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

On the third day of the fifth lunar month, the morning light was just beginning to break.

When Lu Qingyan got up, Zhao was already busy in the kitchen. Millet porridge was simmering in a pot, freshly steamed buns were on the stove, and there was also a small dish of pickled vegetables.

"Wear that new outfit when you go to the county school today." Madam Zhao handed over a bowl of hot porridge. "You're a third-ranked scholar and an official in the Hanlin Academy, so you need to look presentable."

Lu Qingyan took the bowl of porridge and responded. He didn't really care about these things, but he knew it was his mother's kindness.

After breakfast, he changed into the indigo scholar's robe sent by the Yun family, tied his hair up, and put on his scholar's cap. The figure in the bronze mirror was clear and upright, having shed the immaturity of half a year ago.

Lu Dashan hitched up the donkey cart: "Third brother, I'll take you there."

"No need, I can walk by myself."

"It's a long way, let's take a car," Lu Dashan insisted. "You're an official now, you should take a car."

Lu Qingyan no longer declined. The donkey cart creaked out of the village, the morning breeze was cool and felt very refreshing on his face.

When they arrived at the county school, it was just past Chen Shi (7-9 AM). A large crowd had already gathered in front of the school, including students and onlookers. Magistrate Zhou, accompanied by the school's instructor, greeted them at the entrance.

"Lu Tanhua has arrived!" Magistrate Zhou stepped forward and bowed.

Lu Qingyan alighted from the carriage and returned the greeting: "Lord Zhou, Instructor."

The county school instructor was a thin, elderly man in his fifties surnamed Chen. He had taught in Yongning County for thirty years and had students all over the place. He looked at Lu Qingyan with gentle eyes and said, "Please come in, Scholar Lu."

The main hall of the county school was packed with about a hundred students, ranging from teenagers to seasoned scholars in their thirties and forties. Upon seeing Lu Qingyan enter, they all rose and bowed.

Lu Qingyan walked onto the podium. On the podium was a desk with writing implements and a freshly brewed cup of tea.

"Please have a seat, everyone," he said in a clear voice.

The students sat down, their eyes fixed intently on him. Their gazes held envy, admiration, and anticipation.

Magistrate Zhou said from the side, "It is an honor for Yongning County School to have Scholar Lu give a lecture today. Scholar Lu ranked seventh in the provincial examination last year, third in the metropolitan examination this spring, and third in the palace examination, and was appointed as a compiler in the Hanlin Academy. His experience will surely inspire all of you students."

After Magistrate Zhou finished speaking, Lu Qingyan slowly opened his mouth: "You flatter me, Magistrate Zhou. It is my honor to be able to sit with you all today. I don't have any profound knowledge, but I will share some of my experiences in studying and taking exams, so that we can learn from each other."

He paused, his gaze sweeping across the audience: "First, I'd like to ask you all, what is the purpose of studying?"

After a moment of silence, a young student stood up and said, "Sir, it is for the sake of understanding the principles."

Another student said, "For fame and fortune."

"To bring glory to one's ancestors."

Lu Qingyan nodded: "All of that is true, but not entirely." He picked up the teacup on the table. "Reading is like drinking tea; it's bitter at first, but leaves a sweet aftertaste. Understanding principles is fundamental, fame and success are the result, and bringing honor to one's ancestors is a responsibility. But most importantly, it's about becoming a better version of yourself."

He put down his teacup: "I come from a poor farming family. We couldn't afford to buy books, so I copied them. We couldn't afford a tutor, so I taught myself. Every day I would get up before dawn to read and copy books by lamplight until midnight. My hands developed calluses, and my eyes were bloodshot from staying up all night."

The audience was silent.

"Someone asked me, 'Is it tough?'" Lu Qingyan smiled. "It is. But what kind of studying isn't tough? 'No pain, no gain.' It's a common saying, but the truth is sound."

He then changed the subject: "But hard work alone isn't enough; you also need the right methods. I have three insights into reading: First, combine general reading with intensive reading. You should read the Four Books and Five Classics thoroughly to grasp the overall picture; and you should read the key chapters carefully, scrutinizing every word."

He gave examples, explaining concepts from the Analects to Mencius in a clear and concise manner. The students in the audience listened intently, some even taking notes.

"Secondly, the unity of knowledge and action," Lu Qingyan said. "Reading is not for memorizing, but for applying. For example, Mencius said, 'The people are the most important, the state is next, and the ruler is the least important.' This is not something you can simply memorize and be done with. You have to think about how you would put it into practice if you were an official."

He recounted his essay on the imperial examination, discussing border governance and the hardships of the people. When he reached the section on "weakening the army through commerce," an elderly scholar in the audience couldn't help but stand up: "Lu, the third-ranking scholar, have there been any criticisms of your remarks in the court?"

Lu Qingyan said frankly, "Yes. Several senior generals in the Ministry of War are quite displeased. But I believe that officials should prioritize the people and the nation. Some things should be said."

The old scholar was filled with respect and bowed deeply, saying, "I have learned a great deal."

