The doorman quickly brought over a middle-aged man dressed in silk.
Lin Yan had seen this person during the days she had been gathering information. He was the Liu family's external steward.
"Young Master Lin, greetings. My master is currently entertaining a guest. Please wait in the side hall for a moment." The steward was very courteous, showing no arrogance whatsoever.
"It was Yan's recklessness, failing to inform your household in advance before coming directly. Please forgive me, steward."
From these servants, one could gauge the temperament and disposition of their master.
At the very least, from this brief interaction, Lin Yan had a favorable impression of this Master Du whom she had yet to meet.
"Young Master Lin is too polite. Please, this way."
Lin Yan followed him into the Du manor, handing over the gifts she had brought to a doorman standing by.
The steward signaled for the doorman to accept them and then led Lin Yan to the side hall.
As soon as Lin Yan entered the side hall, a maid served tea and refreshments.
This residence looked very unassuming from the outside, but only after Lin Yan entered did she realize the understated luxury within.
Or rather, if Lin Yan had been less discerning, she would never have noticed the opulence of this dwelling.
It was only because Lin Yan had lived in ancient times and witnessed the extravagance of noble families that she could discern it.
The quality of the wood for the tables and chairs was a given; even the floor tiles in the room were meticulously chosen.
Not to mention the gauze covering the windows and the incense burning in the room, all of it indicated the wealth of this gentleman.
Lin Yan began to doubt her previous assumptions. This master must have come from a prominent family.
They likely wouldn't have the kindness to casually accept disciples. Of course, it wasn't that they wouldn't accept disciples.
It was just that Lin Yan didn't have the audacity to believe she was so exceptional that such a master would actively seek to take her as a disciple. She was merely a minor Tong Sheng, and her literary talent was not particularly outstanding.
To say nothing else, there were many people in Maolin Academy far more accomplished than her.
If this master were from humble origins, then she could understand why the teacher recommended her. But with such a distinguished background, how could this master possibly fancy her as a disciple?
However, Lin Yan did not become disheartened by this. Since the teacher could give her a letter of recommendation, there must be something about her that was worthy of the teacher's and Master Du's attention. She would improvise when the time came.
Meanwhile, the steward knocked and entered the study.
Two middle-aged men with long beards were seated in the study.
A chessboard was placed between them, indicating they had been playing chess. Currently, one of the middle-aged men was reading the letter Lin Yan had brought, while the other picked up a teacup placed beside him and sipped his tea.
"Master."
"What kind of person is he?" The one who spoke was not the scholar reading the letter, but the other one sipping tea.
"He is a boy of about eleven or twelve years old, with good etiquette," the steward said, knowing full well what his master wanted to ask.
The visiting young man came from a humble background, but his demeanor was calm, neither servile nor overbearing, making him quite likable. In his many years of following the master, he had seen many people, but it was rare to see a young gentleman like this one today.
"He went to great trouble. It seems Dong Lin has indeed found me a good candidate for a disciple." He also trusted his steward's judgment.
"Dong Lin wrote in his letter that this young man, like you, has a photographic memory. That's why I was so eager to recommend him to you." The scholar reading the letter put down the letter and expressed great curiosity about the young man who had arrived today.
"If Dong Lin knew you said that about him, he would surely argue with you." Master Du said with a chuckle.
"But since you happened to be here, let's both meet this promising talent that Dong Lin spoke of."
After saying this, he instructed the steward to go to the side hall and summon Lin Yan.
Lin Yan had just taken a sip of tea when the steward returned. She quickly put down her teacup and stood up.
"Young Master Lin, the master would like to see you in the study."
"Yes, thank you for leading the way, steward."
"You are too polite, Young Master Lin."
On the way, the steward informed Lin Yan that there was another guest in the study, surnamed Zhao, a friend of Master Du.
As soon as Lin Yan entered the study, both middle-aged scholars in the room looked at her.
"This humble one, Lin Yan, greets both lords." Lin Yan bowed.
The young boy was indeed as the steward had said, well-versed in etiquette. Judging by his attire, the young man was likely from a humble background.
Although his family might have some means, it was definitely not much. Yet, every move he made seemed to have etched the word "etiquette" into his bones. Combined with his refined face, even though it had not yet fully matured, it already possessed an elegant bearing.
One could easily imagine that once he matured, he would become a graceful and outstanding figure.
"No need for formalities. Please be seated." After the person in the main seat spoke, a servant immediately brought over a round stool.
Lin Yan only sat down by a third. At this point, she had clearly seen the faces of the two scholars in the room. Although neither had appeared in the original owner's memories,
this was crucial for her to be able to apprentice, so Lin Yan took it very seriously.
"Dong Lin mentioned that you can memorize by sight?" Lord Zhao spoke.
"Teacher Dong Lin is being overly generous. This student merely has a good memory," Lin Yan said, seemingly understanding why she was here.
"Oh? He claimed you memorized all the books in the library. Is that not true?" Master Du frowned.
Lin Yan hurriedly tried to explain, but she didn't know how to go about it. There was too little information about these two individuals, and she had no idea how to respond.
However, since they attached so much importance to her ability to memorize by sight, she should showcase her learning ability.
After all, no teacher would want a dull student. The smarter she appeared, the greater her chance of being favored by Master Du.
"It seems you do have some ability. Brother Meng Zhou, it appears he, like you, can memorize by sight. I wonder if he can remember for as long as you can," Lord Zhao said with great curiosity.
His old friend's memory was exceptional. He could even recall ordinary conversations from many years ago, and even what they were wearing and the crowns they wore that day, with perfect clarity.
It was precisely because of this that his old friend's imperial examinations became incredibly easy. He became the top scholar at a young age and later held the prestigious position of Shangshu. If he hadn't wanted to be involved in the succession struggle, he wouldn't have resigned from his post and returned.
However, he no longer wished to be an official. When he heard that his old friend had resigned and returned home, he immediately rushed over, intending to offer comfort.
But what he saw was his friend enjoying life immensely, leaving no room for his words of solace.
So it was him!
Listening to the words of the Lord Zhao beside him, Lin Yan finally realized who this Master Du was.