Chapter One Hundred Nineteen: Memories (9)

At Night Zheng’s words, the entire Yu family erupted in cheers—they finally had new life in their home.

“Calm down, calm down. A pregnant woman’s emotions can’t fluctuate too much. You two, father and son, stay away from Fanghua,” Night Zheng said, exasperated, looking at Yu Qiuming and Yu Zidu. Could they not be so excited? Fanghua was only in the early, unstable stages of pregnancy and needed to be cared for delicately. The two of them were the greatest threat to her right now.

“Sir, how did you see through it at a glance? You’re truly amazing!” Yu Zidu excitedly ran up to Night Zheng, his eyes shining brightly. The lord was so extraordinary—he saw everything clearly with just one look. If only he were even half as capable as the lord, his father and mother wouldn’t constantly complain about him, saying he was lazy and aimless, wasting his days.

Now that the lord had just arrived, he had mentioned discussing the matter of taking on disciples with his father. Why hadn’t his father agreed right away? He used to oppose it, but no longer—because the lord was truly extraordinary, and following him was an honor.

“Qiuming, I’ve come to discuss something with you. Are you free recently?” After talking about Fanghua, Night Zheng felt it was necessary to talk over Yu Zidu’s situation with Yu Qiuming.

“I’m free, I’m free. My father has nearly finished his preparations, so I can rest for a few days.” Of course he was free—he knew what Night Zheng wanted to discuss, and even if he weren’t free, he’d make time. As long as Night Zheng was willing, whether it was Yu Zidu becoming his disciple or even Yu Qiuming himself, such an opportunity was once in a lifetime!

With someone like Night Zheng guiding Yu Zidu, how could he refuse? Impossible. Night Zheng wasn’t just any random passerby; his reputation and presence were incomparable. Even if Night Zheng wanted Yu Zidu to be his son, he would wholeheartedly approve.

“Hmm, about the matter you mentioned before, I think it’s settled.” Night Zheng glanced at Yu Zidu. Seeing no reaction, he spoke directly to Yu Qiuming. Fanghua was also in favor of it. It all depended on Yu Zidu’s feelings—if he agreed, Night Zheng would accept him as a disciple and give him the jade token symbolizing his status on Wumei Mountain.

“Sir, Fanghua and I both agree about taking on the disciple, so you don’t need to worry. As for this kid, I’ll ask him if he has any thoughts,” Yu Qiuming said, intending to assure Night Zheng that Yu Zidu agreed, though he was afraid the boy might suddenly change his mind.

Night Zheng nodded silently. Such matters couldn’t be forced; it depended on the person involved.

“I agree. Why wouldn’t I? Stop wasting your and the lord’s time,” Yu Zidu stood up from Fanghua’s side, rolling his eyes at his father. His father was so unreasonable—opportunities like this were extremely rare, practically nonexistent, yet he still dared to waste time pondering it.

“I agree. Lord, when can I formally become your disciple? Can it be now?” Yu Zidu was eager for Night Zheng to finalize everything so his parents wouldn’t despise him for accomplishing nothing.

“Yes, kneel, offer tea, and perform the disciple ritual!” Night Zheng picked up the tea Yu Zidu had initially brewed for him and instructed him to kneel. There was no need to wait or seek witnesses—his name and face were more than enough.

“Master above, please accept your disciple’s bow!”

“Master, please drink the tea!”

Respectfully and sincerely, Yu Zidu shed his usual rebellious and roguish demeanor. He grasped this opportunity firmly—it marked the day he became the second disciple of the sovereign of the Lower Three Realms, Night Zheng.

“Take this jade token symbolizing your disciple status. From now on, you are my second disciple.” Night Zheng smiled and signaled for Yu Zidu to rise.

He took a sip of the tea and then brought out a stack of books, selecting carefully before finally handing Yu Zidu three black-bound volumes. Some were written by Night Zheng himself, others were books he had scavenged like discarded trash. Though he no longer needed them, these texts were difficult for youngsters to comprehend.

Of course, each book contained his annotations, making it easier for them to study.

“Second disciple, do I have a senior brother?” Yu Zidu asked, looking at Night Zheng. They hadn’t heard about Night Zheng accepting other disciples.

“Yes, one. From the Gu family. Your father knows him,” Night Zheng replied lightly before lowering his head to drink tea.

Night Zheng rarely spoke unless necessary. Now that matters were settled, he chose silence. He would reside at the Tianya Pavilion for the foreseeable future. If Yu Zidu needed anything, he could ask directly. If the Yu family required his assistance, he would do his best to help.

“You all have your matters to attend to. I’ll be alone for a while. I’ll stay where I used to—it’s what I’m accustomed to.” With a wave of his hand, he headed toward his former residence.

Rather than a guest, it was more like returning to a fixed home—a simple visit for a period.

The Yu family was used to Night Zheng’s presence, so the courtyard where he stayed was always kept spotless, just in case he suddenly returned and they had no time to tidy up.

Watching Night Zheng return to the nearby courtyard, Yu Qiuming’s expression suddenly changed. His son had formally become Night Zheng’s disciple, fulfilling his own wish.

Yet, that rebellious son had just rolled his eyes at him and accused him of wasting time.

Since the matter was settled and the son had accepted the jade token signifying his disciple status, Yu Qiuming no longer needed to worry about his son’s mischief.

“Yu Zidu, I’ve tolerated you long enough. Today, I’ll let you know who’s the father and who’s the son!” With that, he kicked Yu Zidu.

Fanghua sat nearby, indifferent. This wasn’t the first time. Whenever her husband was in a bad mood, he would take it out on Yu Zidu. She was tired of watching it.

They could fight as much as they wanted. She had no time to care. Her priority now was to nurture her pregnancy, hoping for a daughter.

In the Yu family, there was no preference for sons over daughters. In fact, girls were more favored. A rebellious child like Yu Zidu was destined to be constantly scolded and disciplined.

Though she had spoiled Yu Zidu before, now that she was expecting a daughter, she had no time for this wayward boy.

As long as her husband didn’t go too far, it was no big deal. At worst, after the fight, she would comfort Yu Zidu again.