I Studied Abroad in the Modern Times

Chapter 14: Joining Benefits?

Zheng Fa watched Steward Wang leave, his posture slightly stiff, his expression calm. 

Behind him, Zheng’s mother spoke with a hint of concern, “He came to ease the tension between our families. We see each other often; rejecting him like this might not be a good idea.”

Zheng Fa knew his mother had a gentle personality and preferred to avoid conflict.

However, Little Sister Zheng Shan, standing nearby, was much more decisive in her opinions. “A few lousy coins—who wants them anyway? Wang Gui’s family is no good!”

She clearly hadn’t forgotten how Wang Gui had blocked her at the village entrance before.

Zheng Fa patted his little sister’s head and explained to their mother, “Steward Wang probably doesn’t have good intentions. I’ve just been chosen by Madam to be the Seventh Young Master’s study attendant. If I blatantly accept someone’s money now, what does that say about me?”

This was completely different from the gifts sent by Huang Yu’s family. 

Huang Yu’s father had sent simple but practical items—calligraphy tools and a few bolts of coarse fabric. They weren’t valuable, but they were useful. 

It felt more like a setup than genuine goodwill.

At the end of the day, one gift was given with honest intentions, and the other, with hidden malice.

Zheng’s mother was stunned for a moment before understanding dawned on her. Looking at Zheng Fa, her gaze softened with pride. “You’re becoming so sensible.”

Zheng Fa smiled and nodded without modesty. “Don’t worry, Mother. I’ll earn this kind of silver for you in the future!”

He understood that his mother often felt uneasy. The more confident he appeared, the more reassured she would be. 

In truth, he might have been deliberately scaring her. Whether or not Steward Wang had truly sinister intentions, it wasn’t worth taking the risk for that silver.

Zheng Shan chimed in, nodding vigorously, “Mother, I’ll earn money for you too! We don’t need money from the Wangs!”

Her little face was full of determination.

Zheng’s mother rolled her eyes at her. “I’ll be grateful if you stop being greedy!”

Zheng Fa lifted his little sister and gave her a playful toss. “She’s gotten heavier! And taller too.”

He suddenly thought of something. “Mother, about the fabric Huang’s family sent, make me two outfits, and the rest for you and Little Sister.”

Zheng’s mother hesitated. “Those were given to you. Besides, you’ll need more clothes to keep up appearances at the Zhao Estate.”

“Being a study attendant isn’t some grand position. Who cares about appearances?” Zheng Fa teased, pinching the small bun of hair on his sister’s head. “Besides, it’s been years since we’ve had new clothes.”

“New clothes!” 

His little sister raised both hands and cheered excitedly from his arms.

Zheng’s mother finally relented after some thought, her tone firm. “Fine, I’ll make you two outfits and give the rest to your sister. I won’t keep any for myself.”

---

After spending one evening at home, Zheng Fa donned the outfit his mother had sewn overnight and prepared to leave the estate once again. 

This time, Zheng’s mother’s eyes were a little red. 

According to the Zhao family’s rules, Zheng Fa would follow the Seventh Young Master for six days of study and martial training, returning home only once a week. If he remained in the role of study attendant, he would likely spend most of the coming years at the Zhao Estate.

Zheng Shan had been unusually happy these past few days, enjoying the good food at home and her new clothes. Even Wang Gui hadn’t dared to bully her. 

But now, clinging to Zheng Fa’s leg, she burst into loud sobs: 

“I don’t want to eat meat from the city!”

“I don’t want to wear new clothes!”

“I don’t want Brother to go to the Zhao family!”

The same old man driving the ox cart had come to pick up Zheng Fa again. Puffing on his pipe, he watched the scene unfold and said hesitantly, “Young Zheng, we should get going. We can’t keep the important folks waiting.”

Zheng Fa lifted his little sister and placed her in their mother’s arms. He nodded toward his tearful mother, who remained silent.

Little Sister’s cries grew louder, but Zheng Fa resisted the urge to look back.

The old man flicked his whip lightly against the ox’s hindquarters and spoke in a tone of casual conversation, as though addressing Zheng Fa, “Is this your first time leaving home, young man?”

“Mm.” Zheng Fa didn’t feel like talking much.

