I Studied Abroad in the Modern Times

Chapter 74: Steward

“Why? Wasn’t it enough to qualify for the Immortal Sect as long as you got an upper rank before?” the Seventh Young Master couldn’t help but complain, despite his usual fear of Senior Sister Zhang.

Zheng Fa understood his frustration. From the Seventh Young Master’s perspective, it was like being a mediocre student working tirelessly for a passing grade, only for the exam proctor to announce a new rule: the results would be ranked, and only the top ten would pass. Anyone else would fail.

Who wouldn’t explode under such circumstances?

Senior Sister Zhang shook her head.

“This time, all the families participating in the Immortal Talent Conference fear potential changes in the future. They’ve brought out their best young talents, flooding the competition with both quantity and quality. If we still used the old ranking system, too many people would enter the Immortal Sect.”

“Wouldn’t that be a good thing?” the Seventh Young Master asked, genuinely puzzled.

“For you, it would be. But for those already in the Immortal Sect...” Senior Sister Zhang gave Zheng Fa a meaningful look. “You’re essentially fighting for their share of resources.”

“Even though everyone participating has the backing of Golden Core or Nascent Soul cultivators, there’s been an uproar among the lower-ranking disciples of the Hundred Immortals Alliance. That’s why they’ve decided to limit the number of entrants.”

“That varies by sect. For talisman techniques, Jiushan Sect will be strict, but Qingmu Sect, which focuses on alchemy, won’t have such high requirements.” Senior Sister Zhang’s gaze shifted to the Seventh Young Master, her words seemingly intended to reassure him.

The Seventh Young Master sighed in relief—his Immortal Token was for Qingmu Sect.

Zheng Fa understood her explanation.

Jiushan Sect was the top choice for those specializing in talismans, making its selection process highly competitive. On the other hand, Qingmu Sect, with its weaker talisman traditions, faced less competition, giving the Seventh Young Master a better chance.

On his way back to his new courtyard, Zheng Fa encountered two familiar faces—Huang Yu and his father, the slightly plump Steward Huang.

Behind them was a cart piled high with food, bedding, and other items, as if they were preparing for a move.

“Huang Yu?” Zheng Fa asked in surprise, noticing they seemed to be waiting for him.

“Master Zheng...” Huang Yu greeted him with a slightly awkward bow.

Steward Huang, standing beside him, wore an ingratiating smile, even more obsequious than usual.

“What’s all this?” Zheng Fa asked, glancing between them and the cart behind them.

Huang Yu flushed, looking too embarrassed to speak.

Steward Huang gave his son a light slap on the back of the head and said cheerfully, “My son wants to follow you!”

“Follow me?” Zheng Fa was taken aback. “What do you mean?”

“Well, my boy heard that you’ve secured an Immortal Token and moved into your own courtyard. He’s eager to serve as your steward!” Steward Huang said, grinning.

Zheng Fa observed their expressions and quickly discerned the truth—this was likely Steward Huang’s idea.

“Uncle Huang...”

“Please don’t call me that!” Steward Huang waved his hands frantically. “I dare not accept such a title from you, Master Zheng.”

Seeing his nervous reaction, Zheng Fa dropped the formalities. “If Huang Yu truly wishes to come, I would welcome him. However...”

It was clear that Steward Huang had done his homework. The Zheng family did indeed need a male steward, especially if Zheng Fa left Jingzhou. Despite the Zhao family’s protection, leaving his mother and sister alone would be worrying.

If Huang Yu were to stay, it would ease Zheng Fa’s concerns.

“He’s willing! Say it yourself, do you want to work at the Zheng household or not?” Steward Huang nudged his son, who reluctantly mumbled, “I do.”

Though Huang Yu looked uncomfortable, there was no sign of resistance. Zheng Fa nodded, adding, “You should know that we’re just a humble family and can’t afford high wages.”

“Money isn’t an issue!” Steward Huang said with a laugh. “I’ve packed everything he’ll need to live for a year onto that cart!”

Zheng Fa glanced at the towering pile of supplies on the cart and felt a wave of disbelief. A worker bringing his own provisions? Such dedication could bring a tear to any modern employer’s eye.

“I won’t lie to you, Master Zheng,” Steward Huang continued. “This boy has a wild streak and can’t sit still on the estate. I’m also afraid he doesn’t have the wits for work in the Zhao household. Knowing you’re kind and already acquainted with him, I mustered the courage to ask you for this opportunity.”

“My boy may not be clever, but he’s honest. If you’re looking for a steward with polished manners, he’s not the one. But if you need someone to guard the household and protect Madam and the young lady, he’ll risk his life for them.”

Zheng Fa nodded—Steward Huang understood him well. What he needed wasn’t someone who could manage the family’s affairs expertly but someone reliable.

“What about Huang Yu’s indenture?”

“That’s the prestige you hold, Master Zheng!” Steward Huang beamed. “I asked Madam about it, and the moment she heard it was for you, she handed over the indenture without hesitation.”

“Alright, wages are still necessary. How about one tael of silver per month?”

“That’s more than generous!” Steward Huang exclaimed.

One tael was far too little for experienced stewards like Steward Wu or Steward Gao in the Zhao household, but for the inexperienced Huang Yu, it was more than fair. It was also Zheng Fa’s way of ensuring loyalty—without pay, resentment could eventually build.

The Zheng family’s new courtyard had two sections. Zheng’s mother and sister lived in the rear courtyard, while Huang Yu and his father unloaded their belongings into the front courtyard. Huang Yu would also live near the front gate, essentially as a gatekeeper.

After everything was arranged, Huang Yu escorted his father out of the city.

Seeing his son’s sour expression, Steward Huang said, “What’s wrong? Feeling humiliated to be a steward?”

“No, it’s just awkward... We were equals last time we met,” Huang Yu muttered.

“Are you stupid? Didn’t you notice Zheng Fa is about to enter the Immortal Sect? When he rises, you’ll benefit too. A little humility now is worth it.”

“But I already had a good relationship with Zheng Fa,” Huang Yu argued.

“And do you know what it takes to rise with him?” Steward Huang asked.

“What?”

“You have to first be part of his household!” Steward Huang smacked the back of his son’s head. “If I had known Zheng Fa earlier, I’d have taken this job myself!”

Huang Yu fell silent. His father’s next words were tinged with melancholy:

“Zheng Fa has a promising future. Even if he doesn’t make it big, you’ll still have a stable life. This is the best path I could find for you—do your best.”

“Yes,” Huang Yu replied.

“Big Brother, you’re going to become an Immortal, and now we have our own steward!” Zheng Shan exclaimed excitedly.

Zheng Fa, however, remained calm. “These things are just temporary.”

The courtyard, Senior Sister Zhang’s support, Huang Yu, and even the Madam’s goodwill—they were all contingent on his success at the Immortal Talent Conference. If he failed to enter the Immortal Sect, everything would disappear.

“Mother said the same thing...” Zheng Shan said suddenly.

“Oh?”

“She said life is good now, but she’s afraid you’re pushing yourself too hard,” Zheng Shan said, frowning. “Big Brother, are you tired? If you’re too tired, you don’t have to become an Immortal. Pigweed leaves are delicious enough!”

As she said this, her face was filled with a determined, self-sacrificial expression.

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