
"Uncle, I noticed how you handled the political pressure for quick expansion. Very skillful."
"What did you observe specifically?"
"You didn't reject their proposal outright, which could create friction. But you also didn't agree to something that could be harmful. You redirected toward a solution that was more sustainable and authentic."
Excellent observation. He is indeed ready to learn complex leadership skills.
"Exactly. In dealing with political entities, it's important to find ways to be helpful without compromising the integrity of the work we are doing."
"How do you know when to be firm and when to be flexible?"
Li Qingshan thought for a moment before answering. "Be firm on fundamental principles and values. Be flexible on methods and implementations. Always ask: will what they are requesting help more people or harm the quality of what we are doing?"
"And in this case?"
"Training teachers is a good idea because it spreads a positive impact. But trying to replicate a complex system superficially could dilute its effectiveness and create false expectations."
Twentieth Year: The Complete Circle
It was a special evening at Li Qingshan's home, where the entire 'family' gathered for a celebration of twenty years since he first adopted A-Ming. Now, his eight original 'children' had all become successful adults and contributing members of various communities.
A-Ming, now the regional coordinator for the northeastern area with a network of five communities. Xiao Hua, managing medical clinics in three different towns. Jin, heading a fair trade cooperative that serves dozens of villages. Liu-er, developing sustainable agricultural programs. And the others, each in meaningful and impactful roles.
Chen Daming sat beside Li Qingshan, now officially designated as the successor with the full support of the community and network.
"Uncle Qingshan," A-Ming stood with a glass in his hand, "twenty years ago, you found me on a street corner, scared and hopeless. You didn't just give me food and shelter. You gave me purpose, identity, and most importantly—family."
A murmur of agreement and appreciation from the others present.
"Today, we all stand here as proof that love and wisdom, when shared with patience and commitment, can transform lives and communities."
Li Qingshan felt an overwhelming sense of completion and gratitude. From a single lonely man to the patriarch of an extended family of leaders and teachers.
"But," A-Ming continued, "the most important thing that Uncle taught us is that the gift of wisdom and love must not end with us. We are all now mentors, teachers, and guides for others."
He pointed around the room. "Xiao Hua has trained fifteen local healers. Jin teaches fair trade practices to hundreds of merchants and farmers. Liu-er develops sustainable agriculture techniques that are now used on dozens of farms."
Each of them extending the circle of impact.
"Uncle," Chen Daming spoke, "in the next five years, as I gradually take on more responsibilities, there is a commitment I want to make."
Li Qingshan nodded for him to continue.
"A commitment to preserve and extend the vision you started here. Not with rigid adherence to methods, but with a flexible application of the underlying principles: serve others, develop wisdom, build communities, transmit values through a living example."
"And," Daming added in a thoughtful tone, "a commitment to ensure that when I eventually need to step back, there will be a next generation ready to carry on."
Perfect understanding. A chain of transmission that will continue indefinitely.
Li Qingshan stood up, feeling a profound mixture of pride, gratitude, and peace.
"Twenty years ago," he said, "I thought I was simply helping a few homeless children. It turns out, I was planting seeds for a forest of wisdom that now stretches far beyond the boundaries of Hexin."
He looked around the room at these beloved faces—some raised from childhood, some who joined later, all who now carried the torch of service and wisdom.
"The most beautiful thing," he continued, "is that none of you are copies of me. You have each developed unique approaches, distinctive strengths, and individual ways of contributing. This is exactly how wisdom should be transmitted—not through imitation, but through inspiration to discover your own authenticity."
Ten more years to complete the preparation for the final transition. And then... the vast world is still waiting for exploration, other communities that might need help, and a continuing journey towards a deeper understanding.
But for now, surrounded by the fruits of twenty years of patient cultivation, Li Qingshan felt the deep satisfaction of this phase in his infinite journey.
The seeds have become trees. The trees have produced seeds. The forest of wisdom will continue growing long after the original gardener has moved on to plant new gardens in different places.