East of Jiangcheng, nestled against Dongcheng Mountain, lies a place of outstanding people and spiritual energy, where every inch of land is worth its weight in gold.
The Zhi family’s ancestral home is situated here. After over a century of inheritance, this ancient architectural complex, which embodies the charm of Jiangnan, has now expanded to 132 rooms.
With 51 independent courtyards alone, it is the largest ancient architectural complex in all of Dongzhou.
This has also allowed Ye to remain unchallenged at the top of Dongzhou’s list of most valuable properties for many years.
The Zhi clan was once a prosperous and flourishing family in earlier years, but gradually, by Zhi Yuanhong’s generation, the family line had become sparse.
However, with such a vast estate to live in, cared for by servants and a butler, it has not fallen into neglect.
The old master has been a vegetarian and devout Buddhist for many years, rising before dawn every day to chant sutras and worship Buddha—a habit he has maintained for so long.
After instructing the servants to bring the prepared breakfast to the table, Zheng Bo glanced at the old master, who had just returned from the prayer hall.
“The young master hasn’t arrived yet. Should I send someone to fetch him?”
The old master has been a vegetarian for many years. To accommodate the tastes of the children in the family, the Zhi children are not required to join him for breakfast, and dinners are also eaten separately in another location.
However, Zhi Huai is an exception to this rule. The old master insists that this grandson must accompany him for breakfast every day.
Moreover, after breakfast, he must copy sutras for half an hour before being allowed to leave.
Zhi Yuanhong wiped his hands with a towel and, as if suddenly remembering something, instructed, “Invite Zhi Yuan over.”
Zheng Bo sent a servant to summon him. Normally, at this hour, the second young master should not have left yet.
“Old Master, why have you suddenly thought of calling the second young master over?” Zheng Bo asked with a smile.
Having been by the old master’s side for decades, he understood better than anyone that the old master never did anything without reason.
Unless Zhi Yuan or Zhi Bo came of their own accord, he would never force the children to join him for vegetarian meals.
Zhi Yuanhong stirred the porridge in his bowl with a spoon and asked unexpectedly, “Do you still remember Ye Fei?”
Zheng Bo was taken aback for a moment but quickly recalled, “Isn’t she the granddaughter of Old Master Luo?”
Back then, that well-behaved, adorable, and exquisitely beautiful little girl was exceptionally lovely.
When he accompanied the old master at Huading Temple, he often saw her passing by their courtyard to deliver pastries to the then somewhat aloof young master.
Most importantly, she was the only person who could get close to the young master during that time, so of course, he remembered her vividly.
“That little girl has returned to Jiangcheng. She came back a month ago.”
Zheng Bo pondered for a moment. “The young master also returned suddenly a month ago.”
Zhi Huai, who had always disliked staying in Jiangcheng, had distanced himself to Beizhou fifteen years ago after that incident.
Although the old master felt heartbroken, he had no choice. As long as Zhi Huai could live well, it didn’t matter where he was.
The young master, who only returned for the New Year and the old master’s birthday, had suddenly stood at the doorstep in the rain a month ago.
This had delighted the old master for a long time.
Realizing the connection, Zheng Bo exclaimed with surprise, “Do you mean the young master returned for that young lady?”
“Ye Fei was missing for fifteen years. As soon as she returned, she made headlines in Jiangcheng. It’s hardly surprising,” Zhi Yuanhong said meaningfully.
Zheng Bo set out the newly added bowls and chopsticks, smiling as he replied, “In this world, the one thing we never lack is people with intentions.”
Just as he spoke, a tall and upright figure appeared before the circular arched gate.
A light rain had fallen in the morning, bringing a slight chill to the air. Zhi Huai wore a pure black hoodie, his hair slightly disheveled, his exquisitely handsome face carrying a hint of laziness.
Following closely behind him, Zhi Yuan was entirely different—dressed in a crisp, well-tailored suit, he appeared full of energy and vitality.
