The Gatekeeper returned as the light faded from the sky.

Yin Su prepared food and the Traveler rested on the mat peacefully.

 “What do you write today? Advice that will make me more successful?” the Gatekeeper asked.

“Success is not something easily defined.” the Traveler said.

“There are many thoughts these days. Everyone has an opinion. How to know what is correct?” The Gatekeeper sighed.

“Ah, you are right in your observations. Yet in your remote location you do not see the many philosophers who ply their ideas in search of a meal. Morality has degraded to the point that one will flatter to gain the ear of the Lord of a Great house and an evening meal.”

“Traveler, you are right. The winds blow in one direction then another, then another. It is difficult to know what is virtuous.”

“Ah, virtue.”

“The Great Houses line their coffers with the sweat of others. Do they not owe a fair return to those who labor?”

“One does not need the virtue of the Great Houses to be virtuous. One must find a path and endure. It does little good to change course.”

“Even if one is unhappy on the current course?”

The Traveler considered. “Happiness. What is happiness? Many possessions? I think not. Lack of difficulties? No. There is no way to avoid difficulties. Everyone has hard times. It cannot be avoided. To find happiness even with difficulties is to understand the world you live in and be part of it.”

“I understand that I toil for the government and the wealthy in the capital city. Without my scrutiny collecting taxes, they would not have the great sums of money I collect for them. I receive only a pittance.”

“You must be like water.”

“Water?”

“Yes, it is streams of water that wear away the rocks of the mountains.”

 “I do not have centuries to wait to create canyons.”

“And your difficulties are more mutable than rocks. Analyze your situation. Simplify. Break any large tasks to smaller ones that can be easily accomplished. How goes the repair of the gate?”

“The gate? The men of the village lend their backs to straighten it. The gate is badly damaged. Timbers must be replaced. The men talk of needing more help.”

“Perhaps guidance from you would unite their efforts.”

“I have told them it must be repaired. What more can I do?”

“Be like water.”

“Water again. How?”

“Your orders may be rigid or vague. The village men do not know the best way to proceed. Be flexible in your approach. Ask their opinion about methods. Use your authority to give it to them.”

“I will appear weak.”

“Remember water. It is flexible and endures. Being pliant and flexible is not a weakness, it is a strength. It allows you to conform to the situation and conquer it.”

Just then Yin Su brought steaming bowls of vegetables in porridge. Soon bellies were full. Sleep came easily for her Husband and the Traveler. Yin Su returned to the writing desk. She wrote What is virtue? and How to find happiness. Then she, too, slept.

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