Richard Cooper suddenly threw his head back and burst into loud laughter, saying in a clear voice, “Are lords and ministers born to their stations? In my view, Andrew Miller is no less than the great founder himself.”

George Washington sighed inwardly and couldn’t help but remind him, “Big brother, be careful with your words! Big Brother Cooper, be careful!”

Richard Cooper patted George Washington on the shoulder and said cheerfully, “What’s there to be afraid of? There are no outsiders here! Little George, you’re still too timid. In this regard, you really need to learn from your big brother.”

Just don’t end up like your second brother, living such a cowardly life! He muttered to himself. Richard Cooper truly looked down on people like David Clark, who were so honest and meek.

George T. also realized he had gone too far with his words, so he changed the subject and asked with a grin, “Little George, I heard you have a girl you like?”

“Who said that?” George Washington looked at his big brother in confusion.

George T.’s gaze naturally drifted over to Mary Clark. Seeing this, George Washington immediately understood—it must have been his little sister talking nonsense in front of their big brother.

He glared at Mary Clark, about to speak, when the young girl hurried over to George T., hugged his arm, and, as if presenting a treasure, held out a handkerchief to him, smiling as she said, “This is a handkerchief I embroidered for you, big brother. See if you like it!”

George T. took the handkerchief and examined it closely, unable to help but click his tongue in admiration. Then he held the handkerchief high, showing it to everyone, and asked, “Everyone, take a look—how is my little sister’s needlework?”

After seeing it, everyone couldn’t stop praising it. Mary Clark had embroidered peonies, the flowers red as fire, the leaves green as jade, the blossoms clustered together, vivid and lifelike. In terms of needlework, Mary Clark truly surpassed most girls her age.

George Washington also felt a surge of pride and honor. He deliberately pretended to still be angry, kept a straight face, and reached out his hand, asking, “Where’s mine?”

“Third brother wants one too?”

“Big brother has one, why don’t I?”

“I didn’t make one for third brother!”

“You little rascal!” George Washington pulled his little sister close and tickled her under the arms. The girl burst into laughter, giggling and begging for mercy, “I made one, I made one for third brother too…”

Watching his younger siblings play around, George T. couldn’t help but feel emotional. Their father had been gone for seven years now; in the blink of an eye, both his younger brother and sister had grown up.

George T. carefully folded the handkerchief his little sister gave him and tucked it into his jacket. Then he waved at George Washington and Mary Clark, saying, “Alright, alright, you’re all grown up now—stop horsing around like children.”

George Washington and Mary Clark finally stopped their roughhousing. The young girl then took out two more handkerchiefs, giving one to George Washington and one to their second brother, David Clark. As George Washington took his handkerchief, he pinched Mary Clark’s soft cheek with satisfaction and said, “That’s more like it.”

When David Clark received his handkerchief, he accepted it properly and said, “Thank you, little sister.”

This family dinner wasn’t lavish, and under such difficult circumstances, it was hard for George T. to prepare a feast for everyone. But with the family gathered together, everyone ate happily.

During the meal, Mary Clark said a little sadly, “If only eldest sister and second sister were in Chongling too, then our whole family would be together today!”

George T. suddenly remembered something and said to George Washington, “Little George, I’ve mentioned this to you several times—move out from uncle’s house and live with me. Are you still worried that my place can’t fit you and little sister?”

George Washington smiled and said, “Big brother, little sister and I are doing just fine at uncle’s house.”

Sitting beside George Washington, Mary Clark nodded repeatedly in agreement. George Washington added, “Besides, uncle and aunt are getting old and need someone to look after them.”

“That’s true!” George T. nodded, then changed the subject, saying, “After I leave, what I’ll worry about most is your sister-in-law and your two nephews!”

George T. had two sons: the elder, William Clark, and the younger, Frank Clark.

When George Washington heard George T.’s words, he looked puzzled and asked, “Leave? Big brother, where are you going?”

George T. cleared his throat and said solemnly, “There’s another matter I wanted to announce to everyone today.”

George Washington, David Clark, and Mary Clark all put down their chopsticks at once, looking eagerly at their big brother, not knowing what could be so important.

George T. said, “This year, the southern barbarians are no longer just causing trouble at the borders—they’ve invaded Yizhou, burning, killing, looting, committing every atrocity. Countless people in Yizhou have been killed or wounded. Wang Mang has sent Lian Dan and Shi Xiong, leading a hundred thousand troops to Yizhou to fight the barbarians. In addition, Wang Mang is organizing another hundred thousand volunteer soldiers to join Lian Dan and Shi Xiong in Yizhou. I plan to join the volunteer army.”

David Clark was visibly anxious and stammered, “B-big brother, you mustn’t! The barbarians are vicious, the barbarians are vicious!” David Clark couldn’t really explain why, but he just felt that his big brother joining the volunteer army to fight the southern barbarians in Yizhou was far too dangerous.

Seeing his mournful expression, Richard Cooper was inwardly annoyed. He suddenly slapped the table and said loudly, “What’s so scary about the barbarians? If Wang Mang hadn’t usurped the throne, the southern barbarians would still be our Han vassals, obedient and submissive!”