Surrounded by the crowd and unable to escape, William Reed had no choice but to clasp his hands in a plea for mercy. “No, no, I wouldn’t dare. If you brothers say that, aren’t you just slapping old Lei in the face? I’m no big shot—how could I possibly come to the capital and pass by my own home three times without entering? I really just didn’t have time. My lord returned to the Ministry of Personnel to report for duty, and only moved into the post station at noon today. I was ordered to go to Qujiang Ward to deliver letters entrusted to my lord, and the errand isn’t even finished yet. Who would have thought I’d run into a fight on the way? You all know I’m not the type to keep to myself—when I see a brawl, I can’t help but take a closer look…”

“Great. You saw us fighting and didn’t even come help. Big Brother Reed, you really are siding with outsiders!” Edward Bennett curled his lips, feigning anger as he complained.

“When Brother Wang was fighting one-on-one, how could it be my turn to step in? But you, kid, you’re getting more impressive—already know to grab a brick! Next time, remember to aim for the temple. If you smash the guy to death with one brick, we can use the excuse of visiting you to check out what the capital’s prison looks like!” William Reed shot him a glare, responding with a cold laugh.

“This guy probably just panicked for a moment!” Henry Carter pulled Edward Bennett to his side, preventing him from spoiling everyone’s mood again. “Little Scott the top scorer has returned to the capital too? That’s rare. For our gathering in three days, Big Brother Reed, why not invite him as well?”

“Of course he’ll come!” William Reed nodded heartily. “Don’t be fooled by how my lord treats others with a cold eye—he really gets along with you brothers. I still have a few letters to deliver for him today, so I won’t keep you any longer. In three days, let’s meet at Linfeng Tower!”

“Take care, Big Brother Reed!” Seeing the sun had already sunk below the battlements of the western city wall, Henry Carter and the others could only nod and let William Reed go. The Qin brothers, having been ordered by Lady Guo to visit her residence, didn’t dare be late. Only Edward Bennett, not waiting for the Qin brothers’ figures to disappear, immediately swung himself onto his horse. “You go ahead, Erlang, I’m off to the cockfighting pit to check on the boys…”

“Get down here!” Henry Carter strode over in three quick steps, catching up before Edward Bennett could flick the reins, and yanked him off the saddle like an eagle snatching a chick. “You still won’t tell me the truth? How long are you going to keep fooling me?!”

Chapter One: The Sound of Autumn (Part Three)

Henry Carter was strong, and after a few futile struggles, Edward Bennett gave up resisting and cried out in distress, “Stop, stop! You’re choking me! Let go, or I’ll really get mad!”

“I’ve known you for so many years, but I’ve never actually seen you angry.” Henry Carter tightened his grip, pulling Edward Bennett close, then released his fingers with a cold smile and slung his arm around him, holding him tightly under his armpit.

“The servants are all here, second brother, can’t you let me save a little face?” Edward Bennett pleaded helplessly, head lowered.

“All of you, get lost! Can’t you see I’m discussing important matters with Master Bennett? If word gets out, you’ll be the first I question!” Henry Carter glared, half-serious, half-joking, at the stunned servants. The Yu Wen and Wang family servants were all well acquainted, knowing their young masters had been friends since childhood and wouldn’t really fall out. So they didn’t doubt Henry Carter’s words, agreed, and quickly dispersed.

“Alright, the servants are gone. Now, Master Bennett, you owe me an explanation.” Having dismissed the strong servants from both households, Henry Carter let go of Edward Bennett, but stayed within arm’s reach, blocking any chance of escape.

“I—I already told you just now, didn’t I?” Edward Bennett looked around, realizing there was truly no one to save him today, and could only explain sheepishly, “Our Changle Ward had bad luck today. The general who keeps order…”

“Pah!” Henry Carter spat forcefully on the ground with a laugh. “That Li Bai may not be a big shot, but his name is well known. As the saying goes, jade never strikes tile on its own. For a few coins, would he really wreck your place? If you say that, who in all of Chang’an would believe it—besides me?”

“No, it was just a coincidence! He lost money and got desperate—who cares about reputation at that point!” Edward Bennett stammered, still trying to argue. But seeing Henry Carter’s smile turn cold, he quickly raised his hand and shouted, “Alright, alright, I’ll tell you! I was short-sighted and saw they were all country bumpkins from out of town, so I ordered the staff to find a way to fleece them. Who knew the staff would be careless…”

“And then you got caught red-handed? And then you refused to admit fault, planning to beat them down and be done with it!” Henry Carter grabbed Edward Bennett by the collar, scolding furiously, “You’ve really outdone yourself. Just to win a few strings of coffin money, you threw away your dignity. No wonder that Li fellow accused me of running a gambling scam—I thought he was just talking nonsense, but turns out you were caught red-handed!”

“How was I supposed to know he was so sharp-eyed? Besides, while he was winning our money, he kept muttering that this was a petty trick, yet too many people get addicted and it causes endless harm. I thought he was too arrogant, so I wanted to teach him a lesson!”