“Here, this is for you!” David Smith bent down and opened the wooden box beside him, taking out a set of thin wooden armor from inside. There was a helmet and armor, embroidered with fierce birds and beasts, looking imposing and majestic. Little Chubby One was so happy he almost jumped up, but when he noticed Mother’s cold gaze, he managed to restrain himself, bowed to David Smith, and said, “Nephew dares not accept such a great gift from uncle!” David Smith was taken aback, looked again at Little Chubby One, and saw something different in him.

He couldn’t help but laugh loudly, “Hahaha, what’s the big deal? Take it!”

“Thank you, uncle! When Henry grows up, I’ll have a suit of golden armor made and give it to uncle!” Little Chubby One shouted happily.

“Golden chamber for a beauty... golden chamber for a beauty... truly a future lord!” David Smith was stunned, muttering to himself. Donna Smith coughed a few times at the side, and only then did he come back to his senses, laughing as he said, “Hahaha, then let it be as Young Sir says!” Little Chubby One nodded, and Donna Smith looked at her son tenderly. At this moment, Little Chubby One could no longer hold back, put on the armor, and immediately felt majestic, like a great Han general. But he didn’t know what a general should say, so thinking of the heavenly book he had read today, he raised his wooden sword and shouted, “Better I betray others than others betray me!”

David Smith was so startled he almost fell over, and Donna Smith was also extremely shocked, now even more convinced that this heavenly book was truly a gift from the heavens for her son!

“Truly... truly a future lord!” David Smith could only mutter repeatedly.

Now, in the eyes of both David Smith and Donna Smith, Little Chubby One’s image had changed somewhat, as if he was radiating golden light all over. Little Chubby One grinned widely, thinking he should say this line more often. He looked around and called out, “Where is elder brother? Wasn’t he just playing with me?”

“What?” Donna Smith was greatly surprised. She knew exactly what Henry Clark had been doing just now—could it be he saw the heavenly book?

“That rascal! Out wandering again!” David Smith, knowing his son’s character, shouted angrily. Donna Smith’s gaze turned a bit cold as she looked at Elder Brother, but said nothing. David Smith shook his head helplessly and said, “It’s not late, let’s rest for today. When that rascal returns tomorrow, I’ll break both his legs!”

David Smith stayed in the guest room, and only then did Donna Smith summon the young servants and ask, “Where did Donald go just now?”

“Mr. Smith strolled around the Fragrant Garden and told us not to follow. After that, we don’t know.”

Donna Smith frowned and said, “Today, you all go out and find him, bring him to me. There’s no need to inform my Elder Brother.”

“Yes!” The young servants bowed respectfully and left. Donna Smith’s expression was uncertain as she looked at the bright moon in the sky, saying rather miserably, “I hope Elder Brother won’t betray me... or else...”

……

Several days passed in a row, and both Donna Smith and David Smith were extremely anxious. David Smith was even more worried about his eldest son’s disappearance. Some servants said they had seen Donald Smith leave the marquis’ residence, but after that, there was no news at all. Donna Smith, meanwhile, was worried about her nephew and the matter of the heavenly book, and deep down, she began to harbor some suspicion toward Elder Brother, though she kept it well hidden. Elder Brother wasn’t that kind of person, and besides, his anxiety didn’t seem faked. The whole residence was thrown into a state of panic, and only the young Little Chubby One was unaware of what had happened.

On this day, Mr. Harris arrived early at the residence to teach. Entering the study, he saw Little Chubby One already seated, head held high, deliberately putting on a heroic and bold demeanor. The Elder shook his head and sneered silently. Little Chubby One decided to show off his ultimate move, and recited powerfully, “Better I betray others than others betray me!”

After finishing, he raised his head high, waiting for Master to praise him.

“Smack!” The back of the sword struck his thigh hard. Little Chubby One jumped up in pain, hopping and yelling as the Elder chased after him in anger, shouting, “I’m teaching you the rites of Gongyang, and you spout such heretical nonsense? Who taught you this? Don’t run!!”

“Ah! Master! I won’t say it again!!”

A few miserable cries rang out from the study!

Many young servants stood guard outside, heads lowered, not daring to speak.

After waiting several days, Donald Smith still hadn’t returned, but instead, someone of considerable importance arrived.

A few people rode swiftly toward the marquis’ residence. The group of riders surrounded one man in particular—he was tall and slender, dressed in white Confucian robes, wearing a tall mountain-shaped hat, and was quite handsome. When they arrived at the gate of the marquis’ residence, one of the riders dismounted and knocked on the door. A young servant hurriedly opened the door and saluted. The rider handed over a name card, and the servant immediately returned inside. The tall, slender young man looked at the marquis’ residence, a cold smile on his lips. He had worked hard to get this position, but had achieved nothing, utterly disgracing his family.

Fortunately, a noble marquis of the imperial clan had suddenly appeared, giving him a chance to make political achievements. Whether the auspicious sign was real or not, it would be a great boost to his reputation. He had originally planned to resign in a few days to focus on his studies and enrich his knowledge before returning to officialdom. Who would have thought such a good opportunity would suddenly arise? An auspicious sign, an auspicious sign... He sneered as he looked at the marquis’ residence, but inside, he was overjoyed.