No One Is Ever Truly Cornered, Confucian Sages!

[Shilan's gaze swept over a stone table and stools beneath the eaves. Two Parasol Trees stood tall side by side, their lush branches weaving a deep shade over the table.]

[It was the only place in the courtyard where guests could sit. A meager place to receive visitors indeed!]

[Parasol Tree swiftly wiped down the stone stools.]

[The little courtyard had three rooms. One housed the memorial tablet; the master and servant lived in the other two.]

[There was not even a desk.]

[Shilan frowned slightly, recalling the residence of the young master of her Second Estate. For the sake of his studies, Madam Yuan had built him a waterside pavilion. Ingeniously designed, it was surrounded by water on three sides, with a rockery adorning the fourth.]

[She had even invited a court expert in feng shui to arrange it personally. The study sat in the southeast corner, fully stocked with brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones. Maids and servants kept the desk spotless, and no gold objects were permitted there lest they disturb its scholarly auspiciousness.]

[By comparison, this place was far too casual. It did not even have a proper desk. Shilan suddenly remembered that Young Master Guan had apparently not yet begun his education.]

["Shilan thanks you for your kindness, Young Master Guan. I came to convey Young Master Renfeng's request. He would like Parasol Tree to come to the Second Estate as his personal maid."]

["Young Master Renfeng also said that if you ever need anything, he will remember this favor."]

[Anxiety showed on Parasol Tree's face.]

[Shilan continued, "The Second Estate can also find you a better physician. Bianjing has no shortage of renowned doctors. And though you are starting your studies late, the manor has already engaged several great Confucian scholars. You could study alongside