Chapter 1725 - 312:

Yet, you dare not act rashly before this person, and even when probing, you must tread carefully.

"I've said before, my courtyard doesn't welcome you. Please leave."

Zhao Yi mercilessly sent off the guests.

Zhao Heming and Chen Cui'er exchanged glances, turned and left. Father let out a long sigh, while Mother looked back with every step.

Zhao Yi ignored them, returned to his room, and lay down on the small bed.

Old Tian's bed was originally set up temporarily; others were attended by handmaidens, he was attended by an old man.

When an adult's weight is on it and moves slightly, it creaks beneath.

As a child, he and Old Tian slept on this small bed, the sound of the gusts from the palm-leaf fan blending with the bed's creaking lulling him to sleep.

Zhao Yi's eyelids slowly lowered, the view blurred, then flames surged.

The fire devoured not just the bed, the room, the whole Zhao Mansion was ablaze, piercing screams from the Zhao Family filled his ears.

Zhao Yi's expression remained calm, as such chaotic emotions could not substantially affect him.

If the Zhao Family is destined for hell, then this Ghost Gate should be opened by Zhao Yi himself.

Those hands that dared reach out,

will be severed by him!

...

The next day at dawn, well before sunrise, the mansion was already bustling.

The auspicious time for ancestral rites was early, meaning departure from the outer residence would be even earlier; moreover, after the rites, today's visiting guests required hosting.

The Zhao Family dressed rather retro today, mainly in blue hues, the team carrying sacrificial items was ready, only awaiting the Family Head and personnel from the four branches.

Zhao Shan'an arrived, standing on the steps.

The other four branches also came.

The couple from the first branch, bringing their two sons; the third branch with two individuals standing there; the fourth branch's Fourth Master looked quite young, the woman beside him bore wrinkles, with a young twin brother and sister standing by.

Zhao Shan'an lingered his gaze on the second branch for a moment, as they brought along the child from the outer chambers.

A bit absurd, since brought back just recently, no returning ceremony was held yet, but the second branch often had absurdities.

Zhao Yi was the focus of attention; upon arrival, he nodded to Zhao Shan'an, then walked along one side, past the fourth branch members.

In front of the first branch's four, Zhao Yi was entirely indifferent.

Zhao Shan'an slightly nodded, as it was confirmed the first branch had been replaced, given the stark contrast in behavior.

Though understandable, replacing an individual is easy, but also managing the family's operations while doing so poses extremely high demands.

Upon reaching the second branch, Zhao Yi stopped.

Zhao Yi: "Second Uncle, still robust and vigorous."

Tan Wenbin: "Getting old, unlike you Brother Yi."

Zhao Yi: "Second Uncle's not old, still indulging wildly; careful or you might end up playing yourself to death."

Tan Wenbin looked embarrassed, his gaze evasive, like his sordid secrets had been hit, immediately stepping forward to Zhao Yi, lowering his voice to say:

"Brother Yi, your second uncle indeed has unspeakable difficulties, truly."

Though spoken quietly, it remained clearly heard by everyone present.

Zhao Yi dismissively pushed away "Second Master Zhao," even wiping his hand on Second Master's clothes.

Then Zhao Yi looked at his… Second Aunt.

Zhao Yi: "Second Aunt has turned youthful."

Lin Shuyou awkwardly didn't know how to respond; mainly, Brother Xiao Yuan wasn't there to remind him, leaving him at a loss.

Yet such a reaction was quite fitting.

Zhao Yi glanced at Zhao Yong.

Then lowering his gaze, looking at Li Zhiyuan, Zhao Yi's eyes showed some mildness.

Zhao Yi: "Don't recall the second branch having you."

Zhao Shan'an spoke up: "Your Second Uncle just brought him back recently from outside."

"Oh, just brought back from outside?"

Zhao Yi bent down, looked at Li Zhiyuan, a smile appearing on his lips.

Since returning home, it was the first time this eldest Zhao showed such an expression.

His hands cupped the face of the youth before him, with deep meaning in his eyes.

"Brought back from outside, huh…"

Zhao Yi's hand rubbed Li Zhiyuan's face, giving a gentle pinch before pulling back.

Zhao Shan'an observed all this, as did the others.

Ignoring the first branch, making contact with even the most revolting Second Master Zhao from the second branch, showing enthusiasm to the recently brought back youth.

If Zhao Yi truly knew something, then it indicated the second branch… hasn't been replaced.

Zhao Yi approached his "parents" next.

"Father, you look haggard."

"It's you who's endured hardships outside."

"Mother, you should take care of your health."

"My son, now that you're back, are you going out again?"

Zhao Yi didn't reply, left his "parents," walked directly past the fourth branch.

Being overly gentle to his parents only proved they were impostors.

It can be said, through Zhao Yi's series of actions, the first, third, and fourth branches all discerned each other's identities, no longer cloaked in mystery.

Zhao Shan'an's fingers behind his back gently rubbed; it seemed too straightforward.

Zhao Yi moved to the front of the ancestral rites team, waved a hand towards the back: "We can depart."

Zhao Shan'an: "Depart, ancestral rites."

Six grand palanquins, the foremost one for Zhao Shan'an, the second for Zhao Yi, the remaining four for the four branches.

Lift the palanquins, leave the mansion.

In front, middle, and rear of the procession, the suona horns and gongs play, hopping forward.

Their presence created a special isolation.