Chapter 102: The Affairs of the Zhao Family…

Page 1/3

The music and dance aboard the flower boat continued unabated. The young women performing the melodies and dances seemed even more spirited than before. Raised from childhood by the Zhao family, those who served guests were all shrewd and perceptive—none were fools. From the steward Zheng’s expression earlier, as if ready to sacrifice himself at any moment, they understood that the intruder was a formidable opponent, and they were merely possessions of the Zhao family, likely doomed.

Yet, unexpectedly, the visitor suddenly fainted. Judging by the attitudes of Young Master Zhao and Steward Zheng, it was clear that this dignitary dressed in a moon-white robe had resolved the troublesome intruder. While the debt of gratitude for saving their lives was one matter, Young Master Zhao’s demeanor toward this esteemed guest suggested something else entirely. To earn the favor of such a guest would be, as Young Master Zhao said, a tremendous blessing.

Thus, none of the young women held back any longer. After adjusting their demeanors, each began to showcase her special talents—some shy and demure, others charming and enchanting—like a hundred flowers blooming in competition, a truly delightful sight.

Zhao Xuanlang hesitated long before carefully speaking, “Senior Xu… I was unaware you were present earlier and may have been negligent. I hope you will forgive me.”

“Senior, senior… what nonsense,” Xu Boqing glanced at him, a slight, knowing smile playing on his lips. “When Brother Zhao invited me onto the flower boat, I had already considered you a friend.”

“Ah… hahaha…” Zhao Xuanlang seemed to realize this and laughed heartily, shedding his earlier reserve. Sheepishly, he added, “Indeed, indeed, I was overly formal.”

He paused, then raised his wine cup. “Brother Xu, if I misspoke, I shall punish myself with three cups.” He then downed three successive cups of wine.

Watching the spirited performances, Xu Boqing also raised his cup in accompaniment and casually remarked, “Only someone of considerable stature could send three martial experts at the innate realm as assassins.”

“Three innate realm warriors? If they encounter a master, I have a rough idea who sent them…” Zhao Xuanlang sighed. “With such means and a desire to see me dead, it must be my direct cousin, Zhao Gonglu.”

“Oh?” Xu Boqing’s voice betrayed some surprise, his expression a mix of doubt and astonishment.

Given the Zhao family’s wealth, envy and attacks were common, so he had assumed the assailants were enemies or rivals. Now hearing it was likely internal strife within the great family was unexpected.

“Aren’t you a direct descendant of the Zhao family of Great Zhou?”

“No. Although I am of the ‘Gong’ generation within the Zhao clan, my status is that of a minor branch within three generations—insignificant until I made my own way.”

“…”

Page 2/3

Xu Boqing nodded slightly. In contemporary society, especially among the elite, lineage and seniority were highly regarded. Though Zhao Xuanlang bore the ‘Gong’ generational name, his personal name lacked that character, revealing his lesser status in childhood.

“To have risen is good, but the fear is to become forgotten among the masses…”

“Ah, that’s not necessarily a blessing either…” Zhao Xuanlang smiled bitterly, shaking his head. Taking a swig of the sharp wine, he explained, “The Zhao family’s history predates even the Great Zhou dynasty. Their longevity rests on the ancestral principle: ‘Ability above all.’ It’s complicated, but roughly, any Zhao descendant within three generations—legitimate or collateral—is entitled to a business venture once of age. Their success is then assessed by the elders, who select a candidate to compete for the headship of the family.

“I foresaw years ago that the entanglement between the Zhao family and the Great Zhou court was too deep and fraught, likely to end badly, possibly even bring disaster.

“So I chose to establish my enterprises outside Great Zhou’s influence. Being away from the core meant losing much support; initially, the elders did not favor me. Fortunately, I have some acumen, so my ventures have done well.

“In recent years, just as I predicted, the Great Zhou court began suppressing the Zhao family. With the court’s policies, the family suffered heavy losses. The elders recalled me then, and by a stroke of luck, my enterprises prospered the most.

“Thus, I naturally entered the list of candidates for family head.

“The other strong contender is the direct heir, Zhao Gonglu.

“My unexpected emergence made me a thorn in his side; he hates me and wishes to eliminate me.”

He paused, clicking his tongue in disbelief. “I never imagined my own kin would resort to such measures—dispatching three innate realm martial experts to assassinate me…”

“…”

Xu Boqing’s eyes flickered thoughtfully. “Brother Zhao, you seem young, yet have such insight and boldness from an early age. Truly admirable.”

“Brother Xu is too kind,” Zhao Xuanlang smiled wryly, shaking his head. “What use is insight without power? When I first advised the elders, they dismissed it as childish talk.

“Were it not for recent events aligning with my predictions, they might never have remembered me.

“Even now, some elders remain loyal to the Great Zhou court, believing their suppression is only the court’s reluctant necessity, maintaining good relations behind the scenes. What can I do about that?”

Page 3/3

“Heh… some people, old and unyielding, become a menace. Some legacies are like that,” Xu Boqing laughed. “Inherited traditions aren’t all good; people simply get used to them. At such times, it takes a courageous soul to stand up, distill the essence, and discard the dross.”

“…”

Zhao Xuanlang was slightly lost in thought. He understood Xu’s meaning well, but overthrowing centuries of entrenched customs, ideas, and systems singlehandedly was no small feat.

Seeing his comprehension, Xu Boqing fell silent.

Just then, a young girl approached to pour wine. Clutching her cup with a shy, hesitant glance toward him, she tried to offer a toast but seemed too timid to raise the cup herself—a posture endearing beyond measure.

Xu smiled and nodded gently.

The girl’s face brightened, and she quickly knelt, cheeks flushed with color, holding the cup to his lips to feed him the wine.

Xu Boqing took it without hesitation, then smacked his lips playfully. “A beauty feeding wine—lips leave a fragrant trace.”

“Hahaha…”

Zhao Xuanlang laughed heartily, clapping his hands. “To be honest, if anyone else behaved so, I’d think them frivolous and ostentatious.

“But somehow, Brother Xu, your manner is so natural, without a trace of awkwardness. You seem like a wayward immortal roaming the mortal world.”

“Perhaps I do enjoy life too much,” Xu teased, then casually asked, “After today’s assassination attempt, what are your plans, Brother Zhao?”

“My plans…” Zhao Xuanlang’s expression shifted slightly as he pondered.

He was also an innate realm martial artist, well-traveled and broad-minded, knowing far more than most—he even believed in the existence of immortals.

Having witnessed Xu Boqing’s abilities, he felt this gentleman was indeed a worldly immortal but hesitated to ask directly, thus carefully phrasing his earlier words.

Now, quietly, he thought: ‘I called Brother Xu a wayward immortal, and rather than deny it, he asks about my future plans. Could he be testing me, seeing if I possess the fate of immortality? What answer should I give?’”

“…”