He stood on the artificial rock by the side of the atrium, looking out. Aside from the fireworks erupting in the southwest corner, there were also constant shouts of killing from the direction of the East Water Gate in the southeast, making everyone feel uneasy.

In such a chaotic situation, even if you had the ability to reach the heavens, it would be hard to do anything. A silver tongue is useless in the face of blades and swords—people might not even give you a chance before you’re cut down.

If only I had left a day earlier, I wouldn’t have run into this mess. I could have returned to the capital, continued hiding away in the Imperial Academy, putting on airs, and seeing if I could make a name for myself. At least my life would be safe.

The main gate was finally pounded on urgently. Brian Brooks gritted his teeth and hid behind the door, waving his hand.

The Harris Household also looked utterly hopeless, each gripping a heavy wooden door bar to the side, while Stephen Carter stood with a brocade stool in his hands, his face grim, but his whole body trembling like a leaf.

This was all forced by Brian Brooks. If they really ran into bandits breaking down the door, and there were many of them, there’d be nothing to do. But if there were only a few, they’d have to fight for their lives.

The Harris Household and Stephen Carter had been unwilling at first, but after a few cold words of analysis from Brian Brooks, they had no choice but to accept the arrangement.

Fortunately, when Mr. Franklin asked in a hoarse voice, it was Philip Brooks’s voice that answered, and everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

Philip Brooks slipped quickly through the door, and the skinny, dark-faced youth who followed him in looked defiant and unruly.

With just a glance, Brian Brooks could tell that their trip out had been anything but peaceful. Looking at the obvious tear in the knee of Philip Brooks’s right trouser leg, likely caused by a blade, it seemed they’d been through another fierce fight.

“Uncle You, how is it?” Brian Brooks asked anxiously, and the others’ eyes also fell on Philip Brooks, who still seemed a bit out of breath.

Philip Brooks, however, appeared calm. He brushed the mud off his right arm and raised his eyebrows. “We can’t get out.”

“What?!” The others exclaimed in unison, though Brian Brooks had already expected it. “The rebels have entered the city?”

“Yeah. I ran into some people from the Grain Gang over by Drum Tower East Street. They were surrounded at the East Water Gate. If it hadn’t been for a few boats coming to their rescue, those dozens from the Grain Gang would have been finished.” Philip Brooks squinted slightly, the corners of his eyes twitching—his sign of nervousness. He shook his head. “The Grain Gang’s guards can fight, but there are too few of them. They can’t withstand the rebels throwing lives at them. They don’t dare to go all out.”

“Is there nowhere else?” Brian Brooks knew the question was pointless, but still asked, unwilling to give up.

If they couldn’t get out of the city, staying here was just waiting to die—their lives would be at the mercy of others.

“The Jade Belt Bridge is deserted, but both the south and east sides of the bridge are swarming with rebels. There’s no way through; it’s completely blocked.”

The skinny, dark-faced youth interjected, but showed little fear. Who knew if it was because he didn’t care about his life, or just didn’t think he’d be targeted.

Everyone was at a loss, not knowing what to do.

William Harris and Household had some experience wandering outside and had seen a lot, but at most they’d run into tax collectors or officials extorting some money. Occasionally, they’d meet bandits or bullies, but as long as they handed over money, they could keep their lives. But a riot of this scale—they had no idea how to handle it.

As for the three with Stephen Carter, their minds were completely blank. The old woman was already hugging the little maid and weeping, but seeing Philip Brooks’s icy face, she didn’t dare cry out loud.

If what Philip Brooks said was true, and there were White Lotus cultists mixed in with the rioters, then this was no ordinary uprising.

Any riot that included cultists like these would never be easily quelled, and the fighting power of fanatics driven by religious fervor couldn’t be judged by the standards of ordinary mobs.

Thinking too much was pointless. What should they do now?

Brian Brooks, not yet twelve years old, began to think rapidly.

Clearly, none of those present could be relied upon—they’d probably never faced anything like this before. In fact, neither had Brian Brooks.

Philip Brooks was used to fighting on the border and wasn’t afraid of violence, but if he wanted to escape alone, he might have a chance. Bringing Brian Brooks along was another matter, not to mention Nathaniel was also there.

Philip Brooks was skilled in combat, but alone, facing thousands of rebels, he was just as helpless.

Brian Brooks had never put his hopes in others, and now there was no one to rely on.

Whether they were mobs or rebels, thousands had already entered the city. There was no way to escape on the streets like before.

Soon, the rebels would likely sweep through every street and alley. If nothing unexpected happened, the The Brooks Mansion would surely suffer a violent looting.

When that happened, none of them would likely escape.

“Little Ethan, we need to make a decision quickly. The rebels we ran into are only two or three li from here. At most, within half an hour, I estimate they’ll spread to our area…” Philip Brooks hesitated, not finishing his sentence, but everyone understood what he meant.