"Thirdly, perseverance is key," Lu Qingyan continued. "On the path of the imperial examinations, some achieve early success while others achieve great things later in life. I know a fellow townsman who passed the provincial examination at the age of thirty-seven, and failed the metropolitan examination this year. But he didn't give up and said he would try again in three years."

He looked down at the audience and said, "If any of you fail the exam one day, don't be discouraged. As long as the path is right, keep going, and you will eventually see the light."

By this point, it was nearly noon. Lu Qingyan paused, took a sip of tea, and said, "That's all for today. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask."

The audience immediately became lively. Students raised their hands one after another, asking all sorts of questions: some asked about writing techniques for the eight-legged essay, some about interpreting the classics, and some about how to cope with the exam.

Lu Qingyan answered each question calmly and patiently. A boy of about fifteen or sixteen years old asked a particularly earnest question, and after finishing, he chased after the student to the front of the stage, handing over a notebook: "Mr. Lu, this is my homework. Please give me some pointers."

Lu Qingyan took it and flipped through it. The handwriting was neat and the insights were unique. He picked up his pen and wrote a few words at the end, writing the eight characters "commendable in diligence, persevere."

The boy accepted it as if it were a priceless treasure, and thanked him repeatedly.

After class, Magistrate Zhou hosted a casual banquet at the county school. During the banquet, Instructor Chen remarked, "Lu Tan-hua's words today are worth more than ten years of study. The students of the county school will benefit immensely."

"You flatter me, Instructor," Lu Qingyan said. "I was just doing my best."

"This dedication is truly commendable." Instructor Chen raised his cup. "It is a blessing for Yongning County to produce a talent like Lu Tanhua. I hope that in your future service in the court, you will not forget your original aspirations and will do more for the people."

"Students, please remember this."

After the banquet, Lu Qingyan took his leave. When he reached the entrance of the county school, he found the young man still waiting outside.

"Mr. Lu!" The young man stepped forward quickly and bowed again. "I, Chen Ming, would like to ask you a question... what should one do if one's family is poor and cannot afford to buy books?"

Looking at his faded clothes, Lu Qingyan was reminded of her former self.

"Copy books," he said. "Back then, I saved up money to buy books by copying them. The county school has a library; you can go there to borrow books and copy them down. If you don't understand something, you can ask Instructor Chen, or you can write to me."

He took out paper and pen from his pocket and wrote down his address in the capital: "Take this. If you have any questions, you can write to me."

Chen Ming accepted the gift with both hands, his eyes reddening. "Thank you, Mr. Xie!"

"Study hard." Lu Qingyan patted his shoulder. "You have good aptitude, don't let it go to waste."

After leaving the county school, the donkey cart slowly made its way back. Lu Qingyan leaned against the cart wall, closing his eyes to rest.

Today's lecture reminded him of his time teaching at a university in his previous life. Back then, he also stood on the podium, addressing young students, imparting knowledge and explaining principles.

Now, though the time and place have changed, and the identity has changed, the heart for teaching and nurturing people remains the same.

"Third brother," Lu Dashan, who was driving the carriage, suddenly spoke up, "You spoke very well today. Although I couldn't understand those articles, seeing you standing on the stage made me feel... that our Lu family has truly made something of itself."

Lu Qingyan opened his eyes and looked at his elder brother's broad back: "Brother, now that the family is doing well, you should also think about your own affairs."

Lu Dashan chuckled, "What do I have to think about? Farming, taking care of my parents, and after you get married, I'll help you take care of your nephews and nieces."

"I mean..." Lu Qingyan carefully chose his words, "You should also learn more characters and acquire some skills. Now that the family is better off, you don't have to just tend to those few acres of land."

Lu Dashan was silent for a moment: "I'm stupid, I can't learn those things."

"You're not stupid," Lu Qingyan said. "You just haven't had the chance to learn. I'll teach you from now on, we'll take it slow."

Lu Dashan didn't speak, but only gave a heavy "hmm".

As the donkey cart entered the village, the setting sun shone brightly. Under the jujube tree at the village entrance, several children were playing. Upon seeing Lu Qingyan, they all ran over, exclaiming, "The top scholar is back!"

Lu Qingyan took out several bags of candy from the car and distributed them to the children. The children ran off happily.

When he got home, Zhao had already prepared dinner. During dinner, Lu Qingyan talked about the day's lecture and the boy named Chen Ming.

"That child is just like you were back then," Zhao sighed. "He was also from a poor family, and he also loved to read. Yan'er, if you help him, it will be a good deed."

"I will."

After dinner, Lu Qingyan sat under the lamp and wrote a letter to Yun Shuwei.

"Today, while lecturing at the county school, I met a young man from a poor family whose aspirations remained unwavering, much like myself in my youth. It reminded me of your words about wanting to hire a tutor for your two younger sisters. In truth, regardless of gender or wealth, everyone should have the opportunity to learn and understand principles..."

He paused here.

Perhaps, I should do something for my hometown? Give those children who can't afford to go to school a place to go.

This needs to be done gradually. Let's save some money first.

He continued writing letters, recording his observations and thoughts of the day. When he wrote about the young Chen Ming, his writing was particularly tender.