Jin Zijin spoke mildly, "Why don’t you go to the hall and see for yourself?"
Lin Shenxing clenched his fist, feeling somewhat reluctant as he made his way to the grand hall.
In the grand hall, the Lin Family’s old lady couldn’t understand how this esteemed Yu Jizi could grab her attention and talk incessantly.
"I’ve heard that the Lin Family’s old lady always teaches the younger generation in a way that stands out from the rest. Miss Lin is unbound by minor formalities and possesses a free-spirited nature, much like your esteemed self in your younger days."
"The National Master is joking. My eldest girl is taught by her mother, resembling her mother."
Yu Jizi did not argue, and instead, he laughed and brought up Lin Shenxing.
"Young Master Lin, at such a young age, is well-versed in the Four Books and Five Classics, full of poetic discourse. This year is his first time taking the imperial examination, right? The title of Jieyuan will surely fall into the Lin Family with him, for he truly has his father’s talents."
"The National Master flatters him, Shenxing is far behind his father; his father had achieved Jieyuan at the age of twelve. But this child Shenxing, who spends all day in idle pursuits, would do well just to pass as a scholar, let alone hope for him to achieve Jieyuan."
Yu Jizi smiled and continued, "What is most astonishing is your family’s young lady relative. Ever since she was a child, she’s been weak and sickly, yet she managed to persevere. The people of Lotus Village all call her a once-in-a-millennium prodigy. Despite having been nursed for decades due to her frail health, she became a divine doctor within a year of coming out. If she had been born a boy, I’m afraid even Mr. Lin himself could not compare."
The Lin Family’s old lady’s face grew darker and darker, feeling certain that the State Preceptor was enticing her to do something and definitively had no good intentions.
She bent her knees slightly in a bow, "I am old and unwell today, I’m afraid I won’t be able to stay for the rest of the ceremony. National Master, I take my leave."
Yu Jizi stroked his long white beard and with a light smile said, "Then I will not keep you, old madam."
He had said all he needed to hint at. This old lady was smarter than most, he thought, she must have taken it in.
When the Lin Family’s old lady emerged from the hall, she happened to bump into Lin Shenxing who was hurrying into the hall, nearly knocking her to the ground.
"Ouch, who bumped into this old woman?"
Lin Shenxing quickly steadied her by the arm, saying, "Grandmother, it’s me."
Seeing that she was unharmed, he hurriedly asked, "Are you alright?"
His question was odd, and the old lady of the Lin Family’s face darkened as she answered, "I’m fine, let’s go back to the residence and talk."
"Return to the residence?" Lin Shenxing looked at those settling down for the ceremony and inquired, "Isn’t there another session?"
The Lin Family’s old lady replied, "We won’t be staying; I’m unwell and must get home quickly."
Hearing her mention feeling unwell, Lin Shenxing grew cautious.
Although he felt that something was off during today’s visit to the Sanqing Temple, he did not question further and escorted the Lin Family’s old lady outside.
Later, they bumped into Lusun and Lin Zixin heading towards the grand hall, and the family decided to descend the mountain together directly.
Throughout the journey, the Lin Family’s old lady was restless and uneasy.
The State Preceptor’s idle chatter with an old lady like her was bound to be no simple matter. His words, although seemingly mere praise for the Lin Family’s younger members, every sentence carried a deeper meaning.
Upon closer thought, right, yet not right.
She suddenly realized the inconsistency—why would a State Preceptor, known for his pure and simple desires, know so much about the Lin Residence?
If he hadn’t intentionally learned about the Lin Residence, how could he know so much?
The Lin Family’s old lady broke out in a cold sweat and gripped her handkerchief tightly.
The atmosphere inside the carriage was off, and Lin Shenxing noticed.
He glanced at Lin Zixin, who was gleefully enjoying the passing scenery from beside the window, then turned his head to look at the Lin Family’s old lady.