Statecraft and Enlightenment-Where Did You Hear That?

Madam Zhuge and Zhuge Jian were in no hurry. They waited outside the door at their ease.

The moon slowly rose.

By the time the candlelight inside began to flicker and Xie Yuan finally set down the book in his hand, the moon had climbed higher still.

Only then did Zhuge Jian slowly raise a hand and tap on the carved wooden door.

From inside came Xie Yuan's voice, edged with impatience.

"I've told you, studying means enduring hardship. Don't trouble the kitchen to make me soup at night."

A voice came from outside.

"Yuan'er, it's your mother!"

Xie Yuan immediately rose and pulled open the door. His face lit up.

"Uncle! Didn't you say you were going back today?"

Madam Zhuge's lips curved into a gentle smile.

"Look at you. Now that your uncle's here, you've forgotten all about your mother."

At that, Xie Yuan hurriedly took his mother's arm.

"Uncle comes so rarely. Why are you teasing me like this, Mother?"

Madam Zhuge's expression turned stern.

"The soup I had the kitchen make for you every day contains herbs that are good for your eyes. Didn't you tell me you drank every bowl to the last drop?"

"So you've been deceiving your mother all along."

Embarrassed, Xie Yuan quickly looked to Zhuge Jian for help.

Zhuge Jian smiled. "Yuan must have been so absorbed in his studies that he forgot."

Madam Zhuge said, "Don't do it again."

Xie Yuan could only nod. He muttered,

"Guan never drinks his..."

Madam Zhuge was helpless. She was pleased that Yuan'er wanted to follow Xie Guan's example in his studies.

When one saw a worthy man, one should strive to equal him!

But there was no need to imitate him in this. Could the mighty Xie Clan not afford a little food?