Chapter 33: You

On the way to the Zhao family compound, little sister Zheng Shan’s cheerful chattering floated through the air.

The Seventh Young Master still sat atop Gao Yuan’s cart, but Zheng Fa accompanied his mother and sister on the ox cart that had always taken him to the Zhao Fu.

He held little sister Zheng Shan in his arms, while Zheng Mu sat at the back, watching over their meager belongings.

This was Zheng Shan’s first long journey; even the monotonous rice fields around her seemed fascinating, and she kept asking:

“Brother, is the city really that lively?”

“I heard Wang Gui bragging that everything under the sun is sold there—can you take me to wander around?”

“What’s our new home like? Can I have my own bed?”

Her questions seemed endless, and Zheng Fa answered half-heartedly.

Though his mother also smiled, Zheng Fa noticed faint traces of worry on her face.

“Mother?” he asked with concern.

“Going to the city… I’m a little nervous,” Zheng Mu said shyly.

The driver, however, spoke up first: “Madam, your son has made something of himself—you should be looking forward to comfort, not worry.”

Zheng Mu replied: “I know, I know.”

She looked at Zheng Fa with a touch of pride, yet still sighed: “My son is so respectable—I’m afraid I’ll become a burden to you.”

Zheng Shan gazed at her mother, confused, while Zheng Fa opened his mouth to reassure her.

Zheng Mu stopped him: “I’ve hardly ever left the village—I have no experience. I’ve heard that in the city, even a bowl of tea or a grain of rice costs money…”

The driver nodded in solemn agreement: “Who can deny it? The city is fine, but you can’t live without money.”

“Mother, don’t worry about money. The city is peaceful—once we’re inside, I plan to enroll Zheng Shan in school.”

“Peaceful? That’s good.” Hearing the word “peaceful,” the tension on Zheng Mu’s face eased considerably.

Zheng Fa knew her best—he understood how deeply her husband’s death had shaken her. No matter how bad the city was, its walls could keep out demonic beasts—that alone was enough to convince her.

“But this school… isn’t it a waste? She’s just a girl,” his mother questioned.

“Zheng Shan is clever—wasting her potential would be a shame. Besides, didn’t I just say not to worry about money?” For education, Zheng Fa, who had lived in the modern world, was far more determined than Zheng Mu.

Seeing her son’s firm expression, Zheng Mu nodded.

Unconsciously, Zheng Fa had become the pillar of this family.

Zheng Mu held Zheng Shan’s small hand and turned to look back at their luggage.

The largest item was the loom Zheng Mu had taken apart.

“Once we reach the city, I’ll go to the clothing shops and ask if there’s any small work I can do,” she said firmly.

“I don’t need my own bed anymore…” Zheng Shan understood—her mother was saving for her tuition. Her little face twisted in distress: “In the city, I won’t be able to gather pigweed leaves anymore!”

The driver laughed loudly: “Madam, with your spirit and your daughter’s filial devotion, your days will only get better!”

Zheng Mu thanked him with a smile, a glimmer of hope shining in her eyes.

…

But once inside the city, Zheng Mu’s worries deepened.

The more prosperous the city became, the more anxious she looked.

When she saw the prices of rice and flour at the grain shop, she grew visibly restless.

Zheng Fa knew she was terrified by the cost of living.

The ox cart passed familiar streets and arrived at the back gate of the Zhao Fu.

Compared to Huang Yu’s first visit, Zheng Mu and Zheng Shan were even more overwhelmed—even the usually mischievous Zheng Shan gripped Zheng Fa’s arm tightly, looking frightened.

Gao Yuan was waiting at the back gate. Seeing the ox cart, he said directly: “The Young Master said you don’t need to get down—just drive right in.”

Zheng Fa felt a warmth in his chest—normally, an ox cart wasn’t allowed inside the Zhao Fu.

The Seventh Young Master had clearly thought of this.

The driver’s gaze toward Zheng Fa now held even more reverence.

The place Lady Zhao had assigned Zheng Fa’s family was in a remote corner of the Zhao estate, far from its core.

