"Your humble son bows before the father." Yuan Yao bowed with his hands clasped in front of his chest.
He was currently standing in front of his father, Yuan Shu, who fled from chaos after the ascension of Dong Zhuo controlled Emperor Xian of Han. His father was seated behind a low table, called kang. On it documents were neatly stacked in two stacks.
"How is your health?" His father inquired.
"There are no problems with my health…" he trailed off, then hesitatingly continued. "Although I can't seem to cultivate any qi."
This was the major flaw of Yuan Yao, at least according to others. It was normal for every noble scion to practice qi. Yuan Yao's situation was practically unheard of amongst the noble class.
"There is nothing we can do about it." Yuan Shu seemed to harbour no resentment against him. "You had asked for a wish if you graduated from Taixue. State what you want."
"I would like to establish my own manor, which will independently act without being beholden to the Yuan family's command structure."
Yuan Shu pondered for a moment, then with a blank face in a steady voice he stated, "If you want to do that then I'll allow it. Take care of your health. I'll send you some gold later."
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A gaunt youth, who wore a tall guanjin-traditional scholar's hat, was sitting in the courtyard while fanning himself slowly.
"Welcome back, Xiao Zhiyu. I see you finally got what you want." He greeted Yuan Yao.
"Boda, We can start our plans now. I think you've got some names on your mind."
"Don't rush. Since you've got your own manor, it is imperative that you lay the strongest foundation possible."
"Then how do you want to start?"
"Let me contact some merchants first." The youth replied while pondering the next steps.
Yuan Yao stepped towards the scholar, lightly pulling his arm up, "I had asked the kitchen to prepare some ice cream. Let's eat it.
"ICE CREAM!? The Ice Cream?" The scholar shouted with ecstasy. " Are you talking about the same ice cream as the one we worked on?"
"The same one." Zhiyu proudly smiled.