Edward Thompson vaguely sensed that the days of George Brooks’s meteoric rise were not far off. And as George Brooks’s son-in-law, his own future looked bright.

The more he thought about it, the happier he felt, and Edward Thompson couldn’t help but hum a little tune.

He dismounted in front of the Dong residence and strode through the gate. As George Brooks’s son-in-law, Edward Thompson had visited the Dong residence many times. The household servants didn’t stop him; after greeting Edward Thompson, they each went about their business.

“Where is my father-in-law?” Edward Thompson went to the backyard and first paid his respects to his mother-in-law. Edward Thompson’s mother-in-law was a Qiang woman, hot-tempered—if anything, even more so than George Brooks. She was the daughter of a powerful Qiang chieftain, and after marrying George Brooks, she devoted herself entirely to his plans. In the Dong household, the person George Brooks respected most, aside from his mother, was his wife.

Mrs. Brooks was very shrewd, but she had one flaw: her jealousy was too strong.

Her background wasn’t great to begin with, and after so many years without bearing George Brooks a son, she felt an even greater sense of insecurity.

Helen Brooks’s mother had originally been Mrs. Brooks’s personal maid, but unexpectedly became pregnant with George Brooks’s child.

Afraid that Joan would steal her position, Mrs. Brooks immediately sent Helen Brooks’s mother to the kitchen and tormented her in various ways. She hadn’t expected that Joan would die, but not before giving birth to a son for George Brooks. Fortunately, George Brooks didn’t like that ugly child, so Mrs. Brooks didn’t pay much attention to him.

To be honest, George Brooks himself wasn’t good-looking either. Yet, all three of Mrs. Brooks’s daughters were as beautiful as flowers and married well. Unfortunately, the eldest daughter had gone with her husband to the Western Regions and hadn’t been heard from in years. But the other two daughters were also outstanding, and both sons-in-law were capable men, which made Mrs. Brooks’s position in the household even more secure, and her heart at ease.

When Edward Thompson paid his respects, Mrs. Brooks was taking her midday rest.

She lazily replied, “Your father-in-law went out early with your brother-in-law, apparently to handle some dispute. They should be back around sunset. Franklin, how is Grace? I haven’t seen her come home in a long time, and I’ve been thinking about her.”

Edward Thompson quickly bowed and said, “Grace is doing well. Just a few days ago, she mentioned wanting to come home for a visit... It’s truly my fault to make mother-in-law worry. When I return, I’ll have Grace come home. If there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave now.”

“Go ahead, I’m feeling a bit tired myself!” Mrs. Brooks reclined on the couch, her eyes half-closed. But just as Edward Thompson was about to leave, she suddenly opened her eyes. “Oh right, Charlotte was just saying a couple of days ago that he wanted to see you... He should be at the training grounds now. If you have nothing else to do, go see him. Your father-in-law won’t be back for a while.”

“I will do as you say!”

Edward Thompson responded and left the room.

Charlotte, whose full name was Charlotte Brooks, was the son of George Brooks’s elder brother Elaine Brooks. George Brooks had only one elder brother, who loved him dearly, but unfortunately died young, leaving behind only one son—Charlotte Brooks.

George Brooks doted on Charlotte Brooks as if he were his own son, nurturing him in every possible way.

Edward Thompson knew very well that if he wanted to gain George Brooks’s trust further, he absolutely could not offend Charlotte Brooks. Seeing that it was still early, he strolled leisurely toward the training grounds, thinking as he walked about how to win even more of George Brooks’s trust.

Charlotte Brooks was eighteen years old, seven chi tall, and had a tall, upright figure.

To be honest, he didn’t look like George Brooks at all. He was very handsome, with a face like fine jade and always wore an innocent smile.

But Edward Thompson knew that this handsome young man’s heart was nothing like the harmless smile on his face.

In Lintao, everyone knew that Charlotte Brooks was a domineering character. Snatching young women, eating without paying—these were everyday occurrences. The local ruffians all regarded Charlotte Brooks as their leader, and relying on George Brooks’s favor, he didn’t even care about the authorities.

Charlotte Brooks was practicing martial arts at the training grounds, drenched in sweat.

When he saw Edward Thompson walk in, he immediately greeted him with a cheerful smile, “Brother-in-law, it’s been a while since you came. What have you been busy with?”

Grace Brooks and Charlotte Brooks were the same age, though Grace Brooks was born a month earlier.

Edward Thompson smiled faintly. “Busy with what else? The usual things. Lucy, I heard you got into a fight a couple of days ago?”

Lucy was Charlotte Brooks’s childhood name. Since he was still two months shy of eighteen, he didn’t have a courtesy name yet. Lucy sounded like a girl’s name, but it actually suited Charlotte Brooks’s appearance. After so many years, Charlotte Brooks was long used to it.

“Just a small matter, only a few fools looking for trouble.”

Charlotte Brooks smiled as he took a bowl of water from a servant, drained it in one gulp, and answered nonchalantly.

“A small matter? They’ve already reported it to the authorities!”

“So what? In Lintao, my uncle’s word carries more weight than the officials. Enough about that—what brings you here today?”

Edward Thompson sat down on a stone dumbbell and said with a grin, “Of course, I’m here to deliver news.”

“News?”

“Word from the court—your uncle is about to be promoted!”

“Promoted?” Charlotte Brooks’s eyes lit up. “To what position?”

“Prefect of Hedong. The imperial envoys should arrive in a day or two.”

Charlotte Brooks was overjoyed when he heard this and punched the air. “Hedong? That’s a great place! If uncle becomes Prefect of Hedong, doesn’t that mean we’ll all go to Hedong with him?”