Having observed that the young master seemed to have a sudden enlightenment, the private tutor was greatly pleased and considered him filial. He agreed to the young master's request.
Xiao Yushuang's eyes rolled, unable to discern any flaws in Lin Wanrong. She turned to the young master and asked, "Cousin, did you really write this poem?"
Guo Wuchang, for the first time, felt triumphant in front of his cousin. He proudly replied, "Of course. Cousin, what do you think?"
Xiao Yushuang chuckled and said, "If my cousin possessed such talent during the imperial examination, not only would he pass, but he might even ascend to the Golden Palace and achieve the top scholar title effortlessly."
Observing the admiration for poetry from the tutor, the young master, and Miss Xiao, Lin Wanrong was reminded of his conversation with Xiao Qingxuan by Xuanwu Lake. He pondered on the richness of Chinese civilization, diligent and intelligent, yet frequently oppressed in modern times due to the emphasis on literary arts over practical skills. Xiao Qingxuan, despite her pride, had an insight into this matter. If not for some misunderstanding, they might have become confidants. However, her penchant for violence was a drawback.
Encouraged by his cousin's praise, the young master, full of vigor, endured the entire day's lesson without sleeping. Miss Xiao also stayed to listen, sitting not far behind Lin Wanrong.
As a servant, Lin Wanrong had to stand while the young master and ladies sat. The tutor's verbose explanations, filled with jargon, made him drowsy. In a semi-dazed state, he felt someone tugging at his clothes. Opening his eyes, he saw that Xiao Yushuang had sat down next to him, pulling at his clothes, and said, "Lin San, sit down."
"In front of young masters and ladies, there's no place for me to sit." Lin Wanrong hastily replied modestly.
Seeing his feigned modesty, Xiao Yushuang couldn't help but snort, "You were so mischievous yesterday. How come you don't remember the young masters and ladies today? Sit down; don't you feel tired standing there?"
With a grin, Lin Wanrong said, "Since Miss acknowledges my fatigue, I'll humbly comply."
Xiao Yushuang glared at him and said, "Who said I acknowledge it? You rascal, don't talk nonsense."
With a slight blush on her face, quite different from her previous unruly self, Xiao Yushuang seemed to have curbed her temper after Lin Wanrong's harsh lesson. Despite her young age, she already possessed a remarkable beauty. Lin Wanrong was momentarily stunned by this shy appearance.
Observing her leaning to one side, unable to sit properly on the stool, Lin Wanrong asked, "Is it still painful there?"
Xiao Yushuang softly affirmed, "Thanks to resting early yesterday, otherwise, my mother would have found out, and you would have been in trouble. But even if she found out, I wouldn't say you were the one who hit me."
"So, Second Miss is protecting me like this? I sincerely thank you." Lin Wanrong nonchalantly responded.
Sighing, Xiao Yushuang said, "My mother and sister are always busy, and I don't have many friends. You talk to me, so even if my mother punishes you, I wouldn't have anyone left to talk to. If she deals with you, I won't have anyone left to speak to."
Lin Wanrong, feeling guilty, hastily said, "Second Miss, if you consider me a friend, don't hesitate to come to me whenever you encounter difficulties. I am a man of justice and will help in any way I can."
Smiling, Xiao Yushuang replied, "You, with such thick skin. I wouldn't dare to ask you for anything. As long as you don't hit me again, I'm satisfied."
Mentioning the previous incident, Xiao Yushuang instinctively touched her tender buttocks, as if recalling the hot sensation from yesterday.
Seeing her actions, Lin Wanrong chuckled. He thought, "As long as you, little girl, don't provoke me, there's no reason for me to spank you. I don't have the habit of mistreating innocent girls."
The day passed in the study. Xiao Yushuang, witnessing Lin Wanrong's change in attitude, became more talkative. Fortunately, the tutor had little hope for the young ladies in their studies, so he turned a blind eye, focusing on disciplining the young master instead.
The young master's excitement vanished when Xiao Yushuang left. Lin Wanrong understood the young master's thoughts and asked, "Young Master, the return of the Miss is a significant event. Why would you not go to greet her?"
The young master sighed, "Lin San, do you think I don't want to go? It's just that Cousin is shrewd and capable. She always wants me to study more and memorize poetry whenever she sees me. Until now, I've only memorized four lines of poetry. How can I face her? I'd rather stay here and listen to the tutor."
Guo Wuchang seemed to have experienced this kind of torment many times. Seeing his troubled expression, Lin Wanrong shook his head with a bitter smile. Disliking studying to this extent, the young master was quite extraordinary.
"Miss's intentions are for your own good. As long as the young master studies hard, achieves success, and makes future requests, Madam will surely agree," Lin Wanrong advised.
"Lin San, you're quite considerate. I won't hide it from you—I'm really not interested in these studies. However, the two lines of poetry you taught me just now are truly excellent. Can you teach me a few more?" The young master flattered Lin Wanrong.
"No problem, Young Master. Your affairs are mine as well. I will do my best to help you achieve your wishes," Lin Wanrong pledged.
The young master, with a beaming smile, no longer pretended to be a diligent student after Miss Xiao left. He walked around the room, constantly looking out of the window.
Knowing that the young master's mind was no longer here, Lin Wanrong asked curiously, "Young Master, listening to the tutor's lecture is indeed boring. Why don't we go outside to find some inspiration?"