"Big brother, do you still recognize me?"

"Ah! It's Young Master Thompson, are you here to see my young master?"

"Yes! Yes! I have something urgent to discuss with him, could you please let him know?"

"Please wait a moment, I'll inform him right away!"

This servant knew his master needed something from the visitor, so he dared not delay and immediately ran to the inner residence.

Before long, Benjamin Johnson came out with a cheerful smile. "Big Brother Thompson, we meet again so soon!"

Adam Thompson was anxious and skipped the pleasantries, getting straight to the point: "I agreed to play ball for you, but I have one condition!"

"Please, go ahead. What condition?"

"I hope you can advance me twenty strings of cash!"

"This..."

Benjamin Johnson looked a bit troubled. "I'll have to ask my father about that. Are you in urgent need of money?"

Adam Thompson nodded. "My mother was bitten by a venomous snake and is in critical condition!"

"I see, you want to find Dr. Warren from Jishen Hall, right? He once drew out poison for my father, and it was indeed very effective!"

"That's right! I'm looking for him, but I heard he charges thirty strings of cash. I don't have enough, I'm short by twenty, so I can only ask you for an advance."

Benjamin Johnson thought for a moment and said, "Our family rule is not to give advances, but I can lend it to you. It's money I've saved myself, you can pay me back after you finish playing ball!"

Adam Thompson was moved and quickly bowed. "Thank you, Young Master Johnson!"

"Wait here, I'll be right back!"

Benjamin Johnson hurried back into the residence. Soon after, he led out two horses and carried a cloth pouch. "Here are thirty taels of silver. Time is tight, I'll take you to Jishen Hall. It's not easy to find!"

Adam Thompson also knew that one tael of silver was equivalent to one string of cash, so he quickly waved his hand. "I don't need thirty taels, twenty will be enough."

Benjamin Johnson smiled slightly. "Then what about your ten strings?"

"They're at my house, I'll go back and get them first!"

Benjamin Johnson shook his head. "There won't be enough time, the ward gates will close soon. Otherwise, why would I bring out the horses?"

Adam Thompson was startled. "When do the ward gates close?"

"Very soon, we have to hurry. Get on the horse!"

Benjamin Johnson swung onto his horse. Adam Thompson hesitated. "I might not know how to ride?"

"Big brother, how could you not know how to ride? Last year you chased me on horseback and almost ran me down!"

Adam Thompson blushed. "Maybe I haven't ridden in a long time, I'm a bit rusty!"

"No problem! Just put your right foot in the stirrup and swing yourself up."

Adam Thompson imitated Benjamin Johnson's mounting posture, grabbed the reins with one hand, held the horse's neck with the other, put his right foot in the stirrup, and leapt up with all his might. He used too much force and almost toppled over.

Benjamin Johnson laughed. "You are a bit rusty, but it's fine. We'll go a bit slower, there's still time!"

Adam Thompson followed him at a trot, and soon got the hang of it. He really did know how to ride, and his balance was excellent. He felt he could even gallop at full speed.

Yankang Ward was to the northeast, separated from Daixian Ward by two blocks. It was the location of the Chang'an County Office, and because it was close to the Western Market, it was also a famous gathering place for merchants.

As they entered the ward, they saw many buildings in Western Regions style. These were the residences of Hu merchants, lavishly decorated, clearly showing their wealth. However, the houses weren't large, only about two or three mu each. The Tang dynasty had strict social hierarchies; even if merchants were rich, money alone couldn't buy a mansion.

"That's Jishen Hall!"

Benjamin Johnson pointed to an inconspicuous small gate ahead, with two lanterns hanging above it. The lanterns bore the characters for Jishen.

Adam Thompson secretly felt lucky. If it weren't for Young Master Johnson accompanying him, how could he have found it?

The two dismounted. Adam Thompson stepped forward and knocked on the door. After a moment, the door creaked open and a young boy with a topknot, about ten years old, appeared.

"What do you want?" The boy sounded a bit annoyed.

Adam Thompson quickly cupped his fists. "My mother was bitten by a venomous snake and is in critical condition. I have come to seek medical help!"

The boy shook his head. "My master is unwell and not seeing patients. Come back another day!"

With that, the boy tried to close the door, but Adam Thompson held it open and pleaded humbly, "It's a matter of life and death, please, little brother, help us!"

The boy glanced at Adam Thompson's rough clothes with a flash of disdain in his eyes. "There are plenty of people in critical condition. How could we help them all!"

Adam Thompson refused to let go. "Little brother, I have thirty strings of cash ready. Please help us!"

Unable to close the door, the boy grew angry. "You're so annoying! The county office is right next door. If you don't let go, I'll call someone to report you!"

Benjamin Johnson quickly stepped forward with a smile. "My father is Steward Johnson of the Shining Prince's residence. Dr. Warren has treated my father before. Could you please make an exception?"

Chapter 6: Competing for the Position

When the boy heard they were from the Shining Prince's residence, he said, "Wait here, I'll go ask!"

He closed the door. Adam Thompson sighed. "If you hadn't helped me today, I really wouldn't know what to do."

"It's nothing! Didn't you say you only became friends after a fight? That's what friends are for—helping each other, right?"

"Alright!" Adam Thompson nodded. "I'm glad to have you as a friend!"

At that moment, the door opened again. The boy brought out three packets of ointment and two sets of medicine. "Hand over the thirty taels of silver!"

"Here are thirty taels of silver!" Adam Thompson quickly handed over the pouch.