Chapter 23
Seventh Young Master nodded, not hiding anything from Zheng Fa. "The path to the Immortal Gate is difficult; it demands exceptionally high qualifications in spiritual roots. But if you can comprehend one hundred and eight or even more elemental symbols, and perhaps become a talisman master, then it becomes much simpler."
Zheng Fa understood that the "spiritual roots" mentioned by Seventh Young Master were the most valued qualifications in the Immortal Gate, akin to how universities in his past life prioritized exam scores during college entrance examinations.
However, comprehending elemental symbols and possessing the talent for talisman arts was somewhat like being a special admit; it allowed for lower admission standards.
"So do you understand? If your talent in talisman arts is good enough, you could become a talisman master, even gain entry to the Immortal Gate! At that point, you would no longer be a servant of the Zhao family, but a lofty immortal!"
Seventh Young Master looked at Zheng Fa, a mocking smile on his face. "So now, are you still claiming this is something you figured out with Gao Yuan?"
"…But I said I researched it with him. My talent in talisman arts won't diminish," Zheng Fa replied, a hint of confusion in his voice.
"…"
Seventh Young Master found himself at a loss for words; he had to admit, that was a fair point…
He studied Zheng Fa, seemingly trying to glean something from the young man's somewhat dark and handsome face.
Zheng Fa remained calm, meeting Seventh Young Master’s gaze with composure.
After a long pause, Seventh Young Master suddenly shook his head with a cold laugh. "So, are you trying to keep him around? For what? For Gao Yuan? No… it’s not for him; it’s out of anger. You’re angry, and you should be. Since you came to the Zhao residence, every day Gao Yuan has served you your meals. Whatever he eats, you eat too."
"…Actually, he knew long ago that neither of us might stay, that perhaps only one of us could remain. But at the beginning, he genuinely wanted to be friends with me," Zheng Fa finally spoke up.
"So what?" Seventh Young Master continued to sneer.
"I wonder what made him turn jealous?"
Zheng Fa raised his head, his eyes bright, returning Seventh Young Master’s gaze.
"So I wasn’t wrong; you’re angry with me for saying I only want one servant."
Seventh Young Master poked a finger at Zheng Fa.
Zheng Fa slowly said, "His jealousy stems from the fear of losing his position as a servant, from the dread of facing his parents' disappointment when he returns home. If I were in his shoes, I would be jealous too. I might even be more jealous… because if I lost my position, I would have to endure even more humiliation from the villagers, and my mother and sister would have to live even harder lives."
Seventh Young Master suddenly laughed. "When you two first arrived, I could see it. Gao Yuan dressed well, appearing affluent, but he harbored a sense of reverence towards me. And you, in your coarse clothes, had… no trace of submission in your eyes!"
Zheng Fa did not refute this statement.
Gao Yuan's change was not due to a narrow mind, but because Seventh Young Master and those like him deliberately incited them to compete and feel jealousy.
As servants, even a small position as a book boy could turn two people into enemies.
Rather than caring about his friendship with Gao Yuan, Zheng Fa knew he was unwilling to let the whims of those in power dictate his relationships.
Even though he was born into this world, after five years in the modern era, he mentally aligned more with contemporary values.
Thus, he could never be a submissive servant.
Over time, he had become more talkative in the modern world, more like a youth.
In this world, however, he grew increasingly silent.
"So, wanting to keep Gao Yuan around isn’t because you care about him; you just… want to resist."
Zheng Fa chose not to respond.
Because both he and Seventh Young Master knew the latter's words were true.
After a long while, Seventh Young Master suddenly smiled. "You have great talent. As far as I know, you can see the elemental symbols in these talisman diagrams at a glance. Such talent deserves respect and cultivation, even from my mother."
"So, I promise you, I will keep Gao Yuan."
Zheng Fa gently bowed to Seventh Young Master.
Outside, Gao Yuan's footsteps approached slowly.
Zheng Fa suddenly spoke up, "Young Master, why?"
"Hmm?"
"Why do you agree to keep Gao Yuan?"
"I told you, you have great talent, and I value talent."
Seventh Young Master looked at Zheng Fa strangely, as if he thought the young man had gone deaf.
