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

February 22nd, five days before the results of the imperial examination are announced.

Lu Qingyan received the second invitation from the Yun family. This time it wasn't from Yun Chengzong, but from the old Duke Yun Zhenshan.

The invitation was on gold-flecked paper, with vigorous handwriting, inviting him to "come to the mansion for a chat." The servant who delivered the invitation was respectful and spoke very politely: "The master said that he would like to invite Scholar Lu to come and visit when he has time, at any time."

Lu Qingyan knew that this "meeting" was no small matter. The old Duke had personally invited him, either because the marriage was already arranged, or because he wanted to further probe Lu Qingyan's background.

He changed into his indigo robe, carefully tied his hair up, and followed the servant to the Duke's mansion.

This time, they entered through a side gate next to the main gate. After entering, the servant led him through several corridors to a courtyard shaded by pine and cypress trees. A plaque hung above the courtyard gate, inscribed with the three characters "Songhe Hall".

Inside the main hall, the old Duke Yun Zhenshan sat in the head seat. He wore a casual brown brocade robe, his hair and beard were all white, but his eyes were sharp. Seeing Lu Qingyan enter, he nodded slightly: "Sit."

Lu Qingyan bowed and took his seat. A maidservant served tea, the finest Longjing tea.

"How did you do in the imperial examination?" the old emperor asked bluntly.

"I've done my best," Lu Qingyan replied cautiously.

The old Duke nodded and picked up several articles from the table beside him: "These are your essays for the provincial and prefectural examinations. I have read them; the writing is solid and unpretentious. The policy essays, in particular, are quite insightful."

Lu Qingyan was somewhat surprised. The old Duke had actually read his article carefully.

"Your essay on canal transport," the old duke said, looking at him, "says, 'Dredging is worse than clearing silt, and treating the symptoms is worse than treating the root cause.' Those high-ranking officials in the court might not dare to say such a thing."

"The students have overstepped their bounds."

"What overstepping of authority?" The old Duke waved his hand. "Scholars should have this sense of responsibility. But..." He paused, "Some things are easier said than done. Do you really think the problems with the canal transport system are because the people below don't know how to manage water?"

Lu Qingyan felt a chill run down his spine, realizing that the old Duke was referring to him.

"The students understand," he said, "but someone has to speak up."

The old duke looked at him for a while, then suddenly smiled: "He's got potential." He picked up his teacup. "Who else is in your household?"

Lu Qingyan recounted his family's situation. When he mentioned that his eldest brother was already married but his second brother was still unmarried, the old Duke asked, "What does your second brother do for a living?"

"I have some carpentry skills, and now I sell bonsai."

"A bonsai?" The old duke's interest was piqued. "What kind?"

Lu Qingyan explained briefly. The old Duke nodded: "It's a way out. Earning a living with a skill is better than just studying."

They then asked some academic questions, ranging from the Four Books and Five Classics to historical texts and policy essays. Lu Qingyan answered them one by one, neither humble nor arrogant, and his answers were substantial.

After chatting for about half an hour, the old Duke suddenly asked, "Did Chengzong mention marriage to you?"

"I mentioned it."

What do you think?

Lu Qingyan was silent for a moment: "Marriage is a major life event, and it is the parents' decision. I dare not make such a decision on my own."

"You cunning fellow," the old duke chuckled. "If I were to arrange for Shuwei to marry you, would you be willing?"

The room fell silent. The fire in the charcoal brazier crackled.

Lu Qingyan stood up and bowed deeply: "My family is poor, and I am afraid that I have wronged your daughter."

"Poverty is not a problem," the old Duke said. "What matters is character, talent, and a sense of responsibility. You possess all of these." He looked at Lu Qingyan. "Shuwei is a bit spoiled, but she has a good heart. She was wrong to misunderstand you the other day."

That was a direct statement. Lu Qingyan didn't respond.

The old Duke sighed: "Go and see her. There are some things you young people should clarify for yourselves."

Having said that, he summoned a maid: "Take Scholar Lu to the young lady's courtyard."

Lu Qingyan was taken aback: "This is against the rules."

"My rules are my rules." The old duke waved his hand. "Go."

The maid led Lu Qingyan to the backyard. Passing through a moon gate, they arrived at an exquisite little courtyard. Several plum trees were planted in the courtyard, but the flowering season had passed, and a few withered buds hung on the branches.

Yun Shuwei was feeding the fish in the courtyard. She was wearing a light blue jacket and skirt, with a moon-white cloak over it, and her hair was loosely tied up, adorned only with a jade hairpin. Hearing footsteps, she turned around and her expression changed when she saw Lu Qingyan.

The maidservant tactfully retreated to the courtyard gate.

The two stood a few steps apart, speechless for a moment.

Finally, Yun Shuwei spoke first, her voice a little hoarse: "You... why are you here?"

"The old Duke has invited me," Lu Qingyan said.

Yun Shu bit her lip and looked down at the fish food in her hand. Koi swam in the pond, creating ripples.

"I'm sorry about that day," she suddenly said, her voice very soft. "I shouldn't have hit you without asking what happened."

Lu Qingyan remained silent.

