The Zhang Household was unquestionably the foremost great lineage in Former Chu, its power and standing scarcely diminished even from the days when Grand Academician Zhang governed. Naturally, this owed much to Old Master Zhang's extraordinary longevity. But only the Zhangs themselves knew what a difficult master he was to serve, for he had many peculiar habits.
Talking to the sky was one thing, but he even had a fondness for digging wells. After moving back to the old capital from the South, his first act had been to dig several wells in his residence. As the Zhang Residence expanded, more and more wells appeared in its courtyards. Beyond corridors, around screen walls, beside flowers and beneath trees, dark well mouths could be seen everywhere. It was hardly safe, especially as the old master, who loved looking into wells, grew increasingly frail. What if he lost his footing? So over the past two years, the Zhang Household had sealed most of the wells with iron bars.
"What the fuck is there to look at with them all sealed? Get out of my way!"
Old Master Zhang waved his cane, shouting until his face turned red.
His granddaughter supported his arm. Looking at her grandfather's graying hair, she felt sorrow well up and gave her father a meaningful glance.
The head of the Zhang Household sighed helplessly. He waved for the steward to remove the iron bars over the wells, then stepped forward to support his father's other arm.
Surrounded by dozens of the Zhang Household's prominent masters, ladies, young masters, and young ladies, Old Master Zhang began looking into wells.
When he reached the well called Gushing Spring, he leaned on its wall and gazed into its depths, remaining silent for a long time.
His family watched him anxiously, afraid