The next day, he dawdled until midday before reluctantly making his way to the study. Having spent some time in the courtyard, he was well aware of the location of the study.
The study of the Xiao family was situated at the center of the garden, marking it as the core area, distinct from the secluded garden.
As Lin Wanrong strolled towards the study, he encountered numerous familiar faces, mostly maidens.
"Third Brother, I heard you've been transferred to the study—"
"Third Brother, I'll bring you some delicious food later—"
"Third Brother, do you have time tonight? There's a new opera performance in the garden. I bought two tickets; let's go together—"
"Third Brother—"
Amidst the melodious sounds of birds and joyful laughter, Lin Wanrong, accustomed to such greetings, chuckled along the way, eventually arriving at the study.
A slender, elderly Western tutor, holding a book, gently stroked his chin adorned with a few strands of white beard. He strolled around the study reciting, "The ospreys and turtledoves by the river isle, graceful ladies and noble gentlemen—"
A plump young man lay sprawled across the table, snoring loudly. The tutor glanced at him helplessly, indicating his inability to control the situation.
Curious, Lin Wanrong wondered where this corpulent young man came from. Could he be the illegitimate child of Madam Xiao?
Observing this, Lin Wanrong couldn't help but marvel. Quickly grabbing a passing maid, he said, "Excuse me, sister. I'm Lin San, and there's something I'd like to inquire about."
"You're Lin San?" The maid's eyes lit up, joyfully responding, "Brother, feel free to ask anything. I'm at your service."
Lin Wanrong shivered inwardly; it seemed the young maids in the Xiao residence had a tendency to flirt.
Pretending not to hear her words, he said, "I've just been transferred to the study to assist. I'm not very familiar with the affairs here. Could you tell me who the young masters and misses in the study are?"
The maid stared at Lin Wanrong, giggling, "You've asked the right person. In the study, there are not many people. The eldest miss stopped coming to the study years ago; with her knowledge, she could teach the tutors. The second miss, though young, often comes, but she seems to be out these days. As for the young master inside, he's here every day, and the tutor is likely here for him."
Though the maid's words were discreet, Lin Wanrong's sharp wit deciphered the information. The eldest miss was knowledgeable and didn't need tutors. The second miss, mischievous but obliged to attend, was currently absent. The young master inside seemed dim-witted, and the tutor was specifically hired for him.
When the maid mentioned the young master, there was a hint of disdain in her eyes. Clearly, this young master's performance was unsatisfactory. Lin Wanrong couldn't help but feel distressed. How could he hold his head high in the Xiao residence with such a master?
Continuing the conversation, Lin Wanrong learned about the origins of this young master. Named Guo Wuchang, he was Madam Xiao's nephew. His father, Madam Xiao's brother, served as a county magistrate in a county below Yangzhou. In an attempt to cultivate his son, he placed him in the Xiao family estate, hoping for a good cultural influence. Other motives remained unknown.
This young master, indifferent to poetry and books, dozed off during lessons. Both Madam and Master Xiao were helpless with him.
While the young master's lack of interest in studying was a headache for Lin Wanrong, he also felt relieved. Although this young man was unsuitable, serving a diligent scholar who attended classes regularly would be even more challenging. Lin Wanrong, pleased with this turn of events, bid farewell to the maid and stealthily entered the study.
The elderly Western tutor, noticing Lin Wanrong, gave him a puzzled glance.
Smiling, Lin Wanrong bowed to the tutor and said, "Good day, sir. I am Lin Wanrong, recently transferred to assist in the study. I had the privilege of listening to your lecture outside, and I must say, your profound knowledge spanning the ages is truly admirable."
In the delicate art of flattery, Lin Wanrong, with a thousand praises, pleased the tutor.
The young master turned around, drooled on the table, and yawned. "Who's making a ruckus here? Can't a person get some sleep?"
The tutor felt awkward, realizing the young master lacked manners.
Lin Wanrong, eager to please, said, "Young Master, Young Master, are you awake?"
The young master glanced at him indifferently. "Who are you?"
"Young Master, I am Lin San, newly assigned to the study. I will be under your care from now on."
"Hmm? You're Lin San. Well, not bad, indeed a clever person." The young master scrutinized Lin Wanrong, somewhat surprised. Among the servants, Lin San was the first to address him directly as "Young Master." This single word indicated that the other servants didn't regard him as their master; after all, he was just a relative of the Xiao family. Lin San, in contrast, seemed quite knowledgeable about proper etiquette.
Moreover, according to the servants, Lin San was a remarkable figure among the Xiao family's servants—handsome, charming, and adept at winning women's hearts. Having him as an advisor might enhance the chances of winning over his two cousins.
"Young Master, Young Master," Lin Wanrong, seeing the young master's focused gaze, wore a smug smile, as if recalling something delightful. Sweating profusely, he quickly reminded the young master.
"Oh, right, Lin San, you'll follow me from now on." The young master declared loudly.
"Yes, Young Master." Lin Wanrong respectfully replied.
The tutor, seeing the two servants familiarizing themselves, suggested, "Master Guo, let's continue the lesson."
Master Guo, disturbed from his pleasant dreams, was already in a bad mood. Upon hearing the tutor's intention to resume the lesson, he couldn't help but yawn and emit a faint hum from his nose. The tutor, having received payment from the Xiao family, chose to overlook this behavior, now that the money was in his pocket.
Lin Wanrong had no interest in academic lectures. With the young master in such a state, he found it more favorable to cater to his whims.
"Young Master, on this crisp autumn day, how about accompanying the tutor to seek poetic inspiration outside?" Lin Wanrong proposed a tempting suggestion.