Thinking of his two sons, David Smith felt a headache coming on. Helplessly, he bent down to read again. Donald Smith turned around and asked, “Father, I’ve already heard people say that all those so-called auspicious omens were made up by the servants in aunt’s house. Why must you go and ask in person?”

“You don’t understand. Just the other day, I dreamed of a black dragon circling a pillar, and soon after, news of auspicious omens came from the marquis’s residence. There must be a connection between the two!” David Smith said, his eyes burning with excitement. But in his heart, Donald Smith sighed—just for the sake of fame and success, father has become obsessed. What auspicious omens? It’s all nonsense! The only one suffering is me, leading an ox for days like a house servant!

As he was thinking this, he looked up and saw that they had arrived at the marquis’s residence. Donald Smith gazed at the grand and imposing mansion, unable to help but admire it, while David Smith lost his composure even more. Although he often saw this residence, every time he did, his heart’s desire for achievement and glory would blaze up again. A man should be like this, should be like this!

……

The Donna Smith clan—imperial in-laws, the most unsuccessful in-laws at the end of the Han dynasty.

Chapter 0006: Members of the Donna Smith Clan

At this moment, Donna Smith and Little Chubby One were staying in the attic. Donna Smith gently stroked the heavenly book; its exquisite cover was simply mesmerizing. Unfortunately, Donna Smith was illiterate. She handed the book to Little Chubby One, who complained, “Mother, I’ve already studied with Mr. Harris for four hours today!”

“This is a heavenly book, a gift from the heavens to you. Remember, no one can teach you this book—not even Mr. Harris. You must read it yourself. However much you can read is your own destiny!”

“My son, remember, you are the chosen one. Do not let the heavenly book gather dust!”

After speaking, Donna Smith left the attic without looking back and forbade anyone from going upstairs. Little Chubby One helplessly opened the book. He didn’t like reading, but he dared not disobey his mother. Besides, her words had stirred some curiosity in him. “The Grand Ancestor Martial Emperor was a native of Qiao in Pei Commandery, surname Cao, given name Cao, courtesy name Mengde, a descendant of the Han Chancellor Cao Shen. In Emperor Huan’s time, Cao Teng served as Grand Chamberlain for Attendants and was enfeoffed as Marquis of Feiting. His adopted son Song succeeded him, rising to Grand Commandant. No one could clearly trace his origins.”

After reading just one sentence, Little Chubby One was completely confused. Who was this Cao Cao? Grand Ancestor Martial Emperor? Weren’t all emperors surnamed Liu, just like him? Could it be a former dynasty’s emperor? And what was this about being a descendant of Han Chancellor Cao Shen?

Leaving aside the bewildered Little Chubby One in the attic, Donna Smith heard her elder brother had arrived and hurried out to greet him.

Led by a young servant, David Smith swaggered into the main hall. The household servants had already prepared the seats. David Smith knelt on the mat, and Donna Smith entered, bowing in greeting. The eldest brother is like a father; David Smith accepted the salute. They had lost their father young, and then their mother, so it was David Smith alone who had raised Donna Smith, making her especially respectful toward her brother. David Smith smiled and said, “It’s been a while since we last met. Passing by this time, I thought I’d stop in for a chat.” Donna Smith replied with a smile, “My son has missed his uncle too—he mentioned you just yesterday!”

Donna Smith glanced at Donald Smith behind him. Donald Smith stood behind his father, looking quite dignified. The Han people valued appearance highly, and seeing her nephew so presentable, Donna Smith was delighted. She said, “The eldest boy has become a fine gentleman—he’s of marriageable age now!” Donald Smith shyly lowered his head and said with hands clasped, “Greetings, aunt. I still wish to achieve merit and success; I haven’t thought about marriage yet…”

These words made both Donna Smith and David Smith burst out laughing.

After chatting for a while, David Smith waved his hand and said, “You may go out and look around the residence. I have important matters to discuss with your aunt.” Donald Smith agreed and withdrew. David Smith added, “Don’t go out on your own. If you dare to wander off, I’ll break your legs!” Donald Smith nodded and bowed again before leaving.

“Brother, why are you so strict with the eldest boy?”

“Ah, the lad is not fit for great things. But where is Henry?”

“Oh… he… is studying and cannot come out.”

David Smith was silent for a moment before slowly recounting his dream. Donna Smith listened in astonishment, pondering in her heart. After hesitating for a moment and seeing her brother’s displeased expression, she told him about the goldfish, but did not mention the heavenly book—only that she had fed the goldfish to Henry Clark and so on. Hearing this, David Smith laughed heartily, clapping his hands and exclaiming, “It’s here! It’s here! The great fortune of the Smith family has arrived!” Donna Smith was taken aback, but recalled what Clark Steward had said that day. Seeing her brother so happy, she didn’t say anything more.

Meanwhile, Donald Smith was wandering around the marquis’s residence. Surrounded by young servants, he strutted through the mansion, thinking to himself: I’ve heard that the steward, Old Man Clark, is already half in the grave. If he dies soon, I must ask aunt for the position of house steward in this residence. Then I could be this impressive every day. As he was thinking this, he suddenly realized he hadn’t seen his cousin Henry Clark, so he turned to the servant beside him and asked, “Where is my cousin? Why haven’t I seen him?”

“Well… the young marquis is studying in the attic. The mistress does not allow us to disturb him.”

“Ah, it’s rare for me to visit the marquis’s residence today. How can I not see my cousin? Wouldn’t that be rude? Take me to him at once!”