Charles Thompson blew his beard and said, “Old Brooks, I was just making a casual remark. When have I ever said your grandson’s name isn’t good? I came here with good intentions to congratulate you, and you, you, you—like a dog biting Lü Dongbin.”

Charles Brooks forced a smile, his lips stretching without any real warmth. “That’s true. Our two old men’s grandsons have equally good names, but as for my grandson, his name is a bit more resounding, hehe.”

Charles Thompson knew when to stop and chuckled, “That’s true, but I’m much more exhausted than you, you old rascal. Sigh, three grandsons to take turns coaxing, and what’s even more infuriating, two granddaughters as well—holding this one, then that one, my back aches every day, it’s pure misery. Unlike you, Old Brooks, living the easy life with just one, only have to hold him every few days, still have time to tend flowers and plant grass, your days are truly enviable.” As he spoke, he theatrically pounded his waist, face full of exaggerated sighs.

Charles Brooks was furious, but couldn’t find words to retort. His family was small, and by the time it reached William Brooks’s generation, he was the only seedling for thousands of miles. Charles Thompson’s words were clearly a jab at his family’s lack of descendants. But it was the truth, so Charles Brooks couldn’t straighten his back. He shot a resentful glance at his son and cursed, “Useless thing.”

James Brooks had been standing to the side, arm in arm with his wife and holding his son, watching the two old men spar with great interest. Who would have thought disaster would strike from the sky—his own father’s temper, provoked, was now vented on him! He couldn’t help but shrink his head, pulling a bitter face and saying nothing. If his father forced him to take a concubine in public, he’d really be in trouble.

Olivia Clark blushed, stretched out her slender fingers, and pinched her husband hard on the waist. The old man could speak without restraint, but as a daughter-in-law, she couldn’t say anything. Still, with a target right beside her, why not take advantage?

James Brooks sucked in a cold breath, grimacing in pain.

William Brooks’s little face was full of excitement at the spectacle, but inside he was sneering: “Old Mr. Thompson, don’t get too cocky. If you annoy me, in a few years I’ll send all three of your grandsons into the palace as eunuchs, and trick your two granddaughters into becoming my concubines. Let’s see how smug you are then! Hehehe…”

Everyone saw that the battle between the two elders had finally come to an end and breathed a collective sigh of relief. They hurriedly started making noise and cracking jokes to draw the two old men’s attention elsewhere. If those two started up again, were they here to celebrate or just to watch a show? Besides, such a fiery spectacle wasn’t something they could handle.

Just then, a sharp voice rang out at the door like a thunderclap: “His Majesty arrives! The Empress arrives! The Imperial Consort arrives!”

Book One: Starry Sky Youth

Chapter Ten: Framing the Empress

William Brooks almost burst out laughing. He finally heard this classic line again.

In his previous life, William Brooks had been dragged by his younger sisters to watch several TV dramas, especially palace dramas. In almost every episode, there was a eunuch shouting this line. Over time, it became the most memorable phrase from his past life’s TV shows: “His Majesty arrives!” He thought he’d never hear it again after being reborn in another world, but who would have thought he’d hear it in real life! He wondered if this classic line had traveled through worlds too.

As everyone welcomed the arrivals, a man in his thirties, dressed in a bright yellow brocade robe, entered first. He was of medium build, slightly plump, with a straight nose and square mouth, his face exuding nobility and elegance. Beside him were two stunningly beautiful women in splendid attire. Standing together, they were like spring orchids and autumn chrysanthemums, each with her own charm.

William Brooks knew that one of these two women was his aunt. Almost at first glance, or rather, even without looking, he could tell. The woman on the emperor’s right, radiating coldness and disdain, was definitely not his aunt. The one on the emperor’s left, exuding warmth and almost unable to contain her excitement to rush over, was his aunt, the Imperial Consort Samuel Brooks.

After greeting everyone, Samuel Brooks, disregarding her status as Imperial Consort, almost ran over and snatched William Brooks from Olivia Clark’s arms. In an instant, William Brooks’s little face was covered in kisses and saliva. “Hehehe, little one, you’re finally awake today. Auntie has come to see you so many times, and every time you’re sleeping like a little pig. Tell me, little one, were you a pig in your past life? Haha, silly little pig, little fragrant pig, mmm… Auntie’s William Brooks pig, hehehe.”

William Brooks was speechless! This aunt was really… intense! So she’d come to see him several times, but he’d always been asleep…

“Hehehe, sister-in-law, little darling smells so good, mmm… truly a cute little piggy, hehehe, so beautiful—oh, no, not ‘dead’ beautiful, hehehe, let Auntie kiss you again, mmm…” William Brooks stared with wide eyes, looking mournfully at his obviously overenthusiastic aunt. Auntie, I may be your nephew, but I’m not a lump of dough, you know? All this kneading is really uncomfortable!

“Hehe, since you love my son so much, why not hurry up and have another one with His Majesty? Then you can play every day, hehe.” Olivia Clark leaned in close to Samuel Brooks’s ear and teased in a low voice.