Zhao Fei nodded, not understanding why the young master would ask him the names of these herbs.
Could it be that, besides his abnormal interests, this young master had other hobbies as well?
For a moment, Zhao Fei’s thoughts were completely adrift.
Ji Youran looked at the bewildered young man before him and hesitated.
He couldn’t help but doubt whether his decision was right or wrong.
"Have you studied medicine?"
Zhao Fei shook his head. "No, I haven’t."
"Then did anyone in your family practice medicine?"
Zhao Fei shook his head again. "My ancestors were farmers."
Ji Youran scoffed. "A farmer’s child, able to read?"
Who would believe that?
"My mother taught me," Zhao Fei said.
"Your mother?"
"My maternal grandfather was a scholar."
Zhao Fei lowered his head, his gaze fixed on the tips of his toes.
Mother’s birth was fortunate, but the latter half of her life was filled with hardship.
"A scholar’s daughter married a farmer?" Ji Youran sounded skeptical.
As if anyone would believe that!
Zhao Fei said nothing. His maternal grandfather was a scholar, yes, but one who had made a mistake. He’d been implicated by his association with a powerful political faction. To protect Mother, Grandfather had married her off to a farmer.
"Never mind," Ji Youran said. "These are your family matters. If you don’t want to talk about them, I won’t ask."
Zhao Fei lowered his head, thinking, Even if you did ask, I wouldn’t want to tell you!
Wait, what am I thinking? This young master is problematic; I should stay away from him.
"Young Master," Zhao Fei said, "it’s getting late. I should be heading home."
Ji Youran heard this and looked up at the sky. The sun was high; it was still early.
"It’s still early. Come inside with me; let’s have a talk!"
Zhao Fei’s face fell in alarm, his small body trembling like a leaf.
No way! I refuse! I’m a normal person!
However, Ji Youran walked into the house. Noticing Zhao Fei hadn’t followed, he glanced back at him. As if guided by some unseen force, Zhao Fei lost his nerve and followed.
"Your family only consists of your blind mother and younger sister?" Ji Youran asked. He was standing before a bookshelf, perusing a book.
Zhao Fei stood near the doorway, the best position for a quick escape if necessary.
Ji Youran was quite satisfied with the boy’s tact. Standing at a suitable distance—not too close, not too far—was just right. Ji Youran disliked people getting near and was particular about cleanliness, so he needed someone perceptive like this around him.
"Yes!" Zhao Fei replied in a low voice, ever vigilant. What if the young master suddenly unleashes his beastly nature...
"Who is your father?"
Zhao Fei didn’t answer. Silence hung in the air.
"You won’t speak of your father. Could he be a notorious brigand, then?"
At the dinner table, while listening to Zhao Fei recount how his family had come to know Suisui, Ji Youran hadn’t heard any mention of Zhao Fei’s father.
"Absolutely not! My dad joined the army years ago, and we haven’t heard from him since!" Zhao Fei retorted.
Ji Youran’s hand, holding the book, paused for a moment.
"Where is your family from?"
Zhao Fei remained silent.
He couldn’t fathom what this young master was truly up to.
"What is your father’s name? Surely you can tell me that?"
Zhao Fei nodded. "Zhao Xiaohu!"
"Where is he from?"
Zhao Fei couldn’t help but answer, "Taojia Village of Jing County..."
He stopped abruptly mid-sentence. Isn’t he just trying to extract my family information?
Ji Youran, having learned what he wanted, remained impassive, indifferent to whether Zhao Fei continued or not.
"Take this book and read it. Return it in a few days!"
"Huh?" Zhao Fei was stunned, looking at him in disbelief.
Ji Youran paid him no mind and simply threw the book forcefully toward Zhao Fei.
With his quick reflexes, Zhao Fei caught the book and looked at the cover...