“Grandfather, did you sleep well?” Zhi Yuan greeted politely.
The old master nodded, gesturing for him to take a seat.
Zhi Huai had already settled into the seat to the old master’s left, casually accepting the bowl of porridge handed to him by Zheng Bo.
His free-spirited and casual demeanor stood in stark contrast to Zhi Yuan’s proper and restrained manner.
“Are you adjusting well, Ah Huai? The temperature in Jiangcheng is warmer than in Beizhou. I was worried you might not be used to it,” Zhi Yuan asked with a smile.
The man opposite him swallowed a mouthful of porridge, only lifting his gaze to glance at him briefly, his phoenix eyes tinged with a trace of weariness.
“It seems your work isn’t busy enough if you still have the leisure to worry about my affairs.”
His words were far from warm—one could even say they were icy cold.
Unfazed by his attitude, Zhi Yuan replied with a gentle expression, “We are brothers. It’s only natural for me to care about you.”
Zheng Bo was accustomed to such scenes. The young master had always been solitary in nature, rarely showing warmth toward anyone.
Although Master Zhi Yuan had been raised under the old master’s care since childhood, he had only arrived after the age of five, making him less close to the old master than the young master.
The old master continued eating his breakfast unhurriedly, showing no reaction to the exchange between his two grandsons.
When he had nearly finished, Zhi Yuanhong finally spoke, “Have you been in touch with that young lady from the Ye family?”
The man seated to the old master’s left, who had been sipping his porridge, slowly set down his bowl. His slender fingers held the spoon handle as he lifted his gaze.
Hearing the old master’s question, Zhi Yuan smiled gently, “Yes, we have been in touch. We’ll be having dinner together tonight, followed by a concert.”
The old master nodded in approval. “You’re not young anymore. Marriage should have been on the agenda long ago. That little girl is quite something—clever and sharp-witted even as a child. Her grandfather and I are old friends, so I know her family well. With your gentle temperament, she would be a perfect match for you.”
Hearing the old master’s words, Zheng Bo silently glanced at the young master beside him, who remained silent.
What was the old master thinking? Knowing full well the young master’s feelings, yet still introducing Miss Ye Fei to Master Zhi Yuan.
This was nothing but trouble.
If something really happened, it would be a serious matter.
“Don’t worry, Grandfather. Miss Ye Fei has a wonderful personality. We had a very pleasant conversation last night.”
When mentioning her, Zhi Yuan’s smile widened uncontrollably.
The old master finished the last of his plain porridge, taking the napkin from Zheng Bo’s hand to wipe his mouth. “If the two of you can make it work, it would be a fine match. But we must see if the young lady is willing. We cannot force anything.”
Hearing the old master’s words, Zhi Yuan nodded slightly. “Rest assured, Grandfather. I understand.”
Zhi Yuan’s expression was light and cheerful. Though he had only met her last night, he seemed as if he were already deeply in love.
Zhi Yuanhong glanced sideways. The man beside him had placed his pale, porcelain-like hand on the table, the spoon already resting motionless in his bowl.
The old master made a gesture, and Zheng Bo obediently placed two prepared sheets of paper on the table.
“This was sent over by the Ye family—your birth dates and characters. I plan to have them matched first.”
The old master’s speed was truly remarkable; anyone would have to admit it was swift.
Zhi Yuan nodded obediently. “As long as it pleases you.”
After breakfast, Zhi Yuan bid farewell to the old master and left for the company.
Only Zhi Yuanhong and Zhi Huai remained seated together. The old master glanced at Zhi Huai, who had remained silent.
“I’m going to copy scriptures.”
As he stood up, Zhi Huai pinched the paper with the birth characters between two fingers, flipping open the platinum lighter in his hand.
Amidst the flickering flame, the paper and its characters turned to ashes, scattering on the floor.
“There’s no need for you to look into it further. They aren’t suited…”