The Zhu household.
From the crack of dawn, the servants had been bustling around, slaughtering cattle and sheep. The entire scene was almost comparable to New Year’s festivities.
Wang Zhao had gotten up early to thoroughly clean the stables.
Ever since Li Rui had redeed his status and left servitude, Wang Zhao had taken over as the Zhu family’s new stablehand.
He was still young.
Not yet qualified to take on apprentices, so most of the ti he managed the stables alone.
Fortunately, he was long used to such a life and didn’t find it burdenso.
He swept the stables again and again with a broom.
“Steward Zhu told to clean the place thoroughly today. Seems like soone important is coming.”
Wang Zhao wasn’t particularly gifted, certainly not as sharp as Li Rui, and perhaps not even as clever as the late Ma Yang.
But he was reliable.
He always did what he was told, and if sothing wasn’t done well the first ti, he’d do it again. Never complaining. That was precisely what Master Zhu appreciated about him.
Who wouldn't favor a hardworking, diligent servant?
Just then, a familiar voice called out behind him.
“Yo, little Zhao, still sweeping?”
Wang Zhao straightened up and wiped the sweat from his brow with the back of his fairly clean hand.
“Uncle Yong.”
Generally speaking, when soone called you “Little surna,” the relationship was average. If they called your given na directly, it ant a close bond. And if it was “Little given na,” that ant the two were as close as brothers.
Wang Zhao and Yang Yong both served the Zhu family, and thanks to their mutual connection with Li Rui, they’d beco close over ti despite their age difference.
Just two unfortunate souls looking out for each other in tough tis.
Wang Zhao asked curiously,
“Uncle Yong, is soone important arriving at the estate today? Why’s everything so grand?”
“Even ducks know when spring is near.”
In a household, it was often the guards who sensed things first when sothing big was coming.
Yang Yong smirked, “Who else could it be? The Young Master is back from Splendid Purity Sect and he brought a few of his sectmates with him.”
“It’s only June. Why is the Young Master back so soon?”
Wang Zhao was surprised.
Zhu Yue was the Zhu family’s future, practically confird as the next family head. Wang Zhao naturally kept up with his affairs.
Yang Yong shrugged.
“How would a re gate guard like know that?”
As the two spoke, a sudden burst of firecrackers popped outside the gates.
Wang Zhao’s eyes lit up.
“They’re here!”
Outside the Zhu residence.
Three fine red-bay horses trotted down the bluestone path, their hooves ringing out rhythmically.
Zhu Ping, the family patriarch, stood at the door with the entire household in tow.
Their neighbors all looked on with envy.
Zhu Ping straightened his back, pride beaming from his face.
He had raised a fine son.
Zhu Yue was now a disciple of Splendid Purity Sect and might one day beco a seventh-grade martial artist. When he returned to inherit the family business, he could very well lead the Zhu family to new heights.
Perhaps, one day, they’d even stand alongside the Three Great Clans.
Zhu Ping felt his life had been worth it.
Soon, his eyes lit up.
Zhu Yue appeared at the street corner, riding a Sweatblood steed. Alongside him were Han Qin and Jiang Yan, who had both visited the Zhu household before.
Han Qin smiled as always,
“Junior Brother Zhu, your ho truly is grand, quite sophisticated.”
Zhu Yue forced a smile, glancing at Jiang Yan beside him, who frowned slightly at the acrid sll of sulfur lingering in the air.
Monts later, the trio arrived at the main gate.
Zhu Ping bead with joy.
“My dear son! Esteed guests, what a pleasure to see you again.”
Han Qin returned the smile.
“Uncle Zhu.”
Jiang Yan rely nodded in greeting, without a word.
Zhu Yue leaned in to whisper, “Father, please don’t use such vulgar things as firecrackers in the future.”
Zhu Ping nodded, smiling.
“If you dislike it, then we won’t do it again.”
The household quickly escorted the three disciples into the inner courtyard.
A hint of disappointnt flickered in Zhu Ping’s eyes.
“Sons grow up and beco their own n.”
Ever since Zhu Yue had joined Splendid Purity Sect, his standards had risen, and he had gradually co to look down on the Zhu family and even the whole of Qinghe.
There was nothing wrong with that.
But for a potential successor to the family, that could be dangerous.
Zhu Ping hoped his son would excel in the sect, but also feared he’d grow too distant from the family and eventually refuse to inherit the mantle of leadership.
If that happened, the entire estate might end up in soone else’s hands once Zhu Ping passed away.
He sighed inwardly.
“You fear they won’t amount to anything, but also fear they’ll go too far.”
Zhu Ping took a deep breath. He was the head of the Zhu family, yes.
But he was also a father.
As long as Zhu Yue lived well, then even if he chose not to inherit the family business, Zhu Ping's line would still flourish elsewhere.
Inside the main hall, Zhu Ping politely asked,
“Yue’er, esteed guests, will you be staying in Qinghe for a few days? There are many scenic spots perfect for relaxing during sumr.”
Han Qin gently declined,
“Uncle Zhu, we’re not here to travel. Since you’re not an outsider, I’ll be frank, we’ve co to assist Elder Jiang in dealing with the Ghost Nether Sect.”
Elder Jiang?
Zhu Ping’s pupils contracted.
Jiang Linxian!!
As a re family patriarch, Zhu Ping didn’t know the full details of what had occurred in the city that night. But Jiang Linxian’s na was one he’d heard plenty, like thunder in his ears.
Jiang Linxian… was in Qinghe?!
Zhu Yue interjected, “Father, this matter concerns Elder Jiang. Please don’t ask further.”
“Yes, yes, of course.”
Zhu Ping nodded rapidly.
He’d long since learned to curb his curiosity, knowing too much could only bring disaster to the Zhu family.
Zhu Yue turned to Jiang Yan.
“Junior Sister Jiang, the Ghost Nether Sect is deeply entrenched. It might take ti to root them out. Why not have Elder Jiang stay at our ho for a few days?”
Jiang Yan shook her head.
“Father is a free spirit. He cos and goes like a dragon, no one knows where he is.”
“I see…”
Zhu Yue was visibly disappointed.
Zhu Ping could no longer hide the shock in his eyes. This young lady was Jiang Linxian’s daughter.
A noble daughter indeed!
He himself had clawed his way into the family head position using underhanded ans, marrying Zhu Yue’s mother only after exploiting her family’s resources. It was too late to undo the marriage by then.
But with Jiang Yan… he wouldn’t dare use such tricks.
Yet, if Zhu Yue could beco Jiang Linxian’s son-in-law, then forget the family headship!
Zhu Yue quietly glanced at Jiang Yan.
He too, harbored the sa thoughts.
Jiang Yan said, “The Ghost Nether Sect has roots everywhere. We’ll need help from other powers as well.”
Zhu Yue quickly added,
“The Zhu family has so ties with the local authorities. We can help.”
Ever since he learned that Jiang Linxian had co to Qinghe, all Zhu Yue could think about was showing off in front of his future father-in-law.
Jiang Yan shook her head.
“The Zhu family isn’t enough. We’ll need more. Stronger people.”
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