Emily Thompson originally didn’t want to get involved, but the last sentence infuriated him. He let out a cold laugh and said, “I’m not stupid enough to get hit by a child’s copper basin, so why would I need to play dead? But someone lay in bed for five days, soiling themselves right there—if that’s not playing dead, what is?”

　　“How dare you! How dare you insult the head steward!”

　　From behind Emily Thompson, a woman’s shrill voice suddenly rang out. He turned abruptly, nearly choked by a strong scent of powder, and saw a deathly pale face before him, lips painted a vivid red, reminiscent of a Japanese geisha. The powder was so thick that her age was indiscernible. She wore a trailing green floor-length dress, her body thin and dark, yet she insisted on imitating Mrs. Bolton by wearing a loosely tied skirt that half-exposed her chest. Though she didn’t look wealthy, she did have a certain air of the Wei and Jin dynasties. Emily Thompson had just learned that wearing such revealing clothes required a certain status—servants or commoners were not qualified to wear them.

　　There were only three women of any status in the Zhang household: Mrs. Bolton, Zhang Qiu’s wife, and Zhang Bailing’s concubine. Without a doubt, this concubine must be the woman before him, rumored to be a relative of Zhang Fu.

　　First impressions are hard to shake, and this woman’s image in Emily Thompson’s mind instantly became one of utter loathing. Not wanting trouble, he silently picked up the goldfish lantern and turned to leave. Unexpectedly, the woman wouldn’t let him go, darting in front of him like a ghost to block his way.

　　“Trying to leave? Not so easy. You need to apologize to the steward.”

　　“Apologize?” Emily Thompson glanced at her sideways and sneered, “Unless I change my surname to Zhang.”

　　“What do you mean by that? Explain yourself!” The two of them, furious, blocked his way from front and back.

　　“Some people have their ancestral surname, upright and proper, so of course they don’t need to apologize to those who’ve lost theirs!” From the flower bushes emerged the mistress of the house, Mrs. Bolton.

　　Though her words were sharp, the two immediately shrank back like mice before a cat, standing aside with hands folded, not daring to breathe. Mrs. Bolton looked at them with disgust and said coldly, “Go do what you’re supposed to do. Don’t embarrass yourselves in front of my guest!”

　　“Yes!” The two bowed their heads and withdrew, but just as their figures disappeared, Emily Thompson suddenly noticed the woman’s eyes were filled with boundless malice.

Chapter Five: Lantern Festival Night (Part One)

　　“My son is always fooling around outside. Please try to advise him for me in the future. I really worry he’ll go astray.” Mrs. Bolton spoke softly, her brows deeply furrowed as she thought of her son’s mischief in Chengdu, refusing to come home even for New Year’s or the Lantern Festival, leaving her gloomy and troubled.

　　Emily Thompson was absent-minded, his thoughts wandering. The fragrance on Mrs. Bolton was fresh and elegant, as light as an orchid. Walking beside her, he actually felt a sense of ease and comfort, so much so that he didn’t even notice her murmured words.

　　“Young Master Thompson!” Mrs. Bolton called out in mild surprise, turning to gaze at him. “Are you listening to me, Young Master Thompson?”

　　Emily Thompson snapped back to attention and quickly replied in a low voice, “My status is too humble—I’m afraid I can’t persuade him!”

　　“Status?” Mrs. Bolton shook her head and said, “His two uncles have high status, and they lecture him every year, but has he ever listened? My son has been unruly since childhood, never heeding advice. The other day, he actually valued your opinion so much—it was the first time I’d seen that. That’s why I wanted you to stay. Did you really think I was trying to exorcise some evil spirit?”

　　Emily Thompson was startled: “Could Madam also know the young master is faking it?”

　　Mrs. Bolton gave a bitter smile and said, “He’s my son—how could I not know what he’s thinking? He just doesn’t want the master to force him to study anymore, so I go along with his act. He’s been married for two years now, and there’s still no sign of a child. If studying ruins his health, what then?”

　　Emily Thompson sneered inwardly: “That’s because he’s sowing his seed elsewhere—no wonder his wife can’t lay eggs.” Though he thought this, he only smiled and said, “I’d advise him to earn a degree and win an official post. Maybe then he’ll get on the right path.”

　　Mrs. Bolton was silent for a long time, then finally sighed, “He can’t even recite the Analects—how could he earn a degree? Besides, titles and official posts are all empty. I only hope he stays healthy and lives a safe, peaceful life. If I die, I can rest easy in the grave.” Thinking of her son, already twenty-five and still not grown up, and herself growing older by the day, she wondered what would become of him if she died, and her heart grew even heavier. In the end, she couldn’t help but shed tears, soaking her handkerchief.

　　Seeing her genuine emotion, Emily Thompson couldn’t help but think of his own mother. Having fallen off a cliff with his fate unknown, how heartbroken must his mother be? Lost in thought, he unconsciously slowed his steps, finally standing there, staring blankly at Mrs. Bolton, his gaze dazed.

　　……

　　The next day was the Lantern Festival. At night, lanterns were lit throughout the Zhang residence, colorful streamers everywhere, bright as day. According to the Zhang family’s custom, a flowing banquet was held on Lantern Night, and guests could enjoy the lanterns until the fourth watch. The gates would remain open all night. As dusk fell, Charles Bolton dragged Emily Thompson out of his room. “This only happens once a year. If you don’t go out and look for fun, do you think it’ll fall from the sky?”

　　“Who says I’m not going out? After dinner, I’ll go stroll the streets. Brother Little Charles, do you want to come with me?”