Tsar Alexander and Napoleon develop their friendship over the next few years. By 1809, the Russians even send troops to help the French when Napoleon declares war on Austria. Rumors spread that one of the tsar’s sisters may marry Napoleon.

Andrei tries to enact a more moral kind of landowning, succeeding where Pierre failed. He frees 300 of his serfs (peasants who are bound to his land) and switches others to a rent-based system. He tries to educate the peasants with the help of a priest and provides them with better health care. These reforms are cutting-edge for the time. Andrei is still isolated on his property near Bald Hills, but he remains in touch with his country’s political situation and is often better informed than the people who visit him. In the spring of 1809, Andrei notices an ancient oak tree while visiting one of the estates he has earmarked for his young son. The oak tree’s gnarled limbs are bare. Andrei takes the tree to be a symbol. He agrees with its message—that he should not yield to the fraudulent nature of existence.

Andrei pays a visit to Count Rostov, Nikolai’s father.