Getting Back at Him

"Besides, the Heir of the Earl of Zhongqin said I stole his craftsman. While there's some truth to that, I was also at fault. I shouldn't have helped him knowing he was setting a trap to harm someone; it really disrespected his family. You're trying to stand up for me and find his child, right? If they question us, we won't be in the right, will we?"

She tugged at Kang Shilin's sleeve. "Master, why don't you have Kang An go to the Earl of Zhongqin's Residence and explain the situation to Earl of Zhongqin, and apologize on my behalf? Just say that I was ignorant and didn't know that Ge Wu was the craftsman his family had their eye on. I invited him back and offended them. Please ask them to plead with the Earl of Suiping's Residence to spare our family's life. What do you think?"

As she spoke, she winked at Kang Shilin with a grin.

Kang Shilin had a fiery temper and a high position. If someone provoked him, he wouldn't hesitate to retaliate with insults until he won.

He was about to scold his apprentice when he heard her about backing down. But seeing her like this and thinking about the meaning behind her words, he suddenly became Gao Xing.

This is going to be a sinister move.

He likes it.

Wu Zong, however, was the type to thrive on chaos. Upon hearing that his junior sister was about to cause trouble, he exclaimed, "That's right, Master! Why don't you send Kang An? With your influence, you could plead with the Earl of Zhongqin Earl of Suiping's Residence's estate. Surely he'll grant your request?"

Kang Shilin, in a dramatic pose, patted Zhao Ruxi's head affectionately and said with a sigh, "My apprentice really knows how to care for me. She's worried that this old lady will get upset by those unreasonable people, so she doesn't want me to make a scene."

He sighed deeply, "Alright, then I'll have Kang An go and plead with the Earl of Zhongqin. Alas, when people get old, they lose their status, and even the slightest dog or cat can bully them. What can we do besides beg others to let us off the hook? It's pathetic."

These words were spoken in a very poignant manner, and should have been quite moving, but the people in the art academy felt that they sounded somewhat familiar, and something felt off.

Before they could even think of it, Kang Shilin said, "Wenbai, isn't the Wife of the Earl of Zhongqin your niece? Why don't you send your servants to plead for my Zhiwei? Alas, the poor child, humiliated like this. We, as elders, can't seek justice for her, but at least we can humble ourselves and beg for forgiveness, right? Anyway, it's not like you have to go yourself, just send a servant. It shouldn't be too difficult for you, right?"

Mr. Zhou Wenbai's personality is very similar to Xiao Ruotong's; he only has eyes for painting and is very simple-minded.

Whether it was due to his advanced age or a lack of three-dimensional imagination, the old man found it more difficult to grasp the concept of sketching than others. However, Zhao Ruxi never looked down on him and always patiently taught him, while also giving him face, which made the old man very grateful.

Because of his relationship with the Wife of the Earl of Zhongqin, Kang Shilin didn't mention it, but he also planned to send someone to talk to the Wife of the Earl of Zhongqin and ask her to keep an eye on Jia Junze Jia Junze prevent him from doing anything serious.

Without much thought, he readily agreed to Kang Shilin's suggestion, saying, "Of course, of course."

"That won't be necessary," Zhao Ruxi, somewhat reluctant to drag the simple-minded old man, Zhou Wenbai, into the mess.

"Why not use it? Everyone is learning to paint from you and owes you a debt of gratitude. They're just saying a word on your behalf. Wouldn't that put them in a difficult position?"

As Kang Shilin spoke, he glanced around the art academy.

One of the quick-witted ones suddenly thought that it wouldn't be bad for the thirteen people from their art academy to form a small group, and immediately declared, "I'll also send someone to plead on their behalf."

Since they were all studying painting together, and Mister Kumu had already said that, and someone else volunteered, the others felt it wouldn't be right not to speak up, so they immediately said, "I'll send someone too."

"I'll send someone too."

Everyone has now expressed their opinion.

Wu Zong understood Kang Shilin's meaning and further reminded everyone, "All thirteen of us have studied painting with our junior sister, and we owe her a debt of gratitude. If she is bullied in the future, we will stand up for her together. Those people in the capital will know that our junior sister has our backing, and they'll have to think twice before trying to bully her."

He pointed to his villa. "The classes will start over there soon. By doing this, we're setting an example for those people. Even a drop of kindness deserves a spring of gratitude. Junior Sister has taught them how to make a living, and they are indebted to her. If Junior Sister encounters difficulties in the future, shouldn't they lend a helping hand?"

Zhao Ruxi scratched her cheek; she felt that her master and senior brother had gone a bit too far.

She glanced at Wu Zong, only to meet her senior brother's gaze.

Okay, she understands.

She waved her hand sheepishly and smiled, "Senior brother, let's not trouble everyone. I think the Heir of the Earl of Zhongqin is just talking and wouldn't dare to do anything. It would be inappropriate for us to make such a fuss."

She looked at Kang Shilin with a grin. "I suppose my master alone can deter these scoundrels. Right, Master?"

These words made Kang Shilin very happy.

He stroked his beard and said, "That's right. I, Kang Shilin, will send someone to beg him to let it go. That will scare Earl of Zhongqin to death. His little brat's legs will be broken then, and you won't need to get involved."

Some people whose family backgrounds weren't strong enough secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

Not all artists are simple-minded. There are those like Xiao Ruotong and Zhou Wenbai who are simple-minded, and there are also those like Wu Zong who are as cunning as a sieve.

One of the quick-witted individuals spoke up, saying, "Although we aren't needed this time, we will always remember Layperson Zhiwei's kindness in imparting his skills. In the future, if you ever need our help, just say the word, and we will certainly do our utmost."

"Yes, yes, that's exactly it." Everyone echoed.

Zhao Ruxi bowed gratefully to everyone. "Thank you all very much."

Kang Shilin waved his hand, ending the topic. "Alright, everyone, let's draw."

Everyone fell silent and began to draw seriously.

Kang Shilin went to the backyard and summoned Kang An and a guard. He first instructed the guard, "Go and check if there is a banquet at the Earl of Zhongqin's Residence today. If not, find out when the Earl of Zhongqin returns home or where he went for the banquet."

He turned to Kang An and gave him some more instructions, saying, "You go with the guards, so you won't be late. You don't need to come to Beining after you're done; I'll return to my residence tonight."

Kang An and the guards both responded and left.

Everyone painted for an hour, and when it was almost dinnertime, they dispersed.

Kang Shilin called out to Zhao Ruxi, then leisurely boarded the carriage, and together with Wu Zong and Zhao Ruxi's carriages, they returned to the capital.

Before parting ways, he instructed, "Bring a few extra guards. That kid may not be very brave, but it's always good to be on guard."

"Yes," Zhao Ruxi replied obediently.

Even without Kang Shilin mentioning it, she also planned to bring several more guards with her. With the training of the people on the estate completed, she had plenty of manpower under her command.