After contemplating for a while and finding no clue, Lin Wanrong decided not to dwell on it any longer. His interest in these flowers and plants surged unprecedentedly as he thought about creating perfumes. Skipping lunch, he eagerly sought guidance from Fu Bo, bombarding him with various questions, leaving Fu Bo in awe of Lin San's newfound diligence and thirst for knowledge.
It wasn't until the evening that Lin Wanrong released Fu Bo, only to be sought out by Young Master Guo Wuchang.
"Lin San, why didn't you go to the study today?" Guo Wuchang inquired with concern.
Lin San's status in his heart had become extraordinary. Almost like a celestial being, he was eloquent, articulate, adept at poetry, skilled in courting women – his presence brought unparalleled peace of mind. Lin Wanrong noticed that Young Master Guo seemed to have dressed up properly today, wearing scholarly attire, a silver ribbon adorning his head, and a white jade folding fan in hand, exuding a certain charm.
Lin Wanrong suppressed a smile and replied, "Young Master, following the orders of Miss Xiao Yushuang, I will no longer go to the study. Instead, I will assist in the gardening department."
Guo Wuchang was surprised, "Why? Did Miss Yurou know about that incident?"
Helplessly shaking his head, Lin Wanrong said, "She doesn't know the details, but as long as Miss Qin Xian'er is around, she probably won't say anything. Young Master, rest assured and go without worries."
"Exactly, Lin San, I feel at ease only when you're around," Guo Wuchang took out a handful of silver from his sleeve, quite a substantial amount, and handed it to Lin Wanrong, saying, "Lin San, you handled that matter well the other day. This is a reward from me. Work hard in the future."
Lin Wanrong sternly declared, "Young Master, serving you is my duty. There's no need for such courtesy." With that, he pocketed the silver.
Changing into his servant attire, Lin Wanrong, with a dagger in hand, accompanied Young Master Guo as they left. They were armed with Qin Xian'er's invitation, providing a legitimate reason to explore the brothels. Although it might sound better than it actually was, being appreciated by the ethereal Qin Xian'er had filled Young Master Guo with immense pride. Therefore, the two of them, heads held high, walked out confidently, drawing attention to themselves. Young Master Guo even coughed occasionally to attract more gazes.
Some agile servants quickly approached and asked, "Young Master, are you going to Miss Qin's appointment? Our Young Master is truly the star of literature coming down to earth, even Miss Qin is taking a special interest in him."
"Reward," declared Young Master Guo proudly. Lin Wanrong, understanding his role, handed over the silver Young Master Guo had prepared in advance. This kid truly embodied the demeanor of his old man in the past; the two taels of silver were well-deserved.
Just as they were about to leave the gate, they heard a melodious voice calling out, "Lin San!"
Lin Wanrong turned around to see Miss Xiao Erh rushing towards them. Surprisingly, she had dressed in male attire today, portraying a delicate and petite young master, standing gracefully before them.
"Oh, Miss Xiao Erh, where are you going dressed like this? And what's with this attire?" Lin Wanrong chuckled.
"Hehe, I want to be Zhu Yingtai and defeat you, Liang Shanbo," Miss Xiao Erh giggled, glancing at him and saying, "Why didn't you come to the study today? Are you slacking off again? I'll tell my sister tomorrow, and she'll punish you with three days of no sleep."
Although it sounded like a reprimand, it was more like caring. Lin Wanrong thought, how could you understand your sister's petty thoughts? She'd rather I stay away from you. However, this Xiao Yurou was still a naive girl who didn't know much about the world. He smiled and explained, "Miss Xiao Erh, Fu Bo has been busy these days, so I've been helping out in the garden. I probably won't be able to go to the study for the next few days."
Xiao Erh didn't doubt it, saying, "I see, I thought you were slacking off today, causing me to wait for you in vain. Oh, what's that in your hand?" She noticed the dagger in Lin Wanrong's hand and asked.
Young Master Guo signaled with his eyes to Lin Wanrong, indicating that bringing Xiao Erh to the brothels was not an option. Lin Wanrong pretended to be surprised and said, "Oh, you mean this? It's an invitation from Master Zhang's son, inviting Young Master to a banquet tomorrow."
