Deal Reached

Though he had been cursed at, thinking of his own son, Zhou Qiucheng had no choice but to endure it.

Amid the shouting, the vermilion gates opened with a creak. A little girl dressed in coarse hemp cloth, delicate as if carved from jade and adorably pretty, poked her head out from behind the gate. "Were you the ones knocking at the door at night?"

"Little miss, we have come to pay a visit to Young Master Zhang. We have presumptuously disturbed you so late at night; please forgive the discourtesy." Wang Chong hurriedly bowed.

What else was he supposed to do—wait for Zhou Qiucheng to apologize?

Zhang Tuowei opened the gates and said lazily, "Follow me."

The two followed Zhang Tuowei into the courtyard, only to find the entire place dark as pitch and utterly silent. It lacked the bustling air one would expect from a wealthy household, leaving them both somewhat taken aback. Without showing it, they followed Zhang Tuowei to Zhang Chen's study. He pointed at the study, where lamplight still shone. "My elder brother is inside. Go on in."

After speaking, Zhang Tuowei carried off the lantern. Wang Chong and Zhou Qiucheng exchanged glances, then Wang Chong stepped forward and knocked. "Young Master, I am Wang Chong. I have come with the Dean of Chongzheng Academy to pay you a visit."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Chen rose from within and opened the door. His gaze passed over Wang Chong before settling on Zhou Qiucheng. "So distinguished guests have come. Please, come in."

Zhang Chen invited the two inside, poured them tea, and only then asked, "What brings you here so late at night?"

Zhou Qiucheng took over. "I am Zhou Qiucheng of Chongzheng Academy. The ginseng Young Master sold that day is of great use to