Chapter Twenty-Two: Of All the Evils in the World, None Surpasses the Human Heart

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Fang Zheng stepped out of the room and saw the old Daoist standing with his young disciple behind Bi'er, his eyes fervently fixed on Fang Zheng, his expression tinged with nervousness.

"It seems this search for the cave-dwelling is indeed no simple matter. If, as the old Daoist claims, our destination is the legacy left behind by the Zhang family's ancestors, then the information he possesses must be far from ordinary. Moreover, judging by his demeanor, I appear to be quite important to him, which means this journey must be fraught with danger. After all, the old Daoist only learned from the guards that my martial skills were formidable; besides that, I offer him little else." So thought Fang Zheng, though his face betrayed nothing. He merely nodded slightly to the old Daoist, then smiled and turned to Bi'er, asking about the little girl.

"Miss Bi'er, has Yaya woken up?"

"Yaya woke up early; she's waiting for us in the dining hall with the young lady."

"Oh, then would you kindly lead the way? Let us not keep your young lady waiting too long."

"Certainly, Mr. Fang. Please follow me." With a graceful bow, Bi'er stepped out of the courtyard, paying no heed to the old Daoist or his disciple. Fang Zheng smiled faintly, casting the old Daoist a meaningful glance, and followed Bi'er out.

"Brother, you’re finally here! Did you sleep in? It’s not polite to be a guest and sleep late, you know." Before they even entered, the little girl came chirping and bustling up to him. Fang Zheng could only smile helplessly, affectionately pinching her nose. "Did you sleep well last night? Were you naughty?"

"Yaya was not naughty! Wan’er’s bed is soft and fragrant; it was so comfortable, I slept straight until morning." The girl said excitedly. Though there was a carriage for the journey, it could not compare to a bed. After days of travel, she had slept deeply and sweetly.

"That’s good. Remember to be polite when visiting others; don’t be mischievous."

"Mm! Brother, let’s go in quickly. Wan’er is still waiting inside." The little girl tugged Fang Zheng’s hand and led him into the dining hall.

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Zhao Mu Wan smiled as she greeted them at the door. "Brother Fang, did you sleep well last night? Our humble abode is unrefined, and if there was any lack in hospitality, I beg your forgiveness."

"Miss Wan’er, you flatter me. Your residence is splendid and elegant; this is the first time I’ve enjoyed such luxury. There’s certainly no need to speak of any lack in hospitality; please don’t be so modest."

"I’m glad to hear it. Brother Fang, you’ve saved so many lives in the Zhao family. Now that you’re here, as the hostess, I must treat you well. I won’t say much more; it was late when we returned last night, and I couldn’t arrange a meal for you. You must be hungry now, so let’s talk as we eat. Master Zhang, please join us!" Zhao Mu Wan ushered Fang Zheng and Yaya to the table, not forgetting the old Daoist and his disciple.

Fang Zheng, holding the little girl’s hand, followed Zhao Mu Wan to the table. There, upon a long wooden table, seven or eight dishes were already set out, both meat and vegetable, all beautifully presented and fragrant. Maids at the door continued to bring in more food.

"Miss Wan’er, with just a few of us dining, isn’t this a bit extravagant?" Fang Zheng remarked, more to probe than anything. Ordinarily, in the Zhao family’s mansion, it would not be the young lady who greeted guests. If the family wished to honor him for saving their lives, it should be the head of the household, or at least a male steward. Having Zhao Mu Wan, a lady of special status, act as hostess was quite unusual, even discourteous.

"Forgive me, Brother Fang. Since the passing of my father, the household has been managed by my elder and second brothers. My elder brother is away on business, and my second brother and Uncle Zhang went to the street this morning to handle affairs at the shops; they’re on their way back now. So I must greet you and Master Zhang for now. Please excuse any impropriety!" Zhao Mu Wan was clever and easily heard the meaning behind Fang Zheng’s words. She stood and bowed to him and the old Daoist.

"Please don’t mind, Miss Wan’er. I was merely curious; forgive me for any offense." Fang Zheng felt a bit embarrassed by her explanation, realizing his motives had been thoroughly seen through.

"This is my failing, Brother Fang; I would not blame you. However, we may have to wait a bit before we eat; my second brother and Uncle Zhang should be arriving soon," Zhao Mu Wan said, her expression tinged with worry, which struck Fang Zheng as odd. He could not probe further. Just then, voices came from outside—the second brother had returned.

