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

In mid-July, lectures at the prefectural school continued as usual. Lu Qingyan and his two companions attended every five and ten days of the month, gradually becoming the regulars sitting in the front row. Instructor Chen also remembered them, occasionally asking questions and offering comments.

After the lecture that day, Instructor Chen suddenly said, "On the first day of next month, the prefectural school will hold a literary gathering. Enrolled scholars can attend, and unenrolled students can also observe. Those who are interested can register with Instructor Zhou."

The crowd began to discuss it. Literary gatherings were not new, but the fact that the prefectural school was hosting them made them seem more prestigious.

As school ended, Zhou Wenyuan caught up with Lu Qingyan and the other two: "Brother Lu, Brother Zhang, Brother Du, are you joining in?"

Zhang Zhiqing pondered, "If it's just for observation, it's good to go and take a look."

Du Wei said, "It's no fun just watching. I heard that there's a 'problem-solving' segment at the end of the literary conference, which anyone can try, and there's a reward for a good answer."

"What reward?" Lu Qingyan asked.

"In previous years, we received writing brushes, ink, paper, and sometimes even silver," Zhou Wenyuan said in a low voice. "I've heard that this year the prefect is sponsoring the event, and the top prize is five taels of silver."

Five taels. That's a lot of money.

Zhang Zhiqing frowned: "We're here to prepare for the exam, not to make money."

"Brother Zhang, you can't say that," Zhou Wenyuan said with a wry smile. "My family is poor. If I had this money, I could survive for a few more months. Even if I don't get first place, it would be good to have some books and ink."

Lu Qingyan recalled Zhou Wenyuan's faded clothes and nodded: "Brother Zhou is right. One must pursue knowledge, but also take care of one's livelihood."

"Then let's all sign up to be observers and try to 'solve the problem' later?" Du Wei was eager to try.

Zhang Zhiqing looked at them and finally nodded: "Okay."

The registration office was located in the east wing of the prefectural school. Instructor Zhou, a amiable middle-aged man, asked during registration, "Are you here to participate or just observe?"

"Just watching," Zhang Zhiqing said.

"Also, report the 'breakthrough'," Lu Qingyan added.

Instructor Zhou glanced at them and wrote on the roster: "Starting at 7:00 AM on the first day of the month, don't be late."

On the way back, the four discussed their preparations. Zhou Wenyuan said, "The questions for the literary gathering are mostly about classical texts and policy essays. But in the 'problem-solving' section, sometimes some off-topic questions will be asked to test quick wit."

"Off-topic?" Du Wei became nervous. "Then I definitely can't do it."

"Just do your best," Lu Qingyan said.

Over the next few days, in addition to attending lectures and reviewing their studies, the four of them began to consciously prepare for the literary gathering. Zhang Zhiqing compiled the questions from previous years' gatherings, Zhou Wenyuan inquired about the teachers' preferences for this year's questions, Du Wei was responsible for running errands to buy paper and pens, and Lu Qingyan organized her own knowledge system.

Lu Qingyan discovered that the topics for the literary gathering were indeed flexible. One year's topic was "On the Advantages and Disadvantages of the Grand Canal," which not only tested understanding of the Grand Canal system but also required consideration of the actual situation of Yellow River floods at the time. Another year's topic was "The Gains and Losses of the Salt and Iron Monopoly," which covered multiple aspects such as finance, people's livelihood, and officialdom.

He realized that this kind of comprehensive topic was precisely his strength—his ability to integrate knowledge from different fields. But his weakness was a lack of writing talent and a lack of ornate language.

"Brother Lu, you don't need to worry about your writing style," Zhang Zhiqing said. "The literary world values ​​content. As long as there is substance to your writing, even if the language is simple, it will still be recognized."

Zhou Wenyuan also said, "Yes, Instructor Chen likes practical articles."

The first day of the month arrived in the blink of an eye. Early that morning, the four of them arrived at the prefectural school on time. The literary gathering was being held in the Minglun Hall, and fifty or sixty people had already arrived. There were scholars from the prefectural school dressed in blue robes, as well as students like them who had come to observe. Their ages ranged from teenagers to those in their thirties or forties.

At the hour of Chen (7-9 AM), several instructors took their seats. Instructor Chen was among them, along with Instructor Zhou and two other teachers whom I had never seen before. The head seat was empty—it was reserved for the prefect.

The prefect arrived at 3:45 AM. He was an official in his fifties, with a fair complexion and a light beard, dressed in official robes, and with a gentle demeanor. After he sat down, he said a few words of encouragement, and the literary gathering officially began.

First, the scholars held a competition. The topic was "On the Effectiveness and Improvement of the Baojia System." The scholars took turns speaking, each expressing their own opinions. Some cited classical texts, some combined examples, some spoke passionately, and some spoke calmly and steadily.

Lu Qingyan listened attentively. These scholars were indeed talented, and many of their insights were profound. However, after listening for a while, he also noticed some problems—some people were too focused on fancy words, resulting in empty content; others simply copied from books without any original thought.

An hour later, the scholar examination concluded. Several instructors offered their comments, with Instructor Chen being the most direct: "Some essays are flowery but impractical. The Baojia system is a practical matter, not just poetry. It must be grounded in reality, not empty talk."

The scholars blushed with embarrassment at this.

Next came the "problem-solving" segment. Instructor Zhou announced: "This question is set by the Prefect—'On the relationship between merchants and scholars/farmers.' You have one incense stick's time limit. You may give a brief answer or a detailed explanation. Those who wish to take the test, please come forward."

