“Song Yan?” Aunt looked at Dou Zhao in astonishment, clearly surprised.
“Indeed!” Dou Zhao responded with evident interest. “Both his parents have passed away, and he has no other family. He’s been living with Mr. Song in Zhending for years. You’ve met him before – his character is most honest and kind. If we could invite him to marry into our family, it would be perfect!”
Aunt regained her composure. Seeing Dou Zhao’s serious expression, she felt both amused and exasperated. “You didn’t just decide this on the spur of the moment, did you?”
Dou Zhao knew that if she admitted it was a sudden decision, given Aunt’s cautious nature, she would certainly refuse outright.
“Of course not,” Dou Zhao denied firmly. “I’ve had this plan for a while, but I previously thought the Song family’s background was too modest. You said you wanted someone from a scholarly family, and Song Yan is the most suitable candidate.” She pressed Aunt to make a quick decision, “Just tell me if it’s feasible or not. If you approve, while Mr. Song and Song Yan are still here before returning home, I’ll have Yantang act as the matchmaker. If you’re not satisfied, we can think of another option.” She added in a low voice, “For a man marrying into our family, isn’t it better to have fewer relatives involved? Besides, we’ve watched Song Yan grow up, so we know him well. It would be hard to find a more suitable candidate!”
Families seeking to bring in a son-in-law usually had few descendants of their own. Although contracts regarding inheritance and care for the elderly would be established before the marriage, as the father-in-law aged and weakened, and the son-in-law proved capable, he might gradually gain power. There were numerous examples of sons-in-law eventually taking over the wife’s family’s wealth and property, then marrying another woman and having children. This was why the bride’s family was extremely cautious in selecting a son-in-law and placed great importance on the man’s character.
From this perspective, Song Yan’s character was indeed beyond reproach.
However, for the woman’s side to propose seemed somewhat like forcing the issue.
Aunt hesitated.
Dou Zhao, on the other hand, became increasingly convinced that Song Yan was suitable – not only was he good-looking, but he also had a gentle personality, was hardworking, and honest. When Uncle and Aunt grew old, Song Yan would undoubtedly take good care of them.
Seeing Aunt’s hesitation, Dou Zhao hurriedly said, “We should at least try, shouldn’t we? My cousin is already twenty years old. How much longer can you keep her at home?”
After some thought, Aunt still opted for a cautious approach. “First, go and test the waters. If the Song family is also interested, we can make a formal proposal later.”
Dou Zhao nodded happily and went to the front reception hall.
Song Mo was speaking with Song Yan: “…I didn’t expect we’d be from the same clan. Where are you from? How old are you this year? What did your father do? Who else is in your family? Have you studied?”
Mr. Song assumed Song Mo was merely curious about meeting someone with the same surname and didn’t think much of it. Song Yan, even less suspecting, respectfully answered each question: “I’m from Quzhou. I just came of age this year. My father was a xiucai who made a living as a tutor. He passed away when I was three, and my mother died when I was seven. I have no other family left. I studied with my uncle for a few years and can read a bit.”
His manner was modest and polite, which impressed Song Mo. He then asked, “Since you’ve come of age, have you chosen a courtesy name?”
“Yes!” Song Yan replied. “My uncle gifted me the courtesy name ‘Qianli’.”
Song Mo’s smile grew warmer. “What books have you been reading? Have you taken any examinations yet?”
“I’ve mostly been reading the Four Books and Five Classics with my uncle. He says my level is limited and that I should study for a few more years before taking the exams.”
Song Mo knew that the literary atmosphere in Jiangnan was flourishing, and even becoming a xiucai there was much harder than in the north. Moreover, with Song Yan being an orphan and Song Yumin tutoring in Zhending, the journey from Zhending to Jiangnan was thousands of miles and quite expensive, which was likely another reason why he hadn’t returned home to take the exams.
“Since you’re preparing for the exams, I assume you have some insights into essay writing?” he asked with a smile.
Song Yan modestly replied as usual, “I’ve just started learning to write. I can only say that I haven’t strayed too far from the proper form.”
Song Mo smiled and said, “I saw a topic in my father-in-law’s room recently: ‘Know how to cultivate oneself, and complete the following verse.’ I know ‘Know how to cultivate oneself’ is from ‘Know how to cultivate oneself, then know how to govern others; know how to govern others, then know how to govern the world and the state.’ But I don’t know what ‘complete the following verse’ refers to.”
Song Yumin, Dou Zhengchang, and Dou Dechang, who had been smiling as they watched the exchange, suddenly became serious.
This was a “truncated topic,” requiring the essay writer to be well-versed in the Four Books and Five Classics. It was one of the most difficult types of essay questions.
Song Mo claimed not to know the next line, but Song Yumin, Dou Zhengchang, and Dou Dechang naturally didn’t believe him. Song Yan and Song Mo had no grudges against each other, so why was he challenging Song Yan like this?
Song Yumin sat up straight.
The Dou brothers exchanged a surprised glance.
Song Yan smiled and said, “It’s from ‘The Doctrine of the Mean’: ‘There are nine standards by which to administer the empire, its states, and the families therein: To cultivate one’s character; To honor the worthy; To cherish one’s kindred; To respect high ministers of state; To identify oneself with the welfare of the whole body of officials; To treat the common people as one’s children; To attract all classes of artisans; To show tenderness to strangers from far countries; To take an interest in the welfare of all the princes of the empire.'”
He had caught on that this son-in-law of the Dou family – the heir of Duke Ying – was testing him.
But why?
Compared to Song Mo, he came from a humble background and had no official rank. How could he possibly be connected to this noble? Why was he focusing on him?
Song Yan was thoroughly confused.
Song Mo gazed at him intently and smiled, “The principles of self-cultivation in ‘The Doctrine of the Mean’ encompass all aspects of governance.”