Xiao Erh glanced at him and snorted, "You're trying to deceive me. I bet it's an invitation from Miss Qin Xian'er for a flower wine gathering."
Sweating, Lin Wanrong thought, this little girl seems to know everything. Trying to divert her attention, he nodded and said, "Miss Xiao Erh, the situation is like this. Miss Qin Xian'er admires Young Master's knowledge and has invited him for a scholarly discussion. It's not what you imagine, like a flower wine gathering."
"Yes, yes," Young Master Guo hurriedly agreed, "It's Miss Qin inviting me for an academic discussion. Miss, don't misunderstand."
Xiao Erh rolled her eyes and said, "Since that's the case, Lin San, you're not allowed to go. Let Young Master go by himself."
This suggestion was too challenging. Going to the brothels with a beautiful girl – it wasn't like they were going to a restaurant. Both Young Master Guo and Lin Wanrong shouted simultaneously, "No!"
"Why not?" Xiao Erh pouted, "You're going for academic discussions, not engaging in illicit activities. Why can't I go? Look, I've already changed my clothes."
Young Master Guo and Lin Wanrong exchanged glances. It seemed that bringing Xiao Erh to the brothels was out of the question. Young Master Guo couldn't manage it alone. He quickly said, "What condition do you have?"
Xiao Erh's face blossomed into a smile, and she proudly said, "You have to take me with you."
This suggestion was too challenging – going to the brothels with a beautiful girl was not like going to a restaurant. Both Young Master Guo and Lin Wanrong simultaneously exclaimed, "Impossible!"
"Why not?" Xiao Erh pouted. "You're going for academic discussions, not engaging in illicit activities. Why can't I go? Look, I've already changed my clothes."
Exasperated, Lin Wanrong rolled his eyes and retorted, "Miss Xiao Erh, even if you're dressed like this, people can easily recognize you as a girl."
Young Master Guo also found himself in a difficult situation. He signaled Lin Wanrong with his eyes, implying that he was adept at dealing with girls, so Lin Wanrong should handle this matter. Then, he moved aside slowly.
Ignoring the gaze from Young Master Guo, Lin Wanrong sighed, "Miss Xiao Erh, although
it's for academic discussions, that place is not suitable for a young lady like you. Moreover, consider my situation. Young Master is a man, and he has been invited by Miss Qin Xian'er. It won't be a problem. But if you go, Lady and Miss will surely question me. I won't be able to escape punishment."
Xiao Erh snorted and said, "They won't punish me, but they will punish you? Lin San, you're lying."
Frowning, Lin Wanrong explained, "Miss Xiao Erh, Lady and Miss won't punish you, but if I take you to such a place, Lady and Miss will definitely punish me. It's not about you; it's about me."
Unconvinced, Xiao Erh turned her head away, and Lin Wanrong continued, "Besides, even if you keep it a secret from Lady and Miss, others might recognize you and spread rumors. It's not appropriate for a young lady to go to such places."
"But I want to go," Xiao Erh insisted.
"Miss Xiao Erh, please consider my predicament. It's not that I don't want you to go, but it's genuinely not suitable for you. Let's not create trouble for ourselves," Lin Wanrong pleaded.
Xiao Erh's eyes teared up slightly as she bit her lip and said, "If you go and meet Miss Qin Xian'er, promise me you won't see her. Let Young Master go to see her."
Perplexed, Lin Wanrong asked, "Why?"
"Humph, no reason. She's just a seductress, only good at enticing men. You're not allowed to see her," Xiao Erh declared.
"Miss, please be reasonable," Lin Wanrong said.
"I'm being reasonable. If you see her, I won't talk to you anymore," Xiao Erh threatened, then turned and ran away.
Confused, Young Master Guo approached Lin Wanrong and asked, "What's wrong with Miss? She seemed afraid of you. How did you manage that, Lin San?"
"Where would that be? She's the young lady, and I'm just a servant. I have to be wary of her just like any other young lady," Lin Wanrong modestly replied. However, in his heart, he thought, under the influence of my butt-smacking technique, even the most spirited girls would become docile. As he reflected, he chuckled, joining Young Master Guo as they left.