Earlier, the scuffle provided a moment of exhilaration, causing the immediate neglect of more pressing matters. It wasn't until Dong Qingshan brought up the matter of the Xiao family that Lin Wanrong recalled he still had an appointment to "meet for work." This employment held extraordinary significance for him, as it was a means to repay the debt of gratitude owed to Old Man Wei; it couldn't afford any mishaps.
Hastily and amidst a sea of uncertainties, Lin Wanrong arrived at the Xiao residence, only to find himself a step too late. Inquiring with nearby individuals, he learned that Lin San's name had been called long ago.
"Do you think this individual named Lin San is a simpleton?" The person Lin Wanrong had detained for information, reveling in schadenfreude, remarked, "We all rushed here early for the Xiao family's recruitment, yearning to arrive sooner. Once inside the Xiao residence, prosperity awaits us. However, that Lin San squandered such a golden opportunity. No need to elaborate; he must have spent last night nestled in some young lady's bed, perhaps still not having risen."
This person wore an expression of smug satisfaction, as the competition among the Xiao family's servants was fierce. With Lin San voluntarily abstaining, he naturally found himself with one less competitor, bringing him joy.
Lin Wanrong, filled with anger, muttered to himself, "You fool, with your acne-ridden youthful visage, it's peculiar that the Xiao family selected you."
After a survey of the surroundings, Lin Wanrong saw no other tardy applicants. He was likely an anomaly in this servant selection contest. Observing the nervous demeanor of the servant candidates, Lin Wanrong pondered whether to laugh or cry. The laughter stemmed from his tardiness; if he withdrew now, he wouldn't have to undertake the task of serving in the Xiao household, even though explaining to Blind Uncle Wei would be challenging. The sorrow stemmed from the realization that once he entered the Xiao family, he would likely end up like these prospective servant brethren, donning a bitter expression.
After some internal deliberation, he sighed, "Let it be, let it be. It's just a year; standing tall, it will pass. Can't let Blind Uncle Wei look down on me."
Having resolved himself, a hint of worry crept in. The current situation suggested that even if he wished to serve, they might not necessarily accept him. What a damn predicament, Lin Wanrong thought; it seemed he needed to devise a solution.
Lin Wanrong glanced around, noting that servants and scholars were being selected separately. Scholar selection proceeded at a leisurely pace, while the servant selection before him moved swiftly. Some individuals entered and emerged disheveled in less than a minute.
"Brother, what are they testing inside?" Lin Wanrong detained a candidate who had retreated after an unsuccessful attempt.
The candidate, wearing a troubled expression, replied, "I don't know what they're testing. I don't recognize any of those characters. Alas. My poor dreams of becoming a servant for the Xiao family, my dream lover Miss Xiao, Miss Xiao Second, Madam Xiao, we bid farewell forever. Alas—"
Lin Wanrong stared in astonishment as the backup candidate dashed away. This person's appetite seemed excessively large; the mother and daughters of the Xiao family had all become his dream lovers?
Wandering around, Lin Wanrong spotted an individual with the demeanor of a steward guarding the entrance to the servant recruitment room. This person supervised the entry of prospective servants with an air of arrogance and immense satisfaction.
This steward, nearing forty in age with sharp features and a glint in his eyes, appeared, based on Lin Wanrong's astute judgment, to be naturally adept at opportunism.
An opportunity! Lin Wanrong smirked, pulling out a few silver coins from his pocket. Swiftly approaching, he discreetly came up to the steward and said, "Excuse me, steward, may I have a moment of your time?"
Although bearing the title of steward, this individual also had the additional title of vice. His superior, the head steward—a person of authority in the Xiao household—was overseeing the application of scholars. Given this vice steward's experience, he naturally knew that as long as he carried the distinguished title of Xiao household vice steward, he would be highly sought after among scholars.
This vice steward detested the extra title he bore. Tasked with supervising servant applications, a duty devoid of any substantial gain, naturally fell upon him. At the end of the day, he only managed to secure a meager five taels of silver, mostly in small denominations. He harbored frustration toward these impoverished servant applicants, but there was nothing he could do; after all, who applying for the role of a servant could be considered wealthy?
"What business do you have—" Before he could finish his sentence, the vice steward noticed a glint of silver in Lin Wanrong's hand.
"Ah—" The vice steward's eyes lit up. Taking a few steps forward, he said, "If you have something to say, speak quickly. I'm still busy with work."
Lin Wanrong, having offered a couple of silver coins, though less than what the scholars provided, displayed considerable generosity within this group of servant applicants.
"This young man has potential. Considering the silver, the vice steward immediately felt a favorable impression toward this seemingly healthy-skinned individual.
"What's the matter?" Adopting an official tone, the vice steward, seizing the opportunity when no one was paying attention, discreetly pocketed the offered silver coins.
Now that the transaction was complete, Lin Wanrong knew what to do. He quickly clasped his hands and said, "May I inquire how to address you, esteemed steward?"
"I am surnamed Pang,
esteemed by Madame Meng. I am honored to serve as the Xiao household vice steward." Pang, the vice steward, spoke with an air of arrogance, although a hint of resentment flashed in his eyes when mentioning the term 'vice.' Clearly, he harbored displeasure toward this additional title.
"So, you are Steward Pang," Lin Wanrong marveled, seemingly oblivious to the preceding 'vice,' "Ah, your illustrious name is truly renowned. It's a pleasure to meet you in person, as they say, seeing is believing, and seeing you surpasses hearing about you."
The vice steward Pang, confused, glanced at Lin Wanrong, asking, "Do you know me?"
Wearing a smile that could charm the dead, Lin Wanrong replied, "Of course. Although I haven't had the honor of meeting you, in the city of Jinling, who doesn't know the esteemed name of Steward Pang? Your loyalty, courage, unwavering dedication, and wholehearted service to the master, as well as your patriotic devotion, have earned you a sterling reputation across the land."
Regardless of the fact that uttering a few words cost him no silver, Lin Wanrong shamelessly praised Vice Steward Pang.
Pang, the vice steward, equally shameless, beamed at the flattery. He nodded in agreement, seemingly pleased.
Lin Wanrong glanced at the man's thick skin and thought, Damn, this guy's even thicker-skinned than I am. He's beyond redemption.
Glancing around, Lin Wanrong discreetly approached Vice Steward Pang's ear and said, "Moreover, I've heard from acquaintances in the servant world that the position of steward in the Xiao household was originally meant for you. However, during the last appointment, that scoundrel used despicable means, deceived Madame and Miss, and managed to secure the position over you. That fellow is truly despicable and shameless. If I see him, I'll teach him a lesson every time."
In Lin Wanrong's previous world, conflicts between primary and secondary positions were inherent, a scenario he had witnessed countless times. Moreover, Vice Steward Pang naturally exuded a crafty demeanor. To claim he didn't harbor desires for the steward's position would be hard to believe.
"Don't talk nonsense—" Vice Steward Pang put on an air of righteousness, "Unity is crucial. Steward Wang and I work together harmoniously. Our relationship is excellent. Under the leadership of the core team formed by Steward Wang and me, the combat effectiveness of the Xiao household servants is formidable. Steward Wang and I collaborate seamlessly, and the organization places great trust in us." However, a glint of surprise in his eyes betrayed his true thoughts.
"Of course, of course—" Lin Wanrong excessively flattered, following Pang's lead, "Working together in the same team, leading the hundreds of servants in the Xiao household, your bond must be profound."