A Poor Man's Son-in-Law: He Picks Up the Daughter of a Duke's Mansion at the Start

After the engagement, time flew by.

June was past its midpoint, and the weather was getting hotter and hotter. The walls of the west room of the Lu family's house had been repainted, and the newly replaced rafters were straight and sturdy. The furniture made by Lu Dashan and Lu Xiaoshan was almost finished—beds, cabinets, tables, and chairs—all of which were laid out in the yard to air out, emitting the fresh scent of new wood.

Lu Qingyan was packing her luggage in the room. She was to leave for the prefectural city at the beginning of July, and there were only about ten days left.

Madam Zhao came in, carrying a blue cloth bundle in her hand: "Yan'er, look at this."

The bundle was opened, revealing two sets of newly made summer clothes—made of fine cotton with meticulous stitching. There was also a new pair of shoes with thick soles.

"Mother, when did you make this?" Lu Qingyan asked, somewhat surprised.

"I made it tonight," Zhao said. "I need to dress presentably for the city. I'll alternate between these two outfits, and I'll bring an extra pair of shoes, as they wear out quickly walking."

She then took out a small cloth bag: "This is dry food. I made some pancakes, which will last for a few days. There are also pickled vegetables, which we can eat with this."

Lu Qingyan took them; they were heavy. He knew these cakes were made of wheat flour, something his family usually couldn't bear to eat.

"Mother, you don't need to bring so much..."

"Take it with you." Zhao's eyes were a little red. "It'll last for a few meals when we get to the prefectural city. Things are expensive outside, so we should save money where we can."

Just then, Lu Tiezhu came in. He was holding an old money bag, which he handed to Lu Qingyan: "Take these."

Lu Qingyan opened it, and inside were broken silver and copper coins, about two taels.

"Father, I have enough. The money for the storybooks has been paid, and I've even received an advance on the royalties..."

"Take it," Lu Tiezhu said. "A poor family needs to be frugal on the road. When we get to the prefectural city, we'll need money for rent and food. If we run out, send word back home and we'll figure something out."

Looking at his father's rough hands, Lu Qingyan felt a pang of sadness. He wondered how long his father had saved up those two taels of silver.

"Thank you, Dad."

Lu Tiezhu waved his hand and left.

Lu Dashan and Lu Xiaoshan also came in. Lu Dashan was holding a bamboo tube in his hand: "Third brother, this is for you."

The bamboo tube contained dried honeysuckle.

"Soak it in water and drink it; it'll cool you down and relieve summer heat," Lu Dashan said. "There are more on the mountain; I'll pick more and dry them for you to drink when you come back."

Lu Xiaoshan took out a small carving knife: "I've been sharpening this for several days. Take it with you, you might need it."

The carving knife was small and exquisite, with a smooth handle. Lu Qingyan accepted it: "Thank you, Second Brother."

Tao Hua and Shun Hua also ran in. Tao Hua was holding a grasshopper made of straw—the same one as the one given to him before, but even better woven.

"Third brother, here, take this with you on the road."

Shunhua handed over a handkerchief, which she had embroidered herself, with a small bamboo clump embroidered on the corner.

"Third Brother, this is for wiping sweat."

Lu Qingyan accepted them one by one, her heart filled with joy.

In the afternoon, Zhang Zhiqing's reply arrived. He said he had found a house in the prefectural city—two rooms, a stove, and a monthly rent of eight hundred cash. It was close to the prefectural school and quiet. He would depart on the third day of the seventh lunar month and arrange to meet Lu Qingyan in the prefectural city on the fifth day of the seventh lunar month.

Lu Qingyan calculated the time; he had to leave on the second day of the seventh lunar month. It was over two hundred li (approximately 100 kilometers), and it would take three or four days to walk. If he hitchhiked, it would be faster, but it would cost money.

He decided to walk. Firstly, it would save money, and secondly, he could observe local customs and traditions along the way, which would also be helpful for his imperial examinations.

That evening, the family sat down for dinner. Zhao had prepared several delicious dishes, but the atmosphere was somewhat somber.

"Is Third Brother really leaving?" Tao Hua asked softly.

"Yes, I have to go take an exam." Lu Qingyan put a piece of meat on her plate. "I'll be back after my third brother finishes his exam."

"When are you coming back?"

"I'll be back in September after the exams in August," Lu Qingyan said. "My older brother will be getting married then, and I'll definitely come back."

Lu Dashan quickly said, "Third brother, focus on your exam. I'll take care of things at home."

"I'm here at home," Lu Xiaoshan said.

