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

June 25th, after the rain, the sky cleared in the Imperial Garden.

This was the fourth day of Lu Qingyan's lectures. Zhao Jingshuo had indeed taken him to the rockery area in the northwest corner of the Imperial Garden. The bluestone was damp after the rain, the artificial hills were rugged, and the pines and cypresses were verdant.

"Look, these are the stones!" Zhao Jingshuo pointed to a lake stone shaped like an old man. "They call this the 'Longevity Stone,' but it looks more like an old man leaning on a cane to me!"

Lu Qingyan walked closer and examined the stone's texture closely: "Your Highness, look, the stone's texture flows from top to bottom like a waterfall. The craftsman deliberately chose this texture when selecting the stone. Standing here, it's like an old man standing by an abyss, conveying the meaning of 'a wise man observing water.'"

"What about this one?" Zhao Jingshuo ran to another rock shaped like a crouching monkey. "This one can't be 'Monkey Watching the Sea,' can it?"

"Your Highness is wise," Lu Qingyan said with a smile. "This stone is called the 'Spirit Ape Stone.' It is placed by the water, taking its name from the story of 'a monkey trying to catch the moon,' symbolizing 'a mirage and the impermanence of life.'"

A ten-year-old child may not fully grasp the concept of "the impermanence of life," but they are very familiar with the story of "the monkey trying to catch the moon's reflection." Zhao Jingshuo circled the stones twice, then suddenly asked, "What is the connection between these stones and what we discussed yesterday about 'seeing the big picture'?"

That's a very good question. Lu Qingyan led him to a small pavilion on higher ground, from which one could overlook the entire stacked stone area: "Your Highness, please look, these stones seem to be placed randomly, but in fact they are arranged in accordance with the formation—the 'Longevity Stone' is in the east, belonging to wood, which governs growth; the 'Spirit Ape Stone' is in the west, near water, where metal generates water; the one in the south that is shaped like a reclining tiger belongs to fire; and the one in the north that is round like a tortoise belongs to water."

He picked up a twig and drew a simple orientation diagram on the mud: "East, South, West, North; Wood, Fire, Metal, Water; the earth in the center is this open space. All five elements are present, creating endless life. This is the garden designer's 'overall plan'."

Zhao Jingshuo looked at the map on the ground, then at the stones in the garden, his mouth slightly agape: "So there are so many rules to arranging stones?"

"Everything in the world has its own rules." Lu Qingyan put down the branch. "Your Highness asked yesterday how to view the whole game in chess. This is one such principle—it's not just about the gain or loss of a single piece, but about where the piece is placed, its relationship with the surrounding pieces, and its role in the overall game."

The child seemed to understand, but the mischievousness of the past few days was gone from his eyes, replaced by a thoughtful expression. He sat down on a stone bench in the pavilion, resting his chin on his hand as he gazed at the garden scenery for a while, before suddenly blurting out, "Then... what about governing a country? Does that also require considering the 'whole picture'?"

The question, posed by a ten-year-old child, sent a chill down Lu Qingyan's spine. He remained silent for a moment before slowly saying, "Governing a country is the most important 'overall situation' in the world. Mountains and rivers, the livelihoods of the people, court affairs, border defenses... all must be taken into account and none can be neglected."

Zhao Jingshuo turned to look at him; the child's eyes were clear and bright in the morning light: "When Compiler Lu spoke of 'using commerce to weaken the army' during the palace examination, was that also 'considering the overall situation'?"

He finally asked. Lu Qingyan nodded frankly: "Yes. If we only know how to send troops to fight the northern barbarians, which will deplete the country's strength and cause suffering to the people, then we are only looking at one piece of the puzzle and not the whole picture. If we can promote trade, strengthen border defenses, and appease the people, leaving no room for the enemy to take advantage, then it will be like the five elements in this garden, mutually generating each other, forming a world of its own."

These words were quite profound, but Zhao Jingshuo listened attentively. After a long while, he whispered, "Father said that some generals in the court don't like what you're saying."

"I know," Lu Qingyan said calmly. "New ideas are never easily accepted. Just like if a stone were suddenly moved from this garden, the entire layout would change, and it's only natural that some people would find it inappropriate."

"So, do you think you're right?"

"Your Majesty, I have only known to do my utmost to share your burdens and plan for the country. As for right and wrong... let future generations judge."

His reply was neither humble nor arrogant. Zhao Jingshuo stared at him for a long time, then suddenly jumped off the stone bench: "Let's go back, it's time for class."

His tone was commanding, but before taking a step, he quietly picked up the branch that Lu Qingyan had used and put it into his sleeve.

June 28th, morning, muggy.

After seven days of continuous instruction, Lu Qingyan had figured out the child's temperament. Zhao Jingshuo was intelligent, but lacked patience; curious, but hated boredom; competitive, but couldn't stand losing. In the end, he was a spoiled and lonely child from a privileged family.

When he entered the study that day, Zhao Jingshuo was slumped over his desk, yawning as he read the "Weaknesses and Strengths" chapter of "The Art of War." The weather was hot and humid, and the boy's temples were covered in sweat; he looked listless.

