“Eldest Uncle!” Before they could finish talking, the resting room was suddenly pushed open by two middle-aged men who barged right in.
Old Zheng was already in a bad mood, and his face darkened further: “What are you doing here?”
These two were the sons of his younger brother. Back when his brother was alive, due to early disputes over dividing family assets, they had caused a scene several times at his door, and relations between the two families had never been good.
After his brother passed away, his brother’s family business had completely failed. Out of regard for them being his blood nephews, he occasionally helped out and did not overly refuse their closeness.
This time, with his sons and grandsons in trouble, he was distraught. Aside from Zheng Danrui, it was these two brothers who had been running around helping, and he had felt a bit touched, thinking they were family after all…
But after Chu Yi’s reminder, it was clear the curse on his family had been done by someone close! Old Zheng now felt a chill down his back and distrusted everyone—even Zheng Danrui and these two nephews. This was only natural.
Old Zheng’s eldest nephew, Zheng Yongzhou, hesitated: “Eldest Uncle, we heard Zheng Danrui found someone who can cure Hall Brother Yongming and mentioned something about a curse. What exactly is going on?”
Zheng Yongqi also said: “Eldest Uncle, you can’t let worry make you grasp at straws. We should still trust doctors. What if you’re misled and delay Hall Brother Yongming and the others’ conditions?”
As he spoke, he shot a suggestive glance at Zheng Danrui nearby—the implication was clear.
“Third Uncle, what do you mean? How have I misled Grandpa?” Zheng Danrui was not one to back down, especially since she had already seen Old Zheng’s doubts. To prove herself, she stepped forward and confronted Zheng Yongqi directly.
“Aren’t things like curses misleading?!” Zheng Yongqi glared at her fiercely.
Zheng Danrui met his gaze without flinching. After a moment, she suddenly laughed: “You two are really something. Hearing a couple of vague comments from guests, you rush over to stop it. Could it be a guilty conscience?”
Zheng Yongqi said angrily: “We’re afraid Eldest Uncle will be tricked by you into messing around and delay Hall Brother Yongming and the eldest nephew’s conditions!”
Zheng Yongzhou: “You brat, have some manners! We’re your elders no matter what. Do you want to drive us away like this so you can manipulate Eldest Uncle as you please? Let me tell you, no way. We Zheng Family members aren’t that easy to bully!”
“Enough!!” Old Zheng’s gaze swept darkly over the three. Unable to see who had issues, he could only huff: “The guests are still out there. What do you want with all this noise? To anger me to death?!”
“Eldest Uncle…” “Grandpa!”
Old Zheng ignored them and looked to Chu Yi with pleading eyes: “Master, what do you think…”
Chu Yi said: “This curse won’t be easy to resolve in a short time. Old Zheng, why not finish this antique exhibition first?” He comforted: “It won’t cause any delay.”
It was not that he wanted to withhold information. Old Zheng had invited prominent figures today; canceling just like that did not seem appropriate.
Upon hearing this, Zheng Yongzhou’s expression changed: “Eldest Uncle, you believe him…”
Before he finished, Old Zheng’s glare silenced him.
Though Old Zheng was anxious, he truly had no liquid funds left and had even borrowed from old friends before… Canceling the antique exhibition was easy, but organizing another would be difficult!
Moreover, with Chu Yi’s assurance, he felt much more at ease. As someone who had handled big affairs, he quickly made up his mind: “The master is right. I still need to continue entertaining the guests. Please excuse me.”
He nodded to Yu Third Young Master again, both grateful and asking him to look after the master. Yu Qingxian naturally nodded in agreement.
Before leaving, Old Zheng called Zheng Danrui aside. Learning from her that the master had his eye on the Purple Wood Carving, he felt reassured: “Go keep the master company and browse around. Note down anything he likes.”
“Yes, Grandpa.” Zheng Danrui’s eyes lit up. Grandpa had entrusted her with such an important task but ignored the two hall uncles entirely—did that mean he trusted her more?
Old Zheng also perked up. He had originally planned to sell off all his collections, including several precious items he was reluctant to part with.
Now, hearing the master’s modest request—just a discount on the Purple Wood Carving—he instantly felt his treasures could be preserved!
However, the items were already out and could not be withdrawn. Old Zheng summoned the auction manager: “For the Tao Eagle Tripod, Zhongzheng Treasure Sword, and these, these…” He pointed to four or five items in succession: “Add two—no, three more zeros to the prices at the back!”
The auction manager was stunned: “Are you sure it’s adding to the end, not multiplying or something?”
“Certain!”
After the auction manager left, Old Zheng’s two old friends teased with knowing smiles: “You don’t have to be so pragmatic. Plenty of people came for those few items. How will they bid now?”
Old Zheng rolled his aged eyes at them: “They’re not your treasures, so of course you don’t care! Don’t think I don’t know—you’re here to take advantage of the fire too. If you can’t afford them, go out and admire from afar. Next time you want to see, I won’t let you!”
“Hey, you old coot…”
