“In order to spare the world from more tragedies like those that have happened to you, your master can no longer think of himself. From now on, you must walk the path ahead together with your fellow disciples.” As soon as he finished speaking, Samuel Clark also felt somewhat sentimental. He took two thin silk books from his sleeve and solemnly handed them to Henry Smith, instructing, “Take good care of these two books. One is a manual for Qi cultivation—study it well with the other disciples. The other is a wordless heavenly tome passed down from our founder. If you find someone destined for it, you may give it to them. The inheritance of our Luoying lineage now depends on you!” After saying this, Samuel Clark took the invitation and drifted away, leaving behind a group of stunned disciples and a grief-stricken Henry Smith standing in a daze.

Chapter Eight: Father and Daughter

From the very first day Samuel Clark entered the imperial palace by imperial decree, rumors never ceased. From the imperial concubines in the harem to the palace maids and eunuchs, everyone was quietly gossiping about the matter. Those with insight all knew that the emperor was likely to rely on this former savior in the matter of appointing an heir. However, all the princes who tried to curry favor were turned away at the door. The well-prepared emperor personally welcomed this immortal-like master into his diligent governance hall and issued strict orders forbidding any prince or concubine from contacting Samuel Clark. As for this, the well-aware Daoist merely smiled faintly. The emperor feared he might let personal feelings influence this matter of great importance, but in truth, he himself had no desire to get involved.

The rumors also reached the usually tranquil and detached Fenghua Palace, immediately causing a stir. Emily Clark’s injuries had greatly improved thanks to Dr. Brooks’s careful treatment, while Lüyin still needed to remain bedridden for another half month—had she not been rescued in time, her life would have been lost. Ethan Foster, now out of danger, still could not escape Dr. Brooks’s daily pulse checks and was warned not to move too much, get angry, or overwork, leaving him constantly lamenting his ill fate. During this period, Dr. Brooks was busy tending to both master and servants, running around day and night, and after half a month had grown noticeably thinner, which made Emily Clark feel deeply sorry. In the end, with an apologetic face, Emily Clark finally made a decision.

“Mr. Brooks, you have worked so hard to treat my injuries,” Emily Clark said respectfully with a slight bow. “I am of humble birth, and such minor wounds should not have troubled you, but His Highness insisted. Your tireless care these days has truly been too much for me.”

Though Dr. Brooks looked exhausted, he still stroked his few long whiskers and said with a cheerful smile, “Ah, I suppose it’s fate between us. If it were anyone else, who would dare treat you two? They’d avoid you like the plague! Never mind, you needn’t be so polite. After treating His Highness for so many years, I’ve always regarded you as my own daughter. Sigh, if she were still alive, she’d be about your age now!” At this, a trace of sorrow appeared on Dr. Brooks’s face. His daughter had contracted smallpox shortly after birth, and being too frail by nature, even though he had saved countless lives, he could only watch helplessly as his daughter slipped away, powerless to save her.

“I lost my parents early and never had the chance to enjoy their love,” Emily Clark’s face flushed instantly. Knowing that Dr. Brooks had lost his daughter years ago, she had long made up her mind, but still feared he might refuse, thinking she was overreaching, so she was very anxious. “If you do not mind, I would like to take you as my father. What do you think?”

Dr. Brooks was overjoyed. He had always admired this clever and lively girl, but as she was the prince’s personal maid, he could hardly ask Ethan Foster to let him adopt her as a daughter. Now that Emily Clark had brought it up herself, how could he refuse? “Enough talk—aren’t you going to call me father?” Matthew Brooks blurted out.

“Father!” Emily Clark knelt with shining eyes, tears of excitement welling up. After so many years, aside from that noble young man, she had finally found a family member.

“Remember, Emily Clark, from now on you are my daughter, Matthew Brooks’s daughter. Haha, truly heaven has blessed me—gaining a daughter in my old age, what more could I ask for?” Matthew Brooks laughed heartily, his expression filled with both joy and a touch of loneliness. “Sufen, if only you could see this day!” The last sentence was muttered so softly that only he could hear it.

“Looks like I don’t need to worry about Emily Clark anymore!” Suddenly, a gentle voice came from behind. Matthew Brooks and Emily Clark quickly turned around to see Ethan Foster standing in the corner, dressed in a slightly worn purple robe that added a touch of heroism to his frail figure. The usual worry between his brows was gone, and he looked especially happy.

“Your Highness, you didn’t even announce yourself when you came.” Emily Clark blushed to the tips of her ears, subconsciously worried that her master might suspect she had recognized Dr. Brooks as her father out of a desire for status.

“Why should I announce myself? Otherwise, I would have missed such a touching scene!” Ethan Foster joked, but then his expression grew serious. “These past years, if not for Dr. Brooks’s careful care, I might have died long ago. I’m very glad that Emily Clark can be your daughter, because she’s found someone she can rely on. Here’s what I think: tomorrow I’ll speak to the Household Department, and Emily Clark won’t need to serve by my side anymore. You can go home with Dr. Brooks.”