"If Your Highness finds the heat unbearable, why not change the location for the class?" Lu Qingyan suggested.

"Where to?" Zhao Jingshuo lazily raised his eyes.

"Your Highness, please come with me."

Lu Qingyan led him to a waterside pavilion behind the Imperial Study. It was situated on a corner of Taiye Pond, where a cool breeze blew and the fragrance of lotus blossoms filled the air. There was no desk in the pavilion, only a bamboo couch, stone benches, and an unfinished game of chess.

"No lectures today, let's play chess." Lu Qingyan sat down in front of the chessboard. "The same old rules apply: if Your Highness wins, I will meow like a cat; if I win, Your Highness will listen carefully to my explanation of the principles of a game of chess."

Zhao Jingshuo perked up: "I won't lose this time!"

Kids will be kids; they take the bait easily. The game lasted half an hour, and Zhao Jingshuo still lost by one and a half points, but he accepted the defeat wholeheartedly—he had witnessed firsthand how his offensive was gradually neutralized and how his weaknesses were exploited.

"Why..." he stared at the chessboard, his little face full of confusion, "Why do I always feel like I can capture your pieces, but in the end I always fall into your trap?"

"Because Your Highness only saw the 'real' and not the 'illusion'." Lu Qingyan began to review the situation, pointing to several key points. "Your Highness, look here, here, and here—the flaw I deliberately revealed was the 'illusion'; the real killing move I laid out was ten steps away, that was the 'real'. Your Highness chased after the 'illusion' and naturally overlooked the 'real'."

He spoke slowly, explaining each step clearly. Zhao Jingshuo listened intently, even forgetting to drink the chilled plum juice that Eunuch Liu brought him.

After explaining the game, Lu Qingyan said, "Sun Tzu's Art of War says: 'Warfare is based on deception. Therefore, when you are capable, pretend you are incapable; when you are active, pretend you are not active...' Your Highness's move just now fell into the trap of 'pretending you are incapable.'"

Zhao Jingshuo suddenly realized: "So...so the art of war is in chess!"

"The principles of the world are interconnected." Lu Qingyan smiled. "The principles of chess, military strategy, governance, and personal conduct... all require the ability to discern truth from falsehood and to know when to advance and retreat."

The pavilion fell silent, save for the rustling of the lotus leaves in the wind. Zhao Jingshuo stared at the chessboard for a long time, then suddenly looked up and asked earnestly, "Editor Lu, if I study hard, can I... be like you in the future?"

The question was childish, yet sincere. Looking into the child's bright eyes, Lu Qingyan said gently, "Your Highness is exceptionally intelligent. If you are willing to put in the effort, you will surely surpass me in the future."

It wasn't a perfunctory compliment, but a sincere expectation. Zhao Jingshuo understood, and his face flushed slightly. He lowered his head, his fingers unconsciously stroking the chess pieces. After a while, he suddenly stood up and bowed respectfully to Lu Qingyan.

The ceremony was performed somewhat clumsily, but with great solemnity.

Lu Qingyan quickly stepped aside, saying, "Your Highness, what is this...?"

"My mother said that it is a blessing to have a good teacher." Zhao Jingshuo straightened up, the ten-year-old child trying his best to look like an adult. "A few days ago... I was wrong. From now on, I will listen carefully in class."

He spoke haltingly, clearly not apologizing often. But that's precisely what makes it precious.

A warm feeling welled up in Lu Qingyan's heart, and he solemnly returned the greeting: "It is my honor to be able to instruct Your Highness."

As they left the waterside pavilion, Zhao Jingshuo followed behind him. After a few steps, he suddenly whispered, "Editor Lu, tomorrow... tomorrow, would you like to come to the waterside pavilion for class again? It's cool here."

"it is good."

"So what will we talk about tomorrow?"

"What would Your Highness like to hear?"

The child thought for a moment, then his eyes lit up: "Tell me about Zhuge Liang! Tell me how he used the Empty City Stratagem to scare away Sima Yi!"

"Then let's talk about the Records of the Three Kingdoms, about the 'truth and deception'."

"good!"

The sounds were joyful, full of childlike delight.

It was noon when he stepped out of the palace gates. The sun was blazing, but Lu Qingyan felt a cool breeze in his heart. Seven days had passed, from traps to difficulties, from chess games to the stone garden, from resistance to acceptance.

The unruly third prince finally opened a corner of his heart to him.

Back in Wutong Lane, Yun Shuwei noticed his relaxed expression and knew things were going well. After hearing about the day's events, she sighed, "This child has had a tough time."

"Born into an imperial family, one may seem to enjoy a life of luxury and privilege, but in reality, it's like walking on thin ice." Lu Qingyan took off his official robe. "It's already rare for him to have such a pure and innocent heart."

"Then from now on..."

"Just teach him wholeheartedly." Lu Qingyan looked out the window at the lush green sycamore leaves. "A teacher's duty is to impart knowledge, teach skills, and resolve doubts. As for how far he can go, let's wait and see."

Lu Qingyan knew that he had finally taken root in this deep palace. This root was still very fragile, but given time, it might grow into unexpected branches and leaves.