Chapter 55: Don't torment the elderly any longer!

The news hit like a thunderbolt from a clear sky.

In that instant, Chen Weifang thought of many things——

First, he thought of his humble branch origins; as a youth studying, he followed his father to the master's house to borrow books for copying, repaying them day by day, never daring to slack even in the coldest winter months.

Then he thought of after his mother's death, his father, long unsuccessful in examinations, was penniless, so he had to bring him to the home of a successful classmate friend to beg for a loan to tide them over.

He also recalled how, upon arriving, the high-and-mighty official treated them like fledgling birds, ordering a handful of copper coins to be tossed at their feet, his arrogant, lofty demeanor......

Finally, he remembered his father's return home, gradually growing gaunt and gravely ill.

His father could not bear the humiliation and passed away suddenly on the eve of that year's New Year.

Outside the window lay myriad lights, yet a single pane separated life from death.

Before his father breathed his last, he said to him:

"Afang is clever; if you ever encounter a Wise Lord, you will surely attain an office greater than my friend's, but remember, you must never become someone like him."

These words were both an expectation and an admonition.

Back then, though young, he already understood right from wrong.

He wished to answer his father, but the world's heroes were as countless as carp leaping the river; he was merely an ordinary mortal—how could he hope to meet a Wise Lord and leap the Dragon Gate in a single morning?

But before he could speak, his father was gone.

Perhaps it was his ancestors' spirits in heaven; his words came true.

He indeed revealed his reputation during Taizong's reign.

The solutions, meeting talents, and top scholars that others envied......

Back then, it was nothing worth mentioning.

He ought to have encountered a Wise Lord.

He ought to have encountered a Wise Lord.

With his abilities, he should have been received with honor by a lord who sought virtuous talents, visited his thatched cottage thrice, found kindred spirits, then entered his retinue, sharing hearts and minds, mutually cherishing each other.

But......

He happened to run into the ailing Taizong, beset by illness.

Everyone knows Taizong was a good emperor, but by the time he climbed high enough to gain an audience, Taizong had long been ill and rarely held court.

Later, Taizong passed away, the Young Emperor ascended, and with trusted ministers already in place, there was no room for him.

Afterward, the Young Emperor was assassinated, news vanished, and Yuan Lang seized the opportunity to usurp the throne—making him even less of a concern.

He obtained an office, only to be demoted.

Yet from start to finish, even during that year's palace examination, he never got a clear look at what the so‑called Wise Lord looked like.

Wouldn't one long for it?

That's certainly false.

Others thought him as pure and bright as the breeze and moon, a true gentleman.

But in his heart he always harbored a streak of toxicity and pride——

Those worthless scoundrels of the false dynasty, far inferior in ability to him, all managed to be ennobled and made ministers, wielding power over court and countryside......

Why could he not encounter even a single Wise Lord?

Earlier, in a remote border town far from his homeland, he met Chinu and was delighted.

He and this ageless‑friend......

were completely like‑minded, a pair of birds of a feather.

Even, the other's sharpness could match or exceed his own.

If the other truly chose a master, waiting for him to pick and then following his choice would save a great deal of effort.

Yes.

He really thought that way.

The only thing that went wrong was that this time the other seemed to have chosen a female master.

Moreover, this female master now wants him to sell himself......

Sell, oneself.

Sell! Self!!!

Is there still any law?!

How old is he this year!!!

If he hadn't entered the Mysterious Gate, he fears his children would now be as grown as that female master!

Now that he has signed this servitude contract, what does she intend to do?

Can he still preserve his integrity in old age?!

This, this situation—isn't it a bit off?!

Chen Weifang fell silent, silent, and silent again.

He felt that since that day he refused to let the female master enter, she immediately decided to climb through the window......

In the unseen flow, the situation became like an untethered wild horse, no longer under control.

Chinu was still waiting; after Chen Weifang remained silent for a long time, he finally managed to gather a thread of thought and lifted his gaze to look at his friend.

Chinu still bore that cold, fierce, bewitching face capable of surpassing all under heaven, though the arrogance in his brows had faded considerably compared to before.

Chen Weifang and Du Shanü knew little of her, unaware of her temperament, and could not be sure whether she had earlier refused his suggestion to his face, yet secretly she had employed a risky scheme.

Thus, he could only ask:

"...... If I truly sign this servitude contract, will the female master not summon me to attend her bed?"

In fact, everything proved to be merely Chen Weifang's hallucination.

Because the instant his words landed, Chinu gave a cold laugh, looking down at him with a disdainful gaze.

"When you're old, you should have the awareness that comes with age; don't be ugly and still wish to be beautiful."

Very good.

As expected of Chinu, that kind of vigor where a lick of the lips could poison oneself hasn't changed at all.

All of that now leaves only a single possibility.

Chen Weifang sat upright, leaning back against the chair, and spoke with a warm smile:

"Now that you haven't yet achieved great things, the female lead wants the birds gone and the fine bow hidden?"

His voice was warm and smooth, yet carried not a hint of warmth.

This capable minister, no longer young, has had his appearance, figure, temperament, and talent all treated leniently by time.

Gazing into his eyes makes one feel as if staring at an ancient painting that is now mottled.

Although his prime has faded, he remains first-rate in the world.

Chen Weifang laughed and said:

"What slave contract... is it because you dislike my methods of poisoning two Imperial Court officials, so you come up with excuses to placate me?"

"She knows I cannot bend, so she chose this method, hoping I would retreat?"

This method is really quite good.

But this female lead never considers that, since he can carry out such means, it already proves he is a ruthless person....

Now that his position is not yet secure, how dare she so betray trust and abandon righteousness?

Has she never heard the saying, "No poison, no true man"?

Though he is down on his luck,...

"I don't want to speak for her——"

Chinu withdrew his gaze and said lightly:

"But this time, you really overthought it."

"Everyone in the household signed the slave contract—I signed, the Young Emperor signed, Tannu signed, and a blacksmith with decent talent signed, as did two Southlanders who appear to be remnants of the An Nan vassal royal family's bloodline."

Those few light words caused Chen Weifang's brows and eyes to twitch almost imperceptibly.

After a few breaths, the scene from just moments ago reappeared——

On Chen Weifang's usually plain face, like a deep well, another incredulous look of doubt appeared, and she squeezed out words again:

"Ah?"

All her scheming cannot withstand plain truth-telling.

Chen Weifang was truly dumbfounded this time.

What does it mean that six people in the household, including the Young Emperor, have signed?

What is this for?

This is preparing for rebellion!

It's not about hiring tenants to work!

What does she need so many slave contracts for?!

Chen Weifang racked her brains but could not understand.

Or perhaps, since that day when he guarded the gate and refused entry, and the female lead chose to climb in through the window...

He never anticipated one thing.

It's too abnormal.

It's too abnormal.

This female lead is indeed far too unreasonable in her actions.

Chinu took in his friend's expression fully and said casually:

"I actually have a rough idea——"

"The good news is, they certainly aren't refusing you at the door because of your harsh methods; in fact, they speak highly of you."

"The bad news is, they certainly have never taken on a trusted aide; they merely regard this as being like a tenant—she pays money, you do the work... of course, you must first put down the slave contract."

?? Afang: her eyes went black, then black again, and blackened once more...