Candle shadows layered the carved window; young masters stood in the courtyard.
The two young masters of the Yu Family stood shoulder to shoulder, gazing toward the lights in the main house, lost in thought.
"Huh? Have you noticed that, somewhere along the way, they stopped including us in their conversations?" Yu Yuling suddenly asked.
Yu Qianlou paused. "When did they ever include us?"
Yu Yuling choked. "Uh... true enough. But why won't they let us sit in? Are we not qualified?"
Yu Qianlou turned a blank look on his younger brother.
Looking slightly embarrassed, Yu Yuling murmured, "I suppose we really aren't."
Yu Qianlou turned his head back just as blankly.
"Wait, that's not right! I'm not qualified, but you're the provincial Registrar. Why can't you sit in either?" Yu Yuling asked in puzzlement.
Watching the silhouettes inside, Yu Qianlou murmured, "What does being a provincial Registrar amount to? What does even being a provincial Chief Clerk amount to...?"
"His learning really is extraordinary..." Yu Yuling sighed with admiration and envy.
Yu Qianlou felt that his brother was still too naive, seeing nothing but scholarly learning. He offered no further explanation, merely saying softly:
"Learning isn't what makes him formidable."
Yu Yuling shook his head and clasped his hands behind his back.
"You don't understand. Some understand worldly affairs through reading; others understand reading through worldly affairs. Within the classics lie shadows of mountains and rivers; within the savor of worldly life are hidden echoes of ancient counsels. As for the Way, different paths lead to the same destination."
Yu Qianlou's gaze jolted, and he looked at his brother in astonishment.
Hands behind his back, Yu Yuling maintained the air of a sage for several breaths, then smiled sheepishly.
"That's what Wang Yang said during a lecture."
Yu Qianlou: