"William Grant, that bastard, actually dared to hit me. If I don't get my revenge,

how will I, Samuel Brooks, have the face to see anyone in the future?"

Hearing the indignant words of their Sixth Young Master, all the members of the The Brooks Family could only obediently keep silent and stand by the side.

At this moment, Samuel Brooks's eyes suddenly lit up, and he slapped the railing hard.

"Hard work pays off—come with me, quickly."

Seeing the Sixth Young Master dash off, the The Brooks Family entourage could only hurry after him.

William Grant was in high spirits, admiring the distinctive residences on both sides of the street as he strolled along.

Suddenly, he heard a shout from ahead.

"Hey! Grant family brat, today I want to see where you think you can run!"

William Grant looked up in confusion and saw David Brooks, who had just taken three punches and a kick from him, the corner of his eye still bruised.

At this moment, David Brooks was leading two burly The Brooks Family men, standing about thirty feet ahead, wearing a sinister grin.

Instinctively, William Grant turned his head and saw behind him five or six equally burly The Brooks Family men, all with emotionless faces, slowly closing in.

In an instant, the once bustling and lively street fell silent, and the commoners of Dongjing Bianliang scrambled away in panic, afraid of getting caught in the crossfire.

Meanwhile, those further away watched with shining eyes, crowding closer—after all, watching a commotion is as much human nature as avoiding harm.

Feeling that his attempt at a low-profile stroll had failed again, William Grant was speechless. Damn, this David Brooks with his unique ideas for setting traps really is a sly one.

"I say, David Brooks, aren't you afraid of public criticism for brawling in the street all day?

Why don't we just turn hostility into friendship and call it a day?"

By the time he finished, William Grant's expression had become very sincere, though the little gesture of him raising his finger at Yvonne Foster beside him looked a bit sleazy.

Hearing this, Samuel Brooks couldn't help but throw his head back and laugh arrogantly.

"Ha! When Brooks acts, I only seek to follow my heart. If you know what's good for you, kneel down and call—"

Before Samuel Brooks could finish, he saw the five or six The Brooks Family men he had arranged to block William Grant's escape route being knocked to the ground and beaten up by a group of men several times their number.

"Call what?" William Grant tilted his head at Samuel Brooks, his face full of innocence and confusion.

"...You—Grant family brat, how despicable, bringing so many people?!"

Samuel Brooks stomped his feet in rage, cursing loudly, but before he could finish venting, he saw William Grant and three The Grant Family men charging at him. Then he heard William Grant shout "Ah-da!" and suddenly his vision went black and his face hurt again...

Chapter Four: Both of You Are My Most Trusted Ministers...

In the palace, in the Hall of Chui Gong, the morning court session was drawing to a close as James Carter sat calmly behind the imperial desk.

His gaze swept over the assembled civil and military officials, finally resting on John Brooks, the prime minister, and then glancing at Richard Grant.

After giving a brief instruction to Henry Young at his side, he soon announced the end of court.

However, the displeased John Brooks and Richard Grant were informed by a eunuch that His Majesty wanted them to stay behind.

The two glared at each other, neither willing to give way, before turning and heading back into the hall.

Meanwhile, the officials leaving the Hall of Chui Gong began whispering among themselves.

"What happened just now? I thought I saw some discord between Grand Commandant Grant and Prime Minister Brooks?"

"Heh, looks like you don't know. Grand Commandant Grant's only son has beaten up Prime Minister Brooks's sixth son twice in a row."

"Really? I remember Grand Commandant Grant's only son, William Grant, is only about eleven or twelve this year, right?"

"Prime Minister Brooks's sixth son, Samuel Brooks, should be two years older than William Grant, so how..."

"Who knows? I only heard rumors that the Grant family boy's punches really land hard—he's ruthless."

"Ah, but... didn't the The Brooks Family servants and guards just stand by and watch?"

"You don't know. From what I've heard, last time, it was David Brooks who spoke out of turn.

So William Grant didn't play fair, ambushed him, beat him up, and ran off.

The The Brooks Family servants and guards were caught off guard and let the boy escape.

That left David Brooks with a bruised and swollen face, so angry he tried to lie in wait for revenge."

"And in the end, he did catch him, but who would've thought William Grant would bring a whole gang this time.

David Brooks didn't even have time to run before the boy caught him and gave him another beating."

"No wonder our ever-composed Prime Minister Brooks looks so sour. If your own child got thrashed twice in a row by a kid younger than him, you wouldn't be happy either."

...

Of course, John Brooks and Richard Grant couldn't hear the gossip of the officials as they walked away.

After entering the hall, the two bowed respectfully to the seated emperor James Carter, waiting for him to speak.

Only then did James Carter slowly stroke his short mustache and speak in a gentle tone.

"Mr. Brooks, when I entered the hall just now, I saw you and Mr. Grant seemed to be having a dispute. I wonder, my two beloved ministers..."

John Brooks quickly stepped forward and bowed to James Carter.

"Your Majesty, I impeach Grand Commandant Grant for failing to teach his son properly—his son committed violence in the street..."

Seeing the agitated John Brooks, Richard Grant naturally refused to back down and also stepped forward.