22 The Golden Opportunity

Zhang Wei stood outside Madam Chi's courtyard, preparing himself for what was to come. He knew he needed to bide his time for the perfect opportunity to execute his plan. With the cane in hand, Zhang Wei made his way to Madam Chi's door and lightly knocked on the door. After a moment, the young maid answered and let him inside.

When he entered the room, he stood silently for a second. Then Zhang Wei asked the maid in a weak voice, "Where is Madam Chi? I do not feel her presence in the room.

The maid wasn't surprised by his question; she had heard from other servants that Zhang Wei was incredibly capable, despite his blindness. He could tell how many people were in a room just from the sound of their breathing. "Madam is bathing," she replied. "Please wait, I will inform her of your presence."

Zhang Wei waited patiently, and after some time, the maid returned, saying, "Madam has asked you to come inside."

As Zhang Wei entered the room, his cane gently tapping against the polished wooden floor, he was enveloped by a warm, inviting glow. Candles flickered softly, casting intricate shadows across the walls adorned with silk tapestries, their designs illuminated in the soft light. The air was thick with the sweet, floral scent of fragrant oils, a delicate perfume that embraced him like a warm hug.

As he walked towards the center of the room, the sound of water running and the gentle splashing of waves against the sides of the large, ornate bathtub filled his ears. He was drawn to Madame Chi, who sat in the tub, surrounded by a cloud of steam rising from the water. Her hair was elegantly piled atop her head, exposing the curve of her neck, and her porcelain skin shone like a beacon in the candlelight.

The water rippled gently, reflecting the soft light and casting shadows across her curves, revealing the fullness of her form in all its glory. Her eyes were closed, lost in thought, as the water lapped at her body in a soothing rhythm. Zhang Wei's heart skipped a beat as he took in the sight before him, marveling at the sheer beauty of the woman in front of him.

He restrained himself, however, knowing that he had seen this scene many times before. He bowed respectfully and stood silently, waiting for her to speak. As Madame Chi's longest-serving servant, Zhang Wei had come to her many times, and she did not mind whether he was in the room with her while she bathed, as in her eyes, he was blind and could not see anything anyway.

Madam Chi slowly opened her beautiful eyes and looked at Zhang Wei, noting his pale face and weakened state. "I see you are yet to recover," she said. "Do you want some more time to rest?"

Zhang Wei shook his head. "Thank you, Madam, but I believe I will recover in a few days."

Madame Chi continued, "Do not think that I am only giving you time to rest. I am also giving you time to think about your wrongs. You have been very useful to me all these years, and it would be a pity for you to lose everything for the sake of others. I do not want to see a blind man like you end up on the streets again and ruin not only your own life but also the Chi family's reputation. Do you understand?"

Zhang Wei understood the meaning behind Madame Chi's words. She was either reluctant to let him go because he was still useful to her or afraid that throwing him out onto the streets to beg again would harm the Chi family's reputation. It could lead people to think that the Chi family was unable to provide food for a blind beggar and had to throw him out. Regardless of the reason, Zhang Wei knew he had to show his loyalty.

With a submissive look on his face, he replied, "This servant knows his wrongs and guarantees Madame that the same thing will never happen again. Thank you for showing me mercy."

Madam Chi observed Zhang Wei's submissive demeanor and nodded in satisfaction. She spoke in an indifferent tone, "It's good that you know your place. Now let us move on to the important matter for which I have summoned you."

Zhang Wei listened attentively as Madam Chi continued, "I have received an invitation from my mother's family. My mother's birthday is approaching, and a grand banquet is to be held. Usually, my husband and I attend, and if we're busy, we send some elders to represent us. But this year's banquet is a bit special, and my husband is occupied with work, so I must attend alone. In ten days, I will depart for my family's home in Fire Dragon City, and you, along with my personal maid, will be accompanying me on this journey. You must prepare yourself and manage everything for the upcoming trip. I do not want any mistakes. Do you understand?"

Zhang Wei nodded in understanding, and Madam Chi dismissed him with a wave of her hand. As he made his way back to his room, he contemplated the opportunity that fate had presented him. He had initially thought he would have to start with Madam Chi's daughters, as it was challenging to get an opportunity against Madam Chi herself, being the Patriarch's wife. However, it seemed that fate was now working in his favor, and he intentionally arranged this opportunity for himself. With these thoughts swirling in his mind, he finally arrived at his room.