Chapter 202 - One must Learn to Face Reality
Known as Wang Zhenhai, the Third Young Master of the Wang family had enjoyed twenty carefree years, indulging in his desires without concern. Money had never been a worry; he believed he could accomplish anything.
However, his fortunes took a drastic turn at the age of twenty. His father and elder brother vanished at sea, followed by the death of his beloved grandfather and his grandmother's indifference to his uncle's scheme to seize the family estate.
Initially, these events seemed inconsequential to Wang Zhenhai. He had no inclination toward learning or inheriting the family wealth; as long as he had money, he felt he could be his own boss.
Unfortunately, his uncle harbored no such generosity and sought to rid himself of Zhenhai. He devised a scheme involving alcohol and a concubine's bed to disgrace his nephew.
The following day, overcome with embarrassment and rage, Zhenhai's uncle expelled the “shameless and reckless” Zhenhai from the Wang family home.
Confused and humiliated, Zhenhai was ousted from the house, bewildered by the whispers of onlookers and the shame on his mother's face.
Despite his protests, Zhenhai found himself abandoned by all, even his own mother, who refused to believe his innocence.
Accustomed to his frivolous lifestyle, Zhenhai had entertained many concubines, but never in his uncle's chambers. Why would he, when he believed he could find any woman he desired elsewhere?
Yet, absurdity aside, Zhenhai never considered a liaison with his uncle's concubine. He couldn't comprehend why he would stoop to such depths.
Initially defiant, Zhenhai soon realized he was no longer shielded by familial protection. Even the household servants now bullied him.
Fuming with anger, Zhenhai initially believed he could thrive without the Wang family, relying on his few remaining stores and the private funds of his concubines.
However, upon attempting to reclaim his concubines, Zhenhai discovered they had vanished, leaving no trace. Only the woman he cherished remained, now wed to his uncle.
It dawned on him then, the depth of his folly and rage.
Despite his twenty years of extravagance, Zhenhai possessed little business acumen. He had accrued numerous enemies, leading to the deliberate sabotage of his shops and exacerbating his hardships.
His mother's health deteriorated rapidly under the strain, both physically and mentally.
Within a mere month, he transitioned from the proud Third Young Master of the Wang Family to a destitute outcast, scorned by all. Frankly, thoughts of destitution even crossed his mind.
Initially, there were individuals unfamiliar with his plight, but as the Wang Family intentionally provoked him, even the most distant merchants refused to engage with him. Consequently, he was compelled to toil diligently at the port for meager compensation.
“Boy, swiftly deliver the meal to Master San!” Move it! ” the corpulent cook impatiently urged, pushing three dishes and a soup in his direction.
Wang Zhenhai snapped back to reality. He grasped the large tray, eyeing the delectable spread, particularly the half-roasted pig with its enticing hue, causing him to inhale sharply.
It had been ages since he indulged in a lavish meal. The meager earnings he previously scraped together only covered his mother's medicine and two servings of steamed buns with pickles.
“Be cautious!” Don't spill the food like last time, you're clumsy! “
Wang Zhenhai's ears flushed crimson. Unaccustomed to life at sea, he detested the swaying motion of the boat, compounded by the burden of the heavy tray.
“Got it, Brother Li.” Recognizing the fatty's concern, Wang Zhenhai smiled and nodded. After several months of adversity, his rough edges had worn away, allowing him to face disdain and contempt with a smile.
He recognized the vessel as belonging to the Cao Sect, larger than standard merchant ships and armed with long-range weaponry. Even the patrolling guards exhibited more vigor than those of the Wang Family.
He had never encountered Master San before; all he knew was that these ships scoured the seas in search of individuals. When recruitment occurred at the port, enticed by the handsome reward, he implored Yang Yi for assistance.
More than once, he lamented his inadequacy, wondering if his family could have been spared if he had wielded his influence to locate his father and brother. Could their deaths have been averted?
After placing the tray outside Master San's chamber, he knocked and announced, “Lunch is served, Master San.”
A youthful voice responded from within. “Leave it there.”
Wang Zhenhai was taken aback by the youthfulness of Master San's voice, realizing that the man he respectfully addressed as “Master San” was younger than himself.
Just as Wang Zhenhai prepared to depart, the door creaked open. A teenager with a complexion akin to jade emerged, draped in a crimson cloak.
“Thr… Master San?” So young! Was he merely fifteen?
Despite his considerable experiences, Wang Zhenhai couldn't help but marvel: What a striking appearance and composed demeanor!
During his time as the Third Young Master of the Wang Family, his acquaintances were all affluent and influential young masters, with no shortage of scholars.
Zuo Shaoqing visibly hesitated upon encountering Wang Zhenhai. “You've been delivering the meals recently?”
“Yes…” Wang Zhenhai replied with head held high, “I'm responsible for meal delivery.”
Zuo Shaoqing made a puzzled noise before sidestepping Ye Zichen and retrieving the tray from the table.
Turning back toward the room, he cast a glance at Wang Zhenhai. “To learn the harsh truths of reality, you must taste the bitter fruits of your actions!”
“… Bam!”
Wang Zhenhai stood bewildered before the abruptly shut door. Had he offended San Ye somehow? Could she have flirted with him unbeknownst to him?
Shaking his head, Wang Zhenhai quickly retreated, recalling past absurdities. He was certain he hadn't encountered this youth before; with such striking looks, he couldn't have forgotten.
“Zuo Xiaolang, it's mealtime!” Zuo Shaoqing announced, placing dishes on the table and rummaging under the blanket for small items.
Despite only a day's voyage, Zuo Xiaolang's seasickness had already surfaced. He'd appeared ill for days, confined indoors, lacking his usual vigor.
“Little one, here's your favorite roast suckling pig… Smell it, isn't it enticing?”
Nestled against Zuo Shaoqing's shoulder, Zuo Xiaolang sniffed the familiar aroma. Sadly, his stomach rebelled, quashing any desire to eat.
“Daddy…” a soft voice pierced Zuo Shaoqing's heart.
Setting the child on a chair, Zuo Shaoqing served rice, supplementing with light dishes. “Even if you're unwell, you must eat. Growth requires sustenance!”
Zuo Xiaolang nodded, fearing hunger and enduring lectures.
After a bowl of rice, Zuo Xiaolang eyed the half-roasted pig, then declined.
Zuo Shaoqing chuckled at his son's gesture, having meat served each meal in hopes of sparking appetite, to no avail.
Just as Zuo Shaoqing finished, Luo Xiaoliu arrived with medicine. “Master San, the medicine is here.”
Catching a whiff, Zuo Xiaolang buried his head, avoiding the bitter scent.
Zuo Shaoqing comforted, “Medicine is swift. Wouldn't you rather enjoy meals than watch barbecue go uneaten?”
Luo Xiaoliu rolled his eyes, accustomed to such tactics.
Downing the bitter concoction, Zuo Xiaolang received a piece of peanut candy, sweetening the ordeal.
“Daddy… When will we find Father?”
Zuo Shaoqing's smile wavered. “Soon.”
Three days at sea, they searched ports for news of Lu Zheng, in vain.
Tracing a line on the table with tea-dipped finger, Zuo Shaoqing pondered Lu Zheng's route, deciding to change course eastward.
Commanding Luo Xiaoliu, “Turn the fleet eastward.”
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