The two engaged in idle conversation for a while. It seemed that Miss Second had opened up, asking about his celestial hometown, inquiring about his studies, and questioning how he ended up serving the Xiao family.
Lin Wanrong was amused; although Xiao Yushuang was young, she was whimsical and could ask all sorts of peculiar questions, even more so than a pack of curious puppies.
After chatting for a while and seeing her injuries gradually improving, Lin Wanrong, feeling relieved, disregarded Xiao Yushuang's attempts to keep him and took his leave. He couldn't bear the meticulous questioning from this young girl and would rather spar with General Zhenyuan.
Returning to his lodgings, Lin Wanrong didn't find Fubo's presence. He harbored resentment towards the old man who had betrayed him to Xiao Yushuang. Reflecting on today's experience with Miss Second, he found it rather bizarre—successfully subduing her with his unique skill of spanking. Lin Wanrong couldn't help but marvel at his own good fortune.
Early the next morning, as Lin Wanrong arrived at the study, he saw the young master holding a piece of calligraphy. "Well, young man, turns out you've been hiding your talents," the young master remarked.
Not understanding the implication, Lin Wanrong smiled and asked, "May I inquire about what the young master is referring to?"
The young master tossed the calligraphy to Lin Wanrong, saying, "Take a look for yourself."
It was a piece of fine paper, and the brush strokes were clear and refined. The elegant handwriting on the paper, compared to Dong Qiaoqiao's, was remarkably pleasing. Only Lin Wanrong and Xiao Yushuang knew the poem he had composed yesterday.
"This was given to me by my cousin today. She claims it's your work, Lin San. I couldn't tell, and I've underestimated you," the young master said with a disdainful snort. Reading the poem several times, he didn't expect a servant to possess such talent, leaving him irritated. Knowing his own limitations, he realized that possessing such talent would require being reborn in the next life.
The tutor bowed deeply to Lin Wanrong, saying, "So, sir, you have been concealing such profound talents. I am humbled."
Trying to downplay his abilities, Lin Wanrong responded, "How can this be? I've merely stumbled upon it occasionally. I am not worthy of such praise."
The tutor, an honest man, acknowledged the superior knowledge in good faith, recognizing Lin Wanrong's literary prowess.
Initially, Lin Wanrong had intended to play a trick on that young girl, but unexpectedly, she proved relentless, making Lin Wanrong stand out. Lin Wanrong felt displeased. Acting like a tiger in sheep's clothing made things interesting. That little girl was deliberately making trouble for him.
Rejecting the tutor's eager invitation for collaborative learning, Lin Wanrong felt resentment towards Xiao Yushuang. That girl had set a trap for him, publicizing his disinterest in poetry. Wasn't it enough that he had spanked her yesterday?
Seeing the young master still gloomy, Lin Wanrong whispered, "Young master, don't worry. Actually, this poem—I copied it."
The young master's eyes lit up. "Really?"
Lin Wanrong nodded seriously, "Of course. Think about it. A masterpiece that even the wise and valiant young master couldn't produce—I, a lowly servant, how could I achieve such greatness?"
The young master nodded, "True." Suddenly recalling something, he asked, "Lin San, where did you copy this poem from? Do you have a collection of writings?"
Lin Wanrong, catching on to his intentions, said, "These are works from talents in my hometown, probably unheard of here. There's no collection."
Seeing the deep disappointment on the young master's face, Lin Wanrong changed his tone, "However, I do remember quite a few."
The young master's expression brightened, "Lin San, you truly remember?"
Lin Wanrong replied, "Not many, but enough for the young master to use. Rest assured, with me around, both young ladies will look upon you with admiration."
These words struck a chord with the young master, leaving him profoundly grateful.
Lin Wanrong continued with a few more words, and the young master's joy was evident. It took some effort for him to fully memorize the poem. Grasping Lin Wanrong's hand tightly, he was already a devoted follower of his generosity.
As they continued their conversation, Miss Second, wearing a smile, entered the room, saluting the tutor, "Good day, sir."
Observing her slightly uncomfortable gait, indicative of her lingering injuries from yesterday, Lin Wanrong thought, "Today, I need to teach this girl another lesson to prevent her from exposing my secrets everywhere."
The young master, seeing Miss Second initiate a conversation with him, eagerly said, "Cousin, I've been waiting for you here."
"What were you waiting for?" Miss Second curiously asked.
The young master replied, "I specially composed a poem for Cousin yesterday and wanted Cousin to give me guidance today."
This unexpected statement surprised not only Miss Second but also the tutor. The young master excelled in many areas, but poetry was not one of them.
Miss Second covered her mouth and giggled, "Don't tell me it's another love poem like 'The Wild Geese Departure'?"
The young master awkwardly smiled, "Cousin, you're mistaken. My jest yesterday was merely for fun. In reality, I've had some great verses in mind."
The young master took a few steps, gently swaying the jade fan, and began reciting, "Jade towers rise halfway into the sky, and melodies accompany the palace maidens' laughter. The moonlit hall reveals the sound of the night clock, and the water spirit curtain rolls along the autumn river."
Both Miss Second and the tutor were dumbfounded. They never expected such a fine poem to come from the young master's mouth. Yesterday, he could barely communicate through seven openings, and today, he displayed such literary talent?
Although young, Xiao Yushuang was clever. Remembering Lin Wanrong's outstanding performance yesterday, she couldn't help glancing at this wicked servant. Lin Wanrong, maintaining a respectful demeanor, bowed to Xiao Yushuang and said, "Good morning, Second Miss."
Xiao Yushuang snorted and, pouting, touched her small buttocks. Apparently, the memory of his rough treatment yesterday was still fresh in her mind.
Lin Wanrong chuckled inwardly, thinking, "Let the little girl scheme all she wants. I'll play along." With a respectful bow, he said, "Miss Second, it's early."
Miss Second, Xiao Yushuang, looked at him and couldn't help but feel a sense of resentment. Despite her young age, she was perceptive and realized that Lin Wanrong's true talents exceeded her initial judgment.