Song Yan didn’t immediately understand Song Mo’s meaning. After a moment, he realized that Song Mo was composing an essay based on the topic “Know how to cultivate oneself, and complete the following verse.”
But why was he looking at him?
Song Yan wondered silently.
Song Mo, however, just smiled at him without speaking.
Song Yan suddenly understood.
Song Mo wanted him to continue the essay!
He was dumbfounded.
Song Mo slowly picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and praised, “Silver buds unfurling, truly an excellent tea!”
The Dou family was serving Jiangxi Shuangjing green tea today.
Song Yan’s forehead began to sweat. He looked to Song Yumin for help.
The Dou brothers and Song Yumin realized what was happening. Dou Dechang was about to intervene when Song Mo smiled and asked Song Yumin, “Mr. Song, where are you staying?”
Unsure of Song Mo’s intentions, Song Yumin vaguely replied, “At a friend’s house.”
But Song Mo pressed further, “Is it in the east or west of the city? Which ward?”
Song Yumin frowned almost imperceptibly.
He had heard much about this heir of Duke Ying during his days in the capital. Not only was Song Mo from a prominent family, but his strategies and schemes were not to be underestimated. As a mere scholar, Song Yumin naturally preferred to avoid conflict when possible.
“In the fourth alley of Chong’an Ward in the western part of the city,” Song Yumin said. “We’re staying at a friend’s place!”
Song Mo nodded with a smile and turned his gaze back to Song Yan as if urging him to continue with the essay.
Fortunately, Song Yan’s foundation was solid. He had been preparing to take the exams after returning home with his uncle and had been focusing on essay writing for the past two years. Taking a deep breath to calm himself, he pondered for about half an incense stick’s time before speaking: “In discussing the principles of governance, there is a natural progression from self to others. How profound is the importance of self-cultivation? ‘The Doctrine of the Mean’ thus addresses governance about the self, extending from self-cultivation to governance.” Although his tone was somewhat hesitant, the essay flowed naturally and coherently.
The most crucial aspect of this truncated essay was connecting the preceding and following sentences. This was especially challenging given that Song Mo had provided the opening and Song Yan had to continue.
Everyone in the room brightened at his response.
Song Yan secretly breathed a sigh of relief, feeling more confident. He continued, “Is this not intentional? Zisi, recounting Confucius’ reply to Duke Ai’s question on governance, states that governance is indeed rooted in self-cultivation. The principles that govern oneself are the same principles that govern others. Truly knowing how to cultivate oneself leads to virtue and the implementation of the Way… The principles for one person are the principles for all… Yet the world and the state cannot be left ungoverned, and there are nine constant principles of governance…”
Suddenly, someone outside the reception hall clapped and exclaimed, “Excellent! ‘The principles for one person are the principles for all’!”
Everyone turned to see Dou Shiying, dressed in official robes, smiling as he entered.
“Qianli, I didn’t expect your scholarship to be so solid!” he said.
Everyone stood to greet Dou Shiying, then sat down again according to their status.
Dou Shiying smiled and asked, “How did you come to be writing essays?”
All eyes turned to Song Mo.
Song Mo, however, showed no signs of discomfort and smiled, saying, “We were just chatting to pass the time.”
As a scholar himself, Dou Shiying naturally hoped that Song Mo would also be well-educated. Hearing this, he became interested and asked for details.
Dou Zhengchang quickly explained what had happened, which made Dou Shiying eager to discuss essay writing with Song Yumin.
Meanwhile, Song Mo found an excuse to speak with Dou Zhao privately. “What did Aunt say?” he asked.
“It’s settled!” Dou Zhao wore a victorious expression. “As long as the Song family is willing, we can arrange the marriage.”
“The Song family might pose some difficulties,” Song Mo told Dou Zhao about his test of Song Yan. “With his level of scholarship, he’s surely aiming for an official career through the imperial examinations. He might not easily agree to marry into our family.”
Dou Zhao’s jaw dropped. She said sheepishly, “No wonder Uncle and Aunt have been busy for years without finding a suitable husband for Cousin Zhangru.”
“However, it’s not entirely impossible,” Song Mo said, showing more determination than Dou Zhao. He pondered, “I’ve found out where Song Yumin is staying. I’ll pay him a personal visit later and make sure he agrees to this marriage. Since Song Qianli grew up relying on others’ charity and is indebted to Song Yumin, how could he refuse if Song Yumin agrees?”
“How do you plan to convince Mr. Song?” In Dou Zhao’s impression, although Song Yumin was gentle, he wasn’t a pushover without his own opinions.
“Everyone has weaknesses,” Song Mo said. “Time is short, so I’ll first interact with him and see.”
That was all they could do for now.
Dou Zhao felt a bit discouraged. After two unsuccessful attempts at matchmaking, she didn’t have a talent for it. Once she found a suitable husband for Cousin Zhangru, she would never meddle in such matters again.
One of them returned to the back courtyard, while the other went back to the reception hall.
After lunch, Song Yumin and Song Yan took their leave.
About an incense stick’s time later, Song Mo and Dou Zhao also left Jing’an Temple Alley.
Dou Dechang pestered Dou Shiying: “Seventh Uncle, did you give Fourth Brother-in-law the topic ‘Know how to cultivate oneself, and complete the following verse’?”
“I didn’t!” Dou Shiying said, puzzled. “Wasn’t it Mr. Song who posed the question?”
How could he dare to give Song Mo such a difficult topic? If Song Mo couldn’t answer, wouldn’t it damage the relationship between him and his son-in-law?
Dou Zhengchang and Dou Dechang exchanged bewildered looks.
Dou Shiying grew anxious: “What exactly happened? Tell me quickly!”