Finest Servant

Chapter 48 Bewilderment

At the break of dawn the next day, Lin Wanrong had just risen when he saw Uncle Fu sneak in, casting nervous glances around before saying, "Lin San, are you—have you not encountered any trouble?"

Lin Wanrong shook his head, replying, "Nah, all is well. I slept soundly through the night, and oh, that dog meat was most delectable indeed."

Uncle Fu struggled to swallow his saliva, cautioning, "Lin San, do not blame me for not warning you. Be not careless, for that was the Mighty General. This matter is not so simple."

"Uncle Fu, what do you mean?" inquired Lin Wanrong.

"Oh, it’s nothing, it’s nothing. I merely lament that I departed too early yesterday, unable to savour those fine delicacies, which is a great pity." Uncle Fu's meaning was clear: he wished to distance himself from the matter.

"Speaking of which, Lin San, from today forth, I shall teach you the art of cultivating flowers and plants," Uncle Fu hastily changed the subject as Lin Wanrong was about to press further, his countenance shifting at the thought of that individual's methods.

Lin Wanrong noticed Uncle Fu's change in demeanour and continued to inquire about the vicious dog and woman several times. However, Uncle Fu always evaded the questions, seemingly fearful of the woman, which only served to deepen Lin Wanrong's confusion.

Seeing that Uncle Fu was unwilling to discuss the matter, Lin Wanrong, at a loss for a better approach, decided to follow Uncle Fu and listen to him speak about the flora within the garden. Uncle Fu had immersed himself in the study of plants for more than thirty years, and his experience was incredibly vast. Within moments, even Lin Wanrong, a layman in the art of horticulture, felt that he had gained much insight.

"Uncle Fu, you are exceedingly familiar with these flowers and plants. Within the Xiao Family, no, even in Jinling City, I daresay few can rival your expertise," Lin Wanrong praised genuinely, not merely offering flattery.

"In this world, there are countless talented individuals," Uncle Fu modestly replied. "I have simply tended to these plants for a longer period, and as the saying goes, practice makes perfect. I cannot claim true mastery. However, in Jinling City, there are but a few well-versed in the ways of plants, and I have visited and exchanged ideas with them." Uncle Fu's face showed a hint of pride, evidently confident in his own skills.

"Then Uncle Fu, have you ever encountered such a tree?" Lin Wanrong recalled the plant he had encountered outside the city when leading Dong Qingshan and the others to fight, and he roughly described its appearance. Uncle Fu, an authority in this field, would likely know it well.

After listening to his description, Uncle Fu pondered for a long while before saying, "Lin San, the tree of which you speak is unfamiliar to me. Perhaps, when time permits, you could take me to see it."

Lin Wanrong pulled a bitter face, replying, "Uncle Fu, you do hold a lofty position within the Xiao Family and are free to come and go as you please. I, however, am but a lowly servant, unable to enjoy such liberty as you do."

"Indeed," Uncle Fu agreed, nodding. "I owe my present status to the trust of the Old Master and the young mistress. Lin San, as long as you work diligently, you too shall one day reach my level. Now, tell me the location in the southern part of the city where you saw that tree. If it is inconvenient for you to go, I shall investigate it myself tomorrow."

Lin Wanrong had intended to use Uncle Fu's influence to gain more freedom for himself. After all, he was a newcomer in the Xiao Family, and it would be quite difficult for him to enter or leave the manor without the chief steward's approval. Given his relationship with Chief Steward Wang, Lin Wanrong would be fortunate if Chief Steward Wang did not make things difficult for him, let alone allowing him to come and go from the manor with ease.

"Uncle Fu, I am naturally destined for a life of toil, and I enjoy traveling far and wide. If I were to stay within the manor all day, I would find it difficult to adapt," Lin Wanrong boldly stated. He dared to be so presumptuous only because he had found favor in Uncle Fu's eyes. Had it been any other servant, they would not have dared to entertain, let alone propose, such an outrageous idea.

Uncle Fu gazed deeply into Lin Wanrong's eyes and asked, "Lin San, do you not wish to serve as a servant in the Xiao Family?"

"Yes, no, I mean, no," Lin Wanrong hastily corrected himself. "Since I have come to the Xiao Family, whether by choice or not, I must fulfill my duties. This is a matter of professional integrity." Lin Wanrong's words were ambiguous, leaving others uncertain as to whether he had come willingly or under duress.

"Professional integrity? I have never heard of such a term. What do you mean?" Uncle Fu inquired, puzzled.

"Oh, it means that since I receive wages from the Xiao Family, I must wholeheartedly serve the household. This is called professional integrity," Lin Wanrong quickly explained.

Uncle Fu sighed and said, "Lin San, even if you didn’t speak of it, I can see that you are resourceful and quick-witted. If you hadn’t come to the Xiao Family as a servant, you would surely have achieved great things. Perhaps you had come here under dire circumstances, but as you had said, since you receive wages from the mistress and the young lady, you must dutifully serve the Xiao Family. I have spent my entire life in this household, and it is where I shall live out my remaining years. I hope you can truly assist the Xiao Family wholeheartedly."

Uncle Fu's words were heartfelt and sincere, leaving Lin Wanrong somewhat embarrassed. He could only respond with an awkward laugh, "Uncle Fu, you are too kind. I am now a servant of the Xiao Family, and I shall, of course, serve the household wholeheartedly. As for helping the Xiao Family, you do overestimate my abilities. What assistance could I, a mere servant, provide?"

Uncle Fu spoke meaningfully, "Lin San, our Xiao Family may seem prosperous, but this is merely a facade. In truth, the household is currently in dire straits. Alas, you shall come to understand this in time. To be candid, from the moment I first saw you, I felt you could be of great help to the Xiao Family. Despite your lack of formal education, you are eloquent, resourceful, and quick-witted—a truly rare talent."

Upon hearing Uncle Fu's remark that he "lacks formal education but eloquent, resourceful and quick-witted," Lin Wanrong found himself at a loss, unsure whether to laugh or cry. After all, he was a top student from a prestigious university. How could Uncle Fu say that he lacks formal education? However, he readily accepted the latter three compliments, as they accurately described his strengths, and there was no need for false modesty.

"I only hope that the mistress and the young ladies can soon recognize your talents and allow you to employ them to their fullest extent, thus aiding the Xiao Family in overcoming its challenges. This, I daresay, shall be my greatest wish before I depart this world."

As Uncle Fu spoke, his expression grew somber. Having served the Xiao Family for an entire lifetime, his affection for the household ran deep. The Xiao Family was his home, and he could not bear to see it fall into decline. Alas, despite his position within the household, he remained a mere servant, and the matters of the Xiao Family were not within his purview. With his limited abilities, he could only humbly invite Lin Wanrong to serve under him. Recommending Lin Wanrong to the masters of the Xiao Family would ultimately depend on Lin Wanrong's own efforts.

Seeing the elderly man's melancholy, Lin Wanrong understood his thoughts and felt touched by his loyalty. Having served the Xiao Family for a lifetime, and still showing such deep concern for the family in his twilight years, Uncle Fu had truly given his all. Lin Wanrong's previous disdain for the old man lessened, and his respect for him grew.

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