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 Feiās thoughts were completely adrift.
Ji Youran looked at the bewildered young man before him and hesitated.
He couldnāt help but doubt whether his decision was right or wrong.
"Have you studied medicine?"
Zhao Fei shook his head. "No, I havenāt."
"Then did anyone in your family practice medicine?"
Zhao Fei shook his head again. "My ancestors were farmers."
Ji Youran scoffed. "A farmerās 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.
Motherās birth was fortunate, but the latter half of her life was filled with hardship.
"A scholarās 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. Heād 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 donāt want to talk about them, I wonāt ask."
Zhao Fei lowered his head, thinking,
Even if you did ask, I wouldnāt 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, "itās 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.
"Itās still early. Come inside with me; letās have a talk!"
Zhao Feiās face fell in alarm, his small body trembling like a leaf.
No way! I refuse! Iām a normal person!
However, Ji Youran walked into the house. Noticing Zhao Fei hadnāt 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 boyās tact. Standing at a suitable distanceānot too close, not too farāwas 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 didnāt answer. Silence hung in the air.
"You wonāt 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 hadnāt heard any mention of Zhao Feiās father.
"Absolutely not! My dad joined the army years ago, and we havenāt heard from him since!" Zhao Fei retorted.
Ji Youranās hand, holding the book, paused for a moment.
"Where is your family from?"
Zhao Fei remained silent.
He couldnāt fathom what this young master was truly up to.
"What is your fatherās name? Surely you can tell me that?"
Zhao Fei nodded. "Zhao Xiaohu!"
"Where is he from?"
Zhao Fei couldnāt help but answer, "Taojia Village of Jing County..."
He stopped abruptly mid-sentence.
Isnāt 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...