Chapter 49: The Master's Lecture

Early the next morning, just after breakfast, Lin Wanrong arrived accompanied by a maidservant. Upon entering, she bowed deeply to Lin Jinyan.

Lin Jinyan hurried forward to take Lin Wanrong's hands and said, "Sister, we are sisters; there is no need for such formal etiquette."

With reddened eyes, Lin Wanrong said, "I have come to thank you. You did so much for me yesterday that you nearly faced reprimand, and you even allowed me to study alongside you. I am deeply grateful. Eldest Miss... thank you, Yan'er."

Noticing Lin Jinyan's disapproving gaze, Lin Wanrong corrected her form of address.

Lin Jinyan smiled. "That's more like it. I accept your thanks, but there is no need to mention it again or dwell upon it. In the future, you will face many situations you haven't encountered before. Are you afraid?"

Lin Wanrong bit her lip and replied, "It would be a lie to say I am not afraid. I barely slept a wink last night. I don't know if I can handle it, but I still want to try."

Lin Jinyan smiled and said, "Since you are leaving the manor, you will inevitably have to endure the judgment of the secular world. But do not take it to heart. Only by remaining steadfast and undisturbed by external influences can you overcome all evils."

Lin Wanrong nodded. "I will remember that."

Lin Jinyan said, "Master Meng should have arrived by now. Let us go. Master Meng is a bit cold in temperament, but she has a very kind heart. Do not be afraid."

Lin Wanrong nodded and followed Lin Jinyan out. In the main hall sat a cold, elegant woman dressed in plain clothes, leaning against a table while reading a book.

The woman was tall with slender, well-defined hands. Aside from a walnut-colored wooden hairpin, she wore no other ornaments. She was like a plum blossom in the snow, exuding a cold, ethereal scholarly aura.

Upon entering, Lin Jinyan cupped her hands in greeting. "Greetings, Master."

Lin Wanrong followed suit.

The woman turned her head, her gaze lingering on Lin Wanrong for a moment before shifting to Lin Jinyan. With an expressionless face, she spoke calmly, "Is this the girl who will be studying with you from now on?"

Lin Jinyan replied, "Yes, Master Meng. Her name is Lin Wanrong. She is my second uncle's daughter, and she will be coming with me from now on."

Master Meng glanced at Lin Wanrong. "Mhm. Listen attentively to my lessons. Your innate talent is not important; diligence can make up for lack of talent. Do not pretend to understand if you do not; if you do not know, simply admit it. What books have you read before? What can you do?"

Lin Wanrong stammered, "I previously... only read... some miscellaneous books. My... recognition of characters is not very complete..."

Master Meng said, "It is fine if you do not know. If you already knew everything, there would be no need for me to come."

Having said this, she handed Lin Wanrong a book and asked her to read it aloud. After listening to Lin Wanrong's halting recitation, she gave her brush, ink, paper, and inkstone to write it down.

After reviewing the work, Master Meng had a clear understanding of their levels. She began teaching them separately: Lin Jinyan continued with her normal curriculum, while Lin Wanrong started from the very beginning.

When Master Meng finished reviewing the assignments Lin Jinyan submitted, even her cold demeanor could not hide the brightness in her eyes. "Jinyan, I haven't seen you for a few days, yet your calligraphy has improved significantly, and your perspectives have become broader than before."

Lin Jinyan replied sweetly, "It is all thanks to your excellent teaching, Master."

Master Meng said indifferently, "It is likely that your state of mind has changed since you woke from your ordeal, leading to this improvement. Do not credit it to me. Is your body still feeling unwell?"

Lin Jinyan replied, "I am much better now. Thank you for your concern, Master."

Master Meng said, "Mhm. Seeing your great progress, you must have put in a lot of effort. One should not learn too quickly or hastily; it is better to be steady. After I finish your lessons, go and practice the zither more. I will focus on catching Wanrong up."

Lin Jinyan nodded in agreement.

(End of Chapter)