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

July 8th, afternoon.

Lu Qingyan placed the neatly copied "Memorial on Three Strategies for Border Affairs" into a brocade box, affixed the seal of the Hanlin Academy to the box, and stamped it with his own personal seal. The box was not heavy, containing only a dozen or so pages, but he felt it was heavy—it contained not only writings, but also his painstaking efforts over the past few days, and perhaps even future fortune and misfortune.

Yun Shuwei watched from the side and said softly, "I'll have Coachman Zhao take you to the palace. After you've submitted your memorial, come back immediately. Don't linger."

"I know." Lu Qingyan fastened his official robes. "As for the Zhou family..."

"Father has already sent an invitation, inviting Vice Minister Zhou to a teahouse meeting tomorrow." Yun Shuwei straightened his clothes. "Don't worry, I'll take care of things at home."

These words, though spoken casually, warmed Lu Qingyan's heart. He took her hand and said, "Thank you for your hard work."

"We don't talk about these things between husband and wife." Yun Shu smiled, her smile containing both reassurance and determination.

The carriage headed towards the capital. The capital in July was unbearably hot and humid; the streets were deserted, save for the incessant chirping of cicadas. Lu Qingyan, clutching the brocade box, closed his eyes to rest. He had revised this memorial seven times, showing each draft to Yun Shuwei and secretly consulting with Li Mubai. The final version retained his core principles of "strengthening the foundation, building a strong army, and winning hearts and minds," while making compromises in wording—for example, "dividing the Di tribes" was changed to "kindly pacifying the various tribes," and "using the Di to control the Di" was replaced with "selecting the best and employing them."

It's not cowardice, but a necessary tact. Some truths are harder to put into practice if stated too bluntly.

Outside the Zichen Palace, Gao Deshun was already waiting. Upon seeing Lu Qingyan arrive, the chief eunuch rarely showed a smile: "Editor Lu has arrived. His Majesty is currently reviewing memorials and has instructed that you may come in directly."

"Thank you for your trouble, sir."

The hall was cool, with an ice mirror in the corner radiating a chill. Emperor Zhao Heng sat behind his desk, reviewing memorials. Seeing Lu Qingyan enter, he put down his vermilion brush: "Is the memorial finished?"

"Yes." Lu Qingyan knelt down and presented the brocade box.

Gao Deshun took the papers, opened them for inspection, and then placed them on the imperial desk. Zhao Heng pulled out the stack of papers, his gaze sweeping over the first page before freezing. He read slowly, sometimes frowning, sometimes pondering, his fingers unconsciously tapping the table.

The hall was silent, with only the rustling sound of papers turning.

Lu Qingyan knelt with his head bowed, but his heart remained calm. Every sentence in his memorial had a source, and every suggestion had been considered for feasibility. He was betting that this emperor truly had the will to govern the country, and that he was not just looking for praise and flattery.

About an incense stick's time later, Zhao Heng finally raised his head: "Changping trade...where did you get this idea from?"

"Your Majesty," Lu Qingyan said respectfully, "I have reviewed the old system of border markets from the previous dynasty and, in light of the actual situation of border trade in our dynasty, I believe it can be improved. "The border market should not be a monopoly of the government, but should also allow small-scale transactions by border residents. This would not only meet the daily needs of the Di tribes, but also bring border trade under supervision and prevent smuggling."

"What about the trading of salt and tea permits?"

"This is modeled after the old salt administration system. The Di people exchange cattle, sheep and horses for vouchers, which can then be used to exchange for salt, tea and cloth at designated markets. This serves two purposes: firstly, it regulates trade; secondly, ... the vouchers must be used within the territory of Dayong, which encourages frequent exchanges among the Di people, increases understanding, and reduces hostility."

Zhao Heng stared at him: "You're doing business like a merchant."

"In my opinion, governing a country is like managing a household. Firewood, rice, oil, and salt are all practical matters," Lu Qingyan said calmly. "The root cause of instability on the border lies in the people's livelihood. If we can promote stability through trade and strengthen border defenses through stability, it will be a matter for merchants and a blessing for the nation."

These were bold words. Gao Deshun, who was listening nearby, was alarmed and secretly glanced at the emperor.

Zhao Heng chuckled, "What a fine 'firewood, rice, oil, and salt are all practical matters'!" He continued reading, and when he came to the "military household contract system," his brow furrowed again. "What does this mean?"

"The military settlements on the border are often inefficient. I believe that we can try to contract the military settlements to military households, collect grain by the acre, and keep the surplus grain. In this way, military households will benefit from farming and will manage the land diligently; the military will have a stable source of grain and the soldiers guarding the border will have no worries about their livelihood."

"What if the military households only care about their own fields and neglect their training?"

"Therefore, it is necessary to establish a rule: the contractor must provide a separate member of their family to guard or train the land. Moreover, the contract is not permanent, and it will be reviewed every three years. If the land is left uncultivated or the children are lazy, the land will be taken back and another person will be chosen."

Zhao Heng pondered for a long time before turning to the last strategy, "Soothe the various tribes well." When he saw the words "Choose the good and use them," he looked up at Lu Qingyan and said, "This strategy is the most subtle one you've written."

