Chapter 191: Prove Capability by Buying It
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The rumors about the wealthiest man of the Ji family, Ji Cong Xin, abandoning Ji Yi Fei’s mother for his first wife and her son had spread throughout Shengjing.
The broker, who had clearly heard these tales, now wore a worried expression, fearing that Ji Yi Fei’s outburst would ruin his chances of selling the house. After all, this deal would earn him a commission of fifty taels! His gaze at Ji Yi Fei was far from friendly.
Ji Yi Fei’s glare was even harsher.
This woman—not only had she stolen Bing Yue’s beloved, but she’d also destroyed his family, turning him into a laughingstock in the capital. Most grievously, his father’s departure had plunged their family into ruin. Those who once swore brotherhood with him now shunned him.
For someone as proud as Ji Yi Fei, this was intolerable.
Yet… what could he do but endure?
To placate those “masters,” he had been forced to sell his dignity.
Every recollection of his recent misfortunes fueled his hatred, and he wanted nothing more than to rush out and throttle the calm, collected woman standing outside.
But just as he lifted his foot, ready to storm out, the dilapidated signboard hanging precariously over the entrance fell with a loud crash.
With a resounding bang, the sign shattered into pieces, sending splinters flying. The ancient blue slate beneath it cracked under the impact, leaving a deep indentation.
Ji Yi Fei froze mid-step, terror flashing across his face. Cold sweat trickled down his back.
If he hadn’t paused just now…
The sign wouldn’t have hit the ground but his head. Seeing how even the sturdy stone pavement couldn’t withstand the force, he doubted his own skull would fare better.
As relief mingled with fear, his emotions turned complex. “Did you just…” he stammered.
Yu Zhi Yi’s indifferent gaze met his. “Don’t misunderstand. I simply didn’t want your blood staining this house.”
After all, this would be her future home. Witnessing bloodshed during her initial visit would be inauspicious. Furthermore, the place was already steeped in uncleanliness; any additional mess would only complicate the cleanup process.
Ji Yi Fei: “…”
Even after some time apart, this woman remained infuriating!
Taking a deep breath, he forced himself to calm down. “What are you doing here?” he asked.
Yu Zhi Yi’s reply was cold. “Why should I tell you?”
She scrutinized him from head to toe. “And you? Why are you here?”
Though she could easily deduce the answer, she saw no need to waste her skills on trivialities involving insignificant people.
Her question jolted the broker. “Yes, Young Master Ji, what are you doing here?” he echoed. “This house has an owner, you know! Even if it’s listed for sale, barging into someone else’s property isn’t proper.”
Granted, the place had been abandoned for years.
Ji Yi Fei opened his mouth to respond, but a group of people suddenly appeared from the direction of the moat. Leading them was a tall, broad-shouldered young man.
Trailing behind him were a mix of young men and women, all appearing to be in their teens or early twenties.
Ji Yi Fei’s expression shifted when he saw them. He bowed and greeted them respectfully. “Greetings, Young Duke of Pingnan, Young Master Zhang, and Miss Li.”
Yu Zhi Yi followed his gaze, her eyes briefly scanning the tall youth at the forefront before shifting to the others. She frowned slightly.
Seeing Yu Zhi Yi remain motionless, Ji Yi Fei leaned closer, whispering urgently, “That’s the Young Duke of Pingnan Duke’s Household.”
“That’s the Young Master of the Ministry of War’s Vice-Minister’s Household, Zhang.”
“And that’s the youngest daughter of Grand Tutor Su, Miss Su.”
The other three individuals present were not introduced, for compared to the three prominent figures already mentioned, their identities were deemed less significant.
Of course, this was only in relation to Yu Zhi Yi’s current standing.
As things stood, even encountering the family of a minor official would necessitate her paying proper respects.
“Oh, isn’t this the Young Madam Du?” It was Young Master Zhang from the Ministry of War’s Vice-Minister’s Household who spoke. “Shouldn’t you be at home figuring out how to win over Young Master Du’s affections? What brings you to this desolate place?”
Miss Su sneered. “Clearly, she’s realized all her tricks have failed, so she’s here trying to make a spectacle of herself.”
This Miss Su’s hostility toward her was palpable.
However, Yu Zhi Yi found it unsurprising. Memories surfaced of rumors regarding Miss Su. Before Du Zi Heng’s marriage, this woman had been an ardent admirer, often chasing after him relentlessly.
In her past life, after Du Zi Heng married, Miss Su frequently made things difficult for Yu Jiao Jiao.
Strangely, she had displayed an inexplicable camaraderie toward You Bing Yue, Du Zi Heng’s true love.
Yu Zhi Yi turned her gaze upon Miss Su, her tone icy. “Miss Su, perhaps instead of troubling others, you should reflect on why you failed to win over Young Master Du and his family’s favor.”
Miss Su’s face darkened. “Are you calling me a dog?” she demanded, her voice trembling with rage.
Yu Zhi Yi tilted her head innocently. “Wasn’t it obvious? If you’re not a dog, why do you bark so freely?”
Miss Su was left speechless, her fury rendering her incapable of response.
The Young Duke chuckled. “Such sharp wit. No wonder His Majesty personally appointed you as an Official in the Ministry of Justice.”
Yu Zhi Yi ignored his comment, turning her attention elsewhere.
The Young Duke then addressed the broker standing nearby, his curiosity piqued. “Are you here to buy property?”
Before Yu Zhi Yi could respond, the broker interjected, explaining, “The last owner of this estate was none other than the Young Duke.”
It turned out that youthful arrogance had driven the Young Duke to purchase the property despite hearing the ominous rumors surrounding it. The manor, with its peach blossoms blooming every spring, offered a picturesque view—perfect for his artistic pursuits.
Initially dismissing the tales of hauntings, he confidently moved in. But within two months, he had fallen gravely ill twice, forcing him to reconsider. Eventually, even his skepticism faltered, and he decided to sell the property. Yet, the rumors had taken root so deeply that the estate remained unsold for half a year.
Aware of the chilling legend that no one survived a year within the manor, he grew desperate. To break the stigma, he devised a plan: hire someone to live there temporarily. If they emerged unscathed, it would disprove the superstitions.
Of course, he knew this scheme was ethically dubious. But against the allure of real silver and gold, such moral concerns seemed trivial.
“It’s just for a few days,” he rationalized. “Nothing will happen… probably.”
The Young Duke turned to Yu Zhi Yi with a smile. “Interested in the property? Why not take a look inside?”
Seeing her remain unmoved, he added, “You’ve likely heard the rumors, but really, there are no such things as ghosts in this world.”
Despite having witnessed Yu Zhi Yi’s uncanny ability to calculate outcomes, he remained unconvinced. To him, she was just a young girl of his age, more suited for fanciful claims than actual skill. Undoubtedly, her reputation was a fabrication, orchestrated by Chancellor Du to elevate her as an all-knowing mystic.
This perception only fueled his disdain for such theatrics. But today, that same reputation served his purposes well.
“If you’re so capable, surely you wouldn’t fear purchasing a haunted house,” he taunted, a smirk playing on his lips.
Yu Zhi Yi glanced at him briefly, her expression unreadable. Fear? Buying the property would simply validate her prowess… or so he thought.