Whispers began in the main hall, recommending the legitimate second grandson, yet the legitimate second grandson was not present—what kind of situation was this? Brian Harper glanced at his smug son. He knew Jade Harper definitely couldn’t compete with the other families, but if he wasn’t chosen, his son would never give up and would stir up more trouble. Oh well! He was just about to agree, but at that moment, several family servants rushed in from outside, stopped at the door. They jumped anxiously, shouting to Alex Harper, “Master, something terrible has happened!”

Alex Harper immediately scolded them angrily, “You fools, this is a clan meeting! Who allowed you to cause trouble here?”

But Brian Harper stood up and asked, “What’s the big emergency? Why are you so panicked?”

“Clan leader, master, Second Young Master Jade had his leg broken by someone at the Ruyi Brothel, and his injuries are very serious.”

“What!”

Alex Harper jumped up in shock, no longer caring about the clan meeting, and roared, “Who did it? Who dares to hurt my son?”

“Master, it was a stranger, said to be the son of Minister Li of the Ministry of Personnel, named Li Die.”

Many people in the hall burst out laughing—what a bunch of idiots, who would dare to name themselves ‘your dad’?

At this moment, Brian Harper suddenly thought of something, his gaze swept toward William. He saw that his face was deathly pale, sweat beading on his forehead. Brian Harper instantly understood, slowly narrowed his eyes, and secretly gave a thumbs up, “Not bad, very bold!”

At that moment, he changed his mind. He coughed and said to the furious Alex Harper, “Let’s quickly finish the clan meeting, then you can go to the brothel to see your son.”

Alex Harper could hear the displeasure in his father’s tone, clearly very unhappy that Jade was at the Ruyi Brothel. He had no choice but to suppress his anger and said respectfully, “Yes! Clan leader, please continue.”

Brian Harper gave William a deep look, then slowly addressed everyone: “Baiwei has nominated Jade as the candidate for the position of Registrar, which was originally a good choice. But since he’s been injured and we don’t know the extent of his injuries, we should leave ourselves some leeway. I suggest that William be the alternate. If Jade’s injuries prevent him from running for Registrar, then William will take his place. He passed the tribute examination and brought great honor to our family, fully qualified for this position. What does everyone think?”

Everyone voiced their approval. In fact, Jade was only the nominal first choice—his leg was broken, how could he possibly take up the post? Before Alex Harper could stand up to object, Brian Harper decisively declared, “Since everyone agrees, it’s officially decided: William will be the second alternate for Registrar.”

William hadn’t expected this turn of events. Although he ultimately gained the qualification to run, he was well aware of what had happened to Jade. He couldn’t help but complain inwardly, “Jason Brooks, you’ve caused big trouble for your big brother.”

……

After the meeting, William Harper was led by a servant to the clan leader’s study. The servant knocked on the door, “Master, he’s here.”

“Is that William? Come in!” Brian Harper’s voice came from inside the room.

William entered the study. This was his second time in his grandfather’s study, the last time being half a month ago. The study was elegantly arranged, with a painting of ‘A Hundred Sons Celebrating Longevity’ hanging on the wall. By the window stood a desk, and in front of it, a high-backed sandalwood chair. Brian Harper sat in the chair, smiling at him.

William hurriedly bowed, “Grandson greets Grandfather!”

“No need for formality, go close the door.”

William closed the door, then walked to his grandfather and stood with hands at his sides, waiting for instructions.

Brian Harper smiled slightly, “Are you very resentful that your brother caused trouble, forcing you to take this position?”

“Grandson wouldn’t dare!”

Now that things had come to this, William no longer hid his thoughts. He bowed and said, “Grandson is actually very willing to run for the position.”

“That’s more like it. How can a man have no ambition?”

After a pause, Brian Harper smiled again, “But I really appreciate Jason Brooks. Although he injured the legitimate second grandson, I like this tit-for-tat style the most. That scoundrel actually went to a brothel during an important clan meeting—he deserved a good lesson. Breaking his leg is exactly what I wanted.”

“But Grandfather, there’s no evidence that it was Jason Brooks, and I didn’t see anyone myself.”

Brian Harper looked at him for a while, then smiled faintly, “I understand your desire to protect your brother, but in front of me, there’s no need to hide anything. I’ve already said, I appreciate him very much. And as you’re about to compete with the other five families, I hope Jason Brooks can help you as well.”

Brian Harper walked to the window with his hands behind his back, gazing at an apricot tree outside, its branches heavy with green fruit. A complex expression appeared in his eyes as he said slowly, “William, you know your father is not my biological son, but for twenty-seven years, I have always treated you as my own grandson. When your father passed away, his last wish was for you and your brother to live peaceful, uneventful lives. I never expected you to pass the tribute examination, and for Jason Brooks to appear at such a crucial moment. I feel this is fate. Since it is heaven’s will, I should follow it. Go all out to win the Registrar position—the family will support you with all our strength.”