"Your subject... dares not speak presumptuously."

"Is it that you dare not, or that you are unwilling?" Zhao Heng put down the petition. "Lu Qingyan, the courage you showed during the palace examination has been completely restrained today."

Lu Qingyan bowed and said, "Your Majesty is wise. During the palace examination, I was a candidate, and it was my duty to speak freely; today, I am a court official, and it is my duty to offer comprehensive advice and strategies for the country."

That was a clever answer. Zhao Heng looked at him, a hint of approval flashing in his eyes. Talented yet humble, outspoken yet knowing when to stop—such a young man is rare.

"I have kept the memorial," Zhao Heng said. "Go back now, and do not mention this matter to any outsiders."

"I obey your decree."

Emerging from the Zichen Palace, Lu Qingyan realized his back was soaked with cold sweat. His answers, seemingly composed, had been fraught with peril, each word spoken as if treading on thin ice. Fortunately, the Emperor hadn't been angry; on the contrary…

He dared not think too deeply and quickened his pace to leave the palace.

When he returned to the Hanlin Academy, it was already late afternoon. Upon seeing him, Editor Wang whispered, "Brother Lu, Editor Zhou has taken leave today."

"Are you asking for leave?"

"He said he was feeling unwell." Editor Wang paused, "But I heard that several guests came to Vice Minister Zhou's residence today—all officials from the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Revenue, as if they were discussing something."

Lu Qingyan felt a chill run down his spine. His father-in-law was to meet with Zhou Yannian tomorrow, and the Zhou family had already gathered their colleagues today. Was this a preemptive strike?

He composed himself and said, "Thank you for informing me, Brother Wang."

"Brother Lu, you're too kind." Editor Wang hesitated for a moment, "There's one more thing... Scholar Li was summoned to the palace this afternoon and hasn't returned yet."

Li Mubai was summoned to the palace? Lu Qingyan recalled the memorial he had just submitted. Could it be that the emperor had already consulted with his important ministers so soon?

Just then, footsteps sounded outside the door. Li Mubai returned, his expression as usual, but his eyes held a hint of weariness. He glanced at Lu Qingyan: "Come with me."

The two entered Li Mubai's study. As soon as the door closed, Li Mubai said, "The Emperor has shown me your memorial."

Lu Qingyan's heart skipped a beat: "What does the scholar think?"

"The idea is good," Li Mubai said, sitting down. "But it's too novel, too hasty." He looked at Lu Qingyan. "Qingyan, do you know how many people's livelihoods will be at risk if these three measures are implemented?"

"The students know."

"You knew that, yet you still wrote it?" Li Mubai sighed. "Border trade involves the Ministry of Revenue, the Maritime Trade Office, and local government offices; military household contracting involves the Ministry of War, the Ministry of Works, and border generals; the division of the Di tribes... those are matters for the Privy Council and the Court of State Ceremonies. This memorial of yours has offended almost all the Six Ministries and Nine Ministers."

These words were quite blunt. Lu Qingyan remained silent for a moment before saying, "Scholar, when I wrote this memorial, I only wished for peace on the border and for the people to suffer less from the ravages of war. As for who I might offend... I couldn't care less."

Li Mubai looked at him, his expression complex. After a long while, he waved his hand: "Alright, since the Emperor has asked you to write it, he must have his reasons." He paused, "But remember, be careful with your words and actions these days. As for the Zhou family... since the Duke of Yun has intervened, don't cause any more trouble."

"The student understands."

It was already late when Lu Qingyan left Li Mubai's study. He returned to his duty room, packed his things, and prepared to leave. There were a few books on the table that Zhou Wenyuan hadn't taken with him; he glanced at them and then looked away.

Some people and some things are ultimately just different paths.

Back in Wutong Lane, Yun Shuwei had already prepared dinner. Seeing him return, she asked, "How is it?"

"The memorial has been submitted." Lu Qingyan briefly explained the classic text, "His Majesty also had Scholar Li review it."

Yun Shu frowned slightly: "What did Scholar Li say?"

"They say my ideas are too novel and will offend people," Lu Qingyan said with a wry smile. "But since it's already been presented, I'll leave it to fate."

"So what are your plans next?"

"Wait," Lu Qingyan said. "Wait for the Emperor's decree, wait for the Zhou family's actions, wait for the right opportunity."

That night, Lu Qingyan slept restlessly. In his dream, he seemed to return to the day of the imperial examination, standing atop the golden hall, facing the questioning of civil and military officials. The questions came one after another, and he answered until his throat was dry. When he woke up, it was still dark.

Beside him, Yun Shuwei was fast asleep. Lu Qingyan gently got up and walked to the window. The east was already showing the first light of dawn, and the morning stars were few and far between.

A new day is about to begin.

He knew that from this day forward, he would truly step into the vortex of the imperial court. Whether the road ahead would lead to soaring success or an abyss, no one knew.

But he didn't regret it. Since he had come all this way, he should leave something behind.

The sycamore leaves outside the window rustled gently in the morning breeze, as if responding to his thoughts.