Song Lingsu watched Grandmaster Fu’s exasperated deanor, then looked at his own mischievous father with so helplessness. He took out the tea canister again and directly pushed it in front of Grandmaster Fu.
Song Zhiyuan glanced at him and raised an eyebrow.
Song Lingsu said helplessly, "Father, please don’t tease the Grand Tutor. He is of an advanced age and cannot withstand your joking." Saying this, he rose and offered a gentleman’s salute to Grandmaster Fu, his face full of apology, "The joke between my father and the Grand Tutor, please don’t take it to heart. I, as a student, apologize to you on his behalf."
Grandmaster Fu’s white eyebrows twitched as he glanced sideways at Song Zhiyuan, saying, "You rascally rogue of a fox, you have managed to sire a proper and virtuous son."
"Well spoken."
Grandmaster Fu choked on a breath, thinking him shaless.
He looked at Song Lingsu, saying, "Your father is a scoundrel; you must not follow in his footsteps."
Song Lingsu smiled slightly, "This student cannot compare to father’s abundant talent."
"As long as you et a good teacher, this uncut jade can also be polished to shine brightly." Grandmaster Fu was not so dismissive. Who says a son cannot surpass his father? ’The student excels the master’ is not unheard of.
Song Zhiyuan said, "Su’er, aren’t you going to pour more tea for your teacher and offer the apprenticeship gift?"
Song Lingsu was stunned. What, is this a forced apprenticeship? The other party hasn’t even agreed to take him in!
Indeed, your father would resort to such ans, forcing the issue.
Grandmaster Fu was furious, glaring at Song Zhiyuan, yet did not utter a refusal.
Timing is everything.
Song Lingsu hurriedly took out all the items his father had prepared from his baggage, among which was a yellowing ancient book with the words "Lanting Collection" inscribed on it in cursive script.
Grandmaster Fu’s eyelids twitched. He instinctively took the collection, and upon opening, found it to be the long-sought-after missing volu.
"The missing volu is actually in your hands." Grandmaster Fu’s hands trembled, then he resentfully looked up and questioned, "Did that old scoundrel Ji Tingzhi give this to you? I knew it, that shaless fellow hid it well."
Song Zhiyuan shook his head and said, "Teacher left very little. This missing volu was obtained through Yunzhi’s efforts."
Grandmaster Fu snorted, "A Pri Minister of your stature—whatever you desire, don’t your subordinates chase it down tirelessly? What effort is there in obtaining it?"
As if saying such things might not provoke divine retribution.
Song Zhiyuan maintained an unchanged expression, "For Yunzhi to rise to this position required much effort. Likewise, acquiring this missing volu is a related benefit."
Grandmaster Fu spat at him with affection, flipping through it eagerly before putting it down, "You won’t win over this old fellow with external goods. The old man is aged and beyond his abilities."
"You can provide guidance as you wish. I trust it won’t tarnish your reputation."
Grandmaster Fu: "..."
He’s stuck with them now.
Song Lingsu also said, "Grand Tutor, please don’t be angry. Father does not intend to bribe you; your noble character could never be swayed by re material possessions."
"You are mistaken. I am, in fact, a mundane person who is swayed by external things." Grandmaster Fu laughed heartily, directly placing the missing volu beside him, saying: "I can take you in, but rember my words: I am of an older age and cannot manage much. Whether you are a sage or a fool depends on your own abilities."
Song Zhiyuan said, "Aren’t you going to offer tea to your teacher?"
Song Lingsu, unable to contain his joy, poured fresh tea, respectfully presenting it to Grandmaster Fu, "Teacher, please have tea."
With a sigh, Grandmaster Fu accepted and received three knocks on the head from him. Thus, the apprenticeship was settled.
"Su’er will serve your teacher in the future. First, go to the Academy for a walk and familiarize yourself with the environnt." Seeing the apprenticeship completed, Song Zhiyuan began to send his son off.
Grandmaster Fu felt a jolt in his heart, understanding that this rascal had many intentions in mind.
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