Thomas Howard faithfully carried out the old general’s orders, not giving Edward Howard any leeway at all. He entered the military library, carefully inspected everything, and then cupped his fists toward Edward Howard: “Young Master Edward, everything’s fine, you may go.”

Edward Howard waved his hand: “Big Brother, let’s go. What did you come to see me about?”

Charles Howard said, “It’s nothing much, I was just worried that you’ve just recovered from your injury, and working so hard might be too much for your body. I had the kitchen prepare some wild beast bone soup to help you recover.”

Edward Howard felt that Charles Howard’s demeanor was a bit off, but didn’t think much of it. He gestured with his hand: “Let’s go eat, then.”

The two brothers went together to the family dining hall. Samuel Howard and Grace Howard had probably already eaten; in the spacious dining room, only the two brothers were present. Charles Howard seemed distracted, several times reaching with his chopsticks outside the plate.

Edward Howard didn’t care about any of that—he was truly starving. This kind of enlightenment and cultivation was extremely exhausting. Besides, his body was really weak now and urgently needed nutritional replenishment.

Wild beasts were the most robust species born of this world, and soup made from their bones was incredibly rich and nourishing, greatly replenishing vitality and blood.

If you wanted a strong body, you had to both supplement and train. To put it simply, at the very least, you had to eat well.

He devoured five big bowls of rice and drank a whole jar of wild beast bone soup in one go. Wiping his mouth, he said, “Alright, Big Brother, I’m full. If you have something to say, just say it.”

Given the original host’s past behavior, no matter what bad news Charles Howard brought up, Edward Howard wouldn’t be surprised.

Charles Howard forced a smile and said, “Don’t overthink it, little brother. It’s good news. You… you’re getting married.”

“What!?” Edward Howard’s jaw nearly hit the floor. “Married?!”

Charles Howard gave an awkward laugh, a bit helpless: “Little brother, it’s for your own good.”

Big Brother Charles Howard was already eighteen and got married last year. Sister-in-law was the youngest daughter of the main branch of the The Lee Family, one of the six great pillars. But after a year of “trying,” the young couple hadn’t had any results.

In fact, Qingyuan Continent was highly developed, both economically and medically, but after secretly seeking medical help for over half a year, there was still no effect.

Grandpa Howard was anxious, and Charles Howard was also disheartened.

The Howard family had few descendants, and it looked like the family line was about to end. Now, the only hope was Edward Howard.

Charles Howard stammered as he explained the situation, and Edward Howard had a strange look on his face: “So, what you’re saying is, my greatest value to the Howard family right now is just as a stud horse?”

Charles Howard hurriedly waved his hand: “Don’t think that way, little brother. You’re my brother, you’re the second young master of the Howard family. As long as I’m here, no one can change that!”

Edward Howard shook his head; in fact, Charles Howard misunderstood what he meant.

He glanced at Charles Howard, feeling a surge of emotion. Under the influence of the flourishing online literature of the new dynasty, Edward Howard actually didn’t mind the term “stud horse.” In fact, he even muttered to himself: If only Big Brother were more capable, a young genius who could support the whole Howard family, I’d happily be a carefree playboy stud—what a comfortable life that would be!

“Sigh—”

But reality is harsh, and dreams are sweet. Charles Howard was mediocre in talent, whether in martial arts, officialdom, or even business—he had no great aptitude. Clearly, the Howard family couldn’t pin their hopes on him.

Edward Howard’s beautiful fantasy of living as a carefree playboy under the Howard family’s protection was probably not going to come true.

That sigh was actually Edward Howard’s regret, but Charles Howard thought his brother was troubled by not being able to control his own fate. When he married Olivia Lee, it was also arranged by Grandpa Howard, even though he had someone else in his heart. So now, he felt deep sympathy for his younger brother, and with red eyes, grabbed his hand and said, “Little brother, do your best and give our Howard family a few more children. Then, no matter how much you mess around, Grandpa won’t blame you.”

Edward Howard didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

He didn’t mind being a stud, but shouldn’t the “right to mate” be in his own hands? Charles Howard coming to talk to him like this clearly meant the marriage partner had already been decided.

He absolutely couldn’t accept such an arrangement.

“Who is it?” Edward Howard’s tone was a bit cold.

Charles Howard saw what he was thinking and waved his hand: “The partner hasn’t been decided yet. There are still three months until the Autumn Gathering at Xiushan. This year, Grandpa has invested heavily to sponsor the event. At the Autumn Gathering, you can take your pick, and whoever you like, the family will help you propose.”

After saying this, Charles Howard added with a bit of envy, “Actually, Grandpa still loves you the most. Unlike me, who was just handed someone and that was it.”

Edward Howard glanced at him sideways: “Big Brother, you’re really bad at lying. Grandpa is obviously afraid that if he just assigns someone to me, I, this stubborn fool who doesn’t know his place, will cause a scene at the wedding. And besides, among the people I can choose from this time, there aren’t any girls from the six great pillars or the ten golden beam families, right?”

Chapter 4: Continuing the Family Line (Part 2)

Charles Howard’s face flushed, a bit embarrassed at being seen through, but he looked at Edward Howard with even more surprise: “Little brother… when did you get so smart?”

Edward Howard cursed himself inwardly, almost giving himself away. He forced a smile: “Big Brother, I was never stupid, you know?”