“Eh? You can’t even remember your own background, but you remember the imperial consort so clearly?”

　　“Was An Lushan involved?”

　　“I think I heard my eldest brother-in-law mention it—he was some regional military governor, right? Came to the capital and made friends with all the powerful people, causing all sorts of amusing stories.”

　　“……”

　　Charles Reed woke up from the small couch in the side room, his mind still replaying last night’s conversation.

　　There were many things he ought to prepare for early, yet even his body still felt a bit weak.

　　Shaking his head, he got up and put on the padded jacket left by the bed, stuffed with brocade wadding, which was fairly warm.

　　He had been living in the Du residence for three days now, with two meals a day. The taste aside, at least the soup noodles or sesame cakes were plentiful, and he had also learned much about local customs.

　　Entering the main room and walking around the screen, Edward Brooks was still snoring.

　　Charles Reed gave him a push and said, “Get up, a Daoist priest is coming today to exorcise evil spirits for you.”

　　“Let me sleep a bit more.” Edward Brooks turned over but then muttered, “I really should get up—today is the bridge crossing for the inkstone.”

　　“Bridge crossing?”

　　“The Bridge of Forgetfulness. After drinking Meng Po’s soup and crossing the Bridge of Forgetfulness, you’ll be reborn into a good family in the next life.”

　　As Edward Brooks spoke, he felt much better and propped himself up.

　　Charles Reed, on the other hand, looked a bit lost and murmured, “Meng Po’s soup.”

　　“That’s right, otherwise you’d become a wandering ghost.” Edward Brooks picked up a cross-collared fox-fur coat and draped it on, carelessly fastening the buttons, saying, “But if I could remember things from my past life when I’m reborn, that would be really interesting.”

　　“It certainly would be.”

　　At that moment, there was a knock at the door outside. Charles Reed went to open it.

　　It was Ethan Green again. Her hair was styled in double buns, tied with ribbons, and a sash at her waist gathered up her green-and-white striped skirt for easier walking… She was dressed just like a Tang dynasty maid.

　　Well, she was indeed a Tang dynasty maid.

　　“Is Wulang up? The Daoist master has already arrived.”

　　“He’s up.”

　　Ethan Green walked into the room, and upon seeing Edward Brooks’s disheveled appearance, she frowned and reproached Charles Reed, “You didn’t even help Wulang put his clothes on properly.”

　　She stepped forward to help Edward Brooks with his clothes.

　　“I’ll do it myself.” Edward Brooks panicked instead, backing up two steps, not knowing where to put his hands. “I can dress myself, you go do your work, I’ll be right there.”

　　“Then Wulang, come to the second courtyard to wash up in a bit.” Ethan Green gave a bow, then beckoned to Charles Reed, saying, “We need hands to move things for the altar setup. Come with me first.”

　　“Alright.”

　　With this entrance, she had managed to arrange both of them, showing the air of a head maid.

　　As she led Charles Reed through the covered corridor, she didn’t forget to give him a few words of advice.

　　“I know you’re probably from a wealthy background and not used to this kind of work. But compared to being a government slave, being able to work in the Du family is a great blessing. You should put your heart into it.”

　　“Alright, I should.”

　　“Wulang treats you as a playmate.” Ethan Green smiled gently, then her tone turned serious as she reminded, “But don’t forget your awareness as a servant.”

　　She felt her words were both gentle and strict—a true show of authority.

　　Charles Reed simply replied, “Alright,” his expression calm.

　　Yet Ethan Green felt she couldn’t quite keep this little servant in check, almost as if she were walking beside a fifth-rank official.

　　The two passed through the rear ceremonial gate. She paused to walk behind, adjusted herself, and reminded herself to maintain the bearing of a head maid.

　　……

　　The second courtyard was already being prepared for the altar, with servants following a young Daoist to arrange the incense table.

　　Many small bells hung there, making crisp, clear sounds.

　　An old Daoist with graying hair and beard stood proudly in the courtyard, holding a horsetail whisk and carrying a peachwood sword on his back, looking every bit the immortal.

　　When he saw Charles Reed and Ethan Green approach, the old Daoist smiled slightly and stepped forward to greet them.

　　“This humble Daoist, George Foster, greets you. Upon seeing Edward Brooks today, I can tell he is naturally gifted and exceptionally talented—he will surely be extraordinary in the future.”

　　As he finished, the old Daoist lightly waved his whisk, his tone full of certainty.

　　Ethan Green had just placed her hands at her waist to bow, but was stunned by his words and said, “You’re mistaken, Daoist master. Wulang hasn’t arrived yet, this is…”

　　She glanced at Charles Reed, feeling that introducing him as a bookboy now might embarrass George Foster.

　　Just then, there was a sudden crash from the direction of the study.

　　Ethan Green gave Charles Reed a gentle push and said, “Go see if anything was broken and clean it up.”

　　“Alright.”

　　Charles Reed cupped his hands in a salute to George Foster, who was still stroking his beard to cover his embarrassment, then turned and walked toward the study.

　　Rounding the small bamboo grove and climbing the steps, he could already hear arguing.

　　“If not for you, how could Wulang have suffered such a calamity?!”

　　“It was Wulang who spoke recklessly. Fortunately, my son-in-law asked a friend for help, and only then did Jidalang release Wulang…”

　　“Shut up! That’s just sophistry. Don’t mention your gang of disreputable friends again!”

　　“Father-in-law, why are you so angry? What did I do wrong? I befriend heroes and men of talent— isn’t it all for the good of the Du family?!”

　　Another loud crash sounded.

　　The study door was not closed. Charles Reed walked up and saw Henry Brooks angrily overturn a low table.

　　“For the good of the Du family? Cough, cough, you can say such things? You’re just a lowly military clerk—how much is your salary? You use Xuan’er’s dowry to give extravagant gifts to those so-called scholars, bringing trouble to the Du family, and you still dare to swear it’s all for our sake.”