With Lin Ruhai's private guidance, Zhou Shun, Gu Yuzhi, and Huo Huaixi would frequently visit the Lin residence.
When Zhang Shaofu found out, he threw the book in his hand onto the table and said, "What a scoundrel! He's not even fully recovered from his illness, and he's already trying to steal my students?"
"He doesn't even remember who helped him back then, humph!"
"Ungrateful! You're infuriating!"
Upon hearing this, Lin Ruhai went that very night to apologize to Zhang Shaofu, his mentor, saying, "Mentor! Mentor!"
"Let me explain!"
It's not what you think!
Zhang Shaofu turned his hands behind his back, ignoring Lin Ruhai. Humph!
“My dear teachers, they were classmates with Yu’er and took great care of her in the capital. Since they happened to be here, they had a discussion, but there was no place for them to teach her.”
Zhang Shaofu glanced at Lin Ruhai and said, "It's been many years, and your mind has become even more unpredictable."
"Is that what I'm angry about?"
Lin Ruhai's expression hardened. "Please enlighten me, teacher."
"The Imperial Concubine Dowager has suddenly fallen seriously ill. We both know the inside story, but do outsiders know?"
Lin Ruhai shook his head.
"Do outsiders know His Highness's identity?"
Lin Ruhai continued to shake his head, bending over even more deeply.
"Outside the palace, Your Highness is still the Dowager Consort's son. Is your current relationship going to give outsiders grounds to speculate that you are plotting a rebellion?"
"The student would never dare!"
Zhang Shaofu stroked his goatee with satisfaction. "It's good that you know!"
"Don't let His Majesty's plans be ruined!"
Lin Ruhai nodded, indicating that he understood. Now that the Emperor had relinquished his power as the retired emperor, he would naturally want to eliminate the forces behind the Empress Dowager. His close relationship with Huo Huaixi would inevitably arouse the Zhen family's vigilance, and they would not rashly enter the capital.
The imperial edict sent by His Majesty to Jinling should arrive soon. The Zhen family will definitely send people to investigate first. If they find anything unusual and become alert, His Majesty's plan will surely be thwarted.
The retired emperor will surely take this opportunity to disrupt Your Majesty's new policies.
He'll be a sinner then!
Once he understood, Lin Ruhai immediately bowed and said, "Thank you, teacher."
Zhang Shaofu nodded. This was his prized student. If he didn't give him guidance, would he just let him drift aimlessly?
He hasn't even settled accounts with that little brat yet!
Sigh, it's all his fault. When Lin Ruhai wanted to go to Yangzhou, he disagreed and refused to associate with him, thinking he was just going to wade into troubled waters. By some twist of fate, he almost got him killed. Luckily, thankfully...
"You're back now, what are your plans?"
When Lin Ruhai heard that his teacher meant his thoughts on official positions, he wouldn't dare to speak up.
He immediately replied, "I'll stick to my original job."
Zhang Shaofu nodded, "That's good. It won't draw attention to him. There will be plenty of opportunities in the future. The Emperor will also remember his good deeds, and he will have even more chances."
The two talked for a while longer. Zhang Shaofu was old and couldn't stay up all night, so Lin Ruhai got up to take his leave.
When Lin Ruhai got home, he explained the matter to Shen Ajiao.
Shen Ajiao nodded; she knew it.
It's better to go along with the younger brother.
Hajime~
Lin Ruhai: Him? He's just a little brat! Humph!
Nobody should ever come to my house again!
The next day, Lin Ruhai looked at Zhou Shun behind Shen Ajiao and thought, "This guy is really not good..."
Didn't we agree that no one would come?
Zhou Shunye noticed Lin Ruhai's dark expression and quickly stepped forward to bow, saying, "Lord Lin, the crabs I gave to Sister Ajiao last time have gone bad. Sister Ajiao asked me to come and fix them."
Lin Ruhai snorted coldly. "Sister, sister, is that something you should be calling me? Humph!"
She still smiled and said, "Okay, I know, you guys go ahead."
The next day,
"Lord Lin, I've come to deliver some snacks. I'll leave as soon as I'm done!"
On the third day,
Zhou Shun, carrying a stack of books, said, "Lord Lin, these are the books that Sister Lin asked me to buy last time. I've finally collected them all."
On the fourth day,
Zhou Shun held several paintings and calligraphies, saying, "Lord Lin, these are what my father instructed me to present to you for your appreciation."
On the fifth day,
"Lord Lin, this is the fabric my mother gave to Sister Ajiao and Sister Lin. She said it's the most fashionable fabric right now."
...
Day N,
"No need to say anything more!" Lin Ruhai looked at Zhou Shun, who had said he wouldn't come back after delivering the things he was carrying, and took a breath. "If you want to come, then come, but don't bring anything next time!"
Returning gifts every time is such a hassle!
Why does Zhou Shun have so many ideas?
You never have the same dish twice a day?
What are we going to do?
"Lord Lin, this is not proper. There is no reason to come empty-handed."
Zhou Shun felt a little embarrassed. He always brought something with him when he came. Besides, he had made great progress in his studies recently, all thanks to Lord Lin. What was wrong with bringing something? Wasn't it the least he could do?
(Zhang Shaofu??? I'm your teacher!! Why haven't you given me anything??)
"I see you've made great progress in your studies recently. Is your family planning to have you try out for the exam next year?" That was the only thing Lin Ruhai could think of.
“That’s what my mother thought, but my grandmother said I was too young and we should wait three more years.”
Lin Ruhai nodded. After observing him for the past ten days or so, he realized that the boy's temperament was indeed quite good. With a few more years of guidance, he would surely become even better.
"Take this test paper back and come back after you finish it."
Lin Ruhai took a sip of tea. "Kid, I don't care if you don't have time for seven or eight days?"
"yes!"
Poor little Shun!
Lin Ruhai glanced at Shen Ajiao. Was he pitiful?
It's Lin Ruhai who's pitiful!!!
Waaaaah...
Outsiders say he took Zhou Shun as his last disciple, openly stealing his mentor's student—shameless!
Fortunately, the teacher knew him; otherwise, he would have been in deep trouble.
Next time Zhou Shun comes, he will prepare a big gift for him.
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