A fellow approached from the opposite side, akin to Lin Wanrong, clad in a fresh azure robe, with the character "Xiao" embroidered on the left chest. Could this person be a fellow servant from the Xiao estate?
"Brother—," they both stepped forward simultaneously, calling out loudly.
The person's face lit up with delight, bowing and saying, "Brother, are you also a newly recruited servant of the Xiao family this year?"
"Indeed, indeed," Lin Wanrong smiled, pretending to be enthusiastic.
"I am too. In that case, we can be considered successful candidates together, pardon my disrespect," this person was a true bookworm, speaking a few words and dropping classical phrases continuously. He should belong to the type of person the three old men mentioned yesterday, someone honest and suitable for guarding the warehouse.
Successful candidates together, this was undoubtedly true. Lin Wanrong always had a strong desire to form factions and alliances. Seeing a fellow companion on the road naturally brought some joy. He quickly clasped his hands and said, "Certainly, certainly. But may I inquire about this brother's esteemed name?"
The honest fellow modestly replied, "I dare not. I have a humble surname, Xiao, and my given name before entering the mansion was Qiao, with a single character, Feng. After entering, Madam bestowed the Xiao surname upon me, so now I am called Xiao Feng."
Lin Wanrong nearly fell to the ground in shock. Qiao Feng? Xiao Feng? This seemingly sly fellow dared to take on the names of such legendary heroes. If General Xiao Feng, the Lord of the Southern Court, knew about this, he would have long knocked his head on the ground in shame.
"So, you're Brother Xiao Feng. I've heard your illustrious name for a long time," once inside the Xiao estate, everyone was surnamed Xiao, making it difficult to distinguish between them. Hence, they addressed each other as Brother Xiao Feng.
"But I wonder about Brother's distinguished name?" Xiao Feng asked eagerly.
"I am called Lin San," Lin Wanrong smiled. From now on, Lin San became his alias.
"Oh, Lin Brother, don't you know that after entering the Xiao family, we are all bestowed the surname Xiao? You should be called Xiao San now," the bookish Xiao Feng said earnestly.
Lin Wanrong, realizing the situation, chuckled and revealed his status as a contracted employee. Xiao Feng slapped his thigh, "Ah, Lin Brother, you are mistaken."
"Where did I go wrong?" Lin Wanrong wondered.
"Do you know how coveted the position of a Xiao family servant is? Once inside, it's like being handed a golden bowl, worry-free for a lifetime. How can you give up such a great opportunity? No, no, let me help you plead with the steward to persuade the madam and young ladies to grant you a lifetime appointment."
Xiao Feng, though a bookish fellow, had a sense of loyalty. Well, from now on in the Xiao estate, Lin Wanrong had someone watching his back. Lin Wanrong patted his shoulder and said, "Brother Xiao Feng, it's alright, it's alright. I only seek a carefree and leisurely life. I don't desire anything else, much freer than you. Let's say, in the future, if you encounter any troubles in the Xiao estate, just come find me."
Seeing Lin Wanrong's carefree attitude, Xiao Feng sighed regretfully but didn't insist further.
The two continued chatting and headed towards the Xiao family. On the way, Lin Wanrong learned that Xiao Feng was a poor student from the east of Jinling City. His father, a failed scholar who didn't make it to the top ranks, had raised a son who was similarly conservative.
However, Xiao Feng had a good heart and was sincere, not inclined to engage in petty scheming. This quality suited Lin Wanrong's taste.
When they reached the entrance of the Xiao family, two burly servants with stern faces stood guard, exuding a menacing aura.
Lin Wanrong, experienced in such matters, quickly understood what was happening. This was an old servant intimidating the new ones, akin to the freshmen orientation, where seniors would flaunt their authority.
Lin Wanrong wasn't a pushover either. During his own freshman days, he never let any senior take advantage of him. He pulled Xiao Feng along, heading for the main entrance.
Xiao Feng anxiously grabbed his hand, saying, "Brother Lin, where are you going?"
"To enter, of course," Lin Wanrong replied.
"No, Brother Lin, we are newcomers on our first day. We should enter through that door," Xiao Feng pointed to a very low door nearby.
Lin Wanrong glanced at the small door, barely half a person's height, not much better than a dog hole. Several servants who had arrived before them were bending over, hands and even faces pressed to the ground, to squeeze through.
"A dog hole? Are you suggesting we crawl through a dog hole?" Lin Wanrong widened his eyes, fury rising in his heart.
Perplexed, Xiao Feng looked at him and said, "Brother Lin, what are you talking about? This door is quite large; two dogs could enter side by side. It's much better than that dog hole."
Side by side for two dogs? Xiao Feng spoke unintentionally, but Lin Wanrong heard with intent. An unnamed anger surged within him. Just where did this dog hole lead? Lin Wanrong, a man of integrity, stood tall, bowing to the heavens and his parents. How could he bend for a mere three measures of rice?
He gave Xiao Feng a reassuring look, then took large strides toward the main entrance.