“I remember when I first went out driving an ox cart as a kid. My mom watched me the same way…” The old man took a puff of his pipe. “But you know, young folk always want to leave home, to make something of themselves. Even so, if you get a chance to look back, you’d better do it.”

Zheng Fa turned to glance back, taking in the sight of his mother and sister still watching the ox cart.

The old man continued to ramble, “As for me, old as I am, I’d give anything to see my mother one last time.”

Zheng Fa opened the bundle on his back and took out a smaller one. “You mentioned last time you liked my mother’s cooking. She made these again.”

The old man froze, then glanced back at Zheng Fa.

“You actually believe I like your mother’s cooking?”

“My mother believes it.”

“And you didn’t tell her otherwise?”

“Letting her make these keeps her at ease.”

The old man paused before grabbing one of the flatbreads from the bundle and taking a bite. “You’re better than I was at your age.”

---

When they arrived at the Zhao Estate, they entered through the back gate as usual. 

This time, Gao Yuan was waiting for him.

Gao Yuan wore a Confucian robe and carried a delicate bamboo book box on his back.

Zheng Fa, dressed in coarse cloth and carrying a large blue cloth bundle prepared by his mother, met his gaze. The sight seemed to make Gao Yuan feel a bit embarrassed.

“Hurry up. The Seventh Young Master is waiting for us,” Gao Yuan urged, and the two headed toward their destination.

The Zhao Estate was massive, and the Seventh Young Master’s residence was deep within its grounds.

By the time they arrived, Zheng Fa’s back was soaked with sweat.

The Seventh Young Master’s courtyard—no, mansion—was a grand three-tiered complex. Behind it was a private garden, making it practically a compound within a compound. 

It was a clear indication of the Seventh Young Master’s status and favoritism within the Zhao family.

A wooden plaque hung to the right of the courtyard’s main gate, inscribed with three bold characters: “No Envy of Immortals.” 

Zheng Fa mused that in a world dominated by Immortal Sects, such a phrase seemed anything but humble.

The gates were slightly ajar. Gao Yuan stepped forward and knocked lightly.

A maid peeked through the gap. Upon seeing them, she immediately understood. “The new study attendants? Come in; the young master is waiting.”

Inside the courtyard, the first thing Zheng Fa noticed was its peculiar atmosphere: there wasn’t a single man present.

The guides, cleaners, and servants bustling about were all young maids.

Zheng Fa managed to keep his composure, but Gao Yuan looked nervous, keeping his eyes fixed ahead as they followed the maid.

The Seventh Young Master’s study was located in the outer courtyard. The maid led them to its door, where they found a young man engrossed in an ancient book. 

Sunlight streamed through glazed windows onto his white robe, which faintly shimmered with a silver sheen. His delicate features were further accentuated by the glow.

Even though the Seventh Young Master’s reputation wasn’t great, Zheng Fa couldn’t help but admit—this guy had looks.

The young man raised his head at the sound of their footsteps. 

Spotting them, he smiled, set the book aside, and strode toward them enthusiastically. “So, you two are my new study attendants? Gao Yuan?” 

He gestured to Gao Yuan before turning to Zheng Fa. “And Zheng Fa, right?”

He had already remembered their names.

“I’ve been looking forward to you both!” the Seventh Young Master exclaimed with a wide grin. He tossed his book aside and even helped Gao Yuan carry his book box. 

Gao Yuan’s face flushed with excitement.

“Leave your things here. I’ll treat you two to a meal at Yan Yu Tower to celebrate your arrival!”

Zheng Fa was momentarily stunned by the young master’s enthusiasm. 

On the other hand, Yan Yu Tower—renowned as Jingzhou City’s most infamous entertainment house—seemed like an outrageous choice for a welcome party.

Even Gao Yuan’s expression turned pale as he stammered, “Young Master, wasn’t your previous study attendant punished and sent away after persuading you to visit Yan Yu Tower?”

The Seventh Young Master froze mid-step, then tossed the book box to the ground with a thud. He clapped his hands, the smile fading from his face. 

“Well-informed, aren’t you?” His expression darkened. “So, do you want to leave on your own, or do you prefer to end up like that fool—beaten and thrown out?”

The book box hit the floor with a crack, mirroring the look on Gao Yuan’s face.

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