But… it was a standalone courtyard with a single entrance!

At the sight of the courtyard walls, Zheng Shan’s mouth dropped open in disbelief: “This whole courtyard… is ours?”

Zheng Fa nodded.

Zheng Shan leaned forward eagerly, as if she might jump out of his arms.

As the ox cart neared the gate, a plump figure stood there, flanked by several large baskets and a few male servants carrying them.

“You’re here?”

The man warmly greeted Zheng Fa and the others.

Zheng Fa stared at the unfamiliar man, when Gao Yuan, beside him, spoke hesitantly: “Zheng Fa, this is my father.”

Zheng Fa quickly stepped down and bowed: “Greetings, Master Gao!”

Zheng Mu and Zheng Shan also dismounted, their eyes questioning Zheng Fa. He whispered to his mother: “Gao Yuan’s father—the steward of the second branch.”

Zheng Mu’s expression startled.

In her understanding, a steward was a major figure—compared to him, the village’s Manager Wang meant nothing.

Zheng Mu bowed to pay respects, but Manager Gao stepped forward first with a bow: “You must be Madame Zheng—pleased to meet you!”

Zheng Mu froze.

Earlier, the driver had called her “madam,” and she’d felt awkward.

Now even this steward did the same—she didn’t know how to respond.

Seeing her speechless, Manager Gao smiled warmly: “My son has been helped by your son. Hearing of your family’s move, I came uninvited, bringing a few small gifts.”

He gestured to the several large chests behind him.

Zheng Fa spoke: “Master Gao, you’re too kind—these gifts hardly seem small.”

“Looks like a lot, but they’re all cheap trinkets!” Manager Gao chuckled good-naturedly. “I just thought you’d just moved in—you wouldn’t have had time to buy furniture, rice, oil, or grain, so I prepared them for you.”

Zheng Fa stared at the ornate canopy bed behind him—clearly expensive—and fell into thought.

Seeing Zheng Fa silent, Manager Gao’s face grew uneasy.

“You’re too thoughtful, Master Gao!” At last, Zheng Fa’s words brought a smile to his face.

“You’re too modest, nephew!”

“From now on, I’ll make sure to urge Brother Gao harder,” Zheng Fa said sincerely.

Beside him, Gao Yuan: “Huh?”

Manager Gao’s polite facade faded, replaced by sincere delight: “Good! Urge him to the point of exhaustion!”

Nearby, Zheng Mu heard the driver mutter: “Good fortune comes as easily as flipping your hand.”

She turned to look at her cherished loom—so large now, it seemed useless.

…

The Zhao family settled into the courtyard.

Gao Yuan followed Manager Gao away, his face darkening.

“What’s wrong? Think I’m groveling to please them?”

Manager Gao saw his son’s expression and knew his thoughts.

“Father, I’m friends with Zheng Fa…”

“How did you keep your position as his bookboy? Don’t you know? These gifts bought you that position—how many others in the household would’ve jumped at the chance?”

“Father?”

“Remember: the longer you want a relationship to last, the less you should treat another’s kindness as your due.”

Gao Yuan understood, nodding wholeheartedly.

“Besides, who am I doing this for? Zheng Fa is clearly destined to become the Seventh Young Master’s trusted aide. Be generous now, and you’ll reap the benefits later.”

“I understand, Father!”

Gao Yuan felt both guilt and emotion—his father had given gifts to Zheng Fa for his own sake.

How could he accuse him of groveling?

“Actually, you don’t even need to wait for later…” Manager Gao’s face twisted with cunning: “I heard Zheng Fa might enter an immortal sect. Just days ago, the Seventh Young Master argued with Lady Zhao over him—and she still gave him a courtyard!”

“Father, you mean…”

“I mean Lady Zhao already favors Zheng Fa—no need to wait for the Seventh Young Master’s favor. Listen, boy—you’re still too young to grasp this.” He patted Gao Yuan’s shoulder.

“Huh?”

“Let me borrow this leg for now.”