“I don’t understand why the Linqing Garrison, which should have several thousand soldiers, hasn’t sent out troops even in such a situation, just sitting by and watching this civil unrest spread. Even though the customs office and government buildings are inside Brick City, the resident merchants in Linqing City must have some influence as well—there should be several imperial merchants among them. Why, then, is the garrison unwilling to leave the city? If the garrison refuses to come out, nowhere in this city will be safe…”

“Sir, do you mean that these wealthy families can really stay safe?” The little girl’s palm-sized, rosy cheeks and jet-black eyes blinked, clearly not agreeing with her teacher’s view.

“I’m afraid those bandits will sooner or later target these wealthy families. If we go to them, aren’t we just walking into a trap?”

Stephen Carter knew this girl had always been stubborn, much like her aloof and proud father, but he hadn’t expected her to be so thoughtful even in such circumstances.

Surprised, Stephen Carter didn’t dwell on it, only offering a wry smile as he explained, “Don’t underestimate these wealthy families. Linqing is one of the major river and land ports in the north, with rich merchants gathered here. Though it can’t compare to Suzhou or Yangzhou, it’s far from an ordinary prefecture. These grand mansions are either the residences of wealthy merchants or the homes of prominent local clans. Like a cunning rabbit with three burrows, they must have some means of hiding or places to take refuge. If we can establish some connection, perhaps they’ll give us a way out.”

“If that’s the case, we don’t know them at all. Why would such families help us so easily?” The little girl’s bright eyes flashed, her words sharp and suspicious by nature.

“We have to try, don’t we? Or do you plan to just sit here and wait for death? You’re still so young—this is a matter of life and death, not child’s play.”

Stephen Carter felt a bit annoyed, his face turning stern. He’d always found the girl clever and lively during lessons and so had indulged her, but now she’d developed this kind of temperament.

Seeing her teacher’s displeased expression, the little girl stuck out her tongue and dared not say more.

Philip Brooks turned around, quietly drawing the narrow-bladed waist knife and holding it behind his back.

The The Brooks Residence faced the street with its main gate. The scorching sun made the ground blisteringly hot. Although this area seemed quiet for now, there could easily be spies lurking somewhere on the street, just waiting for a slip-up. But he didn’t have time to hesitate—he could only grit his teeth and take the risk.

Striding forward, in a few quick steps Philip Brooks was already at the main gate. He shook the beast-head brass knocker forcefully. “Old Fu, Old Fu, open the door quickly!”

The The Brooks Family ancestral home was originally in Suzhou, but this major branch had moved to Linqing during the orthodox years of the previous Ming dynasty, splitting the Suzhou Ms. Brooks into northern and southern branches.

After the founding of the Great Zhou, the Linqing branch of the Ms. Brooks—that is, Brian Brooks’s great-grandfather’s generation—had volunteered to join the Taizu’s northern campaign, earned military merit, and was granted a title, settling in the capital ever since.

However, in Brian Brooks’s father’s generation, this branch suffered heavy losses in the border wars. Of three brothers—Patrick Brooks, Christopher Brooks, and Daniel Brooks—only Brian Brooks’s father, Daniel Brooks, survived, and Daniel Brooks had only one legitimate son, Brian Brooks.

Now, the old house of this Daniel Brooks branch in Linqing had long been uninhabited. Even the The Brooks Family members in the capital rarely returned, leaving only Old Fu and his wife to watch the gate. Usually, nothing much happened.

The vermilion-painted gate swung open quickly, and the old servant hurriedly called out, “Philip Brooks, where is the young master?”

“In the back.” Philip Brooks didn’t bother to say more. He leapt down the steps, hand on his knife, eyes scanning the surroundings in a guarded stance, while his other hand waved to signal Brian Brooks and his group, who were hiding in the narrow alley between the walls, to hurry over.

The three of Brian Brooks immediately rushed over and had just reached the steps when two people suddenly darted out from the alley across the street, running toward them.

Startled, Philip Brooks raised his narrow-bladed knife, ready to kill, but the leading man across the street quickly clasped his fists and pleaded, “Hero, wait! We are not bandits. We can’t return because of the chaos on the street. We only beg for a place to hide and will surely reward you handsomely.”

Philip Brooks hadn’t expected to encounter such a situation. Clearly, the The Brooks Family mansion was attracting attention. This made Philip Brooks even more anxious, as it meant the The Brooks Family mansion would likely not escape the bandits’ notice and disaster was only a matter of time.

Seeing Philip Brooks’s grim expression and the knife in his hand raised threateningly, the middle-aged man became even more humble and desperate, nearly dropping to his knees.

“Please, show us some mercy. We are merchants from Jinling. We came to see the famed sights of Linqing, but never expected to encounter such calamity…”

Brian Brooks and his group had already stepped over the threshold. Mr. Franklin hurried to close the door, but hadn’t expected this situation. Philip Brooks couldn’t make the decision either, since the master of the The Brooks Residence was still Little Ethan. If he let people in and something happened later, he couldn’t answer for it.

While he hesitated, Brian Brooks spoke in a low voice, “Uncle You, let them in first. It’s not good to block the door.”

Brian Brooks saw the fierce look in Philip Brooks’s eyes, guessing he was worried the newcomers might leak secrets. But at a time like this, if you started killing at the door, it would only cause more trouble. If you really wanted to eliminate the threat, you should at least lure them into the courtyard first.