Chapter Ten: The Man on the Brink of Death

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Who exactly is the patriarch of the Zhao family? What status does he hold?

He once served as the Minister of Revenue, one of the Six Ministries, holding a second-rank official position.

He was in charge of the nation’s land, taxation, household registration, military supplies, salaries, grain provisions, and fiscal revenue and expenditures.

During his tenure, he earned the nickname "Zhao the God of Wealth."

Later, he retired early and gracefully, laying down his official duties to return to rural life. He then ventured into the business world, single-handedly building the Zhao Group into a commercial empire, rising swiftly and securing a place among the world's top one hundred enterprises.

Today, the wealth controlled by the Zhao family, while not rivaling a nation’s treasury, ranks among the top three in the entire Greater Xia.

In office, he reached the pinnacle of power; in commerce, he became the richest in the region.

Looking over the life of the venerable Zhao, it is filled with legendary hues, a rare trailblazer who thrived both in officialdom and business.

Today marks his eightieth birthday.

A day already filled with celebration, made even more joyful by the gift of a jade Buddha from his granddaughter, which he treasures dearly.

Not only that, but after receiving the jade Buddha, the patriarch seemed invigorated, his face glowing with a rosy flush, appearing at least ten years younger.

He also listened to his granddaughter Zhao Wanting recount the twists and turns in the struggle over the jade Buddha.

“That Black Dragon King is truly lawless—he even dared to cheat our Zhao family? Looks like someone needs to be taught a lesson!”

The old Zhao harbored a grudge against the Black Dragon King’s treachery, yet he also developed great interest in Ye Feng, who had come to his granddaughter’s aid.

“Ye Feng, you say? I’ve heard about that infamous car accident from years ago—it caused quite a stir.”

“That kid served a few years in prison but came out stronger. It’s truly a wonder of the world.”

“If that’s the case, from now on, any useless juniors in the Zhao family should be thrown into prison for toughening up!”

With that, the old patriarch personally took up his wine cup and led the gathering downstairs.

First, because he was in high spirits; second, to express his gratitude to Ye Feng for rescuing his granddaughter Wanting; and most importantly, to see with his own eyes the transformed Ye Feng.

Meanwhile, seeing the old Zhao personally descend to propose a toast left everyone in the hall on the first floor utterly astonished.

No one could fathom what merit this Ye family scion had to warrant such honor from the patriarch himself.

Not to mention Ye Feng, a family outcast, even if the Ye family head had come, he would only be allowed to toast upstairs.

Only Ye Feng remained calm and composed, observing the patriarch’s complexion with a secret shake of his head.

Originally, the old man was frail and suffering from numerous chronic ailments, with death looming near.

And now, after receiving that jade Buddha—an evil artifact—dark energy had entered his body.

Though he appeared radiant, it was merely a fleeting glow before death; the malevolent force was accelerating the consumption of his life.

Yet he remained unaware of this, feeling only well.

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Ye Feng estimated that within three days, the elder would pass away.

“You must be Ye Feng, huh? Not bad, quite spirited!”

The old Zhao had encountered countless people. Usually, juniors faced with him would lower their heads, nervous and humble.

But Ye Feng confronted him with equanimity, unshaken and composed, earning the patriarch’s genuine admiration.

Now even Zhao himself was curious about what kind of prison could forge such a talent.

“Wanting already told me—if not for you stepping in, she’d probably be in the hospital now from that accident, and the jade Buddha would have been snatched by that Black Dragon.”

With that, the old man took out the jade Buddha he carried, holding it fondly.

“Come, young man, I toast you!”

“Thank you, Elder Zhao.”

Ye Feng drank in unison.

After finishing the wine, the patriarch feigned anger toward his granddaughter: “Wanting, this is your fault. Today is my eightieth birthday; since young Ye is here, why didn’t you invite him upstairs to celebrate?”

“I did invite him,” Zhao Wanting said with a bittersweet smile, “but Mr. Ye happened to meet a classmate here and went out to have a meal with him, so he didn’t come.”

The old Zhao chuckled, “What’s the problem? Just invite both of them up! The more, the merrier.”

Zhao Wanting smiled. Of course, she had considered it.

But compared to dining with strangers, she thought Ye Feng would prefer chatting with his classmate.

So she didn’t insist.

“Both of you,” the patriarch repeated his invitation, “tonight is my eightieth birthday. Since you’ve come, come up and celebrate together.”

Everyone present was envious and delirious to see the patriarch personally extend such an honor.

Such a privilege was not granted to just anyone.

“That Ye fellow really lucked out. Who knows what great favor he’s done for the Zhao family? First invited by Miss Zhao, now by the patriarch himself to the birthday banquet. He can’t refuse this time, right?”

“Though cast out by the Ye family, he’s now clinging to the Zhao family’s big leg. A blessing in disguise!”

Susan, thrilled and overwhelmed by the patriarch’s personal invitation, felt honored to bask in Ye Feng’s reflected glory.

First, she was unusually recruited by the Zhao Group, then invited to the patriarch’s birthday banquet; since meeting Ye Feng, her life felt like it had gone into overdrive.

Just as Susan was about to stand and accept, Ye Feng spoke first, refusing.

“No need. I never dine with those who are about to die.”

What!?

Those about to die!?

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The moment these words left his mouth, the atmosphere changed instantly.

Silence fell.

“Those about to die…”

The old Zhao’s face darkened profoundly.

“Are you referring to me!?”

Ye Feng did not answer, clearly implying yes.

“Hmph!”

The old man said no more, swept his sleeves, and left.

“You insolent brat! Who do you think you are, spouting nonsense on the patriarch’s birthday!”

The Zhao family members flew into a rage, scolding Ye Feng and then following the old man upstairs.

“Grandpa? Mr. Ye… sigh!”

Zhao Wanting never expected things to take such a sudden turn.

She wanted to understand why Ye Feng had said such words.

But seeing her grandfather truly angry, she could only hurry after him to soothe and explain.

After the Zhao family left, the hall erupted with murmurs.

“That kid is doomed!”

“Has he lost his mind? How dare he say such things on the patriarch’s birthday?”

“If the old man really suffers harm from this anger, not just Ye Feng, but the entire Ye family could suffer!”

Susan, recovering from the chaos, wore a face of shock and confusion.

“Ye… Ye Feng… what did you mean by that? Do you bear a grudge against the Zhao family?”

Ye Feng smiled faintly, “No grudge, just speaking the truth. Let’s go.”

As the two stepped outside, two uniformed officers blocked their path.

“You must be Ye Feng?”

“Someone reported you for assault. Come with us for an investigation.”