The young master praised Lin Wanrong with a glance, surprised by Lin San's obedience. It seemed his reputation was well-deserved.
"Excellent, excellent. The weather is clear today, and the autumn breeze is refreshing. I believe it's a perfect opportunity for an autumn outing. What does the teacher think?" The young master respectfully inquired.
Although his words were polite, the implicit message was clear: "I am going out for leisure, please don't accompany me." Lin Wanrong chuckled upon hearing this.
"Well, um," the teacher broke into a cold sweat. He knew the young master's character well and dared not let him go out alone. He quickly replied, "Young Master Guo, I heard that Second Miss returned from Suzhou recently. She might come over soon."
As soon as the name of the Second Miss was mentioned, the young master's expression changed immediately. "Is that so? My cousin is coming soon. That's good. I will study poetry here and have a good discussion with her later."
Discussion? Lin Wanrong smirked. With your limited abilities, even the house servants are more competent. The teacher heaved a sigh of relief, stabilizing the situation. "Second Miss went to Suzhou for some business a few days ago and just returned last night. I just got this information."
Lin Wanrong had been in this mansion for some time, and the talk among maids and servants mostly revolved around the talented and capable eldest Miss. Little was said about the Second Miss.
"Oh, by the way, teacher, will Second Miss bring the mighty general with her again?" The young master touched his buttocks, still vividly recalling the incident when he tried to sneak a peek at the Second Miss bathing and got chased by the "mighty general," who left his buttocks bitten.
"Mighty general?" Lin Wanrong's eyes widened. If he remembered correctly, the fierce dog that died at his hands that day was called the mighty general. So, the mighty general was the evil dog raised by the Second Miss. Lin Wanrong suddenly understood why the maids and servants were terrified of her.
This little girl, what did I do to offend her? Using such malicious methods, Lin Wanrong felt both angry and somewhat fearful. Not that he feared the Second Miss herself, but the possibility of her bringing a ferocious dog like the mighty general with her today.
Without further ado, Lin Wanrong quickly learned the background of this young master. His name was Guo Wu Chang, the nephew of Lady Xiao, and his father (Lady Xiao's brother) served as a county magistrate in a county below Yangzhou. To discipline his son, he placed him in the Xiao Mansion to receive a proper cultural education. The teacher, it seemed, was specifically hired for him.
As they talked about the young master, the maid's disdainful look revealed that he was quite incompetent. Lin Wanrong, feeling a bit bitter about serving such a master, decided to gather information about the general surroundings. According to the maid, the eldest Miss was highly knowledgeable and had long stopped coming to the study room, as she could easily teach the teachers herself. The second Miss, though still young, came regularly under Lady Xiao's orders. However, she had been absent recently.
Lin Wanrong couldn't help but think that it might be a good thing to serve a master who disliked studying. If he had to serve a studious young master, always sitting in the classroom and listening to lectures, it would be unbearable.
Feeling somewhat relieved, Lin Wanrong said goodbye to the maid and entered the study room. Seeing him, the teacher glanced at him strangely.
Smiling, Lin Wanrong saluted the teacher, "Greetings, Teacher. I am Lin Wanrong, newly assigned to assist in the study room. I overheard your lecture outside, and your profound knowledge of various subjects truly impressed me."
A thousand praises, ten thousand praises, no flattery spared, the teacher was delighted by Lin Wanrong's flattery. "Where, where, you flatter me."
The young master, who had been napping on the table, yawned and opened his eyes, asking, "Who's making such a racket here? Can't I even sleep in peace?"
The teacher looked embarrassed. How could the young master be so disrespectful? Lin Wanrong, however, quickly interjected, "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 assist in the study room. I will be serving you from now on."
"Oh? You're Lin San. Well, not bad, indeed a clever person." The young master carefully examined him, somewhat surprised. Most servants called him 'Young Master,' but Lin San directly addressed him as 'Young Master.' This single word made him feel more respected.
Moreover, according to the servants, this Lin San was quite a prominent figure among the Xiao family's servants. Handsome and charming, he had a way with women. Having him by his side might provide some good advice on how to approach the two cousins.
"Young Master, Young Master," Lin Wanrong, noticing the young master's attention, said, "Shall we continue with the lesson?"
The teacher, trying to regain control, said, "Master Guo, let's continue the lesson."
However, the young master, still half-asleep, sighed and yawned, "Who disturbed my sweet dreams? Can't we continue the class later?"
The teacher felt awkward. How could the young master show such disrespect?
Lin Wanrong, seizing the opportunity, suggested, "Young Master, the weather is so nice today. How about accompanying the teacher outside to seek inspiration for poetry?"
The young master, impressed by Lin Wanrong's words, agreed, "Good idea, Lin San. Let's do that."
The teacher and Lin Wanrong exchanged glances, realizing that Lin Wanrong had successfully diverted the young master's attention. They could only follow the young master outside.