"You don't need to know exactly what you have to do." John Foster said, "Just come with me to Kaifeng. Do whatever I tell you to do."

"Alright."

Hearing they were going to Kaifeng, William Thompson was just wondering if this "fourth year of Song Xingchang" was still in the Northern Song, when John Foster asked another question.

"This trip into enemy territory is a near-certain death. Do you have any unfulfilled last wishes?"

Chapter Four: Partners in Crime

William Thompson had many unfulfilled wishes, but they all belonged to his previous life.

As for now, he didn't plan to leave behind any "last wishes"—he just wanted to survive.

So he replied, "As long as I can eat and drink well, that's enough. Oh, and give me a longsword. I can help protect you along the way."

John Foster was rather rude, not answering William Thompson's words. He just glanced at him and said, "Once we've crossed the river, I'll unlock your shackles."

"Thank you."

William Thompson understood that John Foster kept him shackled because he didn't want him wandering around Hangzhou.

He wanted to find out what period they were currently in. Although he still didn't know the mission's purpose, since they were heading north, he needed to understand the situation there.

He'd heard John Foster mention that Pang Tianlu was a "remnant of the Jin," so he guessed that the Mongols had probably already destroyed the Jin dynasty.

But he didn't want to ask directly, lest John Foster become suspicious.

As he was pondering how to ask indirectly, John Foster had already turned and walked out, saying to David Green, "We've wasted half the day, hurry up."

William Thompson watched them leave the room. No matter how many doubts he had, he could only set them aside for now.

After a night of killing, he was exhausted, so he lay down on the bed without undressing.

The iron chain on his foot was a bit short; William Thompson had to stretch one leg off the bed just to barely fit, but it was still much more comfortable than the prison cell. He didn't have to worry about someone trying to kill him at any moment, so he cleared his mind and took the chance to rest and recover his strength. He soon fell asleep.

When he woke, it was already evening.

John Foster didn't even bother to close the door, so he could see a burly man in the courtyard outside practicing with a spear, looking fierce and powerful.

The man was shirtless, his body covered in tattoos. After finishing a set of spear moves, he stood tall and imposing, then spotted William Thompson inside the room and strode over.

As he entered, William Thompson could see the tattoos clearly: a vivid spring boudoir scene, complete with two lines of poetry.

The poem read: "Golden spear battles through three thousand ranks, silver candles shine on seven or eight beauties."

"I'm James Brooks, nicknamed 'Life-locking Golden Spear.' Who the hell are you?!"

"William Thompson."

James Brooks's voice was thunderous as he pressed on, "What's your nickname?"

William Thompson said, "I don't have a nickname."

"No nickname?" James Brooks was inexplicably furious. "Why are you chained up, but not me?!"

William Thompson was silent for a moment.

Seeing no answer, James Brooks grew even angrier, raised his spear, pointed it at William Thompson, and barked, "Who exactly are you?! Are you even more dangerous than me?!"

William Thompson had always found people like this annoying—brainless and loud.

But the situation was different now, so he patiently explained why he was chained up here.

James Brooks's anger came and went quickly. After listening, he asked in return, "You're going to Kaifeng too?"

"Yes."

William Thompson paused, thought of a title, and asked, "Is Hero Brooks going as well?"

James Brooks seemed to like this title very much. He replied proudly, "That's right, I'm heading north to accomplish something big!"

"Oh? What big thing?"

James Brooks still held his head high, full of pride, and declared loudly, "I don't know."

William Thompson had no choice but to be patient, deliberately discussing the northern situation with him to gather information.

After much effort, he finally managed to get a single answer.

"Damn those Mongol Tatars for destroying the Jin Tatars, but refusing to return the land to our Great Song. Mongol Tatars, Jin Tatars, they're all bad Tatars—kill, kill, kill!"

William Thompson kept probing, but ended up annoying the big man.

"You sure can chatter, like some gossiping woman. I don't have time to yak with you. Maybe I'll get The Old Bookworm to come talk with you instead."

William Thompson didn't know who "The Old Bookworm" was, but figured he'd find out when the person arrived, so he didn't ask further. He said, "Then thank you, Hero Brooks."

"Mm." James Brooks was even more pleased after being called "大侠" so many times, and tried to act deep.

"By the way, is there dinner here?"

William Thompson cared a lot about food—a habit from his previous life. He used to train with a one-meter-long heavy sword, which required a certain height and physique. Though this body wasn't bad, he didn't want to fall behind on nutrition.

James Brooks said, "Dinner will be ready soon. I'll have The Old Scholar bring it to you."

"Great, please bring more meat, eggs, and fruit and vegetables..."

William Thompson gave detailed instructions, then praised James Brooks for his "chivalrous spirit," which made James Brooks very happy...

...

As night fell, there were no candles lit in the room, only a bit of moonlight.

A gentle breeze drifted in, and the air was much better than in the prison cell.

"James Brooks's tattoos are such an eyesore, such an eyesore. I don't even dare let my little granddaughter see him. But James Brooks isn't a lecherous man. I heard there's a story behind those tattoos..."