Looking at Lydia's anxious expression, which didn't seem at all fake, Gavin Norton couldn't help but sneer inwardly.

Chapter Three: Brothers

If it had been his former self, he probably would have foolishly followed behind Lydia and rushed over, only to fall headlong into the trap set by Calvin Norton and the others.

Of course, this isn't to say that the old Gavin Norton was an idiot, but rather that Gavin Norton had no choice. This world is one of strict hierarchy, and that hierarchy is not only reflected in martial strength, but also in social status. Gavin Norton is a concubine's son, with a low standing in the prince's household, but he is still a young master, a master. Lillian and Lydia are his servants. Servants must fulfill their duties to their master, and likewise, the master must stand up for his servants when necessary. A master who can't even protect his own servants will surely be looked down upon. Lillian is Gavin Norton's maid; if something happens to her, right or wrong, as her master, he must step forward.

It was precisely because of this that Calvin Norton was certain Gavin Norton would come.

What he didn't expect was that the current Gavin Norton was no longer the naive thirteen- or fourteen-year-old boy he once was. He would indeed go, but definitely not in the reckless way they imagined.

“All right, I understand. Lead the way!” Gavin Norton thought for a moment, already having a plan in mind.

“Hmph, since you, Calvin Norton, want to play games with me, I'll play along. I'm just afraid you won't be able to handle it!” he thought viciously to himself.

……

……

Prince Ning's Residence, Birch Garden

Compared to Gavin Norton's own quarters, Birch Garden was at least five or six times larger than that small courtyard, complete with rockeries, ponds, pavilions, and towers—everything one could wish for.

However, it was only early spring, so it was a bit too soon to be enjoying the cool in the pavilion. Even so, there were already four or five people in the pavilion, some sitting, some standing, chatting and laughing, looking completely at ease. Among them, a young girl in a green robe ran into the pavilion with a look of misery on her face, her expression full of despair.

“Ninth Brother, you’re in quite the mood today, actually finding time to come visit your little brother. Just in time to catch a good show!” In the center of the pavilion sat two young men at a stone table, leisurely drinking tea and chatting. One of them was about the same age as Gavin Norton, dressed in fine clothes, with an unmistakable air of arrogance and pride between his brows. This was none other than Calvin Norton, son of Prince Ning’s seventh concubine. Sitting across from him was a sixteen- or seventeen-year-old youth in a blue scholar’s robe, wearing a gentle smile that couldn’t quite hide the satisfaction in his eyes. He was also a son of Prince Ning, ranked ninth, known as Ninth Young Master Colin Norton. The status of Colin Norton in the household was different from that of Gavin Norton and Calvin Norton. Gavin Norton's mother was a maid, so his status was the lowest. Calvin Norton's mother was a concubine, so his status was much higher and he had some influence in the household. Colin Norton's mother was also a concubine, but she was the fourth concubine in the household. Of course, the ranking of concubines was based on when they entered the household; a higher rank didn’t necessarily mean higher status. In fact, in many families, the lower-ranked concubines had higher status because they were younger and more favored. Currently, the most favored concubine in Prince Ning’s residence was ranked twenty-second, just married this year at the age of sixteen, and was the most doted upon.

Colin Norton's high status was mainly due to two reasons. First, his mother came from a scholarly family, while Calvin Norton's mother was from a merchant family, which meant a different status in the Great Qi dynasty. Second, Colin Norton had already entered the academy. He was the fourth among Prince Ning’s twenty-seven sons to do so. Thus, although he was ninth in rank and not a legitimate son, his status was second only to the legitimate sons. Moreover, as a scholar, he was exempt from paying taxes and had been rewarded with property by the household, something that sons like Calvin Norton and Gavin Norton could not compare to.

“I’m not here for the show, just happened to be passing by. Eleventh Brother, are you sure this young girl stole your things? She doesn’t look like it to me!”

Calvin Norton's expression stiffened, but he quickly smiled and said, “Ninth Brother, what thief would write ‘thief’ on their face? This little girl was sneaking around outside my Birch Garden, and just as it happens, my things went missing. Tell me, what are the odds of such a coincidence?!”

Colin Norton smiled. Though he felt contempt in his heart, he said nothing. He knew all too well what kind of people his brothers in the household were. Calvin Norton's little schemes were no secret. But today, he had come to ask this kid for a favor, so since he’d run into this, he might as well pretend not to see. If necessary, he could even lend a hand. After all, he didn’t think much of Gavin Norton—a concubine’s son with neither status nor sense, a bookworm who put on airs and didn’t show proper respect to his elder brother. Even if he entered the academy, it would do him no good; on the contrary, it might threaten his own position. Using Calvin Norton to get rid of him wouldn’t be a bad thing.