Edward Thompson and Brian Ford had a good relationship. Trying to hold back his laughter, he whispered, “Brother-in-law, father-in-law said he’d chop off Mildred’s dog head, but if Mildred really has a dog’s head, wouldn’t that mean father-in-law is…”

Brian Ford couldn’t help but spit out a mouthful of water, then quickly stifled his laughter.

At this moment, George Brooks had finished venting his anger. He turned to a man on his right and said, “Wencai, about what just happened, sorry to have made you laugh… Franklin, let me introduce you. This is a good man I just met, a native of Liangzhou, Henry Scott, who is quite skilled in martial arts. From now on, we’re all family, so get to know each other well.”

Henry Scott was the one who had held onto Helen Brooks in the martial arena.

He quickly stood up. “My lord flatters me. I always thought I was quite strong, but after what I saw today, I realize I’ve underestimated the heroes of the world. The young master is brave and skilled, and at such a young age—his future achievements will surely be extraordinary. This is your good fortune, my lord.”

George Brooks was taken aback when he heard this.

Good fortune? That bastard is indeed brave—so young and already so capable, truly impressive. But the child isn’t close to me. No matter how brave he is… When his mother was around, I could still use him. But now that she’s gone, who can use him?

Thinking of this gave George Brooks a headache.

He didn’t want to discuss the matter further, so he turned to Edward Thompson and said, “Your mother-in-law said you came to see me about something?”

“Father-in-law, news has come from the court—they want you to take up the post of Governor of Hedong. I came to inform you. The imperial envoy should arrive in the next few days, so I hope you’ll make preparations.”

George Brooks was overjoyed at the news.

He certainly understood the difference between being Governor of Hedong and a Xusi Colonel, and nodded repeatedly. “Franklin, this is truly wonderful news—wonderful beyond words.”

“Congratulations, my lord!”

Henry Scott and the others quickly stepped forward to offer their congratulations, but Edward Thompson remained calmly seated.

“Franklin, father-in-law is being promoted—why aren’t you happy?” Brian Ford couldn’t help but ask.

George Brooks also noticed Edward Thompson’s unusual demeanor and quickly stopped smiling to ask, “Franklin, is there something wrong with this?”

“Father-in-law, being promoted to Governor of Hedong is a good thing. But the court is unstable—first there was the Partisan Prohibition, and now the eunuchs are causing chaos. The Central Plains may be prosperous, but it’s full of factions. The land in Hedong is fertile, but the local aristocratic families are very influential. I’m thinking, here in Lintao, we’re remote from the court and can do as we please, but if we go to Hedong…”

Edward Thompson didn’t finish his sentence, but no one in the hall was a fool.

Evelyn Brooks frowned. “Franklin, if you have something to say, just say it.”

Edward Thompson nodded. “Franklin believes that once father-in-law goes to Hedong, he’ll have to get along with the local aristocratic families. But Lintao must not be abandoned—backed by the Qiang people, it’s our foundation. The northwest produces excellent horses. If we’re going to Hedong, we must leave someone reliable here to deal with the Qiang… If Lintao is stable, father-in-law’s position in Hedong will be secure.”

George Brooks nodded. “That’s right. As long as I hold military power, which of those aristocratic families in Hedong would dare look down on me? But Franklin, you must come with me to Hedong. When it comes to dealing with those scholars, it’s best if you take the lead. Who should stay behind?”

To be able to leave the remote and desolate Longxi, Evelyn Brooks and the others couldn’t wish for anything more.

Brian Ford stood up and said, “Father-in-law, why don’t I stay here? I’m currently the Northern Commandant, responsible for Qiang affairs, and I have good relations with the local chiefs. Thinking about it, I’m the most suitable to stay.”

George Brooks nodded. “In that case, I’ll entrust Lintao, our foundation, to you.”

After speaking, he stood up and said, “Everyone, get ready to welcome the imperial envoy. After the envoy leaves, follow me around Xiliang. I’ll introduce you to the leaders of the Qiang tribes, so that after I’m gone, you can continue to manage things here.”

…

While George Brooks and the others were discussing in the main hall, the old lady took Helen Brooks back to their quarters and sat down on the stone stool at the door.

The wind was gentle, and the rustling leaves swayed.

The old lady lifted her head, as if gazing at the sky. After a long while, she let out a deep sigh.

“Mildred, do you have any ambitions?”

Helen Brooks was startled, not quite understanding what the old lady meant.

The old lady said, “Grandma’s eyes may be blind, but her heart isn’t. You don’t talk much and are quiet, but grandma knows Mildred isn’t an ordinary person. Those people call Mildred a monster, but it’s because they’re afraid of Mildred, jealous of Mildred. After Yuan’er got married, there’s no one left to talk to you, but you don’t want grandma to worry.”

Helen Brooks could refuse to kneel to George Brooks, but he truly respected the old lady from the bottom of his heart.

He immediately knelt before her, silent, listening to her teachings. But in his heart, he secretly admired her—this old lady is remarkable! Who says people in ancient times were simple-minded? If even a blind old woman can say such things, how could those truly capable people be easy to deal with?

The old lady said, “You often go to the martial arena to watch people practice, and you train every day. Grandma understands—you’re worried, you’re afraid, aren’t you?”

Helen Brooks trembled slightly and answered softly, “Yes!”

“What are you worried about? What are you afraid of?”