Frank Harris walked past him, glanced at him briefly, then suddenly turned back and laughed loudly to Henry Bolton, “Qu Bing, it seems the Lord Minister was only interested in you just now!”

Although Frank Harris was a bit slow to react, he was by no means stupid. Just as David Bolton's heart was about to break, he ruthlessly twisted the knife again. That’s how people from Shu are—loyal and bold, yet their words are laced with hidden barbs.

But he forgot about the relationship between Henry Bolton and David Bolton behind him. He didn’t know that it was precisely this small act of revenge that set off the magnificent journey of Henry Bolton’s life.

Henry Bolton smiled faintly, put his arm around his rounded shoulder, and strode into the academy, leaving a resentful glare far behind him.

Chapter Three: Playing the Pipa (Part II)

At Jinyang Academy, the academic atmosphere was free and open, with a focus on the Mingjing curriculum. The teaching scholars liked to assign students topics on current economic affairs for independent completion. As for the Analects, the Book of Documents, the Book of Rites, and the like—those were supposed to be mastered in childhood, and the academy never taught them.

The main hall was packed with students, a sea of black heads. First came the leaders’ speeches, then the representatives’ addresses, round after round. The students listened until their heads spun, but dared not move recklessly. At long last, after enduring to the end and listening to Edward Bolton’s impromptu speech, it was finally lunchtime. After eating, everyone could disperse.

Having sat cross-legged all morning, the students were already exhausted. They rushed outside to stretch their legs, while those who had skipped breakfast dashed to the kitchen, hoping to get there early and avoid the long lines.

Henry Bolton wasn’t hungry, but Frank Harris and Charles Bennett hadn’t eaten breakfast. The three of them walked slowly toward the kitchen, but Frank Harris finally couldn’t resist the temptation of the runners on either side. “I’ll go line up for you!” he shouted, then sprinted off, quickly overtaking everyone and bursting into the kitchen first. When it came to the mealtime dash, no one at Jinyang Academy could match him.

“This guy is so impressive now, but he’s still hopeless at riding and archery.” Henry Bolton laughed heartily, picked up a pebble, and tossed it at his retreating figure from afar.

“Qu Bing!” Charles Bennett beside him called softly, his face full of worry.

Henry Bolton turned his head, a calm gaze flickering with intelligence. He seemed to know what Charles Bennett was worried about, so he patted his shoulder and comforted him in a low voice, “Don’t be afraid!”

Charles Bennett moved his lips, but couldn’t help sighing, “Qu Bing, I’m not worried about myself. I’m worried that David Bolton will take revenge on you!”

Charles Bennett was meticulous in his thinking. He could see that what happened in the morning would have consequences. David Bolton, relying on his status, had always been high and mighty in the academy, bullying those below him and currying favor with those above. Today, after being snubbed by his father, he probably wouldn’t do anything to himself or Frank Harris, but as a fellow clansman, how could he not vent his anger on Henry Bolton?

Charles Bennett had been watching David Bolton’s every move. He was the last to enter the main hall, his face pale, a hint of malice flashing in his eyes, which made Charles Bennett even more worried for Henry Bolton.

“Qu Bing, maybe you should go traveling for a month. When you come back, things might have blown over.”

Charles Bennett had spent the whole morning thinking of a solution for Henry Bolton. It was hard for a concubine’s son to go against the legitimate eldest son—there was rarely a good outcome. The best way was to lay low for a while. But as soon as he said it, he felt it would hurt Henry Bolton’s dignity, so he smiled apologetically, “Or you could come with me to Guangling and help me bring my father back?”

Henry Bolton knew he meant well, so he smiled gratefully, “I’ll definitely help with your uncle’s matter, but when trouble comes, running away isn’t the solution!”

“Qu Bing, you should avoid the sharp edge!”

“I know. The Zhang family has its own rules. Even if he’s the legitimate eldest son, he can’t do as he pleases. Don’t worry!”

……

The two of them chatted as they walked, and before they knew it, they had entered the kitchen. At that moment, an angry horse came galloping from the west, charging straight into the academy under the calligraphy of Emperor Taizong. The rider was a young woman, her face hidden by a stone pillar, but a shiny little frying pan hung at her waist—naturally, it was Grace Carter. She had come to bring breakfast to Henry Bolton that morning, but had forgotten that her father had a message for her to pass on to Henry Bolton.

Now, her face was full of displeasure. Although she was more than willing to come see Henry Bolton, being scolded by her father had ruined her mood. The steps were just ahead, but out of spite, she refused to dismount and urged her horse to charge straight up.

“No riding in the academy!” The gatekeeper had just returned from the latrine when he suddenly saw someone about to ride up the steps. Startled, he rushed over and shouted, but as soon as he saw Grace Carter, his angry face instantly turned into a friendly smile—after all, Grace Carter’s father had once saved his mother’s life.

“Frying… um, Miss Ping, there’s a rule against riding in the academy!” As soon as he finished speaking, he realized Grace Carter was riding straight through the middle of the archway. He secretly cursed—there were Emperor Taizong’s calligraphic inscriptions above! The head of the family had already lost his temper this morning after seeing several students walk through there at will.

This was actually his own negligence. There were supposed to be wooden posts blocking the way under the archway, but because the head of the family was coming, he had sent them off to be freshly painted. Unfortunately, he’d had a few too many drinks last night and forgot to bring them back. If the head of the family saw Grace Carter passing through there again, he’d break his legs for sure.