Zhao Ji's emotions were complex; he despised the dark aspects of his own psyche, but he couldn't help but think how good it would be if Zhou Changlian were in his position. Zhou Changlian had entered the Maritime Affairs Administration and had never been hindered; furthermore, he was universally flattered. Not to mention the disparity in household expenses between their families—Zhao Ji had heard from his son too much about the good food at the Zhou residence, including expensive imported fruits that were sent from the capital every once in a while.
When Zhao Ji first heard the rumors, he was worried, but then he felt a secret joy; now, his feelings were mixed, and he steadied his spirits, "I said Uncle would be fine, but you wouldn't believe me."