Yun Shuwei raised her head, her eyes slightly red: "I'm really scared... scared that someone is plotting against me again. The bandits last time, and this time falling into the water, were all orchestrated. I thought... I thought you were one of them too."

"I understand," Lu Qingyan said.

"You understand?" Yun Shu looked at him. "You understand what? Do you understand that... that feeling of walking down the street, not knowing when someone will push you?"

Her voice trembled: "I know I have a bad temper, I'm spoiled, willful, and I've offended a lot of people. But I've never hurt anyone... Why are they treating me like this?"

Lu Qingyan looked at her. This sixteen-year-old girl, at this moment, had shed the pride of a young lady from the Duke's mansion, leaving only grievance and fear.

"Because you're blocking other people's way," he said calmly.

Yun Shu was slightly taken aback.

"In this world, some people seek wealth, some seek fame, and some seek power." Lu Qingyan walked to the edge of the pond, watching the fish swimming in the water. "You were born at a high place, and if others want to climb up, they have to push you down."

Yun Shuwei remained silent for a long time.

"And what about you?" she suddenly asked. "Why did you save me?"

Lu Qingyan turned to look at her: "I didn't think that much at the time. I heard someone had fallen into the water, so I went to save them."

"It's that simple?"

"It's that simple."

Looking into his calm eyes, Yun Shuwei suddenly felt that all her previous suspicions and anger had been like punching cotton. This person seemed to have simply saved someone casually, without any intention of currying favor or scheming.

"Did my father propose marriage to you?" she asked softly.

"It was mentioned."

"Did you agree?"

Lu Qingyan didn't answer directly, but instead asked, "What will happen if I don't agree?"

Yun Shuwei's face paled slightly: "My father... my father said that if you don't agree, he'll make me go to the family temple to cultivate in seclusion, or marry someone else."

She spoke in a low voice, her voice filled with resentment and helplessness.

Lu Qingyan understood. This wasn't a discussion; it was an ultimatum. Yun Shuwei's reputation was ruined. She either had to marry him or be abandoned by her family.

"If I agree," he looked at her, "would you be willing?"

Yun Shu was slightly taken aback. She hadn't expected Lu Qingyan to ask that.

She should say no. This poor scholar had no family background, no connections, and nothing but academic achievements. Marrying him meant falling from the luxurious life of the Duke's mansion into the mundane realities of daily life.

But if one says they are unwilling to live a quiet life in the family temple, with only the ancient Buddha and the flickering lamp; or that they might marry just anyone and spend the rest of their days in peace.

She looked at Lu Qingyan. He was a man of handsome appearance, with clear eyes, and spoke with neither servility nor arrogance. The day he jumped into the water to save her, his lips turned purple from the cold, but he didn't complain once.

"I..." She opened her mouth, but finally said, "I don't know."

That's the truth. She didn't know.

Lu Qingyan nodded: "Then let's wait for the results. If I pass, I'll ask a matchmaker to come and propose marriage. If I don't pass..."

He paused for a moment, then said, "If it doesn't work out, I'll take responsibility. It'll just be a bit of a shame for you to wait a few more years."

Yun Shu stared at him blankly.

This person was discussing things with her. He wasn't giving her charity, nor was he coercing her; he was seriously discussing the future with her.

She suddenly remembered her mother's words: "The most important thing for a woman in her life is to marry the right person. Family background and wealth are all meaningless; what matters is character and a sense of responsibility."

"You..." her voice was a little hoarse, "Why would you agree?"

Lu Qingyan thought for a moment and said, "Because things have come to this. Because you are not wrong, and I am not wrong either. But since we've run into this, there has to be a solution."

These words were honest, even somewhat heartless. But Yun Shuwei felt reassured listening to them.

It's more reassuring than those sweet promises or insincere acts of kindness.

"Okay," she said. "Let's wait for the results."

The two chatted for a while longer, mostly about trivial matters. Yun Shuwei inquired about the customs and traditions of Yongning Prefecture, and Lu Qingyan gave a brief explanation. She listened, occasionally asking a few questions, and the atmosphere gradually eased.

Just before he was leaving, Yun Shuwei suddenly called out to him.

"Lu Qingyan".

Lu Qingyan turned around.

"Thank you for saving me that day," she said earnestly. "And I'm sorry."

Lu Qingyan looked at her slightly red eyes and nodded: "It's over."

When I stepped out of Yun Shuwei's courtyard, it was nearly dusk. The afterglow of the setting sun shone on the corridor, casting long shadows.

The servant waited outside the courtyard and led him out of the mansion. When they reached the second gate, they encountered Yun Chengzong.

Yun Chengzong glanced at him and said indifferently, "You've met him?"

"Yes."

"how?"

Lu Qingyan was silent for a moment: "Wait for the results to be released."

Yun Chengzong nodded and said nothing more.

Stepping out of the Duke's mansion, the streetlights were already on. Lu Qingyan walked alone on the street, feeling more relaxed than when he arrived.

Yun Shuwei wasn't as spoiled and brainless as he had imagined. She could be afraid, feel wronged, and apologize.

He should also think about the future.

If I really marry her, how should I treat her, how should I treat this family, and how should I proceed with the rest of my life?

He looked up at the lights of thousands of homes gradually coming on.