The matter of “carrying once every two” occupied Zhang Shou for a full quarter of an hour as he explained it to Minister of War Lu Wan.
Outside, Third Young Master Lu spent another quarter of an hour explaining the same thing to Zhu Er.
Meanwhile, everyone else present—whether Zhu Ying, Madam Lu Zhen, the two elder Lu brothers, or Nanny Jiang and Zhu Hong, who had only just entered the Lu residence and were standing outside the study—received an intensive lesson in mathematics as well.
And then…
There was no “then.”
The essence of binary notation was difficult enough for many modern science students to grasp without taking some time to digest it, often making mistakes during their first conversions.
Never mind scholars from ancient times who knew only the classics—or ordinary people who had merely learned to read.
As a result…
Zhu Er’s head was spinning.
The scalps of Eldest and Second Young Master Lu tingled with numbness.
Nanny Jiang and Zhu Hong exchanged glances, both thoroughly astonished.
How long had the future young master even studied under Grand Secretary Ge?
Not very long, had it?
He learned all this just from reading those mathematics classics?
What kind of brain does someone need to understand things like this?
Grand Secretary Ge truly deserves his reputation! Back then he earned the highest honors in every stage of the imperial examinations, and his title as a grand master of mathematics clearly wasn’t just for show.
No wonder his last disciple is so incredible!
And because the future young master is so capable… Third Young Master Lu has become this impressive as well!
Inside the study.
Standing before the writing desk, Zhu Ying had long since grown accustomed to strange and profound terms spilling from Zhang Shou’s mouth.
She remained elegant and composed.
Every so often, however, her bright eyes drifted toward the young man beside her, filled with unmistakable pride.
Even if…
She didn’t understand a single word.
Behind the desk, however, Minister Lu finally had no choice but to interrupt with a cough.
“I understand how those horizontal lines become binary. I also understand that these binary numbers must be converted into the decimal numbers we use every day. But…”
He frowned.
“I’m still only half understanding how the conversion actually works.”
He looked directly at Zhang Shou.
“Doctor Zhang, there’s no need to continue explaining. I only wish to ask one thing. If Third understands the principle…”
“…will he be able to decipher it?”
Zhang Shou smiled.
“I think Minister Lu underestimates your son’s talent for drawing inferences and applying what he’s learned.”
Outside the door, Third Young Master Lu could no longer remain silent.
Without another thought, he strode forward and pushed the study door open.
Holding his head high, he declared, “Father, now that Little Teacher has revealed the secret behind those horizontal lines, of course I can decipher it. And as for the clerks working under you in the Ministry of War…”
He shrugged.
“They spend every day dealing with military inventories and numerical records. As long as they understand the key idea, there are certainly a few among them who can solve it as well.”
He lifted his chin proudly.
“That’s called…
‘Everyone has their own specialty.'”
Then, for the first time in his life, he addressed his father with unprecedented firmness.
“If it hadn’t been for the hints you kept dropping before, I wouldn’t have chased after Miss Zhu like some mangy stray dog. Now that I know it was nothing but a smokescreen…”
He took a deep breath.
“…I’ll make myself perfectly clear.”
“I know my own worth. If you still want to arrange some political marriage for appearances’ sake, then use Eldest Brother or Second Brother.”
“Don’t drag me into it.”
“Impudent!”
Lu Wan slammed both hands onto the desk and sprang to his feet.
The moment Third Young Master Lu saw his father explode, all of his earlier bravado vanished.
Without thinking, he darted behind Zhang Shou and Zhu Ying.
Seeing this, Lu Wan nearly died of anger.
He had just begun believing his youngest son had finally grown a little backbone.
Instead…
The boy immediately hid behind other people.
His chest hurt.
His liver hurt.
Everything hurt.
At that moment, however, his wife hurried into the study, her face filled with pleading.
Having been husband and wife for so many years, Lu Wan knew exactly what that expression meant.
Taking a deep breath, he finally suppressed his fury.
“Fine.”
“Fine.”
“Since your wings have hardened…”
“…from now on, do whatever you want.”
“I can’t be bothered to interfere anymore.”
Third Young Master Lu immediately poked half his head out from behind Zhang Shou.
“So…”
“…does that mean I can move back into the Imperial Academy dormitories?”
The instant he saw his father’s expression darken again, he quickly shrank back.
Even so, his tone remained completely justified.
“Little Teacher promised me that as long as I place first…”
“…I’ll become the head student of Nine Chapters Hall.”
Before Lu Wan could answer, Madam Zhen hurriedly spoke first.
“Yes! Go live at the Imperial Academy.”
“But you must come home every rest day.”
She stole a glance at her husband.
Seeing that he had no desire to speak further, she turned toward Zhang Shou with a warm smile.
“Doctor Zhang…”
“I leave Third in your care.”
“I don’t ask that he become some great scholar.”
“I only hope that from now on he can hold his head high…
“…and live with confidence.”
Zhang Shou nodded gently.
“Madam’s wish will certainly come true.”
Smiling, he added, “When Third Young Master becomes the head student of Nine Chapters Hall…”
“…he’ll come home and kowtow to you as his mother.”
Madam Zhen’s eyes reddened with happiness.
“Wonderful…”
“Then this mother thanks Doctor Zhang for your auspicious words.”
Thinking of her youngest son’s bright future, her gratitude toward Zhang Shou overflowed.
Even the way she viewed Zhu Ying suddenly improved dramatically.
After all…
Since Zhu Ying would no longer become her daughter-in-law…
Every flaw she’d once disliked had magically become a virtue.
An unmarried young lady should naturally be cheerful and lively.