"Hahaha, honored guests at our door! I apologize for not greeting you sooner; I beg your pardon!" A hearty voice sounded from outside as a young man in rich attire strode in, followed by the Zhang family elder who had first invited Fang Zheng. The young man walked straight to Fang Zheng, smiling and saluting with a fist.

Fang Zheng quickly rose and returned the salute. "I am the one intruding; it is I who should thank you, Master Zhao." The newcomer bore some resemblance to Zhao Mu Wan, his handsome appearance and bold manner easily winning favor. At least for Fang Zheng, he felt a warmth and acceptance toward the man.

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"There was trouble at the shop, and with my elder brother away, I had to handle it myself. I’m sorry to keep you waiting, sir. Please, let us eat and talk." After a round of pleasantries, the maids finished setting the table. Besides over a dozen dishes, there were five or six kinds of pastries, and in the center, a large bowl of fragrant porridge whose ingredients Fang Zheng could not discern. For breakfast, it was extraordinarily sumptuous. Fang Zheng sighed inwardly—people truly live differently. In Shenjia Village, Aunt Zhao and Yaya often went hungry even with wild greens and coarse grains. He wondered whether the Zhao family always dined so lavishly or if it was just for the sake of entertaining him and the old Daoist. Either way, the disparity in wealth was evident in both worlds.

At the table, conversation flowed as they ate. The second Zhao brother remained bold and cheerful, urging Fang Zheng to drink and eat more. A few cups of wine loosened his tongue, and he spoke freely of matters far and wide. Fang Zheng gleaned some information about the Zhao family. The man at the table was Zhao Jin Yu, second in the Zhao family, thirty-five years old, though his unweathered face made him look younger. His elder brother was Zhao Qian Cheng. Zhao Mu Wan was the old patriarch's late-born daughter; her mother had only been a concubine, making her a secondary child, and her two elder brothers were half-siblings.

"Mr. Fang, I’ve heard from Zhao Zhong and Steward Zhang that you are a man of great talent. If you don’t mind, stay at our humble home for a while. Let me fulfill my duty as host." Zhao Jin Yu, cheeks flushed with wine, addressed Fang Zheng. Before Fang Zheng could reply, Zhao Mu Wan broke in urgently, "Second brother, Brother Fang has important matters to attend to; I doubt he can stay long." As she spoke, her expression grew more tense, puzzling Fang Zheng.

"Oh? It seems you know Mr. Fang quite well, little sister. However, as a young lady, you should not be seen in public so often. Besides, your marriage to the Chen family’s son is imminent. After today, you should rest in your chambers and not appear outside anymore."

"What marriage? Second brother, what do you mean? When have I ever agreed to marry into the Chen family? Are you planning to defy father’s last wishes and force me to wed that wastrel?" Zhao Mu Wan, suddenly agitated, rose to confront Zhao Jin Yu.

"Insolent! Have you forgotten your manners? Is this how your mother taught you? Now that father is gone, the household is run by elder brother and me. Don’t you understand the principle that the eldest brother is like a father? Your marriage is for us to decide, and is this the attitude you show me?"

Zhao Jin Yu’s face was thunderous as he scolded her. Hearing this, Zhao Mu Wan seemed to lose all strength, slumping back into her seat, her eyes dull and trembling. "I understand now. It’s all been arranged, ever since father passed away. Everything was prepared—sending me, a weak girl, to deliver goods to the Chen family at Black Tiger Mountain, hoping to use others to eliminate me. Heaven spared me, and I returned alive, only to find you had another plan waiting here. Ha, truly seamless. I never wanted to compete with you for anything, but why won’t you let me go? Why? Why?"

"Hmph! I don’t know what you’re talking about. The marriage is set for the eighth of next month; I consulted someone and it’s an auspicious day. As your brother, I’ll ensure you have a grand wedding and fulfill father’s wish. But you must understand, certain things belonging to the Zhao family cannot be handed over to outsiders."

"Hahaha, so that’s all you care about? Just a jade pendant, and you go to such lengths? When father gave it to me, he said explicitly it must not be given to any of you. I didn’t understand then, but now I see. Truly, you are my good brothers. Don't worry, I will keep it safe. I will not marry into the Chen family. Ever since you forced my mother to her death seven years ago, I have known you never considered us real Zhao family. Since father died, the only one who truly cared for me was Uncle Zhang, and now even he has become yours." Zhao Mu Wan seemed to lose her soul, walking out of the dining hall like a ghost. The little girl, though not understanding all that had transpired, could see that her beloved "Wan’er sister" was in distress, anxiously clutching Fang Zheng’s hand, casting him a pleading look...