Reborn: The First Rank "Madam"

C9 – An Eye for An Eye

Luo Xiaoliu endured a night of anxiety until the morning sun assured him of his continued existence.

He concealed his usual cheerful demeanor and trailed obediently behind Zuo Shaoqing, diligently performing his duties as an attendant, without daring to take a single step further.

After several days in Zuo Shaoqing’s company, Luo Xiaoliu’s composure waned. How could a person undergo such a drastic transformation overnight?

He observed Zuo Shaoqing’s feigned intellect and newfound indolence, casually leafing through a book to rest his eyes, and engaging in heated debates with classmates. Such behaviors were unheard of in the past.

Zuo Shaoqing even cradled his family’s master like a specter. How else could this unexpected change be explained?

In reality, hadn’t there been some hints? Recollecting recent events, Luo Xiaoliu became convinced that Lady Ruan’s death was the catalyst for this transformation. Particularly after witnessing his family’s master lighting incense twice daily, once in the morning and once in the evening, his conviction deepened.

Perched on a substantial branch of a large tree on the mountainside behind Green Lu Academy, Zuo Shaoqing lay carefree, his face concealed behind a book, dozing.

“Little Six, shouldn’t you go do some snooping today?”

Standing beneath the tree, Luo Xiaoliu no longer found it surprising that Third Master Zuo had decided to climb up the tree. “Indeed, Madam instructed me to report every five days, and today marks the fifth day.”

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Zuo Shaoqing removed the book covering his face, plucked a leaf, and toyed with it in his hands. “In that case, kindly convey to her that I’ve been missing my mother terribly these past few days, and my thoughts have been scattered, leading to disciplinary measures. It’s been quite miserable, to be honest.”

Luo Xiaoliu raised his head silently, confirming that Zuo Shaoqing had no intention of changing his story. He responded, “Understood.”

Inwardly, he mused about Lord Third’s devotion to filial piety. Even after Lady Ruan’s departure, he had skipped Teacher Yang’s classes. He hadn’t seen his young master attend any lessons in the past few days. What would they do about next month’s national examination?

Little did he know that Zuo Shaoqing was quite experienced in such matters. Not only did he possess knowledge of the topics for the home tutor examination, but he had also committed the Conference Test and examination questions to memory.

Due to missing the Conference Test in his previous life, Zuo Shaoqing had diligently studied the topics for the current year’s Conference Test until even Jiang Che acknowledged that his theoretical responses surpassed those of the top scorer.

Zuo Shaoqing leaped down from the tree, landing gracefully on the ground without stirring a speck of dust. He inquired, “Is there a thatched hut behind the half-mountain pavilion?”

Luo Xiaoliu estimated the tree’s height with his gaze and replied, “There’s an old hunter’s hut back there, but it’s been abandoned for nearly a year.”

“Then arrange for someone to refurbish it. If you ever find yourself with nothing to do, it’s a suitable spot for an afternoon nap. Much better than sleeping on a branch.”

“… Yes.”

The two of them descended the mountain via a narrow trail, and by chance, they encountered Zuo Shaoling, who had been absent from school for several days. Luo Xiaoliu’s heart skipped a beat.

Based on previous encounters, crossing paths with this little tyrant was certainly not a pleasant prospect.

“Well, well, if it isn’t our family’s most diligent third sibling? I heard you recently met your maker. Why haven’t I witnessed your lamentations?” Zuo Family’s Second Young Master casually strolled over, holding a paper fan despite the chilly weather.

This marked Zuo Shaoqing’s initial encounter with Second Brother since his rebirth. He scrutinized him briefly before diverting his gaze. While Zuo Shaoling had been the most relentless tormentor since childhood, that wasn’t his primary source of resentment.

Although he harbored the deepest animosity for Zuo Shaoling, it didn’t mean he was willing to tolerate constant bullying from him.

“Second brother,” Zuo Shaoqing greeted with indifference. Throughout their interaction, he maintained a slightly raised chin, regarding them with a disdainful air.

After enduring years of Zuo Shaoling’s harassment, he had learned how to provoke this irritable, self-important second sibling.

Just as expected, Zuo Second Master, who had been sporting a mischievous grin a moment ago, abruptly grew infuriated. He swiped his hand, sending a paper fan hurtling toward Zuo Shaoqing’s face, and then promptly kicked over without hesitation.

“Pfft! You impudent brat! You think scribbling a few bitter verses makes you something? Without your mother’s protection, you’re nothing but a speck of dust. Yet you dare to swagger before me!”

Zuo Shaoqing restrained Luo Xiaoliu with a mere glance, preventing her from intervening, allowing the paper fan to leave a crimson mark on his visage.

Such an unseen scar, he wouldn’t bear it for naught.

Dusting off his robe, Zuo Shaoqing sneered, “If I’m a baseborn wretch, what does that make you?”

This marked Zuo Shaoling’s first time enduring a reprimand from his cowardly Third Brother. He stood in bewilderment for a good half cup of tea before regaining his composure. “Well, well, Third Master Zuo, you’re certainly feeling audacious today, seeking Brother Wu out like this. That wench isn’t here anymore, and as her elder brother, I’ll make sure to impart some manners on her behalf.”

With those words, he rolled up his sleeves and advanced briskly.