Jason Harper was talking with his eldest brother when, thanks to his extraordinary hearing, he heard a child's crying from far away. He was startled, listened more closely, and immediately jumped up. "Oh no! That's Lily crying."

He shot out like an arrow. Cynthia Reed, who was just bringing in dishes at the door, only felt a gust of wind rush past her, and Jason Brooks was gone in an instant.

"William, what's going on?"

William Harper was dumbfounded by his brother's incredible speed. It took him a while to say, "I don't know either. It sounded like someone was crying."

"No! It's Lily and Daisy."

William also heard his daughter's crying. He jumped up and ran outside as well. By this time, Jason Brooks was already striding into the courtyard carrying Lily, with Daisy running behind, her face covered in tears. A dozen or so clan members whispered among themselves as they followed into the courtyard.

Jason Brooks entered the room with a dark expression, holding Lily without saying a word. William noticed his son had fainted and felt his whole body go weak, not knowing what had happened. He was about to follow them into the room when he heard his wife urgently questioning their daughter.

"Daisy, stop crying and tell Mama what happened?"

William slowed his steps and heard Daisy sobbing, "The big bad guy stomped on our kite and slapped my brother."

"Daisy, who is the big bad guy?" William pressed.

"It's second uncle, the one with the golden-eyed pixiu!"

The clan members gathered at the door were in an uproar, exchanging glances and quietly backing away, leaving this place of trouble.

William couldn't be bothered with the clan members. Anxious, he asked her again, "Did he only slap your brother once?"

"No! Not just once."

Jason Brooks appeared at the door and said coldly, "He broke Lily's right index finger."

Stunned for a moment, William suddenly leapt up and roared, "I'm going to find him!"

He stormed out of the courtyard, furious, to look for that damned bastard.

……

The reason the Donghai Huangfu clan became one of the six great families of Donghai County was largely due to its wealth. A hundred years ago, a business genius named James Harper emerged from the Huangfu family. At the age of twenty, he led a fleet to do business overseas. After decades of hard work, he finally built a vast fortune for the Donghai Huangfu clan. He became the clan head and later passed the position to his son, Brian Harper, who was the grandfather of the brothers Jason Brooks and William.

Brian Harper was about seventy years old. Though he was past seventy, he was still energetic and rosy-cheeked, though his legs were a bit weak and he needed a cane to walk. At this moment, he was receiving an important guest: the chief steward of the Huangfu County Lord's residence, Ethan Quinn.

Although the Donghai Huangfu clan was wealthy, they were, after all, merchants, and their social status was not high. This steward Ethan Quinn also looked down on them somewhat. He picked up his teacup, took a sip, and said leisurely, "The County Lord's attitude is very clear: only Jade Harper can be nominated for the position of Registrar. Otherwise, the Donghai Huangfu clan's eligibility will be revoked."

Brian Harper was very dissatisfied. He knew his son must have spoken to Charles Harper. Had his son really resorted to any means necessary just to secure this nomination?

"Mr. Quinn, you may not know, but our William passed the tribute scholar exam last month. Only two people in Weiyang County passed. I think the Donghai Huangfu clan should send the most capable person to run for the position, which would give us a better chance..."

"No!"

Mr. Quinn's attitude was very firm. He interrupted Brian Harper, "My master made it very clear: only the legitimate grandson Jade Harper can be nominated. There is no other choice."

With that, he didn't even finish his tea, stood up, cupped his hands, and said, "I've delivered the message. Farewell!"

"Mr. Quinn, take care. See the guest out!"

After seeing Mr. Quinn off, Brian Harper was filled with resentment. Even a household servant dared to be so forceful with him, which showed that Charles Harper didn't take the Donghai Huangfu clan seriously at all. That foolish son of his! How could he have chosen such a person as his backer, someone who didn't even show the most basic respect?

Resentment aside, he also felt helpless. With his son backed by Charles Harper, he was afraid he would lose this competition for the Registrar position.

……

In the inner room of William's house, Jason Brooks was skillfully and carefully setting Lily's broken finger. In both his previous and current lives, he had received rigorous training in this area, surpassing even most doctors. He also carried his own secret healing medicine, which was not only highly effective for treating injuries and broken bones but also excellent for reducing swelling. A thin layer was applied to Lily's face, and the redness and swelling visibly subsided.

Beside him, Cynthia Reed was crying so hard her eyes were red. Her son's injury pained her deeply, but Jason Brooks's skillful bone-setting and the effective medicine brought her some comfort. She wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes and asked Jason Brooks, "Lily will be all right, won't he?"

"Sister-in-law, don't worry. The child's hand is tender, but it will also heal easily. In at most two months, he'll be fine."

Jason Brooks patted Lily's little head and smiled. "This child is a great candidate for martial arts. If I weren't busy, I'd definitely teach him for a year or so myself."

"His father won't let him practice martial arts. He wants him to study, says he should inherit his career in the future. Sigh! What career does he have anyway? Does he want the child to become a schoolteacher?"