‘Internal injuries’ are not just something found in martial arts novels; they exist in the real world as well. This is what’s known as ‘injury-induced stasis and disease’—various soft tissue injuries and their aftereffects, which can block vital acupoints in the body, turning external injuries into internal ones that linger for years without healing, and may even lead to sudden death or disability.

Little Henry’s injury was mild, just a slight misalignment of the cervical vertebrae. Charles performed a realignment for him, thus eliminating the hidden danger for the little guy. Robert’s trouble was more serious, because he had landed on the back of his head. Although the ground was dirt, the impact still caused a mild concussion.

Traditional Chinese medicine considers this a brain meridian injury, causing stasis and blockage. Acupuncture would be the best treatment, but since that wasn’t possible, massage had to suffice. He had Robert sit, then stood behind him, using both thumbs to alternately rub down the sides of his neck along the sternocleidomastoid muscles. Then, with one hand supporting his forehead, the other hand used a grasping technique to move back and forth from the hairline to the back of the head, then massaged the Fengchi and Naokong acupoints.

Next, moving to the front, both thumbs rubbed the Yintang point, pressed the Qingming point, rubbed the Yingxiang and Chengjiang points; then, using the side of the thumb, alternately pushed the Jiaosun point; then, with both palms, pressed the back of the head, used the palms to pat the fontanel, and finally, after rubbing his hands together until they were hot, Robert received a warm compress on the top of his head, thus completing the treatment.

After finishing everything, Charles felt a bit tired, but upon checking Robert’s pulse and finding it much steadier, he was greatly relieved. A few more massage sessions and there would be no lingering problems.

Charles closed his eyes to rest for a while before considering his own situation... That old hag definitely wouldn’t let things go, but with so many people present, it was unlikely she’d take private revenge. Most likely, he’d be handed over to the authorities. He’d heard some hired hands say on the road that ‘beating one’s elders’ was a serious crime, punishable by tattooing and exile to the army.

The thought of becoming a criminal conscript like in the plays, with a golden tattoo on his face, made Charles’s scalp tingle. He’d read the ‘Complete Guide to Criminal Conscripts’ in “Water Margin” and felt that such a life would be utterly bleak; if he wanted any happiness, becoming an outlaw would be the only way out.

‘No, please...’ Charles couldn’t help but taste bitterness in his mouth. He didn’t want his life to be ruined like this.

What if he ran away? That would be even worse! Even a ten-year-old knew that in this era, without a travel permit from the authorities, you couldn’t go anywhere. Criminal conscripts at least had some hope of freedom, but if you became a fugitive, you’d have to hide in the deep mountains for the rest of your life...

Staying meant a miserable future, but escape was impossible. Charles suddenly felt the iron grip of the Song dynasty’s legal system, no less strict than in later times. He wasn’t a superhero with his underwear on the outside, nor did he have a Taoist’s wall-passing skills, and he certainly wasn’t a novel protagonist who could do whatever he wanted just because he’d transmigrated. In the vast society ruled by imperial power, the individual was truly insignificant...

Yet Charles Brooks did not regret his impulsiveness. If he had to do it over, he would react the same way. He had always believed that ‘the beauty of the world comes from its diversity, not from one hundred percent indifference and precision.’ Always following one’s heart is the premise for holding onto oneself and living authentically. For this, he was willing to accept the consequences of his impulsiveness.

Besides, he wasn’t someone who lost all reason when acting on impulse. The beating he gave Madam Hou didn’t cause fatal injuries—not because she was lucky, but because Charles had avoided the vital points. With his medical knowledge, he knew the body had more than a dozen critical spots; even a child’s strength could be deadly if aimed there. Madam Hou was wicked, but her crimes didn’t warrant death. This was his true intention, and he hadn’t been blinded by anger.

※※※

After thinking it over, he realized there was nothing he could do but leave it to fate.

Charles Brooks couldn’t help but sigh softly. He slowly opened his eyes and saw Little Henry crouching timidly beside him, big eyes brimming with tears.

“What’s wrong, Little Henry?” Charles reached out, pulled him into his arms, and gently patted the child’s back.

“Chicken leg.” As soon as Henry spoke, he started sobbing: “I wanted to eat it slowly...”

“Third Brother warned you so carefully!” Now that he’d recovered, Robert couldn’t help but scold: “And you dared not listen!”

“Wuwu, it’s been so long since I had meat...” Henry cried in guilt: “I couldn’t bear to finish it all at once.”

“Henry, be good, Third Brother doesn’t blame you.” Charles felt a pang in his heart, hugging Henry tightly: “It’s all because your brother didn’t take good care of you. In the future...” The words caught in his throat, and his heart filled with sorrow. What future was there? Once he was exiled, they might never see each other again. His eyes grew moist as he softly said, “In the future, you must be good...”

“Wuwu, Henry will listen to Third Brother.” Little Henry nodded hard, wiping his tears: “I won’t be naughty anymore.”

“Good boy. You must listen not only to Third Brother, but also to Fifth Brother, Second Brother, and... to Father.” Charles reminded him anxiously. Although he harbored a bellyful of resentment toward that good-for-nothing father, he knew that in the future, only that irresponsible man could protect Robert and Henry...

“Father, why isn’t Father back yet...” Hearing him mention their father, Little Henry looked up, tears streaming down his face.

Charles gently wiped away his tears and said softly, “Soon, he’ll come to take Henry away.”

“I want to be with Third Brother.” Little Henry said firmly.

“All right, Third Brother will go with you...” Charles rubbed his little head. Though his heart was in knots, he didn’t want Little Henry to be sad.