I Studied Abroad in the Modern Times

Chapter 84: Hosting a Feast

"To Zheng Fa, Personally."

Zheng Fa sat in his study, staring at the envelope in his hand. After a moment’s hesitation, he opened it.

Since returning from the Immortal Talent Conference, he hadn’t seen Gao Yuan. Last night, Seventh Young Master had unexpectedly handed him a letter, saying it was from Gao Yuan.

"By the time you read this letter, I’ll probably be on my way to Jingyang Academy. You, being so clever, probably didn’t expect that out of the three of us, I’d be the first to leave."

Zheng Fa froze for a moment, surprised to learn that Gao Yuan had already left the Zhao family. He’d heard of Jingyang Academy—it was well-known but also far away.

"You once said that the Young Master was a good person. I didn’t believe it at the time, but now I do. I begged him, and he not only asked the Madam to give me my freedom contract but also persuaded Mr. Shen to write me a recommendation letter for the academy’s headmaster."

Zheng Fa smiled faintly and continued reading.

"I asked the Young Master to keep this from you."

"I don’t want to return one day and see myself with white hair while you both remain unchanged. Nor do I want to bow and scrape, calling someone I see as a dear friend ‘Immortal Master.’ Once, I didn’t mind, but after meeting you, I couldn’t stomach the thought anymore."

"Among the three of us, I always thought I was the least deserving. The Young Master has a pure heart, and you have clarity of mind, while I have always been petty and fixated on competition. Now that you’re both heading to the immortal sects, I’ll be left behind in the mortal world."

Zheng Fa tightened his grip on the letter. After a pause, he continued reading.

"Zheng Fa, if I were you, I would probably be proud and happy. But you’re not like that—you’ve always seemed to think this world shouldn’t be the way it is."

"So, I’ve decided to go to the academy, take the imperial exams, and become an official. I want to see if there’s something I can do for this world."

"If you become someone important in the immortal sects one day and still haven’t changed anything in this world, I’ll laugh at you when we meet again."

Gently setting the letter down, Zheng Fa walked to the window and gazed into the distance, unsure of how he felt.

A commotion outside broke his reverie.

In the outer courtyard, Huang Yu also heard the noise. Glancing at Zheng Fa and receiving a nod, he curiously stepped outside.

The street was in chaos, lined with red-draped canopies and dozens of wooden tables that filled the entire road. Large pots were set up at the end of the street, where three burly chefs worked energetically with their woks.

Huang Yu quickly understood—it was likely a feast. A grand one, judging by the scale.

Several young men, who appeared to be restaurant staff, bustled about, making last-minute arrangements.

Huang Yu stopped one of them and asked, "What’s going on here? A banquet?"

"Yeah, a flowing feast! It’ll last three days, and you’re welcome to join anytime!" the man replied enthusiastically.

Huang Yu scratched his head. "Who’s hosting it? So generous."

"The Zheng family!"

"...Which Zheng family?" Huang Yu was stunned.

"Are you serious? On this street, which Zheng family could afford this besides the family of Zheng Fa, the immortal master?"

Huang Yu turned to look at the Zheng family’s small courtyard behind him, then pointed to himself. "But I... I am from the Zheng family!"

Both sides stared at each other in confusion. Then Huang Yu bolted back into the courtyard.

Zheng Fa, equally puzzled, stepped outside to investigate. He quickly realized the source of the situation—the Madam.

Standing at the gate was Steward Wu, who was giving instructions to the staff.

"Steward Wu, what is all this?" Zheng Fa asked.

Steward Wu turned, and upon seeing Zheng Fa, hurried over with his shoulders slightly hunched and his head bowed even lower than usual.

"Immortal Master Zheng," he greeted.

"I’m no Immortal Master," Zheng Fa waved dismissively.

"It’s only a matter of time, so I figured I might as well start calling you that now," Steward Wu chuckled. "Is there something you need?"

"What’s this all about?"

"Oh, the Madam’s orders. She wanted to celebrate your entry into the immortal sect."

Zheng Fa frowned slightly. This didn’t align with either his preferences or the Madam’s usual style.

Steward Wu lowered his voice. "Actually, it was the Seventh Young Master’s idea."

That made sense—this was exactly the kind of thing he’d do.

"The Madam didn’t stop him?"

"Seventh Young Master thought that, since you come from humble beginnings, you might find yourself short on resources in the sect. He originally wanted to gift you gold and silver."

Zheng Fa nodded lightly.

"But the Madam stopped him, saying there was no need to give you money—others would do that for us."

Zheng Fa raised an eyebrow in confusion.

"So, the Madam arranged for this banquet. Rest assured, Immortal Master, it won’t harm your reputation. Anyone, rich or poor, can enjoy the feast as long as they say a congratulatory word."

"..."

"See that over there?" Steward Wu pointed to a small table at the end of the street, where a clerk sat with a ledger. "That’s where people can leave gifts. The clerk records everything."

Zheng Fa noticed several familiar faces approaching the table with silver notes in hand—young masters from the Chen family. Behind them stood others dressed in fine clothing, clearly from wealthy families.

Zheng Fa finally understood. "This is about using the banquet to collect funds?"

"What do you mean, ‘collect funds’? This is giving the good people of Jingzhou City a chance to show their admiration for you!" Steward Wu declared with righteous fervor.

Zheng Fa frowned. He disliked such ostentation by nature.

Steward Wu, sensing his displeasure, sighed dramatically. "You don’t understand, Immortal Master. Ever since the Immortal Talent Conference, countless powerful families have been trying to get close to you. With no direct way to approach you, they’ve turned to the Madam. If she kept refusing, they’d think the Zhao family was monopolizing you."

"..." Zheng Fa hadn’t anticipated this.

"The Madam figured it was better to host an event where they could meet you openly. That way, they’d leave you alone in the future."

Zheng Fa nodded slowly, recognizing it as a necessary compromise.

"The Madam also thought of another reason. Once you leave, she and Miss Zheng will remain in Jingzhou City. This event lets the local powers know who they are, discouraging any trouble."

Zheng Fa was silent for a moment before walking toward the guests, cupping his hands in thanks as he greeted them.

The attendees, clearly not expecting a personal acknowledgment, appeared both flustered and honored.

As he observed the scene, Zheng Fa found himself thinking of Gao Yuan, who had left quietly without saying goodbye.

He realized he preferred the latter’s approach.

...

Meanwhile, Steward Wu tugged on Huang Yu’s sleeve.

"Hm?" Huang Yu looked down as Steward Wu handed him an exquisite jade pendant.

"What’s this?" Huang Yu asked, puzzled. "Steward Wu’s gift money?"

"Do I look like I can afford that?" Steward Wu snorted. "It’s for you!"

"For me?" Huang Yu examined the high-quality pendant, far superior to anything his father owned.

"Why?"

"For nothing, just to build some goodwill," Steward Wu said with a grin. "Their young masters curry favor with your young master. Naturally, I, as a steward, should do the same with you."

Huang Yu carefully tucked the pendant into his pocket, feeling the weight of this unexpected gesture.

"Your father really secured a great position for you," Steward Wu remarked, watching Huang Yu’s reaction.

For the first time, Huang Yu understood the joy of being a small cog in a big wheel.

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