"No, Young Master, you knew from the start that I’m not a qualified servant. And I could tell you share the same anger as I do. So…" Zheng Fa's question, amidst Gao Yuan's knocking at the door, felt particularly light, "Young Master, what are you trying to resist?"
Seventh Young Master was taken aback.
Gao Yuan pushed the door open, carefully bringing in a food box. "Young Master, the food is here!"
Behind him followed several maidservants ready to serve Seventh Young Master.
Seventh Young Master suddenly uttered something that only Zheng Fa could understand: "Above you is me, the Zhao family. And above me is the Immortal Gate…"
With that, he waved his hand dismissively, signaling for Zheng Fa and Gao Yuan to leave.
As Gao Yuan followed Zheng Fa out of the study, he asked, puzzled, "What did Young Master mean just now?"
"He meant that we both get to stay."
"Really?" Gao Yuan exclaimed in surprise. "Why?"
"Because we solved those diagrams together."
"Does Young Master really believe we figured it out together? Didn’t he see through your lie? Is he… foolish?" Gao Yuan lowered his voice.
"Well, actually, he did see through it. He’s keeping you around because he’s a good person," Zheng Fa revealed his true thoughts.
"Then I still think he’s foolish," Gao Yuan whispered even more quietly.
Zheng Fa looked at him oddly. "…Young man, that kind of thinking is quite dangerous."
He silently told himself, in this world, who is born to be submissive?
---
**Chapter 27: Grace**
In a small building deep within the Zhao residence, Seventh Young Master stood amidst heavy curtains, his head lowered, not looking at the lady on the bed, standing a full ten feet away.
No one spoke.
The maidservants beside the bed barely breathed, and the few young girls who had been playing soft tunes in the corner had long since slipped away.
Aside from the sound of the wind rustling the curtains and the jade rings hanging from them clinking softly, there was not a single sound.
Finally, the lady broke the silence.
"Fan'er, how long has it been since you last visited me?"
Seventh Young Master remained silent, not responding or raising his head.
"Why are we so estranged when we meet? You stand so far away, unwilling to even glance at your mother?"
Seventh Young Master lifted his gaze, his eyes landing on the lady's face, but there was no emotion in his eyes.
Though they were mother and son, their faces resembled those of peers.
The lady appeared to be just over twenty, her hair lazily tied up in a bun, a few strands of dark hair falling at the corners of her upturned lips, exuding a languid, carefree charm.
"What do you want from me?" Seventh Young Master asked.
"I heard you’re quite pleased with the two book boys this time? They’re both staying?"
"What’s it to you?"
"You are my child, and I am your mother. Your affairs are always on my mind." Seemingly accustomed to her son’s rudeness, the lady’s face remained gentle.
Seventh Young Master let out a light snort.
"I’m very happy. You’ve always been solitary and distant, and for these two book boys to catch your eye is a blessing for them and eases my worries," the lady continued.
"Thank you for your concern, Mother," Seventh Young Master’s sarcasm was barely contained.
"I know you don’t believe me," the lady said, her gaze still warm. "But you are my child after all. I wish I could tend to every blade of grass and tree around you, and I want to help you choose the right people to avoid being deceived."
"So what?"
"So I want to ask, why do you value those two?"
"Just a good fit," Seventh Young Master explained simply.
"Is that so? A common boy from a farm and the son of a steward suddenly catch your eye? Fan'er, your standards can’t be that low."
Seventh Young Master fell silent for a moment before reluctantly saying, "Gao Yuan is diligent and honest, and he has some education. It’s good to have him around for odd jobs; he’ll be a help when I take over the family."
"As for Zheng Fa, he has great talent in talisman arts. Collaborating with him will help me progress faster in this area."
The lady nodded, seemingly in agreement with his explanation, but suddenly shook her head. "Zheng Fa’s talent is indeed impressive, but keeping Gao Yuan isn’t your intention, is it?"
"…"
"Why would a young master listen to a book boy like Zheng Fa?"
Seventh Young Master’s fists clenched tightly, and his gaze towards the lady held a hint of anger.
"Ah, Zheng Fa reminds you of yourself," the lady said, as if unsurprised. "You still care about the fact that I didn’t let you go to Qingmu Sect and sent your sister instead."
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