The Master has changed

At the wine table, Zhong Qing looked at Ye Zhen, who had a conflicted expression.

“Something on your mind?”

Ye Zhen gritted his teeth.

Under the table, he clenched his fists tightly.

His expression changed, and he finally made a decision.

From childhood to adulthood, there was never a single thing he could decide for himself.

It was as if from the moment he was born, a whole set of rules pressed down heavily on him.

They always told him what he should and shouldn’t do.

His existence seemed to revolve around their wishes.

No one had ever asked him what he truly wanted to do.

Or rather, even if he wanted to insist on doing something, he was forced to give up due to various irresistible factors.

For this, he was often called a good-for-nothing and a coward by his grandfather.

But today, he decided to defy his grandfather’s wishes for once.

Since he had already made a decision, he would stick to it to the end.

Firstly, because he didn’t want to offend Zhong Qing, and secondly, because he wanted to truly live for himself for once.

Thinking of this, Ye Zhen’s expression became resolute.

Meeting Zhong Qing’s inquiring gaze, he smiled wistfully and said, “Nothing, Senior Zhong, it’s just that this wine isn’t strong enough.”

“I have a batch of Monkey Wine, brewed by demon monkeys in the mountains. Why don’t we move there and drink to our heart’s content?”

This made Zhong Qing’s eyes light up.

He had naturally heard of the famous Monkey Wine, but only by its name.

He immediately became interested.

“What are we waiting for?”

“Let’s go, and drink until we can’t drink anymore!”

The few of them immediately paid the bill and changed locations.

As the grandson of a Hall Master of the Pill Cauldron Pavilion Holy Land, Ye Zhen owned many properties.

Soon, under his lead, everyone arrived at a manor.

In front of the vermillion red gate, two stone lions stood tall.

Above the gate plaque, four vigorous and ancient characters were written—Mountain Resort!

“Young Master!”

As Ye Zhen arrived, the nearby guards immediately stepped forward to greet him.

“Go, tell Asu to bring my treasured Monkey Wine to Listening Heart Pavilion. I am hosting guests today!”

As Ye Zhen gave his orders, the servants nearby dared not delay and quickly scurried away.

“Senior Zhong, and the others, please come in!”

Ye Zhen invited Zhong Qing, Wu Yue, and Shi Xiaotian.

The three of them then stepped into the manor!

Under Ye Zhen’s guidance, the few of them passed through corridors and passages, turned more than a dozen corners, and finally arrived at a lake.

The lake water was clear and green, with lotuses blooming in the pond!

On the water’s surface, ripples shimmered, emitting wisps of white mist, revealing a transcendent and tranquil beauty.

A long corridor extended from the lake shore, like a long snake, spanning across the entire lake surface.

It connected to the pavilion of terraces and towers!

Its name was Listening Heart Pavilion!

The few of them arrived in the pavilion and had barely sat down when a butler, accompanied by several guards, carried over more than a dozen jars of Monkey Wine.

“Come, Senior Zhong, two seniors, I toast you all!”

As the servants spread out the table and filled the cups for the four of them, Ye Zhen toasted from afar.

A rich aroma of wine permeated the surroundings.

This scent was intoxicating.

The moment the wine aroma assailed his nostrils, Zhong Qing was already unable to suppress the craving in his heart.

Now, as Ye Zhen toasted, he drank it all in one gulp.

No wonder this Monkey Wine was so renowned and famous everywhere.

Drinking it was just one word—refreshing!

Under the stimulation of the Monkey Wine, even Wu Yue and Shi Xiaotian, who had already drunk quite a bit, couldn’t help but drink a few more cups.

In the pavilion, at the wine table.

Ye Zhen toasted Zhong Qing again.

“Senior Zhong, my hospitality and care have been insufficient during your visit to Dan City.”

“Although this humble abode is a bit remote, it is peaceful and quiet.”

“Why not stay here?”

“It would also allow me to fulfill my duty as a host, wouldn’t it?”

Zhong Qing pondered: “Would it be inconvenient?”

“What’s convenient or inconvenient about it?”

“I have more than a dozen places like this under my name.”

“Senior, just stay as long as you like. If you lack anything, just tell the butler, and he will get it for you.”

After Ye Zhen finished speaking, he directly took out a string of keys.

“There are eighty-one guest rooms here. Senior Zhong can stay in whichever room he likes.”

“Stay as long as you wish.”

Seeing that it was hard to refuse the generous invitation, and not having a place to stay himself, Zhong Qing did not decline.

Mainly, the environment here was indeed good.

“In that case, I will impose on your residence for a period of time.”

The few of them talked and chatted, exchanging toasts!

Regarding Ye Zhen’s whereabouts, the news was reported to Ye Qingshan, the Hall Master of Lingbao Hall.

“What? That unfilial son still has the mind to entertain guests and drink wine!”

In the main hall of Lingbao Hall, Ye Qingshan was furious, like a roaring lion!

“Bring him to me immediately!”

“How dare he treat my words as wind by his ears! He’s gone against the heavens!”

As Ye Qingshan roared in anger, Butler Fu, who was responsible for reporting the news, couldn’t help but tremble inside.

“Master, please calm your anger. This old servant will bring the Young Master back now.”

He sighed faintly.

He also couldn’t understand his Young Master’s actions.

Knowing that he was not favored, and that the Master rarely showed him preference, he didn’t seize the opportunity to desperately please the Master. Instead, he repeatedly angered the Master!

In Lingbao Hall.

Butler Fu had watched Ye Zhen grow up.

For this child, Butler Fu felt pain in his heart as he watched.

He was perfectly clear about how difficult Ye Zhen’s situation had been all these years.

But no matter how difficult or bitter it was, that child still gritted his teeth and pulled through.

His character and perseverance were moving, and they made Butler Fu genuinely fond of him from the bottom of his heart.

However, Ye Zhen’s actions this time were truly disappointing to the extreme!

As Butler Fu left Lingbao Hall.

He headed towards Mountain Resort!

The banquet here was also coming to an end!

The few of them drank from day until night.

Even Zhong Qing was a little drunk.

Ye Zhen was even more so.

He was almost at the point where he couldn’t stand steadily.

But even so, he didn’t forget to instruct his servants.

“Send Senior Zhong and the other two to rest!”

“Young Master, what about you?”

A maid nearby whispered softly.

“I want to be alone. You all may withdraw for now!”

Soon after everyone had left.

In the darkness, Butler Fu’s figure had silently appeared beside Ye Zhen.

“Young Master, the Master wants to see you.”

As soon as these words were spoken, Ye Zhen, who was still somewhat hazy with drunkenness, instantly shivered.

Half of his drunkenness was immediately dispelled.

A look of fear and dread appeared in his eyes.

Clearly, he truly revered this grandfather to his bones.

Ye Zhen took a deep breath, forcefully suppressing the agitation in his heart.

If it’s a blessing, it’s not a curse. If it’s a curse, it can’t be avoided.

Ever since he made that decision, he had already prepared himself to face such a situation.

Although the timing was a bit earlier than he had expected.

But some things, avoiding them won’t solve the problem.

“Let’s go!”

Under the moonlight, Ye Zhen clasped his hands behind his back and straightened his posture.

He had a bit of the poetic charm of “The wind sighs, the Yi River is cold; a brave man leaves, never to return.”

For some reason.

Butler Fu felt that his Young Master had changed.

He couldn’t pinpoint the exact change.

He just felt that Ye Zhen seemed to have gained a sense of maturity… and responsibility!