Lu Tiezhu took a sip of wine: "Qingyan, be careful in everything you do while you're away from home. Don't flaunt your wealth, and think things through carefully. Once you arrive in the prefectural city, go to the prefectural school to register first, and then send a message to your uncle's family after you've settled in."

"I know."

Zhao remained silent, only eating with her head down. Lu Qingyan noticed that she secretly wiped her eyes several times.

After the meal, Lu Qingyan continued packing. Books were a must—the Four Books and Five Classics, along with his own compiled notes. Paper, brushes, ink, and inkstone were also essential. He also needed to bring the manuscripts of his storybooks, so he could write them on the road if he had time.

He packed very carefully, wrapping everything in oil paper to protect it from moisture and rain.

It was late at night, and Lu Qingyan blew out the lamp, but he couldn't fall asleep. He looked at the moonlight outside the window, thinking about the journey that was about to begin.

He had never been to the prefectural city. He only knew from books that it was a much more prosperous place than the town. The prefectural school had better teachers and a larger collection of books. This time, all the students in the county had to take the county-wide examination, making the competition fierce.

But he wasn't afraid. He had prepared for so long; he was confident.

Low voices came from the next room; it was Zhao Shi and Lu Tiezhu.

"Yan'er will be gone for several months..."

"Boys always have to go out and make their own way in the world."

"I know... I just can't bear to part with it."

"It'll be fine once he passes the exam."

The voice gradually faded.

Lu Qingyan turned over and closed his eyes.

The next day, he began making final preparations. He went to town to hand in the last chapter of the story manuscript and settled the payment. He also went to Ya Yun Zhai to take a look—the two new bonsai trees Lu Xiaoshan had made, which Boss Chen had accepted, giving him one tael and two mace of silver.

"Your second brother's skills have improved," said Boss Chen. "These two are even better than the previous ones; they have a certain charm."

Lu Qingyan took the money home and gave it to Zhao Shi. Zhao Shi accepted it, saying, "I'm saving it for you, so you can use it when you come back."

He went to Mr. Zhang's house again. When Mr. Zhang heard that he was going to the prefectural city, he took out several books: "These are my notes from back then. Take a look at them on the way; they might be useful."

"Thank you, sir."

"Do your best on the exam." Mr. Zhang patted him on the shoulder. "You are the most outstanding student I have ever taught."

After leaving Mr. Zhang's house, Lu Qingyan met Zhang Zhiqing. The two agreed to meet at the north gate of the prefectural city on the fifth day of the seventh lunar month.

"My father has an old friend in the prefectural city, who is an instructor at the prefectural school," Zhang Zhiqing said. "When we get to the prefectural city, I will take you to visit him."

"it is good."

Back home, Lu Qingyan carefully read the notes Mr. Zhang had given her. They contained key points for the provincial examination, as well as analyses of past exam questions—very practical.

Time passed day by day. By the end of June, all the luggage was packed. One bundle contained clothes, shoes, and socks; one book box contained books, pens, and ink; and one basket contained dry food and water.

On the first day of July, Lu Qingyan got up very early. He checked his luggage one last time to make sure nothing was missing.

At breakfast, the whole family sat quietly, and no one spoke. Even Tao Hua and Shun Hua were very still.

Lu Tiezhu put down his bowl: "Qingyan, be careful on the road. It doesn't matter whether you pass the exam or not, as long as you come back safely."

"I know."

With tears in her eyes, Zhao said, "Send a message back as soon as you arrive."

"Um."

Lu Dashan said, "Third brother, don't worry about the family. I'll take care of things at home."

Lu Xiaoshan nodded: "Me too."

Tao Hua and Shun Hua each grabbed one of his hands, saying, "Third Brother, come back soon."

Lu Qingyan agreed to all of them.

After the meal, he shouldered his luggage. The suitcase was a bit heavy, but he could manage. Zhao then stuffed a few boiled eggs into his arms: "Eat these if you get hungry on the road."

"Mother, that's enough..."

"Take it."

Lu Tiezhu escorted him to the village entrance. Along the way, villagers greeted him, "Qingyan, are you leaving?"

"Yes, go to the prefectural city to take the exam."

"Study hard on the exam and bring honor to our village!"

"must."

Upon reaching the village entrance, Lu Tiezhu stopped: "I'll leave you here. Take care on your journey."

"Father, you should go back now."

Lu Tiezhu nodded, turned around and walked back. After taking a few steps, he looked back at him again before continuing on his way.

Lu Qingyan watched his father's retreating figure, his heart tightening. He took a deep breath, turned around, and stepped onto the dirt road leading to the town.

The sun had just risen, illuminating the road brightly.

The road ahead is long, but we must keep moving forward.

He took his first steps, one steady step at a time.