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34. Thirty-Four Treasures ?

As long as it is practical, it's sufficient to make it serve one's needs.

Xu Zhen felt that this reasoning was just right for persuading him to study, so she shared it with the student seeking her advice: "You see, these two points may seem contradictory; that's why we have to look at things practically. In today's society, where universal education is implemented, your brother reading books is actually a form of 'wu wei.' If he doesn't study, he'll end up like the useless chicken or the scattered wood that can't be made into timber-too conspicuous!"

The cuju player nodded in understanding. "There is indeed a passage about slaughtering chickens; I haven't read it in so long that I was about to forget." He seemed a bit uncertain and added, "But even so, he could still counter with the story of the hat seller from the Song Kingdom."

Xu Zhen asked, "What's that about?"

The boy related the story: "A hat seller from the Song Kingdom thought he could make a fortune selling hats in the Yue Kingdom, believing the locals had never seen one. But when he arrived, he discovered that the Yue people all had shaved heads and tattoos, so they had no need for hats."

After pausing for a moment, he continued, "Therefore, my brother would say that to be open-minded and embrace the world, one cannot be constrained by knowledge."

Xu Zhen responded, "How can he think like that? According to his reasoning, having read Zhuangzi means he also possesses knowledge, which makes him bound. How could he then achieve an open mind?"

The cuju player replied, "We understand this reasoning, but we don't know how to persuade him."

Xu Zhen suggested, "Then tell him the story of Qian Wu and Lian Shu. Lian Shu is limited in his experiences because he has read so little; he doesn't believe in the existence of extraordinary people. If he doesn't study, isn't he just like Lian Shu, with a narrow mind?"

The young player nodded. "And also-"

Xu Zhen stared in astonishment. "What do you mean 'and also'??"

This was dragging on! This whole business seemed to be a complete loss on her end!

The cuju player, completely oblivious to Xu Zhen's inner turmoil, continued to recite various sayings from his friends, discussing the "Qiwulun" (Treatise on Equality) and theories of human nature.

Xu Zhen felt her head spin, and she struggled to come up with counterarguments until she finally managed to persuade the young player to leave her be.

The boy rushed off in a flurry.

Not long after, he came rushing back, excitement evident on his face, and exclaimed, "It worked! It really worked!! My brother has gotten up!"

Xu Zhen, sitting casually on the steps with her legs crossed, inquired, "Got up to do what?"

"To sit in the room!" the cuju player said eagerly. "As soon as he heard he'd become like Lian Shu or a frog in a well, he immediately changed his expression and went inside to pick up a book to read!"

Xu Zhen was curious, "Haven't you all tried to persuade him like this before?"

The boy replied, "We all urged him to take the imperial examinations; who would have thought of persuading him like this? He always gets a headache just thinking about the examinations, sigh-"

Xu Zhen laughed heartily.

The young man said, "You're truly wasting your talent working as a temporary worker. Are you coming tomorrow? I can ask my father to find you a better position; the pay will surely be better than it is now!"