Su yuxin had just emerged from the room of Qingque and Ziyuan when Maizi approached her.
"Madam, Zhou Shan has been waiting at the door," Maizi said respectfully.
"Is the formal greeting gift ready?" Su Yuxin inquired.
"It was prepared by Nanny Luo, similar to the one for Xia Zhi," Maizi replied, lifting a red sandalwood box.
"Let's go then," Su Yuxin nodded.
Actually, Zhou Shan had arrived earlier, but he had been standing outside all this time until someone informed Su Yuxin. After finishing morning lessons with Xia Zhi, he hurried back home, ate hastily, and then busied himself with bathing. This left Zhou Zheng and Sui Shi puzzled.
Upon hearing that Su Yuxin had agreed to let him study with Xia Zhi, even Zhou Zheng, who was usually serious and proper, couldn't help but feel overjoyed. It was indeed a momentous occasion. He had considered asking for an opportunity for his son whenever he saw Su Yuxin arranging a tutor for Xia Zhi. However, each time he was about to speak up, he held back, mindful of his position as a servant.
Understanding the distinction between receiving the master's favor and requesting favors oneself was crucial for a servant. So, despite his parents' affection for Zhou Shan, they rarely engaged in casual conversations, especially when there were no official matters to discuss.
To their surprise, Xia Zhi had actually brought it up, and Madam had agreed. Delighted, Zhou Zheng hastily prepared an elaborate gift as a sign of gratitude. Sui Shi, seeing Zhou Zheng's excitement, wanted to say something but ultimately kept silent. She quietly picked out a festive outfit for Zhou Shan that was usually reserved for special occasions.
"Greetings, Madam," Zhou Shan instinctively straightened his posture upon Su Yuxin's approach, speaking respectfully.
"Very good, composed, and spirited," Su Yuxin assessed Zhou Shan, smiling.
Zhou Shan's ears suddenly felt hot, and he cleared his throat awkwardly. "Thank you, Madam."
In truth, nobody had praised him much throughout his life. Zhou Zheng had always been stern, and Sui Shi was reticent, resulting in limited conversation among the three unless it was about official matters. Therefore, despite their love for him, Zhou Shan never received much verbal appreciation, cultivating a prematurely mature demeanor.
"I have already prepared the formal greeting gift for your studies; you need not bring your own," Su Yuxin said, eyeing the red cloth package in Zhou Shan's hands.
"Madam, allowing me to study is already..." Zhou Shan began, feeling grateful.
"I also prepared a formal gift for Xia Zhi," Su Yuxin interjected, "Since I permit you both to study, I treat you equally."
"Thank you, Madam," Zhou Zheng expressed deeper respect and gratitude.
"Shall we go? It's not early anymore," Su Yuxin smiled and led Zhou Shan towards the Yuewei Pavilion.
Though not large, the main wing had four rooms: a reception hall, a bedroom, a dining room, and a study. Jiang Han conducted classes for Xia Zhi in the study. Upon Su Yuxin's arrival, Jiang Han was already teaching Xia Zhi.
Xia Zhi sat upright, listening attentively, unperturbed by Su Yuxin and Zhou Shan's arrival. Seeing this, Su Yuxin nodded approvingly, then quietly waited by the window with Zhou Shan.
After about fifteen minutes, Jiang Han stopped teaching, allowing Xia Zhi a brief rest. Su Yuxin then entered the room.
Jiang Han had noticed Su Yuxin's arrival earlier but hadn't stopped teaching. He didn't like disruptions during class, and he was also curious to see if Su Yuxin would interrupt.
This time, he was satisfied. The lady general was increasingly impressive, nothing like the rumors circulating outside. Quite interesting.
"My apologies for keeping you waiting," Jiang Han, dressed in white, gentle and refined, said with a nod.
"No need to apologize. I have something to discuss with you," Su Yuxin smiled elegantly, her words soothing and refined.
"Please, what do you need?" Jiang Han inquired, nodding slightly.
He had come to recognize some people in the mansion over these days. Initially, when he first arrived, Zhou Shan accompanied Zhou Zheng to the Yuewei Pavilion to arrange things, so he knew that Zhou Shan was the steward's son. Now, seeing Zhou Shan with Su Yuxin, he had a good guess.
He couldn't help but marvel inwardly at this Lady General. "I initially intended to teach only Xia Zhi, but it seems I'll have to extend my efforts to both students. Please accept this as a token of my gratitude." Su Yuxin spoke with grace and handed over the bundle to Jiang Han.
"Madam, you've already presented one before," Jiang Han chuckled awkwardly, declining the gift.
"The previous one was for Xia Zhi, but this one is for Zhou Shan. Since I've permitted both of them to study, it's only fair to provide gifts for both," Su Yuxin insisted with a gentle smile.
"Very well, Madam. I shall devote my utmost attention to both students," Jiang Han accepted the gift.
"I won't disturb your class any further," Su Yuxin looked at Jiang Han with a meaningful gaze.
"Allow me to escort you, Madam," Jiang Han accompanied Su Yuxin to the entrance of the Yuewei Pavilion.
"Since you escorted me, you might know what I wish to ask," Su Yuxin paused, "Why did you seem so preoccupied with Zhou Shan? Was there something amiss?"
"Nothing's amiss," Jiang Han shook his head, concealing the truth, "I simply noticed his complexion wasn't quite right, which made me glance at him a bit longer. I didn't mean to worry you, it was my mistake."