A little spoiled and headstrong wasn’t a problem at all.
Did she really want someone lifeless and rigid?
Sigh…
She’d only given birth to three sons.
Never a daughter.
With that thought, Madam Zhen affectionately took Zhu Ying’s hand.
“Yingying…”
“I’ve always admired your grandmother. Now that your family has been facing so many troubles, you and your second brother must take especially good care of the old Madam. As for your second brother and my Third…”
“…it was only a temporary misunderstanding that caused this little dispute. Our families have long been close friends.”
“Just let Third explain everything clearly to your second brother.”
Zhu Ying almost instinctively jerked her hand away.
Close family friends?
Your husband is one of the chief conspirators attacking my father!
And who gave you permission to call me Yingying?
She was on the verge of exploding.
Then…
She noticed Zhang Shou quietly winking at her.
After only a brief hesitation, she forced herself to endure Madam Zhen’s long stream of advice.
Seeing that Zhu Ying no longer stormed off the moment someone said something disagreeable—as she used to—Madam Zhen’s smile grew even brighter.
Having a fiancé really does make a young lady more mature…
Satisfied, she let go of Zhu Ying’s hand and turned toward Lu Wan.
“My lord, it’s already so late.”
“Why don’t we ask Doctor Zhang to stay for dinner before leaving?”
He just stole your son…and you still want to feed him dinner?
Lu Wan nearly developed a headache from his wife’s utter lack of sense.
At the moment, however, he was preoccupied with whether ordinary Ministry of War clerks could truly solve the cipher.
Too distracted to argue, he waved his hand.
“If you want to entertain him, then set a table in your own courtyard.”
“Let Third accompany the guests.”
As he spoke, his eyes suddenly landed on Zhu Er.
His irritation immediately surged again.
It was all because of Zhu Gongquan—the man Zhu Er had brought.
“A confidential audience…”
“A matter of utmost importance…”
If that self-important fool hadn’t run to inform him…he never would’ve invited Zhang Shou and Zhu Ying into the residence.
Thus, Zhu Er—who had expected to be beaten and thrown out of the Lu residence—instead found himself invited to Madam Zhen’s private courtyard like a distinguished guest.
He even received the treatment reserved for intimate family friends.
During dinner, Third Young Master Lu cheerfully arranged chopsticks, served food, and poured wine.
Not only did he attend to his mother so attentively that she smiled from ear to ear…
He also waited on Zhang Shou and Zhu Ying with meticulous care.
Watching this…
Zhu Er felt increasingly bitter.
If only I’d served Grandmother like this…
Maybe things at home wouldn’t have become so miserable…
Fortunately—or unfortunately—
No one noticed Zhu Er’s self-pity.
Not Zhang Shou.
Not Zhu Ying.
Not even Third Young Master Lu.
Because…
Zhang Shou and Third Young Master Lu had stayed awake all night the previous evening.
Zhu Ying had spent the entire day rushing about.
After barely eating half a meal, Zhang Shou finally succumbed to exhaustion and stood to take his leave.
He also stopped Third Young Master Lu from accompanying him out.
“The Nine Chapters Hall is being renovated over the next couple of days. You can simply come directly to Grand Secretary Ge’s residence. I’m there quite often myself.”
“My teacher is compiling a handbook of technical terminology.”
“And, as it happens…”
“…he’s become rather interested in coded messages and cryptography.”
Third Young Master Lu agreed repeatedly, both shocked and delighted.
Madam Zhen looked even happier than her son.
Seeing their reactions, Zhang Shou smiled inwardly.
Then…
Someone tugged firmly at his sleeve.
Without even looking, he knew it was Zhu Ying.
He also knew exactly why she was upset.
We didn’t come here just to rescue Third Young Master Lu!
We still haven’t asked Lu Wan about that matter!
Without turning his head, Zhang Shou said meaningfully, “Yingying…”
“It’s getting late.”
“I’ll escort you home first.”
“Don’t worry.”
“He’ll come looking for us.”
Those words were all that kept Zhu Ying silent until they finally left the Lu residence.
Only after climbing into the carriage and seeing Zhang Shou about to mount his horse did she angrily stick her head out the window.
“A-Shou!”
“Can’t you just explain things properly?”
Zhang Shou blinked.
Then, smiling, he simply recited four numbers.
“353.”
“150.”
“305.”
“558.”
Zhu Ying stared blankly.
“What are those supposed to mean?”
“They’re the decimal numbers obtained by converting the first four binary groups from the family letter Third Young Master Lu passed out earlier.”
He smiled.
“But without the codebook…”
“…there are countless books under heaven.”
“Minister Lu will need quite a bit of luck before he finds the characters those numbers correspond to.”
Then he laughed softly.
“If his luck isn’t very good…”
“…he’ll naturally come looking for us again.”
“And even if his luck is good…”
“…he may still come.”
“Because by then, he may realize that the note Third Young Master Lu passed out revealed far more than it should have.”
“When that happens…”
“…we’ll finally be the ones in control.”
Zhu Ying’s eyes immediately lit up with delight.
At that very moment, a cool, indifferent voice drifted over.
“Young Master.”
“Miss.”
“Where should I put this sack?”
Recognizing A-Liu’s voice, Zhang Shou turned around.
When he saw the rather slight young man carrying an enormous burlap sack over one shoulder, he couldn’t help asking, “Where did you get that?”
Seeing Zhu Ying leaning out of the carriage window curiously watching him, A-Liu simply pointed toward the gates of the Lu residence.
“I picked it up.”
As for how he had picked it up…
Was there really any need to explain?
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