“What are you all doing, kneeling there? Hurry up and help Young Lord Morgan go see the bone-setting doctor!” Knowing that Charles Morgan had been beaten into such a state, and that if he went home to face his coffin-faced old father, he’d surely get another round of punishment, Henry Carter pointed at the servants kneeling on the ground begging for mercy and ordered loudly.

“Sigh, we’re going, we’re going!” The servants, seeing he wasn’t going to pursue the matter, felt as if they’d been granted amnesty. They scrambled up from the ground and, like stars surrounding the moon, supported Second Young Master Morgan toward the clinic at the entrance of the ward.

“Chase them! Search every corner—today, we have to drag them out!” Henry Carter spurred his horse fiercely, charging menacingly in the direction of Qujiang Pool.

Qujiang Pool, also known as Furong Pool, was located in the southeast of Chang’an city, its waters covering the entire area of a ward. The pavilions and towers along both banks were mostly summer retreats for high officials and nobles, rarely actually inhabited. Quite a few fallen noble families quietly cleared out part of their estates to rent to wealthy scholars who came to Chang’an to study. They called it “supporting culture,” but in reality, they just had their eyes on the tenants’ moneybags.

The group of out-of-towners who had caused trouble moved quickly, and it was only when they reached the banks of Qujiang Pool that Henry Carter and his companions finally caught sight of their figures. “It’s them!” Edward Bennett shouted, his eyes bloodshot, pointing at the group. “Don’t run! If you’ve got guts, stop right there!”

“You think you can just wreck someone’s place and walk away? Is there no law in Chang’an anymore?” Henry Carter lashed his horse twice, speeding up his pursuit.

Hearing the sound of hooves behind them, the group of outsiders didn’t panic. One of them, a tall, thin man who looked to be around forty, turned his head and complained with a smile to another middle-aged man, who was both well-built and well-dressed, “See, I told you—hit the kid and you’ll bring his mother running! Was I right?”

“Then let’s teach his mother how to discipline her child!” The other middle-aged man turned around with a flourish, giving Henry Carter a slight smile. “You set up a rigged game to cheat people out of their money, and you think you’re in the right? Huh, another half-grown brat—go home and get your elders to talk!”

“Whether I cheat or not is none of your damn business!” Henry Carter had never intended to reason with them; his earlier shout was just to avoid being labeled as someone who attacked from behind. Hearing the outsiders not only refuse to apologize but even turn the accusation on him, claiming he was cheating, made him even angrier. Instantly, he slipped his left foot out of the stirrup, pushed off hard with his right, and, like a hawk, flew from the horse’s back, both feet together like iron clubs, aiming straight for the chest of the outsider who had slandered him.

“Injustice in the world is everyone’s business!” The outsider smiled slightly, stepped back nimbly, just dodging Henry Carter’s attack, then casually swung his left arm, his wide sleeve billowing like dust, sweeping toward Henry Carter’s ankle.

This move looked effortless, but if Henry Carter were unlucky enough to be caught, he’d be thrown to the ground and badly hurt. Fortunately, Henry Carter, though a playboy, was no slouch—he might not have read many books, but his martial skills were well-honed. Seeing the outsider’s swift move, he twisted his waist midair, forcibly stopping his momentum, and landed several feet away, out of the opponent’s reach, as gracefully as a wild goose.

The crisp attack and clean defense drew cheers from both sides. The elegant, jade-like middle-aged man, having caught Henry Carter off guard with his first move, didn’t press the advantage. Instead, he waved to those behind him and said with a smile, “Finally, someone with decent skills. Seventh Son Evans, Mr. Harris, you two stay out of this. Let me have some fun with him.”

Henry Carter was a veteran of many fights. After just one exchange, he understood that until the The Foster Family brothers brought reinforcements, even if his companions and strong servants all rushed in, they might not be a match for these outsiders. So, seeing the other side willing to duel, he was happy to use the opportunity to stall for time. He glanced back and reminded his group with a smile, “You all stay back for now—don’t let anyone say we’re bullying outsiders!”

Martial spirit was highly valued in the Tang Dynasty, and there was a saying among the people: “Not a single scholar in the Lingyan Pavilion!” As a result, the authorities didn’t strictly prohibit private fights. As long as no one was killed, the constables usually wouldn’t show up until the fight was over. And with dusk approaching and few tourists around Qujiang Pool, both the time and place were perfect for a brawl. (Note 1)

Edward Bennett had been running wild with Henry Carter since childhood and trusted his friend’s skills. He agreed and led the strong servants to form a half-circle behind him. On the other side, those called Mr. Harris and Seventh Son Evans, along with the other outsiders, were just as straightforward. Seeing Edward Bennett and his group not joining in, they also slowly formed another half-circle, facing off like two armies.

Just then, a few groups of idlers returning from Qujiang happened by. Seeing a fight, they cheerfully gathered around, forming another ring outside both groups, shouting and cheering nonstop.