These were all second or third sons of the current hereditary nobility. Since they did not have to inherit their families' titles, they were not afraid of getting into trouble. And as legitimate descendants, doted on by their elders, how could they not be recklessly bold, itching to poke a hole in the sky just to prove how formidable they were?
All dozen or so men were of that sort. Su Ziji picked up his brush and wrote their names on a sheet of paper. He studied several of them, his gaze secretly passing over one name, then nodded. "We can meet them later."
After the others withdrew, the Wild Daoist lingered at the rear. Su Ziji looked up, saw that he was still waiting, and instructed him, "Keep an eye on the servants of these dozen or so households."
A gleam flashed in the Wild Daoist's eyes. He understood what Su Ziji intended and voiced his assent.
Once he too had withdrawn, he was still pondering the matter when he looked up and saw Ye Buhui approaching gracefully, personally carrying a plate of delicate little pastries.
The Wild Daoist did not dare look at her for long. He quickly lowered his head and bowed respectfully. They passed each other, and after walking a few steps, he glanced back to see Ye Buhui enter the study before turning away and leaving.
Inside the study, Ye Buhui set the plate of pastries on the table. Seeing her husband sitting with a slight frown, his head bent over a sheet of paper, she did not deliberately lean over to read it. Instead, she stood where she was and waited.
Only when Su Ziji emerged from his thoughts did he suddenly realize that Ye Buhui had arrived at some point and was watching