A commotion arose in the audience. The question wasn't particularly difficult, but it wasn't easy either. The key lay in the angle from which it was approached.

Lu Qingyan, Zhou Wenyuan, and Zhang Zhiqing exchanged glances. Du Wei whispered, "This question... Brother Lu is good at."

Lu Qingyan remained silent, quickly organizing her thoughts in her mind.

Seven or eight people came forward one after another, each taking paper and pen, and began writing in the side hall. Zhou Wenyuan took a deep breath: "I'll give it a try too." He got up and left.

Zhang Zhiqing looked at Lu Qingyan: "Qingyan, aren't you going?"

Lu Qingyan looked at the incense stick, which was already a third burned. He shook his head: "Let me take another look."

The incense stick burned out quickly. The person who had stepped forward handed in their answer sheet and stepped aside to wait. When Zhou Wenyuan returned, his forehead was covered in sweat: "I wrote it too hastily, I don't know how it turned out."

The instructors began grading the papers. The room was quiet, save for the rustling of pages turning. Occasionally, instructors would whisper among themselves, nod, or shake their heads.

About fifteen minutes later, Instructor Chen picked up one of the documents, looked at it, and handed it to the prefect. The prefect looked at it and nodded slightly.

Instructor Zhou announced: "This 'breakthrough' will select the top three. Third place goes to Li Maocai."

A scholar in his early twenties stepped forward to receive the reward—a set of writing brushes and ink.

"Second place, Zhou Wenyuan."

Zhou Wenyuan was stunned until Du Wei nudged him, at which point he hurriedly stepped forward. He received a ream of good paper and a piece of ink.

"First place," Instructor Zhou paused, "Lu Qingyan."

The room fell silent. Lu Qingyan himself was surprised—he hadn't handed in his paper at all.

Instructor Chen began, "Although Lu Qingyan did not submit his paper, he was whispering with his classmate when the scholar was discussing the Baojia system. His words were to the point. I overheard them. The Prefect said that sometimes true insight is not found on paper, but in words."

All eyes turned to Lu Qingyan. He composed himself, rose, walked to the front of the hall, and bowed in greeting.

The prefect looked at him: "You just said that the problem with the Baojia system is that 'the law is not followed and the officials do not investigate.' How do you resolve this?"

Lu Qingyan pondered for a moment: "Your Excellency, I believe there are three reasons why the law is not being enforced. First, the articles are too complex and difficult for the people to understand. They should be simplified and made into colloquial rhymes so that even women and children can understand them. Second, enforcement is weak, and officials shirk their responsibilities. Responsibilities should be clearly defined, and a performance evaluation system should be established to reward diligence and punish laziness. Third, supervision is lacking, and superiors and subordinates deceive each other. The public should be allowed to report violations, with rewards for verified reports and punishments for false reports."

He paused for a moment: "As for the relationship between merchants and scholars/farmers, I believe that all four classes are the foundation of the nation. Scholars pursue learning, farmers cultivate the land, craftsmen manufacture tools, and merchants circulate goods. The four are interdependent and none should be neglected. In today's world, scholars and farmers are valued while commerce and industry are neglected, which I believe is inappropriate. Merchants circulate goods and facilitate people's livelihoods; their contribution is no less than that of farmers. They should be guided with regulations and assisted with conveniences so that they can benefit both themselves and the nation."

The room was completely silent.

The prefect was silent for a moment, then smiled: "Well said. Reward him."

Instructor Zhou presented a tray with five taels of silver and a fine wolf-hair brush.

Lu Qingyan accepted it: "Thank you, my lord."

Back in his seat, Du Wei was so excited he almost jumped up: "Brother Lu, you're amazing! You got first place even without writing anything!"

Zhang Zhiqing also smiled and said, "Qingyan's insights are indeed unique."

Zhou Wenyuan held the paper in his hands, his eyes shining: "Brother Lu, your words are much better than mine."

Lu Qingyan looked at the silver and pen in his hand, but his heart remained calm. He knew that his recognition today was partly due to luck—it just so happened that Instructor Chen overheard him, and it just so happened that the prefect was enlightened. The other half was the result of his hard work over the past few days.

After the literary gathering, many people gathered around to greet him. Some praised his insightful views, some asked where he was from, and some challenged him with their own opinions. Lu Qingyan responded to each of them with neither servility nor arrogance.

As Instructor Chen was leaving, he nodded to him and said, "Prepare well for the provincial examination."

On their way back to their lodgings, the four of them walked briskly. Du Wei clamored for a celebration, and Zhou Wenyuan said he'd treat them with his prize money. In the end, they ate wontons at a small stall at the alley entrance, which cost thirty coins.

"That was a really satisfying day," Zhou Wenyuan said. "That roll of paper will last me for six months."

Zhang Zhiqing said, "Brother Wenyuan's article is indeed excellent, and he truly deserves second place."

"Brother Lu is truly remarkable," Zhou Wenyuan said sincerely. "A single conversation with you is worth more than ten years of study."

Lu Qingyan shook his head: "Brother Zhou, you flatter me. Let's learn from each other."

That night, Lu Qingyan carefully put away the five taels of silver. This money could supplement household expenses, buy books, or be used in emergencies. He tried out the wolf-hair brush and found it to be quite handy.

He spread out the paper and practiced calligraphy with his new pen. The strokes flowed smoothly, and the characters showed more strength than before.