SFS Chapter 1340 Best Friend
Chapter 1340 Best Friend
"I just heard from Amu that Rong Xuezi's butterfly paintings are excellent, and seeing them today, I can confirm that they live up to the reputation. I also heard that Rong Xuezi shocked the capital with a poem half a year ago. It's truly rare to have such talent at such a young age," she said with a smile.
Her words seemed like a compliment, but they were actually a test, to see if Rong Zhiyu would become complacent or remain true to himself when faced with praise.
Upon hearing this, Rong Zhiyu remained composed and nodded slightly, saying, "Madam flatters me. These are merely trivial skills, hardly worthy of serious consideration. It is already a great fortune for me to be accepted by the academy and have the opportunity to devote myself to study."
His tone was humble, neither servile nor arrogant, and without sounding like he was trying too hard to please; he struck the perfect balance. Zhan Mu, who was listening nearby, couldn't help but chime in, "Mother, Zhiyu is not only talented, but also a very good person. At the academy, she often helps me with my studies."
Seeing her son's protective expression, Lin Yiwan sighed inwardly, but remained outwardly calm, smiling as she said, "It's Amu's good fortune to have such excellent friends. However, the academy's coursework is heavy, so you must study diligently, but also pay attention to balancing work and rest, and don't overwork yourselves."
As she spoke, her gaze fell on Rong Zhiyu again, and she changed the subject slightly: "Scholar Rong comes from Jiangnan and is studying alone in the capital. It must be very difficult for you. If you need any help in your daily life, you may speak to Amu or send someone to inform the Marquis of Zhanyi. We will certainly not refuse to help if we can."
These words were both a gesture of goodwill and a test. She wanted to see if Rong Zhiyu would use his relationship with Zhan Mu to covet the power and convenience of the Marquis's mansion.
Rong Zhiyu looked up at Lin Yiwan, a hint of gratitude flashing in her eyes, but she quickly concealed it.
His tone remained calm: "Thank you for your kindness, Madam. I am deeply grateful. However, I am now focused on my studies and only hope to achieve good results in next year's major exams so as not to disappoint the dean's cultivation. There is no need to worry about anything else. With the help of my classmates, I am living a relatively peaceful life."
His answer was impeccable, expressing gratitude while subtly declining Lin Yiwan's advances. He remained approachable without appearing distant, demonstrating composure and clarity that seemed unusual for a young orphan.
Lin Yiwan's doubts deepened, but she still smiled and nodded: "It's truly rare for a student like Rong to have such aspirations. It's good for young people to have ambitions, but they should also take care of their health, after all, health is the foundation of everything."
She paused, her gaze falling on the paintbrushes they were gripping tightly, and asked casually, "You two seem to get along very well. You must often study and paint together at the academy, right?"
Zhan Mu nodded immediately, his face full of smiles: "Yes, Mother, Zhiyu's painting skills are much better than mine. I often learn from him, and he never holds back and is very patient."
Rong Zhiyu added from the side, "Brother Zhan is very intelligent, but he usually focuses his mind on his studies and has little interest in painting. With a little guidance, he can make rapid progress."
The two sang in perfect harmony, their chemistry impeccable, and their friendship seemed genuinely deep. However, seeing the extremely close proximity between them, and the undisguised admiration and dependence Zhan Mu showed when looking at Rong Zhiyu, Lin Yiwan felt a renewed sense of unease creeping into her heart.
She composed herself and continued to probe, "Scholar Rong, you are all alone, you must yearn for family, right? If you pass the imperial examinations in the future, have you ever thought about returning to Jiangnan to find relatives and friends, or settling down in the capital?"
This question, though seemingly ordinary, was actually an attempt to probe Rong Zhiyu's future plans, to see if he had any long-term intentions or any hidden thoughts.
Rong Zhiyu was silent for a moment, a faint trace of melancholy flashing in his eyes, before he regained his composure: "Jiangnan is beautiful, but it no longer holds any appeal for me. As for the future, I only want to focus on preparing for the exams. I haven't thought much about what will happen after I pass the exams. If I am fortunate enough to be valued by the court, I don't care where I settle down. As long as I can realize my ambitions, that will be enough."
His words were sincere, and the melancholy in his eyes seemed genuine, as if he truly had no lingering attachment to the past and was focused solely on his studies and ambitions. But the more sincere he appeared, the more wary Lin Yiwan became.
For an orphan with nothing to gain a foothold in the capital and be valued by the academy, it is not just a matter of talent and learning; he must also possess extraordinary intelligence and shrewdness.
She looked at Rong Zhiyu and spoke slowly, her tone carrying a hint of unintentional seriousness: "It is truly rare for a student like Rong to have such ambitions. However, people's hearts are complicated, and the capital is not as peaceful as Jiangnan, especially in the academy, where there are talented people from all over the country, and the competition is fierce. In the future, whether you are studying or getting along with others, you must be more careful and not trust others too easily, nor make enemies."
These words were both a reminder and a warning. She wanted Rong Zhiyu to understand that although the Hou family would not deliberately make things difficult for him, they would certainly not allow him to approach Zhan Mu at will.
Rong Zhiyu naturally understood the deeper meaning in Lin Yiwan's words. He bowed slightly and said respectfully, "Thank you for your advice, Madam. I will keep it in mind. I understand my situation and have always been cautious in my actions. I dare not overstep any boundaries and will certainly maintain an appropriate distance from Brother Zhan so as not to interfere with his studies or cause you any worry."
He spoke frankly, directly addressing Lin Yiwan's concerns and stating his own position. Looking at his composed demeanor, Lin Yiwan's doubts lessened slightly, but she still wasn't completely at ease.
Zhan Mu, who was listening to the conversation between the two, vaguely sensed his mother's thoughts and couldn't help but say, "Mother, Zhiyu is not that kind of person, so don't worry. We are just classmates and friends, studying together on weekdays, and we have no other intentions."
Lin Yiwan glanced at her son, shook her head helplessly, and said nothing more. She knew that some things were best left unsaid; saying too much would only provoke Zhan Mu's resentment.
She looked at Rong Zhiyu, a gentle smile on her face: "It's good that you understand, Rong. I'm sorry to have disturbed your painting today. I have some things to take care of, so I won't stay here any longer. Amu, study your lessons carefully and don't be playful. If anything happens, remember to come back to the manor and let me know."
"Yes, Mother," Zhan Mu nodded in response.
Rong Zhiyu bowed again and said, "Respectfully seeing off Madam Hou."
Lin Yiwan nodded slightly and turned to walk towards the academy gate. After taking a few steps, she couldn't help but look back. She saw that Rong Zhiyu had picked up his paintbrush again, and Zhan Mu was standing close to him, whispering something. The sunlight fell on them, creating the same harmonious scene as before.